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Thatcha m Connections Thatcha m Connections Thatcha m Connections The Connections Our Favourite Local Magazine Business Business Business Directory Directory Directory Community Community Community Pages Pages Pages Easter Easter Easter Empty Nesters Empty Nesters Empty Nesters Gardening Gardening Gardening April May 2010 Issue 25 Delivered free to 6500 Homes and Businesses

Thatcham Connections Issue 25

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issue 25, local magazine, thatcham

Citation preview

Page 1: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

TThatcham ConnectionsTThatcham ConnectionsTThatcham Connections

The Connections Our Favourite Local Magazine

BusinessBusinessBusiness DirectoryDirectoryDirectory

CommunityCommunityCommunity PagesPagesPages

EasterEasterEaster

Empty NestersEmpty NestersEmpty Nesters

GardeningGardeningGardening

April May 2010

Issue 25

Delivered free to 6500 Homes and Businesses

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 2

PProprietors Glynis amp Chris

Four Star Inn AA rating

CAMRA Good Beer Guide

2nd consecutive year

Easter WeekendEaster WeekendEaster Weekend April 2nd April 2nd April 2nd --- 5th 20105th 20105th 2010

Lunch amp Dinner available throughout

The Bank Holiday weekend

LLLOBSTEROBSTEROBSTER WWWEEKEEKEEK 5th - 11th July

Back by popular demand

A real treat

You can expect an extensive choice of lobster dishes

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Tel 0118 9713368 RG7 5NX e infothesixbellscouk wwwthesixbellscouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 3

Dr Jeevana Subasinghe (Dr Jeeves) is an established dentist in Newbury He has 20 years of experience and holds full professional registrations to practice Dental Surgery in both Finland and in the UK

He brings to Newbury extremely valuable knowledge from working relationships which he has with prominent clinicians and clinics in Finland and Switzerland ndash where the very latest and state of the art technology is used

Under one roof all disciplines of Dentistry are performed and all solutions and options offered - lsquoAll treatments one responsibilityrsquo

Apart from routine dental care and hygiene the following are also included cosmet ic dent i st ry i m p l a n t o l o g y o r t h o d o n t i c s prosthodontics (dentures) root canal therapy oral surgery treatment of advanced gum infections guided tissue regeneration bone grafting

teeth whitening and non surgical w r i n k l e s o f t e n i n g w i t h Botul i num toxin -A

As you would expect Newbury Marketplace Dental Lounge is one of the most modern surgeries in the country - impeccably clean functional and of course equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic tools It is BUPA accredited and al l work is guaranteed

Dr Jeeves firmly believes in allocating his patients very generous time intervals He knows the importance of getting to know his patients and how vital it is to gain their confidence - then together they can achieve outstanding results He has much experience in treating nervous children and adults alike also patients with special care needs

He runs a very flexible approach to the timing of appointments - evening and weekend appointments can easily be arranged

Dr Jeeves Dr Jeeves Dr Jeeves finds solutions to all finds solutions to all finds solutions to all

dental problems at thedental problems at thedental problems at the Newbury Newbury Newbury

Marketplace Dental LoungeMarketplace Dental LoungeMarketplace Dental Lounge

wwwthatchamconnectionscouk

Dear Readers

WELCOME to a very full issue this time and I

hope you will enjoy it

You will see on page 41 that a new columnist

has joined us - Mark Russell who is going to

write regularly on a

very important part of

many of our lives - mortgages I feel it was

serendipity playing a part as he rang to offer

his support to the magazine just as Simon

Claxton - our financial advisor for the last

eight issues - had told me that owing to a

change of organisation - he would be unable to

continue Our best wishes and thanks to

Simon - whose columns have always been

excellent - and a warm welcome to Mark

It is very encouraging

to find a new and lively

butcherdelicatessen

shop arrive at No 16 High Street Thatcham

Christian Martin and Peter Congerton have

joined forces to create lsquoCook amp Butcherrsquo I

believe their energy and inspiration will be

a huge asset for all of

us Do please go and

check them out (See page 7)

Please also check out

t h e c a rd s h o p Emotions in the

Kingsland Centre The first 40 readers who

come in with the Emotions ad in April

(page 49) will be given

a FREE Easter egg

A very very happy

Easter to everyone

All best wishes

e ursulathatchamconnectionscouk

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 itrsquos 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

Spring Clean 89

Spiral Crosswords 12

Behind the Lens 30

Empty Nesters 34

Gardening Feature 38

Fabergeacute eggs 51

Sudokus 62

Please note for issue 26 (covering June July and August)

space should be booked by Monday May 3 and the completed final copy deadline is

Mid-day Friday May 7

Printer Newman Thomson

01444 480700

The front cover photograph has

kindly been supplied by Julie

Newman a member of the Thatcham

Photographic Club

wwwthatchamphotoclubcom

wwwjulienewmanphotographycom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 5

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

We can cast anything from a babyrsquos tiny finger to an adult torso or a dogrsquos paw

We can present your memory in a wide range of finishes including our popular choices of Bronze resin Aluminium Resin and Marble plaster We also cast in solid metal or

simple plaster to suit your requirements

To find out more on how to keep a unique record of babyrsquos hands and feet or preserve the tender touch of a loved one forever please contact us for a free consultation in your

home or at our studio

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 6

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 8

Spring Cleaning is a phrase that is now

being applied at all times of year and re-ferring to a variety of sorts of subjects

We are encouraged to lsquospring clean our PCsrsquo lsquospring clean our financesrsquo and even

lsquospring clean our livesrsquo Compared to these giving your house a meticulous

clean seems relatively simple Therersquos no denying the feeling of satisfac-

tion when you have successfully com-

pleted a thorough cleaning and de-

cluttering attack on even just one room never mind the whole house

In Victorian times spring cleaning was a

serious and exhausting business Open fires candles and oil lamps filled homes

with soot and ash while factory chimneys brought additional dirt With houses shut

up against the cold of winter the first signs of spring were a signal to throw

open the doors and windows move furni-ture and rugs outside to air and to thor-

oughly scrub the interior

Spring cleaning is a lot easier nowadays

with labour-saving devices such as vac-

uum cleaners and a cleaning fluid for every surface Prepare for your blitz by

packing a box with all the cleaning tools

you need so you carry them from room to room Start at the top of the house and

work down not forgetting to wipe all sur-faces as you go including skirting boards

and window sills

However there is little point in cleaning if your house is also full of clutter So take

the opportunity to have a clear-out before

you start the spring clean Less clutter not

only makes future cleaning easier it also helps to give us a freer more relaxed

frame of mind Feng shui the art of un-cluttered living has long been practiced

by Chinese people Itrsquos believed that if the universes energy or chi can easily flow

through a room our lives will be more harmonious and joyful Decorators world-

wide are now embracing the simple beauty of barer rooms for easier living

Start by clearing out your storage areas

so you have somewhere to store items you need to keep Then systematically

work through your house de-cluttering

and cleaning as you go Work through the

four types of clutter rubbish keep in storage keep handy and sell or give

SPRING CLEAN - FRESHEN UP THE HOUSE

Feature Spring Cleaning

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 9

away Get rid of everything you dont use

and be ruthless Place the obvious rub-bish straight into bin bags and dispose of

immediately Decide what you want to do with the bdquosell or give away‟ pile and set

yourself a deadline to get rid of it ndash oth-erwise it will still be around this time next

year Anything to be stored can be neatly packed and labeled for easy access later

There is always a fifth pile ndash ldquodecide laterrdquo Put these items in a box and leave

it somewhere obvious such as the sitting room until they are gone

Perhaps you are happy to de-clutter but

the prospect of cleaning is too daunting with your work family and other commit-

ments so why not call in the experts There are oven-cleaners window clean-

ers carpet and upholstery cleaners and house cleaning companies who would

just love to make your home sparkle for you

With the arrival of warmer air and longer

days throw open those windows let the

light in and get busy Why not also make

some diary dates to have friends in for a coffee or a meal and share the uplift

Having recently become empty-nesters as both our children have moved out - if only tempo-rarily - I feel as if our home is returning to just my husband and me again

You need look no further than in this directory for excellent people to help you get to grips with cleaning and sprucing up the house - and dare I say bdquoliberating‟ your life We have two companies who will help you clean your oven and a window cleaner who is very local (and whose work I have personally seen and recom-mend - see below) Also our established home cleaners bdquoMy Home‟ also very local and very well regarded

If an area of your home could do with either a thorough transformation or just a lick of paint we have both painters and decorators who can do just that

Is it not time to redress the balance of this long and dreary winter and spring into Summer Ed

Exterior and interior windows cleaned

Conservatory roofs cleaned

exterior and interior

UPVC framework wash down on

windowsconservatoriesguttering faciassoffits

and bargeboards

Gutter clearing and minor repair

Wasp and Hornet nest treatment

Analogue aerial removed

ldquoldquoldquoCCCLEANINGLEANINGLEANING WINDOWSWINDOWSWINDOWS

THETHETHE TRADITIONALTRADITIONALTRADITIONAL WAYWAYWAY SINCESINCESINCE 199319931993rdquo rdquo rdquo

THATCHAM BASED FULLY INSURED

simons-wcshotmailcouk

wwwsimons-windowscouk

01635 860463

07834 920827

By the UKrsquos largest oven cleaning company

01635 818080

Non-caustic Ovens hobs extractors and

microwaves cleaned

wwwovencleancom

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Friendly fully trained team

Flexible cleaning services (weekly fortnightly monthly)

Spring cleans one-off blitz

All cleaning products amp equipment provided

Your clean is fully insured amp guaranteed

Newburycleanmyhomecom

No time for housework Wersquoll clean your

home to the highest standard

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 11

11 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under pound10

Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

wwwplumbersberkshirecouk

THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

email williamsronaldbinternetcom

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 13

NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

01635 876777

Free CollectionDeliverymdashFree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs Subject to availability

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

WE CAN HELP

ONLY

pound119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive Thatcham

kitchen fitting

Flooring sash windows

windows doors

staircases built in furniture

garden rooms sheds

decking extensions

roofs

fully trained with 20 years

Experience in both newly built and old

References available

Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOV

Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 0777 58751590777 58751590777 5875159

sid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncom

CARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINER

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 14

FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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07

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520

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860

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 2: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 2

PProprietors Glynis amp Chris

Four Star Inn AA rating

CAMRA Good Beer Guide

2nd consecutive year

Easter WeekendEaster WeekendEaster Weekend April 2nd April 2nd April 2nd --- 5th 20105th 20105th 2010

Lunch amp Dinner available throughout

The Bank Holiday weekend

LLLOBSTEROBSTEROBSTER WWWEEKEEKEEK 5th - 11th July

Back by popular demand

A real treat

You can expect an extensive choice of lobster dishes

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Tel 0118 9713368 RG7 5NX e infothesixbellscouk wwwthesixbellscouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 3

Dr Jeevana Subasinghe (Dr Jeeves) is an established dentist in Newbury He has 20 years of experience and holds full professional registrations to practice Dental Surgery in both Finland and in the UK

He brings to Newbury extremely valuable knowledge from working relationships which he has with prominent clinicians and clinics in Finland and Switzerland ndash where the very latest and state of the art technology is used

Under one roof all disciplines of Dentistry are performed and all solutions and options offered - lsquoAll treatments one responsibilityrsquo

Apart from routine dental care and hygiene the following are also included cosmet ic dent i st ry i m p l a n t o l o g y o r t h o d o n t i c s prosthodontics (dentures) root canal therapy oral surgery treatment of advanced gum infections guided tissue regeneration bone grafting

teeth whitening and non surgical w r i n k l e s o f t e n i n g w i t h Botul i num toxin -A

As you would expect Newbury Marketplace Dental Lounge is one of the most modern surgeries in the country - impeccably clean functional and of course equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic tools It is BUPA accredited and al l work is guaranteed

Dr Jeeves firmly believes in allocating his patients very generous time intervals He knows the importance of getting to know his patients and how vital it is to gain their confidence - then together they can achieve outstanding results He has much experience in treating nervous children and adults alike also patients with special care needs

He runs a very flexible approach to the timing of appointments - evening and weekend appointments can easily be arranged

Dr Jeeves Dr Jeeves Dr Jeeves finds solutions to all finds solutions to all finds solutions to all

dental problems at thedental problems at thedental problems at the Newbury Newbury Newbury

Marketplace Dental LoungeMarketplace Dental LoungeMarketplace Dental Lounge

wwwthatchamconnectionscouk

Dear Readers

WELCOME to a very full issue this time and I

hope you will enjoy it

You will see on page 41 that a new columnist

has joined us - Mark Russell who is going to

write regularly on a

very important part of

many of our lives - mortgages I feel it was

serendipity playing a part as he rang to offer

his support to the magazine just as Simon

Claxton - our financial advisor for the last

eight issues - had told me that owing to a

change of organisation - he would be unable to

continue Our best wishes and thanks to

Simon - whose columns have always been

excellent - and a warm welcome to Mark

It is very encouraging

to find a new and lively

butcherdelicatessen

shop arrive at No 16 High Street Thatcham

Christian Martin and Peter Congerton have

joined forces to create lsquoCook amp Butcherrsquo I

believe their energy and inspiration will be

a huge asset for all of

us Do please go and

check them out (See page 7)

Please also check out

t h e c a rd s h o p Emotions in the

Kingsland Centre The first 40 readers who

come in with the Emotions ad in April

(page 49) will be given

a FREE Easter egg

A very very happy

Easter to everyone

All best wishes

e ursulathatchamconnectionscouk

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 itrsquos 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

Spring Clean 89

Spiral Crosswords 12

Behind the Lens 30

Empty Nesters 34

Gardening Feature 38

Fabergeacute eggs 51

Sudokus 62

Please note for issue 26 (covering June July and August)

space should be booked by Monday May 3 and the completed final copy deadline is

Mid-day Friday May 7

Printer Newman Thomson

01444 480700

The front cover photograph has

kindly been supplied by Julie

Newman a member of the Thatcham

Photographic Club

wwwthatchamphotoclubcom

wwwjulienewmanphotographycom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 5

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

We can cast anything from a babyrsquos tiny finger to an adult torso or a dogrsquos paw

We can present your memory in a wide range of finishes including our popular choices of Bronze resin Aluminium Resin and Marble plaster We also cast in solid metal or

simple plaster to suit your requirements

To find out more on how to keep a unique record of babyrsquos hands and feet or preserve the tender touch of a loved one forever please contact us for a free consultation in your

home or at our studio

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 6

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 8

Spring Cleaning is a phrase that is now

being applied at all times of year and re-ferring to a variety of sorts of subjects

