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Issue 23, local magazine
Citation preview
November December January 2010
Issue 23
BusinessBusinessBusiness DirectoryDirectoryDirectory
CommunityCommunityCommunity PagesPagesPages
HamperHamperHamper CompetitionCompetitionCompetition
ChristmasChristmasChristmas
‘Making‘Making‘Making Connections’Connections’Connections’
Delivered free to 6500 Homes and Businesses
Thatcham ConnectionsThatcham ConnectionsThatcham Connections The Connections Our Favourite Local Magazine
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 2
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 3
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk
www.thatchamconnections.co.uk
Dear Readers
WELCOME to issue 23! It is another issue full of local
advertisers whose services could well be useful to you
over the next few months and/or give you some
great ideas for the Christmas season ahead.
( Y e s , i t i s f a s t approaching!)
Firstly, I would like to
welcome Joanna Phillips who is now writing for us.
She is a qualif ied Acupuncturist working at
Bernies (page 13) and in future issues she will
continue to enlighten us about the benefits of
acupuncture.
I was delighted recently to
hear from The Revd Becky
Bevan that a new i n i t i a t i v e : ‘ M a k i n g
Connections’ has been launched, especially to
strengthen the links with church and town. (Good
title!) Please see more about it on page 50.
Talking about initiatives, please also see page 67:
‘Kaleidoscope’ at the
Kingsland Centre.
You may remember that
Waitrose ran a competition with us last year. Over fifty
of you entered this which was great so I am
delighted Waitrose are running another one this
year. See page 35. It requires very little effort to
enter, so do please give it a go - you never know if
you could be lucky - and
what a fabulous present it
would make for someone special, (even if you
y o u r s e l f a r e n o t particularly interested.)
Speaking of presents, do please see the various
Christmas offers from several of our advertisers.
These are real savings and c an mak e o r ig ina l
presents. (Taking the
family to see the Wolves at Beenham springs to mind!
- page 33) but there is something for everyone, I
assure you.
All best wishes and hoping
you have much joy with family and friends in the
special season ahead.
Stable 5, Gravelly Bridge Farmhouse Grazeley, Reading. RG71LG
Telephone 0118 9886070
Editor:
Ursula Aitken
Disclaimer
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that data in this
publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor it’s editorial
contributors can accept any liability to any party for loss or
damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from
negligence, accident or any other case.
Thatcham Connections Magazine
does not officially endorse any advertising material included
within this publication. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in any retrieval systems or transmitted
in any form, without prior permission of the author/
publisher.
Contents Page
Thatcham Photographic Club 33
Gardening Feature 42
Community Pages 48/49
‘Making Connections’ 50
Children’s Challenge 56
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh 59
Behind the Lens 64
Please note - next latest copy date : Mid-day Friday 15 January 2010
Printer: Newman Thomson 01444 480700
The front cover photograph has kindly
been supplied by Mikaela Wild, a
member of the Thatcham
Photographic Club
www.thatchamphotoclub.com
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 5
WWiitthh oouurr ssttrraaiigghhtt ffoorrwwaarrdd ccaassttiinngg pprroocceessss wwee ccaann ssaavvee pprreecciioouuss mmoommeennttss iinn yyoouurr lliiffee ttoo ttoouucchh aanndd hhoolldd ffoorreevveerr..
WWee ccaann pprreesseenntt yyoouurr mmeemmoorryy iinn aa wwiiddee rraannggee ooff ffiinniisshheess iinncclluuddiinngg oouurr ppooppuullaarr cchhooiicceess ooff BBrroonnzzee rreessiinn,, AAlluummiinniiuumm
RReessiinn aanndd MMaarrbbllee ppllaasstteerr.. WWee aallssoo ccaasstt iinn ssoolliidd mmeettaall oorr ssiimm--ppllee ppllaasstteerr ttoo ssuuiitt yyoouurr rreeqquuiirreemmeennttss..
hhaannddss aanndd ffeeeett oorr pprreesseerrvvee tthhee tteennddeerr ttoouucchh ooff aa lloovveedd oonnee ffoorreevveerr,, pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt uuss ffoorr aa ffrreeee ccoonnssuullttaattiioonn iinn yyoouurr
hhoommee oorr aatt oouurr ssttuuddiioo..