We are encouraged to lsquospring clean our PCsrsquo lsquospring clean our financesrsquo and even

lsquospring clean our livesrsquo Compared to these giving your house a meticulous

clean seems relatively simple Therersquos no denying the feeling of satisfac-

tion when you have successfully com-

pleted a thorough cleaning and de-

cluttering attack on even just one room never mind the whole house

In Victorian times spring cleaning was a

serious and exhausting business Open fires candles and oil lamps filled homes

with soot and ash while factory chimneys brought additional dirt With houses shut

up against the cold of winter the first signs of spring were a signal to throw

open the doors and windows move furni-ture and rugs outside to air and to thor-

oughly scrub the interior

Spring cleaning is a lot easier nowadays

with labour-saving devices such as vac-

uum cleaners and a cleaning fluid for every surface Prepare for your blitz by

packing a box with all the cleaning tools

you need so you carry them from room to room Start at the top of the house and

work down not forgetting to wipe all sur-faces as you go including skirting boards

and window sills

However there is little point in cleaning if your house is also full of clutter So take

the opportunity to have a clear-out before

you start the spring clean Less clutter not

only makes future cleaning easier it also helps to give us a freer more relaxed

frame of mind Feng shui the art of un-cluttered living has long been practiced

by Chinese people Itrsquos believed that if the universes energy or chi can easily flow

through a room our lives will be more harmonious and joyful Decorators world-

wide are now embracing the simple beauty of barer rooms for easier living

Start by clearing out your storage areas

so you have somewhere to store items you need to keep Then systematically

work through your house de-cluttering

and cleaning as you go Work through the

four types of clutter rubbish keep in storage keep handy and sell or give

SPRING CLEAN - FRESHEN UP THE HOUSE

Feature Spring Cleaning

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 9

away Get rid of everything you dont use

and be ruthless Place the obvious rub-bish straight into bin bags and dispose of

immediately Decide what you want to do with the bdquosell or give away‟ pile and set

yourself a deadline to get rid of it ndash oth-erwise it will still be around this time next

year Anything to be stored can be neatly packed and labeled for easy access later

There is always a fifth pile ndash ldquodecide laterrdquo Put these items in a box and leave

it somewhere obvious such as the sitting room until they are gone

Perhaps you are happy to de-clutter but

the prospect of cleaning is too daunting with your work family and other commit-

ments so why not call in the experts There are oven-cleaners window clean-

ers carpet and upholstery cleaners and house cleaning companies who would

just love to make your home sparkle for you

With the arrival of warmer air and longer

days throw open those windows let the

light in and get busy Why not also make

some diary dates to have friends in for a coffee or a meal and share the uplift

Having recently become empty-nesters as both our children have moved out - if only tempo-rarily - I feel as if our home is returning to just my husband and me again

You need look no further than in this directory for excellent people to help you get to grips with cleaning and sprucing up the house - and dare I say bdquoliberating‟ your life We have two companies who will help you clean your oven and a window cleaner who is very local (and whose work I have personally seen and recom-mend - see below) Also our established home cleaners bdquoMy Home‟ also very local and very well regarded

If an area of your home could do with either a thorough transformation or just a lick of paint we have both painters and decorators who can do just that

Is it not time to redress the balance of this long and dreary winter and spring into Summer Ed

Exterior and interior windows cleaned

Conservatory roofs cleaned

exterior and interior

UPVC framework wash down on

windowsconservatoriesguttering faciassoffits

and bargeboards

Gutter clearing and minor repair

Wasp and Hornet nest treatment

Analogue aerial removed

ldquoldquoldquoCCCLEANINGLEANINGLEANING WINDOWSWINDOWSWINDOWS

THETHETHE TRADITIONALTRADITIONALTRADITIONAL WAYWAYWAY SINCESINCESINCE 199319931993rdquo rdquo rdquo

THATCHAM BASED FULLY INSURED

simons-wcshotmailcouk

wwwsimons-windowscouk

01635 860463

07834 920827

By the UKrsquos largest oven cleaning company

01635 818080

Non-caustic Ovens hobs extractors and

microwaves cleaned

wwwovencleancom

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Friendly fully trained team

Flexible cleaning services (weekly fortnightly monthly)

Spring cleans one-off blitz

All cleaning products amp equipment provided

Your clean is fully insured amp guaranteed

Newburycleanmyhomecom

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Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

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THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

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ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

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Liability insurance

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I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

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Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

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Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

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TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

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of total privacy

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Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

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Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

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FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

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Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

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12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

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FFREE

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Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

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Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

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To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

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07875 386490

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Free no obligation quote

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ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

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Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

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All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

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y C

oom

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ny

Coo

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Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

520

1635

860

159

0

778

5 52

5752

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

52

BBef

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uch

pre

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Aft

er

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phot

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

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mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

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tions

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uk

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wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 3: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 3

Dr Jeevana Subasinghe (Dr Jeeves) is an established dentist in Newbury He has 20 years of experience and holds full professional registrations to practice Dental Surgery in both Finland and in the UK

He brings to Newbury extremely valuable knowledge from working relationships which he has with prominent clinicians and clinics in Finland and Switzerland ndash where the very latest and state of the art technology is used

Under one roof all disciplines of Dentistry are performed and all solutions and options offered - lsquoAll treatments one responsibilityrsquo

Apart from routine dental care and hygiene the following are also included cosmet ic dent i st ry i m p l a n t o l o g y o r t h o d o n t i c s prosthodontics (dentures) root canal therapy oral surgery treatment of advanced gum infections guided tissue regeneration bone grafting

teeth whitening and non surgical w r i n k l e s o f t e n i n g w i t h Botul i num toxin -A

As you would expect Newbury Marketplace Dental Lounge is one of the most modern surgeries in the country - impeccably clean functional and of course equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic tools It is BUPA accredited and al l work is guaranteed

Dr Jeeves firmly believes in allocating his patients very generous time intervals He knows the importance of getting to know his patients and how vital it is to gain their confidence - then together they can achieve outstanding results He has much experience in treating nervous children and adults alike also patients with special care needs

He runs a very flexible approach to the timing of appointments - evening and weekend appointments can easily be arranged

Dr Jeeves Dr Jeeves Dr Jeeves finds solutions to all finds solutions to all finds solutions to all

dental problems at thedental problems at thedental problems at the Newbury Newbury Newbury

Marketplace Dental LoungeMarketplace Dental LoungeMarketplace Dental Lounge

wwwthatchamconnectionscouk

Dear Readers

WELCOME to a very full issue this time and I

hope you will enjoy it

You will see on page 41 that a new columnist

has joined us - Mark Russell who is going to

write regularly on a

very important part of

many of our lives - mortgages I feel it was

serendipity playing a part as he rang to offer

his support to the magazine just as Simon

Claxton - our financial advisor for the last

eight issues - had told me that owing to a

change of organisation - he would be unable to

continue Our best wishes and thanks to

Simon - whose columns have always been

excellent - and a warm welcome to Mark

It is very encouraging

to find a new and lively

butcherdelicatessen

shop arrive at No 16 High Street Thatcham

Christian Martin and Peter Congerton have

joined forces to create lsquoCook amp Butcherrsquo I

believe their energy and inspiration will be

a huge asset for all of

us Do please go and

check them out (See page 7)

Please also check out

t h e c a rd s h o p Emotions in the

Kingsland Centre The first 40 readers who

come in with the Emotions ad in April

(page 49) will be given

a FREE Easter egg

A very very happy

Easter to everyone

All best wishes

e ursulathatchamconnectionscouk

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 itrsquos 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

Spring Clean 89

Spiral Crosswords 12

Behind the Lens 30

Empty Nesters 34

Gardening Feature 38

Fabergeacute eggs 51

Sudokus 62

Please note for issue 26 (covering June July and August)

space should be booked by Monday May 3 and the completed final copy deadline is

Mid-day Friday May 7

Printer Newman Thomson

01444 480700

The front cover photograph has

kindly been supplied by Julie

Newman a member of the Thatcham

Photographic Club

wwwthatchamphotoclubcom

wwwjulienewmanphotographycom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 5

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

We can cast anything from a babyrsquos tiny finger to an adult torso or a dogrsquos paw

We can present your memory in a wide range of finishes including our popular choices of Bronze resin Aluminium Resin and Marble plaster We also cast in solid metal or

simple plaster to suit your requirements

To find out more on how to keep a unique record of babyrsquos hands and feet or preserve the tender touch of a loved one forever please contact us for a free consultation in your

home or at our studio

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 6

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 8

Spring Cleaning is a phrase that is now

being applied at all times of year and re-ferring to a variety of sorts of subjects

We are encouraged to lsquospring clean our PCsrsquo lsquospring clean our financesrsquo and even

lsquospring clean our livesrsquo Compared to these giving your house a meticulous

clean seems relatively simple Therersquos no denying the feeling of satisfac-

tion when you have successfully com-

pleted a thorough cleaning and de-

cluttering attack on even just one room never mind the whole house

In Victorian times spring cleaning was a

serious and exhausting business Open fires candles and oil lamps filled homes

with soot and ash while factory chimneys brought additional dirt With houses shut

up against the cold of winter the first signs of spring were a signal to throw

open the doors and windows move furni-ture and rugs outside to air and to thor-

oughly scrub the interior

Spring cleaning is a lot easier nowadays

with labour-saving devices such as vac-

uum cleaners and a cleaning fluid for every surface Prepare for your blitz by

packing a box with all the cleaning tools

you need so you carry them from room to room Start at the top of the house and

work down not forgetting to wipe all sur-faces as you go including skirting boards

and window sills

However there is little point in cleaning if your house is also full of clutter So take

the opportunity to have a clear-out before

you start the spring clean Less clutter not

only makes future cleaning easier it also helps to give us a freer more relaxed

frame of mind Feng shui the art of un-cluttered living has long been practiced

by Chinese people Itrsquos believed that if the universes energy or chi can easily flow

through a room our lives will be more harmonious and joyful Decorators world-

wide are now embracing the simple beauty of barer rooms for easier living

Start by clearing out your storage areas

so you have somewhere to store items you need to keep Then systematically

work through your house de-cluttering

and cleaning as you go Work through the

four types of clutter rubbish keep in storage keep handy and sell or give

SPRING CLEAN - FRESHEN UP THE HOUSE

Feature Spring Cleaning

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 9

away Get rid of everything you dont use

and be ruthless Place the obvious rub-bish straight into bin bags and dispose of

immediately Decide what you want to do with the bdquosell or give away‟ pile and set

yourself a deadline to get rid of it ndash oth-erwise it will still be around this time next

year Anything to be stored can be neatly packed and labeled for easy access later

There is always a fifth pile ndash ldquodecide laterrdquo Put these items in a box and leave

it somewhere obvious such as the sitting room until they are gone

Perhaps you are happy to de-clutter but

the prospect of cleaning is too daunting with your work family and other commit-

ments so why not call in the experts There are oven-cleaners window clean-

ers carpet and upholstery cleaners and house cleaning companies who would

just love to make your home sparkle for you

With the arrival of warmer air and longer

days throw open those windows let the

light in and get busy Why not also make

some diary dates to have friends in for a coffee or a meal and share the uplift

Having recently become empty-nesters as both our children have moved out - if only tempo-rarily - I feel as if our home is returning to just my husband and me again

You need look no further than in this directory for excellent people to help you get to grips with cleaning and sprucing up the house - and dare I say bdquoliberating‟ your life We have two companies who will help you clean your oven and a window cleaner who is very local (and whose work I have personally seen and recom-mend - see below) Also our established home cleaners bdquoMy Home‟ also very local and very well regarded

If an area of your home could do with either a thorough transformation or just a lick of paint we have both painters and decorators who can do just that

Is it not time to redress the balance of this long and dreary winter and spring into Summer Ed

Exterior and interior windows cleaned

Conservatory roofs cleaned

exterior and interior

UPVC framework wash down on

windowsconservatoriesguttering faciassoffits

and bargeboards

Gutter clearing and minor repair

Wasp and Hornet nest treatment

Analogue aerial removed

ldquoldquoldquoCCCLEANINGLEANINGLEANING WINDOWSWINDOWSWINDOWS

THETHETHE TRADITIONALTRADITIONALTRADITIONAL WAYWAYWAY SINCESINCESINCE 199319931993rdquo rdquo rdquo

THATCHAM BASED FULLY INSURED

simons-wcshotmailcouk

wwwsimons-windowscouk

01635 860463

07834 920827

By the UKrsquos largest oven cleaning company

01635 818080

Non-caustic Ovens hobs extractors and

microwaves cleaned

wwwovencleancom

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Friendly fully trained team

Flexible cleaning services (weekly fortnightly monthly)

Spring cleans one-off blitz

All cleaning products amp equipment provided

Your clean is fully insured amp guaranteed

Newburycleanmyhomecom

No time for housework Wersquoll clean your

home to the highest standard

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 11

11 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under pound10

Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

wwwplumbersberkshirecouk

THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

email williamsronaldbinternetcom

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 13

NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

01635 876777

Free CollectionDeliverymdashFree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs Subject to availability

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

WE CAN HELP

ONLY

pound119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive Thatcham

kitchen fitting

Flooring sash windows

windows doors

staircases built in furniture

garden rooms sheds

decking extensions

roofs

fully trained with 20 years

Experience in both newly built and old

References available

Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOV

Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 0777 58751590777 58751590777 5875159

sid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncom

CARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINER

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 14

FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

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FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

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RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

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Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

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Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

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FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

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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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

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Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

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CE

SA

JC

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ER

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ner

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y C

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35 8

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07

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520

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860

159

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778

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 4: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

wwwthatchamconnectionscouk

Dear Readers

WELCOME to a very full issue this time and I

hope you will enjoy it

You will see on page 41 that a new columnist

has joined us - Mark Russell who is going to

write regularly on a

very important part of

many of our lives - mortgages I feel it was

serendipity playing a part as he rang to offer

his support to the magazine just as Simon

Claxton - our financial advisor for the last

eight issues - had told me that owing to a

change of organisation - he would be unable to

continue Our best wishes and thanks to

Simon - whose columns have always been

excellent - and a warm welcome to Mark

It is very encouraging

to find a new and lively

butcherdelicatessen

shop arrive at No 16 High Street Thatcham

Christian Martin and Peter Congerton have

joined forces to create lsquoCook amp Butcherrsquo I

believe their energy and inspiration will be

a huge asset for all of

us Do please go and

check them out (See page 7)

Please also check out

t h e c a rd s h o p Emotions in the

Kingsland Centre The first 40 readers who

come in with the Emotions ad in April

(page 49) will be given

a FREE Easter egg

A very very happy

Easter to everyone

All best wishes

e ursulathatchamconnectionscouk

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 itrsquos 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

Spring Clean 89

Spiral Crosswords 12

Behind the Lens 30

Empty Nesters 34

Gardening Feature 38

Fabergeacute eggs 51

Sudokus 62

Please note for issue 26 (covering June July and August)

space should be booked by Monday May 3 and the completed final copy deadline is

Mid-day Friday May 7

Printer Newman Thomson

01444 480700

The front cover photograph has

kindly been supplied by Julie

Newman a member of the Thatcham

Photographic Club

wwwthatchamphotoclubcom

wwwjulienewmanphotographycom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 5

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

We can cast anything from a babyrsquos tiny finger to an adult torso or a dogrsquos paw

We can present your memory in a wide range of finishes including our popular choices of Bronze resin Aluminium Resin and Marble plaster We also cast in solid metal or

simple plaster to suit your requirements

To find out more on how to keep a unique record of babyrsquos hands and feet or preserve the tender touch of a loved one forever please contact us for a free consultation in your

home or at our studio

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 6

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 8

Spring Cleaning is a phrase that is now

being applied at all times of year and re-ferring to a variety of sorts of subjects

We are encouraged to lsquospring clean our PCsrsquo lsquospring clean our financesrsquo and even

lsquospring clean our livesrsquo Compared to these giving your house a meticulous

clean seems relatively simple Therersquos no denying the feeling of satisfac-

tion when you have successfully com-

pleted a thorough cleaning and de-

cluttering attack on even just one room never mind the whole house

In Victorian times spring cleaning was a

serious and exhausting business Open fires candles and oil lamps filled homes

with soot and ash while factory chimneys brought additional dirt With houses shut

up against the cold of winter the first signs of spring were a signal to throw

open the doors and windows move furni-ture and rugs outside to air and to thor-

oughly scrub the interior

Spring cleaning is a lot easier nowadays

with labour-saving devices such as vac-

uum cleaners and a cleaning fluid for every surface Prepare for your blitz by

packing a box with all the cleaning tools

you need so you carry them from room to room Start at the top of the house and

work down not forgetting to wipe all sur-faces as you go including skirting boards

and window sills

However there is little point in cleaning if your house is also full of clutter So take

the opportunity to have a clear-out before

you start the spring clean Less clutter not

only makes future cleaning easier it also helps to give us a freer more relaxed

frame of mind Feng shui the art of un-cluttered living has long been practiced

by Chinese people Itrsquos believed that if the universes energy or chi can easily flow

through a room our lives will be more harmonious and joyful Decorators world-

wide are now embracing the simple beauty of barer rooms for easier living

Start by clearing out your storage areas

so you have somewhere to store items you need to keep Then systematically

work through your house de-cluttering

and cleaning as you go Work through the

four types of clutter rubbish keep in storage keep handy and sell or give

SPRING CLEAN - FRESHEN UP THE HOUSE

Feature Spring Cleaning

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 9

away Get rid of everything you dont use

and be ruthless Place the obvious rub-bish straight into bin bags and dispose of

immediately Decide what you want to do with the bdquosell or give away‟ pile and set

yourself a deadline to get rid of it ndash oth-erwise it will still be around this time next

year Anything to be stored can be neatly packed and labeled for easy access later

There is always a fifth pile ndash ldquodecide laterrdquo Put these items in a box and leave

it somewhere obvious such as the sitting room until they are gone

Perhaps you are happy to de-clutter but

the prospect of cleaning is too daunting with your work family and other commit-

ments so why not call in the experts There are oven-cleaners window clean-

ers carpet and upholstery cleaners and house cleaning companies who would

just love to make your home sparkle for you

With the arrival of warmer air and longer

days throw open those windows let the

light in and get busy Why not also make

some diary dates to have friends in for a coffee or a meal and share the uplift

Having recently become empty-nesters as both our children have moved out - if only tempo-rarily - I feel as if our home is returning to just my husband and me again

You need look no further than in this directory for excellent people to help you get to grips with cleaning and sprucing up the house - and dare I say bdquoliberating‟ your life We have two companies who will help you clean your oven and a window cleaner who is very local (and whose work I have personally seen and recom-mend - see below) Also our established home cleaners bdquoMy Home‟ also very local and very well regarded

If an area of your home could do with either a thorough transformation or just a lick of paint we have both painters and decorators who can do just that

Is it not time to redress the balance of this long and dreary winter and spring into Summer Ed

Exterior and interior windows cleaned

Conservatory roofs cleaned

exterior and interior

UPVC framework wash down on

windowsconservatoriesguttering faciassoffits

and bargeboards

Gutter clearing and minor repair

Wasp and Hornet nest treatment

Analogue aerial removed

ldquoldquoldquoCCCLEANINGLEANINGLEANING WINDOWSWINDOWSWINDOWS

THETHETHE TRADITIONALTRADITIONALTRADITIONAL WAYWAYWAY SINCESINCESINCE 199319931993rdquo rdquo rdquo

THATCHAM BASED FULLY INSURED

simons-wcshotmailcouk

wwwsimons-windowscouk

01635 860463

07834 920827

By the UKrsquos largest oven cleaning company

01635 818080

Non-caustic Ovens hobs extractors and

microwaves cleaned

wwwovencleancom

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Friendly fully trained team

Flexible cleaning services (weekly fortnightly monthly)

Spring cleans one-off blitz

All cleaning products amp equipment provided

Your clean is fully insured amp guaranteed

Newburycleanmyhomecom

No time for housework Wersquoll clean your

home to the highest standard

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 11

11 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under pound10

Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

wwwplumbersberkshirecouk

THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

email williamsronaldbinternetcom

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

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NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

01635 876777

Free CollectionDeliverymdashFree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs Subject to availability

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

WE CAN HELP

ONLY

pound119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive Thatcham

kitchen fitting

Flooring sash windows

windows doors

staircases built in furniture

garden rooms sheds

decking extensions

roofs

fully trained with 20 years

Experience in both newly built and old

References available

Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOV

Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 0777 58751590777 58751590777 5875159

sid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncom

CARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINER

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 14

FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

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FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

bsTo

ny

Coo

mbs

Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

520

1635

860

159

0

778

5 52

5752

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

52

BBef

ore

hellip m

uch

pre

par

atio

n is

nee

ded

Aft

er

t

he

phot

ogra

phs

say

it a

ll

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

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01635 2000 00

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01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

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Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

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Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

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Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

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Stress related conditions

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IBS

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M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

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01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

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Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

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tions

co

uk

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wth

atch

amco

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Page 5: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 5

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

We can cast anything from a babyrsquos tiny finger to an adult torso or a dogrsquos paw

We can present your memory in a wide range of finishes including our popular choices of Bronze resin Aluminium Resin and Marble plaster We also cast in solid metal or

simple plaster to suit your requirements

To find out more on how to keep a unique record of babyrsquos hands and feet or preserve the tender touch of a loved one forever please contact us for a free consultation in your

home or at our studio

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 6

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 8

Spring Cleaning is a phrase that is now

being applied at all times of year and re-ferring to a variety of sorts of subjects

We are encouraged to lsquospring clean our PCsrsquo lsquospring clean our financesrsquo and even

lsquospring clean our livesrsquo Compared to these giving your house a meticulous

clean seems relatively simple Therersquos no denying the feeling of satisfac-

tion when you have successfully com-

pleted a thorough cleaning and de-

cluttering attack on even just one room never mind the whole house

In Victorian times spring cleaning was a

serious and exhausting business Open fires candles and oil lamps filled homes

with soot and ash while factory chimneys brought additional dirt With houses shut

up against the cold of winter the first signs of spring were a signal to throw

open the doors and windows move furni-ture and rugs outside to air and to thor-

oughly scrub the interior

Spring cleaning is a lot easier nowadays

with labour-saving devices such as vac-

uum cleaners and a cleaning fluid for every surface Prepare for your blitz by

packing a box with all the cleaning tools

you need so you carry them from room to room Start at the top of the house and

work down not forgetting to wipe all sur-faces as you go including skirting boards

and window sills

However there is little point in cleaning if your house is also full of clutter So take

the opportunity to have a clear-out before

you start the spring clean Less clutter not

only makes future cleaning easier it also helps to give us a freer more relaxed

frame of mind Feng shui the art of un-cluttered living has long been practiced

by Chinese people Itrsquos believed that if the universes energy or chi can easily flow

through a room our lives will be more harmonious and joyful Decorators world-

wide are now embracing the simple beauty of barer rooms for easier living

Start by clearing out your storage areas

so you have somewhere to store items you need to keep Then systematically

work through your house de-cluttering

and cleaning as you go Work through the

four types of clutter rubbish keep in storage keep handy and sell or give

SPRING CLEAN - FRESHEN UP THE HOUSE

Feature Spring Cleaning

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 9

away Get rid of everything you dont use

and be ruthless Place the obvious rub-bish straight into bin bags and dispose of

immediately Decide what you want to do with the bdquosell or give away‟ pile and set

yourself a deadline to get rid of it ndash oth-erwise it will still be around this time next

year Anything to be stored can be neatly packed and labeled for easy access later

There is always a fifth pile ndash ldquodecide laterrdquo Put these items in a box and leave

it somewhere obvious such as the sitting room until they are gone

Perhaps you are happy to de-clutter but

the prospect of cleaning is too daunting with your work family and other commit-

ments so why not call in the experts There are oven-cleaners window clean-

ers carpet and upholstery cleaners and house cleaning companies who would

just love to make your home sparkle for you

With the arrival of warmer air and longer

days throw open those windows let the

light in and get busy Why not also make

some diary dates to have friends in for a coffee or a meal and share the uplift

Having recently become empty-nesters as both our children have moved out - if only tempo-rarily - I feel as if our home is returning to just my husband and me again

You need look no further than in this directory for excellent people to help you get to grips with cleaning and sprucing up the house - and dare I say bdquoliberating‟ your life We have two companies who will help you clean your oven and a window cleaner who is very local (and whose work I have personally seen and recom-mend - see below) Also our established home cleaners bdquoMy Home‟ also very local and very well regarded

If an area of your home could do with either a thorough transformation or just a lick of paint we have both painters and decorators who can do just that

Is it not time to redress the balance of this long and dreary winter and spring into Summer Ed

Exterior and interior windows cleaned

Conservatory roofs cleaned

exterior and interior

UPVC framework wash down on

windowsconservatoriesguttering faciassoffits

and bargeboards

Gutter clearing and minor repair

Wasp and Hornet nest treatment

Analogue aerial removed

ldquoldquoldquoCCCLEANINGLEANINGLEANING WINDOWSWINDOWSWINDOWS

THETHETHE TRADITIONALTRADITIONALTRADITIONAL WAYWAYWAY SINCESINCESINCE 199319931993rdquo rdquo rdquo

THATCHAM BASED FULLY INSURED

simons-wcshotmailcouk

wwwsimons-windowscouk

01635 860463

07834 920827

By the UKrsquos largest oven cleaning company

01635 818080

Non-caustic Ovens hobs extractors and

microwaves cleaned

wwwovencleancom

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Friendly fully trained team

Flexible cleaning services (weekly fortnightly monthly)

Spring cleans one-off blitz

All cleaning products amp equipment provided

Your clean is fully insured amp guaranteed

Newburycleanmyhomecom

No time for housework Wersquoll clean your

home to the highest standard

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 11

11 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under pound10

Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

wwwplumbersberkshirecouk

THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

email williamsronaldbinternetcom

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 13

NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

01635 876777

Free CollectionDeliverymdashFree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs Subject to availability

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

WE CAN HELP

ONLY

pound119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive Thatcham

kitchen fitting

Flooring sash windows

windows doors

staircases built in furniture

garden rooms sheds

decking extensions

roofs

fully trained with 20 years

Experience in both newly built and old

References available

Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOV

Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 0777 58751590777 58751590777 5875159

sid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncom

CARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINER

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 14

FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

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FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

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12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

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FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

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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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

bsTo

ny

Coo

mbs

Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

520

1635

860

159

0

778

5 52

5752

016

35 8

601

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07

785

5257

52

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uch

pre

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nee

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er

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 6: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 6

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 8

Spring Cleaning is a phrase that is now

being applied at all times of year and re-ferring to a variety of sorts of subjects

We are encouraged to lsquospring clean our PCsrsquo lsquospring clean our financesrsquo and even

lsquospring clean our livesrsquo Compared to these giving your house a meticulous

clean seems relatively simple Therersquos no denying the feeling of satisfac-

tion when you have successfully com-

pleted a thorough cleaning and de-

cluttering attack on even just one room never mind the whole house

In Victorian times spring cleaning was a

serious and exhausting business Open fires candles and oil lamps filled homes

with soot and ash while factory chimneys brought additional dirt With houses shut

up against the cold of winter the first signs of spring were a signal to throw

open the doors and windows move furni-ture and rugs outside to air and to thor-

oughly scrub the interior

Spring cleaning is a lot easier nowadays

with labour-saving devices such as vac-

uum cleaners and a cleaning fluid for every surface Prepare for your blitz by

packing a box with all the cleaning tools

you need so you carry them from room to room Start at the top of the house and

work down not forgetting to wipe all sur-faces as you go including skirting boards

and window sills

However there is little point in cleaning if your house is also full of clutter So take

the opportunity to have a clear-out before

you start the spring clean Less clutter not

only makes future cleaning easier it also helps to give us a freer more relaxed

frame of mind Feng shui the art of un-cluttered living has long been practiced

by Chinese people Itrsquos believed that if the universes energy or chi can easily flow

through a room our lives will be more harmonious and joyful Decorators world-

wide are now embracing the simple beauty of barer rooms for easier living

Start by clearing out your storage areas

so you have somewhere to store items you need to keep Then systematically

work through your house de-cluttering

and cleaning as you go Work through the

four types of clutter rubbish keep in storage keep handy and sell or give

SPRING CLEAN - FRESHEN UP THE HOUSE

Feature Spring Cleaning

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 9

away Get rid of everything you dont use

and be ruthless Place the obvious rub-bish straight into bin bags and dispose of

immediately Decide what you want to do with the bdquosell or give away‟ pile and set

yourself a deadline to get rid of it ndash oth-erwise it will still be around this time next

year Anything to be stored can be neatly packed and labeled for easy access later

There is always a fifth pile ndash ldquodecide laterrdquo Put these items in a box and leave

it somewhere obvious such as the sitting room until they are gone

Perhaps you are happy to de-clutter but

the prospect of cleaning is too daunting with your work family and other commit-

ments so why not call in the experts There are oven-cleaners window clean-

ers carpet and upholstery cleaners and house cleaning companies who would

just love to make your home sparkle for you

With the arrival of warmer air and longer

days throw open those windows let the

light in and get busy Why not also make

some diary dates to have friends in for a coffee or a meal and share the uplift

Having recently become empty-nesters as both our children have moved out - if only tempo-rarily - I feel as if our home is returning to just my husband and me again

You need look no further than in this directory for excellent people to help you get to grips with cleaning and sprucing up the house - and dare I say bdquoliberating‟ your life We have two companies who will help you clean your oven and a window cleaner who is very local (and whose work I have personally seen and recom-mend - see below) Also our established home cleaners bdquoMy Home‟ also very local and very well regarded