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 6
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 6
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 7
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 7
Feature
Caramelized onion and feta cheese pie
1 pack of filo pastry
2kg cooking onions /sliced thick
300g feta cheese
150g butter /melted
black pepper
olive oil
sugar
Place the onions in a large roasting tin and lightly drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, black pepper and a pinch of sugar, cook in a preheated oven at 200c for roughly 40 min turning every 10 min. Once caramelized remove from oven and leave to cool. Take a large oven proof dish you would usually make lasagne in and brush with melted butter. Place on the bottom a sheet of filo pastry and brush with melted butter. Spread over an even layer of the cooked onions. Crumble over about 150g of the feta cheese and season with black pepper. Cover with another layer of filo pastry and brush with butter. Repeat this until you have used all the onions and cheese Cover the top with filo pastry and brush with butter. Cook the pie in a pre-heated oven at 160c for 45 min or until golden brown and crisp. Leave to cool slightly and serve warm with tossed salad. (For 4/5 persons).
Beetroot and Onion Chutney
This is an excellent chutney for cold meats or cheese and is very quick and
easy to make!
1kg - Beetroot
500g - Apples
500g- Onions
75g - Sugar
1 tsp - Salt
1/2 tsp -White Pepper
1/2 Pint - Malt Vinegar
Boil the beetroot until tender and leave to cool slightly then remove the skins, chop into roughly ½ cm dice, cut the onions and the apple (remove core) the same size and add all the rest of the ingredients and place in a heavy based pan and bring to the boil, boil for 10 min and transfer into sterilised jars and store. This chutney will keep for up to a year in air tight jars, store in a fridge after opening and use within a month.
John Dennis
Chef at Thatcham Court
shares two special recipes with
over the Festive Season.
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 8
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 9
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 10
WWith the Festive Season looming, I thought that this issue I would look at wways of boosting the immune system. Moderate exercise actually boosts the immune system. Those who take moderate exercise and are not restricting calorie intake, but are eating a healthy diet, have no need to take immune-boosting supplements. It is important that good rest is included in this regime. Perhaps that is the area that many of us are not so good at! Stress is a factor here the more stressed you are the more, the more energy will be used up by the stress and the more likely your immune system will not be working at optimum.
Quercetin (a bioactive compound found in red apples) is touted as boosting the immune system. However, research suggests that quercetin works best in
best when found naturally in foods, so
that a quercetin supplement on its own will be less effective than eating red apples, proving that an apple a day will keep the doctor away! Here is a list of the Top Ten Immune Boosting Foods: Red Apples: are full of vitamins and quercetin, as well as a good source of soluble fibre.
Yogurt: Eat natural yogurt, the normal variety is best. This is packed with good bacteria which increases the helpful bacteria in the bowel wall a place where a lot of infections begin If you are not that keen on eating yogurt, use it as a topping on vegetable or lentil soup.
Avocado and Kiwi: are packed with Vitamin C and avocado is also rich in Vitamin E the cell repair vitamin. These fruits are also full of anti-oxidants which act as cellular defence mechanisms.
Oysters: (tinned) & Beef: a natural source of zinc, selenium, and iron. Zinc is need to form white blood cells (part of the immune system) and these minerals work to keep the cell walls healthy. Use tinned oysters in a beef stew.
Chilli & Garlic: renowned for their ability to fight infections especially in the blood -.
Chicken Soup and Eggs: Both basically comfort foods for when infection strikes. There is nothing like a bowl of homemade chicken soup made from real chicken stock with small cubes of cooked chicken and freshly snipped chives. And when you can
better than scrambled or poached eggs on toast? TTheresa Wright HHealth Specialist 0118 9710255 e-mail: [email protected] www.theresamwright.com
Feature Our Health Therapist - Theresa Wright
see page 58
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 11
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 12
BBeerrnniieess
HHaaiirr && BBeeaauuttyy BBaarrnn KKeennnneett HHoollmmee FFaarrmm BBuuiillddiinnggss,, BBaatthh RRooaadd,, MMiiddgghhaamm RRGG77
55UUXX TTeelleepphhoonnee:: 0011118899 771133 556622 KKiimm JJoonneess
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.
BBooookk aa ddeerrmmoollooggiiccaall pprreessccrriippttiioonn ffaacciiaall aanndd rreecceeiivvee aa 1155 mmiinn bbaacckk,, nneecckk aanndd sshhoouullddeerr mmaassssaaggee ffrreeee..
Acupuncture now available at Bernies.
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. TToo ffiinndd oouutt hhooww aaccuuppuunnccttuurree ccaann hheellpp yyoouu,, ccaallll JJooaannnnaa oonn 0077553344 997722666644 0077776666776655110099
JJooaannnnaa PPhhiilllliippss
KKaarreenn HHaacckkwwoooodd Face First Clinic now at Bernies - please see page 37.
-invasive treatments such as: Wrinkle Relaxing Injections (Botox), Dermal Fillers, Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion
call Karen on 0077991177 889900551100 to book you FREE consultation WWhheenn yyoouu mmeennttiioonn tthhiiss aaddvveerrttiisseemmeenntt rreecceeiivvee 1100%% ooffff yyoouurr ffiirrsstt ttrreeaattmmeenntt!!