If an area of your home could do with either a thorough transformation or just a lick of paint we have both painters and decorators who can do just that

Is it not time to redress the balance of this long and dreary winter and spring into Summer Ed

Exterior and interior windows cleaned

Conservatory roofs cleaned

exterior and interior

UPVC framework wash down on

windowsconservatoriesguttering faciassoffits

and bargeboards

Gutter clearing and minor repair

Wasp and Hornet nest treatment

Analogue aerial removed

ldquoldquoldquoCCCLEANINGLEANINGLEANING WINDOWSWINDOWSWINDOWS

THETHETHE TRADITIONALTRADITIONALTRADITIONAL WAYWAYWAY SINCESINCESINCE 199319931993rdquo rdquo rdquo

THATCHAM BASED FULLY INSURED

simons-wcshotmailcouk

wwwsimons-windowscouk

01635 860463

07834 920827

By the UKrsquos largest oven cleaning company

01635 818080

Non-caustic Ovens hobs extractors and

microwaves cleaned

wwwovencleancom

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Friendly fully trained team

Flexible cleaning services (weekly fortnightly monthly)

Spring cleans one-off blitz

All cleaning products amp equipment provided

Your clean is fully insured amp guaranteed

Newburycleanmyhomecom

No time for housework Wersquoll clean your

home to the highest standard

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 11

11 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under pound10

Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

wwwplumbersberkshirecouk

THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

email williamsronaldbinternetcom

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

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NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

01635 876777

Free CollectionDeliverymdashFree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs Subject to availability

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

WE CAN HELP

ONLY

pound119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive Thatcham

kitchen fitting

Flooring sash windows

windows doors

staircases built in furniture

garden rooms sheds

decking extensions

roofs

fully trained with 20 years

Experience in both newly built and old

References available

Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOV

Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 0777 58751590777 58751590777 5875159

sid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncom

CARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINER

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FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

bsTo

ny

Coo

mbs

Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

520

1635

860

159

0

778

5 52

5752

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

52

BBef

ore

hellip m

uch

pre

par

atio

n is

nee

ded

Aft

er

t

he

phot

ogra

phs

say

it a

ll

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

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01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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For a free and friendly consultation

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Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

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Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

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Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

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Stress related conditions

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IBS

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M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

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01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

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Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

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Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

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itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

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e Fa

rmho

use

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ley

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eadi

ng

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Tel

0118

988

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uk

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Page 7: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 8

Spring Cleaning is a phrase that is now

being applied at all times of year and re-ferring to a variety of sorts of subjects

We are encouraged to lsquospring clean our PCsrsquo lsquospring clean our financesrsquo and even

lsquospring clean our livesrsquo Compared to these giving your house a meticulous

clean seems relatively simple Therersquos no denying the feeling of satisfac-

tion when you have successfully com-

pleted a thorough cleaning and de-

cluttering attack on even just one room never mind the whole house

In Victorian times spring cleaning was a

serious and exhausting business Open fires candles and oil lamps filled homes

with soot and ash while factory chimneys brought additional dirt With houses shut

up against the cold of winter the first signs of spring were a signal to throw

open the doors and windows move furni-ture and rugs outside to air and to thor-

oughly scrub the interior

Spring cleaning is a lot easier nowadays

with labour-saving devices such as vac-

uum cleaners and a cleaning fluid for every surface Prepare for your blitz by

packing a box with all the cleaning tools

you need so you carry them from room to room Start at the top of the house and

work down not forgetting to wipe all sur-faces as you go including skirting boards

and window sills

However there is little point in cleaning if your house is also full of clutter So take

the opportunity to have a clear-out before

you start the spring clean Less clutter not

only makes future cleaning easier it also helps to give us a freer more relaxed

frame of mind Feng shui the art of un-cluttered living has long been practiced

by Chinese people Itrsquos believed that if the universes energy or chi can easily flow

through a room our lives will be more harmonious and joyful Decorators world-

wide are now embracing the simple beauty of barer rooms for easier living

Start by clearing out your storage areas

so you have somewhere to store items you need to keep Then systematically

work through your house de-cluttering

and cleaning as you go Work through the

four types of clutter rubbish keep in storage keep handy and sell or give

SPRING CLEAN - FRESHEN UP THE HOUSE

Feature Spring Cleaning

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 9

away Get rid of everything you dont use

and be ruthless Place the obvious rub-bish straight into bin bags and dispose of

immediately Decide what you want to do with the bdquosell or give away‟ pile and set

yourself a deadline to get rid of it ndash oth-erwise it will still be around this time next

year Anything to be stored can be neatly packed and labeled for easy access later

There is always a fifth pile ndash ldquodecide laterrdquo Put these items in a box and leave

it somewhere obvious such as the sitting room until they are gone

Perhaps you are happy to de-clutter but

the prospect of cleaning is too daunting with your work family and other commit-

ments so why not call in the experts There are oven-cleaners window clean-

ers carpet and upholstery cleaners and house cleaning companies who would

just love to make your home sparkle for you

With the arrival of warmer air and longer

days throw open those windows let the

light in and get busy Why not also make

some diary dates to have friends in for a coffee or a meal and share the uplift

Having recently become empty-nesters as both our children have moved out - if only tempo-rarily - I feel as if our home is returning to just my husband and me again

You need look no further than in this directory for excellent people to help you get to grips with cleaning and sprucing up the house - and dare I say bdquoliberating‟ your life We have two companies who will help you clean your oven and a window cleaner who is very local (and whose work I have personally seen and recom-mend - see below) Also our established home cleaners bdquoMy Home‟ also very local and very well regarded

If an area of your home could do with either a thorough transformation or just a lick of paint we have both painters and decorators who can do just that

Is it not time to redress the balance of this long and dreary winter and spring into Summer Ed

Exterior and interior windows cleaned

Conservatory roofs cleaned

exterior and interior

UPVC framework wash down on

windowsconservatoriesguttering faciassoffits

and bargeboards

Gutter clearing and minor repair

Wasp and Hornet nest treatment

Analogue aerial removed

ldquoldquoldquoCCCLEANINGLEANINGLEANING WINDOWSWINDOWSWINDOWS

THETHETHE TRADITIONALTRADITIONALTRADITIONAL WAYWAYWAY SINCESINCESINCE 199319931993rdquo rdquo rdquo

THATCHAM BASED FULLY INSURED

simons-wcshotmailcouk

wwwsimons-windowscouk

01635 860463

07834 920827

By the UKrsquos largest oven cleaning company

01635 818080

Non-caustic Ovens hobs extractors and

microwaves cleaned

wwwovencleancom

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Friendly fully trained team

Flexible cleaning services (weekly fortnightly monthly)

Spring cleans one-off blitz

All cleaning products amp equipment provided

Your clean is fully insured amp guaranteed

Newburycleanmyhomecom

No time for housework Wersquoll clean your

home to the highest standard

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 11

11 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under pound10

Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

wwwplumbersberkshirecouk

THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

email williamsronaldbinternetcom

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 13

NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

01635 876777

Free CollectionDeliverymdashFree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs Subject to availability

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

WE CAN HELP

ONLY

pound119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive Thatcham

kitchen fitting

Flooring sash windows

windows doors

staircases built in furniture

garden rooms sheds

decking extensions

roofs

fully trained with 20 years

Experience in both newly built and old

References available

Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOV

Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 0777 58751590777 58751590777 5875159

sid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncom

CARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINER

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 14

FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

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12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

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FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

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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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

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CE

S

Land

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e G

arde

ner

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y C

oom

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bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

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520

1635

860

159

0

778

5 52

5752

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35 8

601

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785

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uch

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

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22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 8: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 9

away Get rid of everything you dont use

and be ruthless Place the obvious rub-bish straight into bin bags and dispose of

immediately Decide what you want to do with the bdquosell or give away‟ pile and set

yourself a deadline to get rid of it ndash oth-erwise it will still be around this time next

year Anything to be stored can be neatly packed and labeled for easy access later

There is always a fifth pile ndash ldquodecide laterrdquo Put these items in a box and leave

it somewhere obvious such as the sitting room until they are gone

Perhaps you are happy to de-clutter but

the prospect of cleaning is too daunting with your work family and other commit-

ments so why not call in the experts There are oven-cleaners window clean-

ers carpet and upholstery cleaners and house cleaning companies who would

just love to make your home sparkle for you

With the arrival of warmer air and longer

days throw open those windows let the

light in and get busy Why not also make

some diary dates to have friends in for a coffee or a meal and share the uplift

Having recently become empty-nesters as both our children have moved out - if only tempo-rarily - I feel as if our home is returning to just my husband and me again

You need look no further than in this directory for excellent people to help you get to grips with cleaning and sprucing up the house - and dare I say bdquoliberating‟ your life We have two companies who will help you clean your oven and a window cleaner who is very local (and whose work I have personally seen and recom-mend - see below) Also our established home cleaners bdquoMy Home‟ also very local and very well regarded

If an area of your home could do with either a thorough transformation or just a lick of paint we have both painters and decorators who can do just that

Is it not time to redress the balance of this long and dreary winter and spring into Summer Ed

Exterior and interior windows cleaned

Conservatory roofs cleaned

exterior and interior

UPVC framework wash down on

windowsconservatoriesguttering faciassoffits

and bargeboards

Gutter clearing and minor repair

Wasp and Hornet nest treatment

Analogue aerial removed

ldquoldquoldquoCCCLEANINGLEANINGLEANING WINDOWSWINDOWSWINDOWS

THETHETHE TRADITIONALTRADITIONALTRADITIONAL WAYWAYWAY SINCESINCESINCE 199319931993rdquo rdquo rdquo

THATCHAM BASED FULLY INSURED

simons-wcshotmailcouk

wwwsimons-windowscouk

01635 860463

07834 920827

By the UKrsquos largest oven cleaning company

01635 818080

Non-caustic Ovens hobs extractors and

microwaves cleaned

wwwovencleancom

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Friendly fully trained team

Flexible cleaning services (weekly fortnightly monthly)

Spring cleans one-off blitz

All cleaning products amp equipment provided

Your clean is fully insured amp guaranteed

Newburycleanmyhomecom

No time for housework Wersquoll clean your

home to the highest standard

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 11

11 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under pound10

Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

wwwplumbersberkshirecouk

THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

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AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

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ONLY

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Liability insurance

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Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

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Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

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I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

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Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

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Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

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TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

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Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

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Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

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FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

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Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

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Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

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12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

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FFREE

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Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

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Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

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To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

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COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

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NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

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ELECTRICIAN

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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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

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Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

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All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

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AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

bsTo

ny

Coo

mbs

Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

520

1635

860

159

0

778

5 52

5752

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

52

BBef

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uch

pre

par

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nee

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Aft

er

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phot

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

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raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

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G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

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atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

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wth

atch

amco

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co

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Page 9: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Call Phil Ryder on01635 873911

for a FREE estimate

Friendly fully trained team

Flexible cleaning services (weekly fortnightly monthly)

Spring cleans one-off blitz

All cleaning products amp equipment provided

Your clean is fully insured amp guaranteed

Newburycleanmyhomecom

No time for housework Wersquoll clean your

home to the highest standard

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 11

11 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under pound10

Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

wwwplumbersberkshirecouk

THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

email williamsronaldbinternetcom

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 13

NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

01635 876777

Free CollectionDeliverymdashFree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs Subject to availability

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

WE CAN HELP

ONLY

pound119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive Thatcham

kitchen fitting

Flooring sash windows

windows doors

staircases built in furniture

garden rooms sheds

decking extensions

roofs

fully trained with 20 years

Experience in both newly built and old

References available

Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOV

Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 0777 58751590777 58751590777 5875159

sid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncom

CARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINER

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 14

FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 10: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 11

11 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under pound10

Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu

Award-winning local real ales Lovely big garden with loads of seating

Dogs welcome in the bar and garden Beautiful views across fields and woodland

Great walks from the pub

Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended

wwwpotkilnorg | 01635 201366

THE POT KILN FRILSHAM

A Thompson Builders is a small family run business specialising in a range of both external and interior

building work

Telephone 01635 201087 Mobile 07909 902435

Email athompsonbuildershotmailcouk Oakwood Slanting Hill Hermitage Newbury Berks RG18 9QG

wwwathompsonbuildercouk

Extension Specialist Conversions Orangeries Conservatories Brick Stone amp Flint work

Kitchens Bathrooms Hard landscaping Drainage

Specialists in plumbing and heating We are registered to install and

service all systems

We offer many other maintenance services including

Electrical Carpentry Installing bathrooms and kitchens

We always offer free quotes for our services and free call outs

Call us now on 01635 826770 or 07771 653289

wwwplumbersberkshirecouk

THATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURYTHATCHAM amp NEWBURY MAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing heating electrical carpentry

Small Building

email williamsronaldbinternetcom

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 13

NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

01635 876777

Free CollectionDeliverymdashFree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs Subject to availability

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

WE CAN HELP

ONLY

pound119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive Thatcham

kitchen fitting

Flooring sash windows

windows doors

staircases built in furniture

garden rooms sheds

decking extensions

roofs

fully trained with 20 years

Experience in both newly built and old

References available

Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOV

Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 0777 58751590777 58751590777 5875159

sid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncom

CARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINER

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 14

FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

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12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

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FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

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ER

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S

Land

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e G

arde

ner

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y C

oom

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bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

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520

1635

860

159

0

778

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35 8

601

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uch

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

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Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 11: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 12

ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED

Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns

VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll

Meetings at HomeBusiness Fees fixed in advance

(01635) 582829 Laws Floors is a small family f irm

committed to going that extra mile

LAWS FLOORS ALL YOUR FLOORING NEEDS

SUPPLIED amp FITTED

DomesticCommercialAdaption No job too small or big

A friendly reliable service that comes to you REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Free estimating service Adaption of old carpets Fitting service Supply of Karndean Carpet delivery Door easing Supply of a massive range of carpets Supply of underlay grippers and door bars

To see a range of samples and get a free quotation

Please contact us Law235btinternetcom T 01491 684020 M 07834 723943

In both puzzles starting top left enter the answers in the grid in a clockwise spiral The last letter of one answer is the first letter of the next The letters in the shaded squares can be rearranged to form the name of an island in puzzle 1 and in puzzle 2 the name of a BBritish Island See page 55 for the answers

SPIRAL CROSSWORDS

Puzzle 1 Puzzle 2

1 European sea (13) 2 Country capital Oslo (6) 3 Colour of the rainbow (6) 4 Political scandal that led

to the impeachment of the USArsquos President Nixon in1974 (9)

5 Book of the Bible which comes after Proverbs (12)

6 Month of the year (9) 7 Most northerly capital city

of Europe (9) 8 Capital of Uganda (7)

1 Country capital Vilnius (9)

2 Sign of the zodiac the water bearer (8)

3 Steven ___ producer of the Jurassic Park films (9)

4 County in which Cheltenham and Tewkesbury are

situated (15) 5 Name of King

Arthurrsquos legendary sword (9)

6 32nd US president (9)

7 Capital of Libya (7) 8 Country capital

Rome (5)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 13

NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

01635 876777

Free CollectionDeliverymdashFree Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs Subject to availability

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

WE CAN HELP

ONLY

pound119 INCLUDING FREE MOT

HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court Berkshire Drive Thatcham

kitchen fitting

Flooring sash windows

windows doors

staircases built in furniture

garden rooms sheds

decking extensions

roofs

fully trained with 20 years

Experience in both newly built and old

References available

Liability insurance

IVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOV

Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 0777 58751590777 58751590777 5875159

sid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncomsid_ivanovmsncom

CARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINERCARPENTER JOINER

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 14

FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

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TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

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Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

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12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

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FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

bsTo

ny

Coo

mbs

Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

520

1635

860

159

0

778

5 52

5752

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

52

BBef

ore

hellip m

uch

pre

par

atio

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nee

ded

Aft

er

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phot

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say

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ll

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

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CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

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ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

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cham

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nect

ions

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rsul

a A

itken

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eadi

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Tel

0118

988

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wth

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Page 12: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

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NEED AN MOT Cars Mini Buses Light

Commercial Classes 4 5L and 7

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AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTSRECOVERY SERVICE

BBIG VALUE FIXED PRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts labour amp VAT Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc

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Flooring sash windows

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Liability insurance

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Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

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Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

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Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

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Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

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I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

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Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

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TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

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Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

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Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

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Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

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12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

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Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

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Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

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NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

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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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

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07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

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SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

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Evening appointments available

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

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Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

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Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

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AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

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CE

S

Land

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e G

arde

ner

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oom

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bs

016

35 8

601

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07

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520

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860

159

0

778

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601

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uch

pre

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

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eadi

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Page 13: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 14

FFALKLANDFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBUILDERSBUILDERS

Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience

01635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 47069301635 201125 amp 07831 470693

Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k Bu i lding wor k

under t a kenunder t a kenunder t a ken

Extensions Extensions Extensions --- AlterationsAlterationsAlterations --- Renovations etcRenovations etcRenovations etc

e falklandbuildershotmailcom

Est over 20 years

wwwjmsoftenerscouk

Service amp Repairs of most makes Free site survey without obligation

Professional advice given

Visit our showroom Unit 1 The Old Mill Reading Road Pangbourne Berkshire RG8 7HY

GJH Plumbing

Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Friendly and Reliable Local PlumberLocal PlumberLocal Plumber Fully InsuredFully InsuredFully Insured

Graham Hayes Tel 01635 862836

Mobile 07704 145859

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

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VI

CE

S

Land

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arde

ner

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016

35 8

601

59

07

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520

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860

159

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

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01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

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Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

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Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

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Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

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Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

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Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

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y B

ridg

e Fa

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use

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ley

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eadi

ng

R

G7

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Tel

0118

988

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th

atch

amco

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co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 14: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 15

I would like to introduce you to Corinthia Capital a new independent mortgage brokerage

My name is Mark Russell and I have lived locally all my life

Having 15 years of experience within the profession I set up Corinthia Capital last year in order to provide the best possible mortgage advice and service to

local people

Whether you are adding to your property portfolio re-mortgaging to stay competitive moving up the ladder or stepping on it for the first time Corinthia Capital can help

I would be delighted to hear from you whatever your mortgage requirements

For the latest information including best buys market comment and much more visit my web-site

wwwcorinthiacapitalcom

Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital Itrsquos in your interest

Y O U R H O M E M A Y B E R E P O S S E S S E D I F Y O U D O N O T K E E P U P R E P A Y M E N T S O N Y O U R M O R T G A G E

There may be a fee for mortgage advice The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances and loan amount Approved and issued by Corinthia Capital Limited Suite 45 Liberty House The Enterprise Centre New Greenham Park Newbury Berkshire RG19 6HW

Copyright 2copy 009 Corinthia Capital all rights reserved

p g g p y

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

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VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

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Land

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601

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

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01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

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ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

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Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 15: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 16

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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C S

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CE

SA

JC

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ER

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 16: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 17

TTHERESA WRIGHT HEALTH THERAPIST

T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E theresatheresamwrightcom W wwwtheresamwrightcom

TREATMENTS

REMEDIAL MASSSAGE THERAPY

AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE

FITNESS amp HEALTH CONSULTATION

ONE ON ONE FITNESS COACHING

SIX WEEK HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME

Theresa has her own

exclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured

of total privacy

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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SA

JC

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ER

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e G

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y C

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y C

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35 8

601

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07

785

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520

1635

860

159

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778

5 52

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 17: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 18

Do you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summerDo you want to get in shape for summer Do you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and outDo you want to feel and look good inside and out

Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm Wednesday 7pm --- 8pm 8pm 8pm --- Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm Sunday 4pm --- 5pm5pm5pm Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)Starting April for 6 weeks (12 sessions)

Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities Suitable for all abilities --- all levelsall levelsall levels Run by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructorsRun by professional fitness instructors

Call Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkoutCall Rob 07710726424 or checkout httpwwwrehttpwwwrehttpwwwre---shapemecoukshapemecoukshapemecouk

can do this for you can do this for you can do this for you

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

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All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

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C8170

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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SA

JC

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ER

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e G

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oom

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y C

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35 8

601

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07

785

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520

1635

860

159

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778

5 52

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35 8

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

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ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 18: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 19

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

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wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

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07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

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SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

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All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

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C8170

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

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Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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07

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860

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 19: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20 Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 20

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

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07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

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Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

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All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

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C8170

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

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Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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07

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520

1635

860

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 20: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 21

Feature

Rich Chocolate Truffle Pot

500g Plain Chocolate (60 or higher)

600ml Double Cream 2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

1 Tablespoon of Dark Rum 1 Vanilla Pod

Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of water In a small pan gently warm the syrup and the rum when they have both melted remove from the heat and allow to cool While you wait for this scrape the seeds from the vanilla pod add to the cream and lightly whip until it forms very soft peaks When the syrup and the chocolate is cooled to around blood temp add both into the cream and whisk until completely combined Split the mixture between 6 ramekins or one large one and chill in the fridge for 4-6 hours Remove from the fridge half an hour before you want to eat and serve with some homemade shortbread

Herb Crusted Lamb Rump with Tomato and Herb Dressing

4 Lamb Rumps 1 egg beaten with a little milk

for the crust 6 slices of white bread

2 teaspoons pine nuts (optional) 1clove of garlic (crushed)

1 teaspoon of dried mixed herbs (double if fresh herbs) 1 tablespoon of good olive oil a good twist of black pepper

pinch of salt

for the dressing 2 large beef tomatoes (seeds removed and chopped)

2 small red onions (finely chopped) 1 clove of garlic (crushed) 3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar pinch of salt

10 leaves of basil a sprig of thyme and a sprig of rosemary

In a heavy based frying pan brown the rumps of lamb for 1-2 mins on all sides seasoning with salt and pepper When brown place in a heat proof dish Remove the pan from the heat and save for making the dressing

For the crust place all ingredients apart from the olive oil in a food processor and pulse until you have a fine crumb - then add the olive oil and process for a few seconds Place the crumbs on a large plate or tray and using the beaten egg brush the sealed lamb rumps well and roll through the crumb mixture Return to the heat proof dish and place in pre-heated oven at 200c 400f for 20 mins Meanwhile using the same pan used for the lamb add the onions garlic and olive oil and cook on a medium heat for approx 10 minutes add the rest of the ingredients and turn down to very low stirring every couple of minutes Remove the lamb and place in a serving dish rest for 5 minutes and then drizzle over the hot dressing and serve with the vegetables of your choice

John Dennis John Dennis John Dennis Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court Chef at Thatcham Court

shares two special recipes withshares two special recipes withshares two special recipes with Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for Thatcham Connectionsrsquo readers for

special use over the special use over the special use over the Easter periodEaster periodEaster period

ldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquoldquoHappy Easter and I hope you will enjoy these two celebratory dishesrdquo

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

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Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

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Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

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Evening appointments available

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C8170

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

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Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

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ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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07

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860

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 21: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 22

Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright

How are those New Yearrsquos Resolutions As we move into Spring weather (fingers crossed) how many of you are slipping from your New Yearrsquos Resolutions Did you manage to lose those Christmas poundskilos Have you managed to fit some exercise into your busy life How are your eating habits

Here are some great tips to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle

Make fruit and vegetables part of each meal For breakfast make a smoothie with fresh or frozen blueberries raspberries bananas freshly squeezed orange or pink grapefruit juice and mix with natural yoghurt Add some fresh fruit sliced apple dusted with cinnamon sliced pear dusted with ground ginger to your cereal For lunch try a vegetable soup ndash if you donrsquot have time to make some yourself choose from the fresh cartons in the supermarket Toast a slice of wholemeal bread cut a clove of garlic in half and squish over the toast

drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and spoon on some heated tin tomatoes If you have time grill halved fresh tomatoes (sit them on a basil leaf first for extra flavour) and use those You could also slice up a courgette and add that too ndash they are really tasty raw - For dinner add broccoli spinach or broad beans (frozen are fine) to pasta dishes ndash even spaghetti Bolognese

Choose water instead of fruit juices Keep a bottle of water handy at your desk or a glass of water in the kitchen or by the ironing and sip it during the day (I have two glasses of water on my desk as I type)

Plan your meals a couple of days in advance This will help you to keep to a healthy eating plan as you know whatrsquos coming up over the next day or so Plan a couple of hours in your week when you can make some freezable meals for those occasions when everything goes wrong and you are not going to get a healthy dish prepared for the next meal Rather than chocolates for Easter perhaps you could ask for a new cookery book Try cooking some vegetarian meals especially if you have never done so in the past Try and eat fish at least twice a week There are lots of television programmes nowadays about cooking look out for some that make fish the main part of the programme to get you inspired

Try and take some sort of exercise every day Park the car a little further away from your destination get off one stop earlier from the bus or train walk the kids to school walk up the stairs at work make it a rule never to use a lift

Even if you canrsquot manage all these ideas incorporate one or two into your daily life and see how much better you feel All ready to spring into Summer Theresa Wright Health Therapist 0118 9710255 E-mail theresatheresamwrightcom wwwtheresamwrightcom

see page 17

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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SA

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ER

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07

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520

1635

860

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

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Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 22: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 23

FFFFUNERALUNERALUNERAL DDDIRECTORSIRECTORSIRECTORS amp amp amp MMMEMORIALEMORIALEMORIAL CCCONSULTANTSONSULTANTSONSULTANTS

15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire

RG14 6DB Tel 01635 41615

Fax 01635 522050

Dignity Funerals Ltd A company registered in England

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

New Memorials Supplied and Installed

Existing Memorials Renovated and Cleaned

Headstones Tablets Vases

Pet Memorials House Signs

Personal Service and Home Visits Enquiries 0118 9815591 07917 818508818508818508

MEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

bsTo

ny

Coo

mbs

Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

520

1635

860

159

0

778

5 52

5752

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

52

BBef

ore

hellip m

uch

pre

par

atio

n is

nee

ded

Aft

er

t

he

phot

ogra

phs

say

it a

ll

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

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01635 2000 00

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01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

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The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

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Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

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Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

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Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

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Stress related conditions

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IBS

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M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

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01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

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Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

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Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

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Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 23: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 24

12 Lamb Close Thatcham

Berkshire RG18 3UE

01635 872285 07849078204

INDOOR WORK

flooring - tiling - carpentry - flat pack assembly - shelving - decorating and much much more

OUTDOOR WORK

fencing - patios - repointing - garden maintenance - from domestic one-offs to regular commercial contracts

ldquoI am reliable and honestrdquo Reasonable costs

References available

Fully insured

I am a well established handyman and I can turn my hand to many things

I am also an Approved Contractor for the Local Parish Council

Now that Spring is in the air it is the ideal time to brighten up your home and get your garden blitzed

Here are some examples of the work I do - but please see my website to see more

wwwberkshirehandymanservicescouk

PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN

All major credit cards accepted

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

bsTo

ny

Coo

mbs

Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

520

1635

860

159

0

778

5 52

5752

016

35 8

601

59

07

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52

BBef

ore

hellip m

uch

pre

par

atio

n is

nee

ded

Aft

er

t

he

phot

ogra

phs

say

it a

ll

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 37

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

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Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

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nect

ions

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rsul

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itken

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ridg

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eadi

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988

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atch

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Page 24: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 25

FFREE

FITTING FREE MEASURING

SHOWROOM HIGH ST THATCHAM

Romans Wood Venetian Pleated Vertical Blinds Rollers Plantation Shutters Conservatory Blinds

Keenest Prices - Best Service We are a local family business

Call PAUL or SUE 01635 866600

wwwsmart_blindsnet

SSSMARTMARTMART BBBLINDSLINDSLINDS amp Samp Samp SHUTTERSHUTTERSHUTTERS

Free Security Advice amp Estimates 01635 868 318

101A Park Lane Thatcham Berkshire

To ALL Types of Doors Windows and Garages

UPVc Door and Window Maintenance

Specialists

All makes of Locks OpenedFittedReplacedRepaired

CAP SECURITY

LOCAL LOCKSMITHS

Professional Family Run Business

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

WHEELERS GREEN WAY THATCHAM

07875 386490

mpelectricsymailcom

NAPIT registered

Free no obligation quote

Fully insured

ELECTRICIAN

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

TTTHEHEHE MMMATUREATUREATURE HHHANDYMANANDYMANANDYMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

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RV

IC

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

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PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

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cham

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Page 25: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 26

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 He offers a lsquopay as you gorsquo service based on very reasonable half hourly rates or fixed price quotes for jobs of 8 hours or more duration

For all the jobs you canrsquot do yourself PLUMBING from a new tap washer to a new bathroom suite CARPENTRY c u r t a i n r a i l s hanging doors flat p ack fu rn i t ure assembly FLOORING From a cloakroom to an entire house we have a large selection of carpets vinyls or wood laminate flooring which can be supplied and fitted expertly PAINTING Internal and external p a i n t i n g a n d decorating

MMMARTINARTINARTIN NNNEWMANEWMANEWMAN

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

01635 860207 or 07970 897317 emartinnewman1956btinternetcom

wwwthematurehandymancom

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

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All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

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AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

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HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

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3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

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PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

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ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

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Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 26: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 27

Lady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp DecoratorLady Painter amp Decorator

Jackie Cleaver

07771 636990

Supply and fit hardwood flooringRestore and repair original floors

Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service

Competitive prices Fully Insured

Tel 01488 684078 Mob 07931330310

wwwoaktree-floorscouk

Hungerford

SPECIALIST IN OIL FIRED HEATING

AND PLUMBING

OFTEC Registered company

All work guaranteed

Evening appointments available

e boilersupportrpsllpcouk T 01189 810 310 M 07795 063 067 wwwrpsllpcouk

C8170

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

bsTo

ny

Coo

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Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