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 13
Most people e x p e c t having a baby to be a n a t u r a l occurrence, and for many it is a simple and joyful j o u r n e y . H o w e v e r increasingly many couples are finding t h a t s o m e t h i n g stands in the way of this
process, and the journey becomes one of frustration and sadness as they struggle to conceive the baby that they wish for. Fertility problems have increased dramatically in the UK with at least a quarter of all couples struggling to conceive.
Fertility treatment is notoriously expensive
got no choice but to wait your turn it can be hugely frustrating. Increasingly couples are turning to acupuncture for help, with excellent results. Recent press has hailed the success of acupuncture, stating:
aacupuncture can greatly increase a woman' s chance of becoming
(The Guardian, 19 Feb 2008)
Acupuncture has now become one of the most popular forms of alternative fertility treatment in the UK.
Acupuncture is a tried and tested system of complementary healthcare which has been used for over 2,500 years in China to restore, promote and maintain good health. Your practitioner will take a full medical history, building up a complete picture of your health, before inserting needles 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 the skin. Your practitioner will also give you lifestyle and
dietary advice.
Creating new life requires both partners to be strong and healthy. Just as a farmer prepares the soil before sowing a crop, so too the body needs to be prepared to create the optimum conditions for conception and pregnancy. Acupuncture works to balance the body, stabilising hormone levels, improving blood flow and stimulating healthy maturation of eggs and sperm. Acupuncture can be beneficial
parameters, endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage, and irregular menstrual cycles. Stress has a direct impact on a
underlying anxiety with acupuncture can significantly improve fertility.
Acupuncture can also be used alongside IVF to improve success rates. Recent American research shows that women who undergo IVF can increase their chances of pregnancy by up to 65% by also having acupuncture treatment.
Whether you have been struggling with infertility for some time, or are just planning a pregnancy and want to give yourself the best chance of conceiving, acupuncture can ensure that you are in the best health, mentally and physically, to conceive and carry a baby.
Joanna Phillips BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), Lic.Ac., MBAcC
Joanna has a degree in Acupuncture and is a member of the British Acupuncture Council. She has undergone further training in the use of Acupuncture to aid reproductive health and support IVF, as well as the use of acupuncture during pregnancy and the postpartum period. For more information or to book an aappointment please call Joanna on 07534 972664
Feature Acupuncture - Joanna Phillips
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 14
M OO N K E Y LL O O K S FF O R W A R D TT O WW E L C O M I N G YY O U !!
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 15
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 16
FREE *FITTING*
FREE *MMEASURING*
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
www.smart_blinds.net
SSSSSMARTMMARTMART BBBBLLINDSLINDSLLINDS && S& S&& SHUTTERSHHUTTERSHUTTERS
ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR
SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE SELF-EMPLOYED
Business Accounts Self Assessment Returns
VAT Buy-to-Let CIS Payroll
Meetings at Home/Business Fees fixed in advance
(01635) 582829
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 17
SSmall, friendly classes ffor all ages & abilities.
SSunday morning lessons at DDowne House School, CCold Ash, Thatcham
WWe have some spaces left
Call now for availability!
Telephone 01264 771043 or email [email protected]
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 18
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 19
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 STONEMMEMORIALS IN STONEMEMORIALS IN STONE
NEED AN MOT? Cars, Mini Buses, Light
Commercial Classes 4, 5L and 7
01635 876777
Free Collection/Delivery Free Courtesy Car on all servicing and repairs. Subject to availability
AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS....RECOVERY SERVICE
BIG VALUE FIXED PPRICE SERVICE WITH FREE MOT Price includes service parts, labour & VAT. Offer only available on 4 cyl cars up to 2000cc
WE CAN HELP
ONLY
£119 INCLUDING FREE MOT
HALFWAY GARAGE Unit 7 Pipers Court, Berkshire Drive, Thatcham
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.
CCall us now on 01635 826770 oor 07771 653289
www.plumbersberkshire.co.uk
THATCHAM & NEWBURYTTHATCHAM & NEWBURYTHATCHAM & NEWBURY MMAINTENANCE SERVICESMAINTENANCE SERVICESMMAINTENANCE SERVICES plumbing / heating electrical / carpentry
Small Building
email: williams.ronald@binternetcom
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 20
Est. over 20 years
www.jmsofteners.co.uk
Service & 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
cleaning company
: 01635 818080
Non-caustic. Ovens, hobs, extractors and
microwaves cleaned.
www.ovenclean.com
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 21
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 22
COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC
WHEELERS GREEN WAY, THATCHAM
007875 386490
NAPIT registered
Free no obligation quote
Fully insured
ELECTRICIAN
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 23
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk
CONNECTIONS’ COFFEE AT THE REGENCY PARK HOTEL THATCHAM RG18 3RP
Tel
Connections’ Coffee is fun and friendly, please join us!