785

5257

520

1635

860

159

0

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5 52

5752

016

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BBef

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uch

pre

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nee

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Aft

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phot

ogra

phs

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it a

ll

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

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01635 2000 00

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01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

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The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

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Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

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Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

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Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

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Stress related conditions

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IBS

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M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

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01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

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Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

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Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

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Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 27: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 28

AAberdeen Beef Welsh Lamb Poultry and Game

Wyatts B U T C H E R S

The Old Dairy Wolverton Park Wolverton Tadley Hants RG26 5RU Telephone 01635 299399

mobile 07949 751099

D e l i v e r y S e r v i c e

Family Butcher - Quality our first Consideration

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

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Land

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oom

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Ton

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016

35 8

601

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520

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uch

pre

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nee

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Aft

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phot

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phs

say

it a

ll

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 37

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

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Page 28: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 29

HHome Computer Troubleshooter

Starting from scratch or just needing a few pointers

Digital Photography

Email and Internet browsing

Virus Removal

Want advice on updating

Any Hardware or Software problems

Has your computer got a mind of its own

Irsquom here to help Sarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

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3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

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PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

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ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

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SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

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BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

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use

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ley

R

eadi

ng

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Tel

0118

988

6070

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mai

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th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

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atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 29: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 30

Feature Behind the lenshellip The Slippery Slope Hello again Irsquom TV cameraman Rob Llewellyn and once more I offer an insight to my interesting job

This time Irsquom going to tell you about another assignment for Diverse Television Bristol working with Bear Grylls Wersquove been filming a new programme for the Discovery Channel entitled ldquoBear Meetshelliprdquo This is on the same theme as Born Survivor on Channel 4 but this time one lucky celebrity gets to spend 48 hours on a journey with Bear and his crew The location was northern Sweden our base was well inside the Arctic Circle with night time temperatures of -20C and daily highs of -12C At the start of the assignment the name of our guest celebrity was kept a secret even from the crew Bear had let us know it could be an A list film star and that they were already on their way Which Hollywood star in their right mind would consider putting themselves through this hazardous and physically demanding experience The success of the programme had obviously opened some very interesting doors

For this shoot we needed to plan a journey that would include all the elements of a Bear Grylls programme helicopters jumps climbs swims making a shelter and eating whatever nature can provide but condensed into two days It wasnrsquot going to be easy

The crew always lsquoreccersquo in advance of Bear so we know where the difficult and sometimes dangerous camera positions are going to be This would keep us safe and allow Bear and his celebrity guest to get into the most awkward situations It also gives the support specialists the pilots and rope safety experts a chance to check and work out the best routes into and out of the tight corners

Surrounded by mountainous terrain the quickest way to get a look at any location is by helicopter Wersquod found what looked from the air to be a great possibility a beautiful icy river gorge running down to a frozen lake and then a climb out up another steep gorge The pilot found a landing spot near the top of the gorge so the crew director cameraman sound recordist and our mountain guide set out on what would hopefully become part of the journey for the shoot

On the ground watching the helicopter fly off it was even more spectacular cliffs and stunning waterfalls set solid with ice displaying the most

amazing colours Sometimes it looked so perfect it could have been a film set but as with the nature of the Arctic danger is always present We were a crew experienced in these conditions but it always concentrates the mind when you are hanging on a rope over a nasty crevice

This journey had a lot of difficulties even before wersquod started the actual shoot Dangerously high drops rocks covered in torturous ice and deep snow drifts made passage hard and slow

We had been on the ground a couple of hours traversing the highest part of the gorge and successfully descending a small frozen waterfall All was going well then in an instant everything changed

Another adventure to follow in issue 26

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

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S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

bsTo

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Coo

mbs

Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

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520

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860

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phot

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

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01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

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For a free and friendly consultation

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Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

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Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

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Stress related conditions

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IBS

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M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

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01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

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Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

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MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

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TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

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rsul

a A

itken

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ble

5

Gra

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y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

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eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 30: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 31

Bruce Bamber Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)

Who said life was easy

Whether as a last resort to get things back to how they used to be or to make things better than they ever have been

counselling may be able to help depression - stress - bereavement relationship difficulties - anxiety - self esteem - guilt - sexual issues - confidence - anger - self-harm - coping - life choices - abuse

t 07769 783424 wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service

Based in Newbury

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

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ny

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Ton

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bs

016

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601

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520

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ll

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 37

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 31: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 32

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

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DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

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The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

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CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

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ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

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Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

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Call or email for a no obligation quotation

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 32: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 33

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

SA

JC

SE

RV

IC

ES

AJ

C S

ER

VI

CE

S

Land

scap

e G

arde

ner

Ton

y C

oom

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ny

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Ton

y C

oom

bs

016

35 8

601

59

07

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520

1635

860

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0

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ore

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uch

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par

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nee

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phot

ogra

phs

say

it a

ll

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 37

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

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ions

That

cham

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nect

ions

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a A

itken

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y B

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Page 33: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 34

PPhotographs by courtesy of Newbury Garden Buildings

Sometimes a change in the family warrants a new look at the home ndash when children leave for Uni when they come back () or when they marry and move away And it may not seem to be the right moment to downsize to move away from family and friends to retire early Yet there is that urge to do something different to be creative to take up a new hobby to relax more Now could be the time to reclaim that room which is full of books and clutter give it a coat of paint replace the worn carpet - possibly even put in a new window or skylight - fin-

ishing it off with some stylish cushions and a lovely new modern blind

So whether you want a place to play a place to relax a place to entertain or a new environment for meals perhaps you could do it all surrounded by the harmony of your garden where you can definitely take advantage of all available light throughout the year It can be a real revelation to look at your garden from a different aspect ndash to enjoy your hard work out there from a comfort-able chair inside in the warmth of a conservatory or garden building heated by the sun on the coldest of days

Itrsquos a matter of choice whether you want to use the extra warm space to continue your horticultural ambitions inside for extra interest through the winter ndash or whether you want to keep plants to a minimum to avoid the extra cleaning and maintenance that they can bring with them But be assured you will wonder why you did not take this step long ago as you enjoy the comfort and bright light at all times throughout the year Many people were quite speechless when they heard we had added a conservatory to our house a few years ago when we became Empty Nesters They are over the shock now because we have friends in for a meal more often - very informal hassle-free food - maybe barbecued and brought in to eat and to enjoy warmth and comfort Yes we also have a life Ed

EMPTY NESTERShelliphellipOR THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

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Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

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For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

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ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 34: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 35

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 37

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

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PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

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ions

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cham

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rsul

a A

itken

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ble

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y B

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eadi

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Page 35: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

DDDDOOO YOUYOUYOU NEEDNEEDNEED HELPHELPHELP ANDANDAND ADVICEADVICEADVICE WITHWITHWITH Buying a PC

Setting up a new PC Moving data from one PC to another

DDDOOO YOUYOUYOU WANTWANTWANT TOTOTO Share your printer between multiple PCrsquos

Share your Internet connection between multiple PCrsquos

Back up your documents photos and music Set-up a home network

Utilise secure wireless networking Protect your PC from viruses and spyware

AAARERERE YOUYOUYOU AAA HOMEHOMEHOME OROROR SMALLSMALLSMALL BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS PC PC PC USERUSERUSER

FFFOROROR AFFORDABLEAFFORDABLEAFFORDABLE PROFESSIONALPROFESSIONALPROFESSIONAL HELPHELPHELP

Clive Stanley Tel 01635 297337 Email clivestanleygmailcom

OO VERVER 30 30 YEARSYEARS EXPERIENCEEXPERIENCE WORKINGWORKING WITHWITH COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 37

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

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ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

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ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 36: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 37

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 37: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 38

In the winter I donrsquot neglect my garden completely Far from it I keep an eye on the snowdrops and hellebores spread manure on the vegetable garden prune the apples and pear trees clean out the greenhouse and shed But there is a di s tan ce somehow between the garden and me It is not until the advent of a fine day in late winter or early spring that I really get up close and personal once more Reacquainting myself with the sights the sounds and the smells of the garden is one of the high points of the gardening year

This is the time when I remake my connection with the weeds in my garden which at this moment are with one except ion qu i te a charming lot Charming because their hold on the soil is so nebulous so fragile that they can be pulled away easily This is the time for speedwell for bitter cress for trails of goosegrass for fragrant deadnettle to be swept away into the bucket in an expansive gloved gesture I wrote lsquowith one exceptionrsquo for early spring often means a doughty batt l e wi th annua l meadow grass an annual with the fiercely tenacious roots of a perennial Annual meadow grass

brings me quite literally to my knees This is work which requires a stainless steel hand fork a bungey rubber kneeling mat and a humble attitude At this time of year I spend my time burrowing amongst rose bushes digging out the meadow grass clump by clump as carefully as possible so as not to disturb the shallow-lying rose roots On an ordinary day in late spring or summer this task would soon pall but on the first day of the spring offensive it has all the benefit of novelty as well as affording the chance to smell the earth once more It may be a prosaic combination of bacteria fungi and decaying vegetable matter but the scent of soil in spring is both invigorating and cheering - particularly if it is connected as it usually is with the sound of a robin high in the Bramley apple tree nearby his stroppy territorial attitude resulting in a riot of tuneful song

I always imagined that the old saying lsquoa March dust is worth a kingrsquos ransomrsquo referred to the fact that you are lucky indeed if you have a workable soil in March suitable for sowing agricultural crops But I like to think it also refers to a soil dry enough to weed without that dragging

Feature Gardening Pagehellip Borderlines by Ursula Buchan

clamminess which is so depressing to the spirits and a soil that wonrsquot be damaged by treading on it In my part of the world which is Northamptonshire and in a garden where the soil is mainly heavy March dusts donrsquot come along very often - except in the specially-made free-draining raised beds in the vegetable patch and in the lighter soil in the flower borders close to the old cottage privy (donrsquot ask) So that is where I tend to concentrate my efforts until the days lengthen and the sunshine strengthens Once a good stretch of weeding is completed and the old stems of grasses and perennials have been cut down to reveal the fresh young green of new shoots I can take myself off with a good conscience and start to sow vegetable seeds How pleasant it is after the winter lay-off to make a lsquodrillrsquo and bury the seed of broad beans carrots parsnips or peas If the weather forecast is for cold and wet conditions it may be necessary to cover the rows with horticultural fleece (pegged down firmly since it is very prone to fly away in the wind) but still I feel that the garden is on the move and the earth is turning once more

Ursula Buchan is a trained gardener who has spent many years writing for national newspapers and magazines notably The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator Her fifteenth book Back to the Garden was published recently by

Frances Lincoln wwwursula-buchancouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

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01635 2000 00

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01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

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The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

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Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

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FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

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Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

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Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

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Stress related conditions

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IBS

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01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

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001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

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TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

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FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

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Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

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G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

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th

atch

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co

uk

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atch

amco

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co

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Page 38: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 39

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

gardenthymeserviceshotmailcouk

Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services

Their services include

RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties weekly fortnightly or monthly visits

Small tree removals

Hedge CuttingPruning

Garden clearances

Jet Washing

FenceShed Painting

Weed control

Scarifying services

Rotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments

Mark Ian

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 39: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 40

Berkshire AquaticsBerkshire Aquatics

Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design amp Build

Paramount Pools LtdParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd

01635 201854

01635 201623

Newbury Garden BuildingsNewbury Garden Buildings

01635 2000 00

01635 202232

01635 202300

The Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd

Renewable Energy Showroom amp Consultancy

01635 203344

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

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atch

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Page 40: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 41

The snow has gone and warmer weather is on its way Trees are beginning to bud and birds are busy building their nests Perhaps now is a good time for us to think about reinforcing our own homes with one of the many mortgage products new to the market this Spring The early part of 2010 has seen lenders desperately trying to gain market share and many have reported their wish to double their lending from what was on offer in 2009 So what does this mean for us Well the amount of mortgage products has soared in recent months offering far greater competition the number of 90 mortgages has doubled and lendersrsquo approvals continue to climb Only recently the Bank of England chose to keep the base rate at its historical low of 050 As a result of this many of us have been tempted to stick with our current mortgage lenders on their low Standard Variable Rates as there has been no reason to switch However things are changinghellip While the base rate does remain low some lenders have increased their Standard Variable Rates for customers who have come off their initial ldquohoneymoon periodrdquo which means that many people could now find a much more competitive mortgage out there With rates not getting any lower and with the uncertainty of rates only rising at some point in the future this Spring is an excellent time to take charge of your mortgage and look at alternatives

I invite you to visit the web- site and look at the current lsquobest buysrsquo and register for the eNewsletter to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive Then safe in the knowledge that you have the best mortgage available for your own circumstances you can relax and enjoy the Spring sunshine Independent mortgage advice with Corinthia Capital ndash Itrsquos in your interest

please see page 15

MMark Russell

can be contacted on

01635 20 25 26

Spring into action

Feature Our Mortgage Advisor - Mark Russell

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

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e Fa

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ley

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eadi

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Tel

0118

988

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Page 41: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 42

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

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raze

ley

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eadi

ng

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Tel

0118

988

6070

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th

atch

amco

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co

uk

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atch

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co

uk

Page 42: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 43

The school offers a range of dance classes for adults -

Ballroom Latin American and Sequence Dancing All abilities

with little sense of rhythm - to those who wish to improve their technique and style CCllaasssseess hheelldd iinn NNeewwbbuurryy

TThhaattcchhaamm ampamp CCoolldd AAsshh

0011663355 558800993300 wwwwww11sstteeppaahheeaaddiinnffoo SScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaanncceeSScchhooooll ooff DDaannccee

Ruby Tuesday

Wedding Venue and reception flowers

Every Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a DreamEvery Bride has a Dream and everyand everyand every

Bride has a BudgetBride has a BudgetBride has a Budget

Let us help you achieve your dream within your budget created delivered and placed in venue

For a free and friendly consultation

Jenny 0118 9412884 Christine 01635 862996

Cclifford6aolcom wwwrubytuesdayflowerscouk

Also sympathy tributes

Complete Beginner Partly trained to near test standard Refresher courses Pass Plus and Motorway lessons

EEnnjjooyy yyoouurr ddrriivviinngg ttoo tthhee ffuulllleesstt aanndd bbuuiilldd yyoouurr ccoonnffiiddeennccee uunnddeerr tthhee gguuiiddaannccee ooff aa ffuullllyy qquuaalliiffiieedd iinnssttrruuccttrreessss

FC CUMMINS amp SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009

HORSEANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS

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

Horse Feed from pound550 per bag Cash amp Carry or Delivery

Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on

01635 200327

BBUUCCKKIINNGGHHAAMM LLAANNDDSSCCAAPPIINNGG ampamp GGRROOUUNNDDWWOORRKKSS

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

Tel 01635 269216 wwwbuckinghamlandscapingcouk

RROOGGEERRRROOGGEERRRROOGGEERR FFIISSFFIISSFFIISSHHEERRHHEERRHHEERR

CCaarrppeenntteerrJJooiinneerr KKiittcchheenn FFiitttteerr GGllaazzee TTiilliinngg

HHoouussee MMaaiinntteennaannccee PPaaiinnttiinnggDDeeccoorraattiinngg

3300 YYeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

TTeell 0011663355 882277669900 mmoobb 0077887766 558888772211

PPCC DDEECCOORRAATTIINNGG PPaauu ll CCoouu llssoonn TTeell 0077777711 661100223300 oorr 0011663355 220011883355

LLooccaall PPaaiinntteerr aanndd DDeeccoorraattoorr wwiitthh 88 yyeeaarrss EExxppeerriieennccee

AAllll ttyyppeess ooff ddeeccoorraattiinngg uunnddeerrttaakkeenn iinncclluuddiinngg ppllaasstteerriinngg ampamp wwaallllppaappeerriinngg

CCaallll nnooww ttoo aarrrraannggee aa FFRREEEE NNoo OObblliiggaattiioonn QQuuoottaattiioonn

NNoo jjoobb TToooo SSmmaallll

LLooookkiinngg ttoo hhaavvee aa ddiissccoo ppaarrttyy ttoo cceelleebbrraattee PPeerrhhaappss ffoorr aa bbiirrtthhddaayy aa wweeddddiinngg oorr jjuusstt ffoorr

ffuunn WWee hhaavvee yyoouurr ffaavvoouurriittee mmuussiicc ffoorr aannyy ooccccaassiioonn

AAllll eevveennttss ccaatteerreedd ffoorr aatt ffaavvoouurraabbllee rraatteess FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss

iinnffoopprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk wwwwwwpprroossoouunnddzzccoouukk

07887 845241

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 43: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 44

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 44: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 45

FFor all your soft furnishing and sewing needs

Curtains blinds pelmets and alterations Fabric choices and advice available

Contact Judy Connolly

07747 634556 wwwindigodesigncouk

Hire or buy a hat or fascinator

Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 0118 9816555

GET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATS

wwwgetaheadhatscouk e margaretgetaheadhatscouk

Est 1993

DIRTY COOKER THE UKrsquoS NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE

OVENS HOBS RANGES amp AGAS

YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING

NEWBURY amp THATCHAM Call Angela 01488 684955

ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN ARE YOUR OVEN CLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVEDCLEANERS APROVED

BY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADINGBY BERKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS STANDARDS STANDARDS

wwwcookerburracouk

Stress related conditions

MMuscle aches amp pains

IBS

Insomnia

M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S Now available at

Clairersquos HairdressingHollyrsquos Beauty 32 High Street Thatcham

01635 862223 10 discount with this voucher

07770 862413

Telephone 07894 985353 Email adamslarkstudioshotmailcouk

Call or email for a no obligation quotation

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

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Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

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G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 45: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 46

001635 268544

Thornford RoadCrookham CommonNewbury RG19 8EL

Good Homes required for Ex-Racing Greyhounds

All Dogs Walked Daily Professional Care and Attention at all times

Viewing welcome by appointment For further details please ring

(free to suitable homes)

THATCHAM SURGERY 10 London Road Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel 01635 868382

TADLEY SURGERY Old Kiln House Silchester Road Tadley Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel 0118 981 5500

24 Hour Emergency Service

Clinical expertise Full facilities including hospitalisation

Friendly and helpful staff

NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery Oxford Road

01635 47170 (Small Animals Farm and 24 Hour) 01635 39039 (Equine)

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 46: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 47

FFrroomm 33 AApprriill 33 MMaayy NNaattiioonnaall PPeett MMoonntthh will be celebrating its 21st birthday Thou-sands of people will be celebrating life with their pets at hundreds of events up and down the country While many of these events will raise funds for local animal charities National Pet Month is not just about fund raising It is also all about raising awareness of how pets

can repay the pets we love by really looking after them responsibly

TToopp TTeenn TTiippss ffoorr RReessppoonnssiibbllee

PPeett OOwwnneerrsshhiipp TThhiinnkk carefully before getting a pet and learn about its special requirements

EEnnssuurree your pet is sociable and well trained

PPrroovviiddee a nutritious and well balanced diet

PPrroovviiddee suitable housing and bedding

CClleeaann uupp after your pet and worm it regu-larly

PPrrootteecctt against disease Your vet can provide you with advice

PPrreevveenntt unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate

GGrroooomm your pet regularly

CCoonnttrrooll your pet and ensure it is properly identified

TTaakkee oouutt pet insurance for dogs cats rabbits and horses to cover against un-expected veterinary fees and third party liability

DDeettaaiillss ooff hhooww ttoo jjooiinn iinn aanndd bbeeccoommee aa ssuuppppoorrtteerr wwhheetthheerr bbyy sseettttiinngg uupp aann eevveenntt

wweebbssiittee wwwwwwnnaattiioonnaallppeettmmoonntthhoorrgguukk

We have many cats seeking loving homes

especially older cats fundraising volunteers always needed

For further information contact 01635 200111

Open daily 11am-3pm by appointment wwwnewburycatsorguk

Protection Newbury Cats

MMoobbiillee DDoogg GGrroooommiinngg SSeerrvviiccee

PPaammppeerr YYoouurr DDoogg IInn TThhee CCoommffoorrttss OOff YYoouurr OOwwnn HHoommee

TTrriimmmmiinnggCClliippppiinngg BBrruusshhiinnggBBaatthhiinngg TTuurrbboo DDrryyiinngg EEaarr CClleeaanniinngg NNaaiill CClliippppiinngg

FFrriieennddllyy RReelliiaabbllee SSeerrvviiccee CCiittyy ampamp GGuuiillddss TTrraaiinneedd

TTeell 0077776666 330033447766

wwwwwwhheelleennsshhaaiirryyhhoouunnddssccoouukk

TTEEAACCHHEESS AALLLL LLEEVVEELLSS FFRROOMM NNOOVVIICCEE TTOO CCOOMMPPEETTIITTIIOONN

DDrreeww hhaass ttrraannssffoorrmmeedd mmyy ttrriicckkyy mmaarree wwiitthh hhiiss uunniiqquueellyy

qquuiittee tthhee ddrreessssaaggee hhoorrssee nnooww

SSoommee mmaayy ffiinndd hhiiss ssttyyllee qquuiirrkkyy oorr uunnccoonnvveennttiioonnaall bbuutt hhee hhaass aallmmoosstt aa ssiixxtthh sseennssee

EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEDD IINN TTUURRNNOOUUTT OOFF

HHOORRSSEESS ampamp PPOONNIIEESS FFOORR SSHHOOWWIINNGG

22 SSTTAABBLLEESS AAVVAAIILLAABBLLEE FFOORR

LLIIVVEERRYY

PPLLEEAASSEE RRIINNGG

Andrew Ward Andrew Ward RReeggiisstteerreedd BBHHSS 1111 SSMM

BBaasseedd nneeaarr JJ1122 MM44 BBeerrkksshhiirree

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

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Face First Clinic now at Bernies

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call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 47: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 48

Easter is the g r e a t e s t festival of the Christian faith and around the world over 2 b i l l i o n Christians will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on

4 April In Europe and the Americas even in China (where it is estimated there are as many as 100 million Christians) and in Asia and all across the globe people will gather to worship with great joy and celebration on Easter Sunday

So Easter is a time when Christians celebrate the new life brought by Jesus when he rose from the dead And this is why eggs are such a universal symbol of Easter ndash within the egg is a new life hidden inside Also the shape is a little like the stone in front of the tomb Jesus was put in and an empty egg shell is rather like the empty tomb which Jesus left behind

Eggs have been part of Easter celebrations for centuries In the Middle Ages in England ordinary chicken or duck eggs were brought by parishioners to church at Easter to be blessed by the priest Later on people painted or dyed these eggs and later still it led to the giving and receiving of carved and decorated wooden eggs The household accounts of Edward 1 for the year 1290 recorded an expenditure of eighteen pennies for four hundred and fifty eggs to be gold-leafed and coloured for Easter gifts

There are many different egg customs and practices around the world In Greece eggs are hard-boiled on the Thursday before Easter and dyed red for Good Friday to recall the blood Christ shed on the cross The eggs are then used in a game on Easter Sunday where competitors knock their eggs together to see if they can crack the other personrsquos egg without breaking their own

In Germany there is a tradition of lsquoEgg dancingrsquo where fresh henrsquos eggs are

placed on the floor and the idea is to see who can dance among them without breaking any eggs In some parts of the UK there is a similar Easter dance called lsquohop-eggrsquo Perhaps this could catch on in Thatcham In many countries across the world there are egg hunts or egg-rolling games One famously takes place on the White House lawn every Easter

But it would be hard to imagine Easter without chocolate eggs (approximately 80 million chocolate eggs are sold annually in the UK) indeed a recent survey by the University of Exeter asked children what Christians celebrate on Easter Sunday More than one child replied lsquochocolatersquo

And yet it was not until the nineteenth century that chocolate eggs began to appear The earliest ones were solid chocolate and came from France and Germany but Fryrsquos began production in Britain in 1873 Today itrsquos Cadburyrsquos that has the worldrsquos best-selling chocolate egg - the Cadburyrsquos Creme Egg which was launched in 1971

So eggs ndash humble chicken eggs or delicious chocolate eggs are part of our Easter traditions because of the new life they represent At St Maryrsquos church Thatcham the 10am Easter service is followed by an Easter egg hunt Our celebration of the risen Christ wouldnrsquot be complete without just a little bit of chocolatehellip

Revd Becky Bevan curate St Maryrsquos Thatcham

SServices at the parish church of St Maryrsquos Thatcham on Easter Sunday

600am Sunrise Service

800am Holy Communion

1000am Festival Communion for all

the family

630pm Festival Evensong

Feature Celebrating Easter with eggs

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 48: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 49

A local charity for local people

providing support care and information

For more information please contact

001635 31542 FREE EASTER EGG TO THE FIRST FORTY

READERS WHO BRING THIS AD INTO THE SHOP IN APRIL

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 49: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 50

0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT

SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES

Frozen food Live food Full range of heating Decorative accessories

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 50: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 51

Empress Maria was so delighted by this gift that Alexander ap-pointed Fabergeacute a lsquogoldsmith by special appointment to the Im-perial Crownrsquo He commissioned another egg the following year However after that Peter Carl Fabergeacute who headed the House was apparently given complete freedom for future Imperial Easter Eggs as from this date their designs become more elaborate According to the Fabergeacute family tradition not even the Czar knew what form they would take the only stipulation was that each one should contain a surprise Fol-lowing the death of Alexander III on November 1st 1894 his son presented a Fabergeacute egg to both his wife the Empress Al-exandra Fedorovna and to his mother the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna

No eggs were made for 1904 and 1905 because of the Russo-Japanese War Once an initial design had been approved by Peter Carl Fabergeacute the work was carried out by an entire team of craftsmen among them Michael Perkhin Henrik Wigstroumlm and Erik August Kol-lin

The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame and Fabergeacute made some other large eggs for just a few select private clients such as the Duchess of Marlborough the Nobels the Rothschilds and the Yusupovs Among them is a series of seven eggs made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch

Fabergeacute eggs

Article taken from Wilkipedia

What presents might you give at Easter

A Fabergeacute egg is any one of the thousands of jewelled eggs made by the House of Fabergeacute from 1885 to 1917 The major-ity of these were miniature ones that were popular gifts at Eastertide They would be worn on a neck chain either singly or in groups

The eggs are made of precious metals or hard stones deco-rated with combinations of enamel and gem stones The term ldquoFabergeacute eggrdquo has become a synonym of luxury and the eggs are regarded as master-pieces of the jewellers art The Fabergeacute Imperial Easter Eggs are regarded as the last great series of commissions for objets drsquoart

The story began when Czar Alexander III decided to give his wife the Empress Maria Fe-dorovna an Easter Egg in 1885 possibly to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their betrothal It is believed that the Czarrsquos inspiration for the piece was an egg owned by the Empressrsquos aunt Princess Wilhelmine Marie of Denmark which had capti-vated Mariarsquos imagination in her childhood Known as the Hen Egg it is crafted from gold Its opaque white enamelled lsquoshellrsquo opens to reveal its first sur-prise a matte yellow gold yolk This in turn opens to reveal a multi-coloured gold hen that also opens It contains a minute diamond replica of the Imperial Crown from which a small ruby pendant was suspended Unfor-tunately these last two sur-prises have been lost

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 51: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 52

Migraine affects up to 15 of the UK population Sufferers experience severe headaches and may also experience double vision nausea and vomiting lasting for up to 3 days Migraines are often thought to be caused by stress hormonal imbalances lack of food andor sleep or by a reaction to some foods or medications Migraine is more than just a headache it is the most common of neurological conditions more common than diabetes epilepsy and asthma combined

Despite its prevalence migraine sufferers can feel helpless and alone and can find all areas of their lives affected Their jobs relationships and social lives may suffer as a result of this debilitating condition Worse still for those who suffer regularly the dread of incurring an attack can cause them to limit their activities and prevent them from living life to the full

Acupuncture has become a popular and successful treatment for migraine sufferers and has been endorsed by the British Medical Association as an effective treatment British doctors have found that acupuncture can reduce the number of days of migraine a person has each year as well as reducing the amount of

medication they need and days off work (British Medical Journal March 2004) Research has shown that acupuncture can be very beneficial in the treatment of migraines as it tends to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks

Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2500 years in China to restore promote and maintain good health When you visit an acupuncture practitioner they will take a full medical history building up a complete picture of your health Migraine can manifest in very different ways and your practitioner will want to know where the pain is located what the nature of the pain is and whether you have any accompanying symptoms An individual diagnosis and treatment plan is then tailored to you based on this information and on your general health history

Acupuncture needles will be inserted into acupuncture points in various places on your body These needles are fine and solid (quite unlike hollow hypodermic needles) and are not usually felt as they enter your skin Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and dietary advice to ensure that in all areas of your life you are working to reduce and prevent the recurrence of migraine

JJoanna Phillips BSc (Hons) BA (Hons) LicAc BAcC

For more information or to book an appointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664 or visit her website

wwwjoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 52: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 53

BBernies

Hair amp Beauty Barn 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 dermological prescription facial and receive a 15 min back neck and shoulder massage free

07717 507839 email revive_beautyyahoocouk

Face First Clinic now at Bernies

ldquoEnhance the beautiful yourdquo with non-invasive treatments such as Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox) Dermal Fillers Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion

call Karen on 007917 890510 to book you FREE consultation When you mention this advertisement receive 10 off your first treatment

Karen Hackwood

Acupuncture can relieve specific symptoms or just maintain health and wellbeing Conditions treated include pain and injuries infertility menstrual and menopausal problems insomnia digestive disorders ME depression tobacco and drug addiction and much more Please see opposite page To find out how acupuncture can help you call Joanna on 07534 972664 or email infojoannaphillipsacupuncturecouk

Joanna Phillips

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 53: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 54

CCommon misconceptions in Family Law In this article Jo Beasley Family Practitioner at Gardner Leader LLP solicitors in Thatcham addresses some of the common misconceptions that she encounters from clients Irsquod like a ldquoquickierdquo divorce

When I advise clients that their divorce is likely to take between four to five months they often question why footballersrsquo wives or film stars only have to wait six weeks What is not reported in the media is that the six week period quoted is just the time between the issue of the Decree Nisi the first stage of the divorce and the availability of the Decree Absolute which is the final part whereby the marriage is dissolved The work leading up to the issue of the Decree Nisi involves drafting and issuing the Petition and waiting for the Court to serve the papers to the Respondent Only then can the application for the Decree Nisi date be made which is usually set for around four to five weeks later

If I receive legal aid ndash I wonrsquot have to pay a penny

Legal Aid ndash or public funding as it is now called ndash is not always free If as a result of receiving public funding a client receives a lump sum or keeps the family home they may have to repay all their legal fees either immediately (if they receive money) or at some time in the future On many occasions as well clients have to pay a monthly contribution towards their funding if their income is over a certain level

Do I have rights as the ldquoCommon Lawrdquo partner

Couples often believe that once they have been living together for more than six months they are automatically entitled to an equal share of each otherrsquos assets This is another urban myth Unmarried couples have no claims against each other for maintenance or pension provisions or assets held in the sole name of one or the other It is therefore vital that if you are planning to live with your partner and purchase a house together that you obtain legal advice regarding the implications should you separate This is particularly important if one party puts more money into a property than the other or the house is to be held in only one name

What are my rights as a grandparent

Under current law grandparents have no automatic right to apply for contact with their grandchildren It is a sad fact that often during marriage or relationship breakdowns grandparents lose out ndash particularly if the breakup is acrimonious However they can apply for ldquoleaverdquo ie permission to make an application for a Contact Order

Further details Jo Beasley Gardner Leader LLP Tel 01635 508080 (for both Newbury and Thatcham offices) E-mail jbeasleygardner-leadercouk Web wwwgardner-leadercouk

Gardner Leader

Common misconceptions in Family Law

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 54: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 55

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 Traceyblicktiscalicouk Discounts available for double and group adult bookings

Answers to page 60

Riddle answer - A Stamp Crossword answers 1 Butterfly 2 Cross 3 Umbrella 4 Chocolate 5 Lamb

Answers to Page 12

Answers to page 62

1 Mediterranean 2 Norway 3 Yellow 4 Watergate 5 Ecclesiastes 6 September 7 Reykjavik 8 Kampala The answer is MAJORCA

1 Lithuania 2 Aquarius 3 Spielberg 4 Gloucestershire 5 Excalibur 6 Roosevelt 7 Tripoli 8 Italy The answer is ANGLESEY

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 55: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 56

please see page 31

BBruce Bamber

can be contacted on

07769 783424

Are you Normal

People tell me that they want to be

normal

Normal is a very harmless word By

definition it doesnrsquot grab attention or

suggest any ulterior motives

However just because the word

appears bland doesnrsquot mean it canrsquot

be a big problem

If you are normal the implication is

that you are doing all the things that

you ought to be doing you are all the

things that you should be and you are

achieving all the things that you must

achieve Of course the things that

you ought be doing (phoning that

person resisting that chocolate going

to the gym) the things that you

should be (thinner more attractive

sexier stronger more successful)

and the things you must achieve

(your potential a partner for life a

happy family wealth security perfect

teeth) are usually the things that we will

never fully achieve and this causes stress

guilt shame anxiety and self criticism

These in turn lead to disempowerment and

disillusionment which can progress to a

collapse of confidence and sense of self

worth and lead to depression and self

destructive ways of living

Itrsquos ironic that when people are not coping

with all their imagined lsquooughtsrsquo lsquoshouldsrsquo and

lsquomustsrsquo they feel down And of course

feeling down doesnrsquot feel normal Once in

this vicious circle it can be hard to get out

If you are lucky you will be able to see the

unreasonable demands that are placed on

people today for what they are (usually ways

to make money for other people or to

maintain somebody else in a position of

power over us) and find the satisfaction and

fulfilment of leading your own life in all its

rich diversity If you canrsquot seem to kick the

feeling that you are wrong and the rest of

the world is normal perhaps you might

consider giving me a call

Web-site wwwnewburycounsellorcouk

Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 56: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 57

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 57: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 58

IIt is widely acknowledged that children today do not get outdoors often enough With such struc-tured and technology-driven lives it is easy for young children to stay indoors watch television and not socialise with other children in a healthy and active way

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe children learn best through play and being given regular access to outdoor play facilities enhances their learning ex-perience

With careful planning and always accompanied by qualified trained staff all children at Jubilee Day Nursery go on regular expeditions to our private woodland known as lsquoRough Woodrsquo

Depending on the season there is always an abun-dance of adventures for the children from collect-ing natural objects to make pictures with making hide-outs in the undergrowth squelching in muddy puddles splashing through the stream clambering over fallen logs climbing up amp down trees to pick-ing fresh flowers and juicy blackberries from the hedgerows

The children love being out in the fresh air free to run explore and discover the environment around them

At Jubilee Day Nursery we believe the benefit of outdoor experiences to be invaluable With this in mind Jubilee has designed and developed an out-door environment to ensure all the principals of EYFS are encompassed

At Jubilee we love our outdoor environment what-ever the weather we use every opportunity to be outdoors

If you would like to know more about

Jubilee Day Nursery please do not hesitate to contact us on

Telephone 0118 9701600 E-mail infojubileedaynurserycouk

wwwjubileedaynurserycouk

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 58: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 59

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 59: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 60

Feature Thatcham Connectionsrsquo Challenge Page

Answers see page 55

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 60: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 61

MM O N K E Y L O O K S F O R W A R D T O W E L C O M I N G Y O U

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 61: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements 62

SSUDOKUS

Each 3x3 box as well as each row and column must contain the Numbers 1 - 9 Answers on page 55

EASY HARD

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 62: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 63

TTelephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email Telephone 01264 771043 or email infonightingalesinfonightingalesinfonightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

wwwnightingaleswwwnightingaleswwwnightingales---swimswimswim---schoolcoukschoolcoukschoolcouk

Nightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim SchoolNightingalersquos Swim School

Small friendly classes Small friendly classes Small friendly classes for all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilitiesfor all ages amp abilities

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

Spaces AvailableSpaces AvailableSpaces Available

Experience with a range of learning difficulties Current CRB certificate refs available Own car will travel

For more details 07792 574580 (Newbury) or emmanewportkclacuk

QUALIFIED amp EXPERIENCED TUTOR PhD MA TEFL

Students aged 4 - 80 years welcome

Speciality in many subjects essay coursework amp exam technique interview practice and public speaking university entrance assistance for humanities subjects

Many subjects taught eg English Litamp Lang History Politics to university level Sciences to GCSE FrenchLatin to age 11

call Emma

In despair

Jubilee Jets is open every school holiday

from 800-1800 for children aged 4 frac12 to 11 years

There is so much to do from biking in the

woods feeding lambs cooking

circus workshops henna tattoos

trampolining games and races or just hanging out with

friends

For further information please contact

Jubilee Day Nursery on 0118 9701 6000118 9701 6000118 9701 600

Paddock View Rectory Road Padworth Common Berkshire RG7 4JD

Set in fantastic

countryside location

wwwjubiledaynurserycouk

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 63: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

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 567500 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 8623223 Woolhampton 0118 9713729

RSPCA 08705 555999 DVLA Swansea 0172 782341 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Health Thatcham Medical Practice 01635 867171 Doctorsrsquo appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointmentscalls 01635 295445 Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300 Out of hours Doctor 01189787811 Vet OrsquoGormon Slater amp Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047 Library 01635 866049 Mon 930-500 Tues 930-700 Wed - not open

Thurs 930 - 500 Fri 930 - 700 Sat 930 - 1230

SSome of the Thatcham Team

Thatchamrsquos COMMUNITY RESPONDERS

0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207 lsquoWe are waiting to hear from yourdquo

wwwsoutherncentralambulancecouk

Feature Local Community Pages

Are you a carer

The Princess Royal Trust f o r C a r -ers gives information and advice to anyone who without payment

provides help and support to a partner child relative friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help This could be due to age physical or mental illness addiction or disability The Trust also provides free events and activities for carers and can often organise respite care and transport Upcoming events in April and May include a trip to the Living Rain-forest in Hampstead Norreys a session of

lawn bowls at the Hungerford Bowling Club and a talk on how counselling can benefit almost everyone Our main event of the year is in June when we hold a Car-ers Wellbeing Day at the Deanwood Park Golf Club and Therapy Centre at Stock-cross where carers can try out up to three different therapies have a wonderful buf-fet lunch and also get a free golf lesson To take advantage of any of these activi-ties all you need to do is tell us who you are and who you care for Just telephone Andre on 01635 49109 or email an-dreprtcarerspluscom or write to PRT Carers Service Arcade House The Ar-cade Bartholomew Street Newbury RG14 5AD

PLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THPLAY TENNIS THIS IS IS SUMMERSUMMERSUMMER AT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTONAT DOUAI WOOLHAMPTON

w w w d o u a i t e n n i s o r g 6 courts being refurbished - Children fun days amp coaching all standards - all ages

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 64: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

ursulathatchamconnectionscouk 0118 9886070 wwwthatchamconnectionscouk 65

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 65: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 52

AgaRayburn Specialist TD Heating 14

Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur 6 Theatrical Society

Animal Feeds FC Cummins amp Sons 43

Balloon and Card Shop Emotions 49

Blinds Shaftesburys 13 Smart Blinds 25

Boarding Kennels Foxhold 46

Boiler (oil) maintenance Redlands Property 27

Services Builders Falkland Builders 14 A Thompson Building 11 Contractor Building Society Newbury Building Society 23

Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 49

Butcher Wyattrsquos 28 ButcherDelicatessen Cook amp Butcher 7

Car Body works Upper Basildon Garage 45 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 13 Care Services Bupa 2021

CarpenterJoiner Ivan Ivanov 13

Roger Fisher 43

Capet supplier amp fitter Laws Floors 12

Cats Protections Newbury Cats Protection 47

Charity The Newbury amp District

Cancer Care Trust 49

Children - including Babies Childrenrsquos Challenge 60

GR Swimming School 61 Jubilee Day Nursery 5863 Monkey Music 61 Nightingalersquos Swim School 63 OISE 59 Read Dance 63 Tutor 63

Cleaning My Home 10

Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning)

Community Pages 6465

Computers Clive Stanley 36 Sarah Sladen 29 Conservatories Thatcham amp Newbury Conservatories Ltd 35

CounsellingCoach Bruce Bamber 3156 Curtain amp Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 45

Dancing amp Drama Schools One Step Ahead 43

Decorator Adam Slark 45

Lady Painter amp Decorator 27 PC Decorating 43 Tony Fegan 57

Dentist Dr Jeeves 3

Disc Jockey Prosoundz 43

Dog Grooming Services Helenrsquos Hairy Hounds 47

Dogs Trust 47

Driving Instructress Lynne Miller 43

Electrical amp Property Thatcham amp Newbury Maintenance Services 11 Electrician MP Electrics 25

Fitness Classes Reshape 18 Sportbilly Fitness 17

Flooring Laws Floors Oaktree Floors 27

Stone Partnership 44 Florist Ruby Tuesday 43

Funeral Directors Turner Brothers 23

Garden Centre Hilliers Garden Centre 40

Gardening Feature 38

Gardening Services AJC Services 33 Buckingham Landscape 43 Garden Thyme 39 Green Thumb 32 JPH Forestry 36 Mowers UK 37 Newbury Garden Buildings 37 Tree Surgeon 36

Gas Specialists LPC Ltd 67

Graphics Dunston Grahics 62

Hat Hire or Buy Get Ahead Hats 45

Handyman Peter Kirkham 24 Martin Newman 26

Hair amp Beauty Angiersquos Nails amp Beauty 55 Bernies 53 Massage Treatments 45 Tracey Mobile 55 Twist Hair 57

Health amp Fitness Club Bradfield College 18

Health Therapist Theresa Wright 1722

Home Cinema Vivid Research 31

Horses - livery Andrew Ward 47

Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 28

Locksmith Cap Security 25

Massage Treatments 45

Memorials Memorials in Stone 23

Mortgage Advice Corinthia Capital 1541

Organic Foods Pang Valley Organics 19 Riverford 17

Oven Cleaning Cookerburra 45 Ovenclean 9

Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 50

Picture Framer Inner Piece 27

Plumber GJH Plumbing 14

Thatcham amp Newbury 11 Maintenance Services Paul Worsley 15 PC Decorating 43 Removals One man and his Van 45

Restaurants The Angel 29 The Coach and Horses 36

The Pot Kiln at 11 Frilsham

Sand amp Gravel Rivar 36

Sculpture Casting a Memory 5

Solicitor CLM Law 42 Gardner Leader 54

Spectacles Buy Specs Direct 16 Tax Advice

Tax Assist 12 TWD 55

Tutor Emma Newport 63 Vet

OrsquoGorman Slater Main 46

Water Softener JM Softeners 14

Website Dunston Graphics 62

Window Cleaner

Simonrsquos Window Cleaning 9

WindowsDoors and Conservatories Reflections 45

Woolf Conservation Trust 46

Index

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 66: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

LPC Ltd are proud to sponsor Ryan Lamb amp London Irish RFC

Mechanical Services Heating amp Plumbing P L C ltd

YYour Local Gas Specialists diams LPG (Bottled Propane Gas) diams Mains Gas diams Commercial Properties

We are a local company with over twenty years experience In providing a friendly caring and professional service

LPC are proud of our excellent customer service and offer A wide and varied range of products and services including A five year warranty for all Worcester Bosch products

We can give you free advice on ways to improve your heating system to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint

0118 9712954 or 0800 3282867 (free call)

Servicing Boiler Breakdown Water Heaters Power Flushing Landlords Gas Safety

Boiler Repairs Catering Equipment Boiler Replacement

Planned Maintenance Controls

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

Page 67: Thatcham Connections Issue 25

TThat

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

That

cham

Con

nect

ions

U

rsul

a A

itken

Sta

ble

5

Gra

vell

y B

ridg

e Fa

rmho

use

G

raze

ley

R

eadi

ng

R

G7

1LG

Tel

0118

988

6070

e

mai

l ur

sula

th

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk

ww

wth

atch

amco

nnec

tions

co

uk