On Friday 8 January 2010 (11.00 am) atOn Friday 8 January 2010 (11.00 am) atOn Friday 8 January 2010 (11.00 am) at The Regency Park HotelThe Regency Park HotelThe Regency Park Hotel
This is a networking group predominantly for small local businesses.This is a networking group predominantly for small local businesses.This is a networking group predominantly for small local businesses.
Numbers are limited so please book a space in good time.Numbers are limited so please book a space in good time.Numbers are limited so please book a space in good time.
Tel: 0118 9886070 or email [email protected]: 0118 9886070 or email [email protected]: 0118 9886070 or email [email protected]
photographs taken by courtesy of The Thatcham Photographic Club 16/04/09
£5£5£5.
Ed
We need people
who like to earn while they walk -
suitable for both young or mature -
to help us
deliver the magazine in
several areas, including
Cold Ash, Ashmore Green,
Hermitage and Yattendon.
0118 9886070 [email protected]
Apology to
‘My Home’
I would like to apologise to My Home
(page 30) for an error in printing their advertisement in the last issue.
Many of our advertisers, including My
Home, are regular advertisers and have been with us a considerable length of time
and we greatly value their support.
We take pride in producing advertisements
to as high a standard as possible and when a mistake is made, particularly when
a telephone number is incomplete, we acknowledge that this service falls short of
what is rightly expected. Ed
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 25
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 26
0011663355 226688554444
Thornford Road Crookham Common Newbury 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)
TTHHAATTCCHHAAMM SSUURRGGEERRYY 10 London Road, Thatcham Berkshire RG18 4LG Tel: 01635 868382
TTAADDLLEEYY SSUURRGGEERRYY Old Kiln House, Silchester Road Tadley, Hampshire RG26 3PX Tel: 0118 981 5500
24 Hour Emergency Service
CClliinniiccaall eexxppeerrttiissee FFuullll ffaacciilliittiieess iinncclluuddiinngg hhoossppiittaalliissaattiioonn
FFrriieennddllyy aanndd hheellppffuull ssttaaffff
NEWBURY Donnington Grove Surgery, Oxford Road
0011663355 4477117700 ((SSmmaallll AAnniimmaallss,, FFaarrmm aanndd 2244 HHoouurr)) 0011663355 3399003399 ((EEqquuiinnee))
Private Care Services also provided. AArree yyoouu llooookkiinngg ffoorr ssoommee
eexxttrraa HHEELLPP iiff ssoo ggiivvee uuss aa ccaallll HHeeaadd ooffffiiccee NNeewwbbuurryy 0011663355 448899 5533
wwwwww..ccaarreeaatthhoommeellttdd..ccoo..uukk wwwwww..lliivvee--iinn--ccaarree..oorrgg..uukk
ccaarreeaatthhoommee2266@@bbttiinntteerrnneett..ccoomm
FFaammiillyy RRuunn BBuussiinneessss PPrroovviiddiinngg CCaarree ffoorr YYoouu aatt HHoommee
WWee CCaarree!! Care @ Home provides a range of social support services
for Adults living within their own homes and sheltered housing. Our service users require practical, domestic and personal care tasks, which are essential to allow them to live with independence and dignity in their own homes.
These can include Working Nights,24 Hour Live in Service, short calls from 15 minutes up to 1 hr. Calls or
longer depending on your requirements. We can offer more services on request,
specialising in Live in Care.
People may access our services either via the Social Services Department of the Local Authority, or directly by
contacting our offices.
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 27
0118 971 2936 REPTILE DEPARTMENT
SNAKES LIZARDS TO RTOISES AM PHI BIANS AND INVERTEBRATES
* Frozen food * Live food * Full range of heating * Decorative accessories
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 28
CCOOMMPPUUTTEERR SSUUPPPPOORRTT CCOOMMPPUUTTEERR SSUUPPPPOORRTT CCOOMMPPUUTTEERR SSUUPPPPOORRTT && HHEELLPP SSEERRVVIICCEE&& HHEELLPP SSEERRVVIICCEE&& HHEELLPP SSEERRVVIICCEE
MMoosstt ffrreeqquueenntt pprroobblleemmss ddeeaalltt wwiitthh:: IInntteerrnneett ffaaiilluurree // ccoommppuutteerr ccrraasshh NNeeww PPCC oorr LLaappttoopp iinnssttaallllaattiioonn HHoommee nneettwwoorrkkss aarrrraannggeedd oorr uuppggrraaddeedd ((sshhaarreedd pprriinntteerrss,, ssccaannnneerrss,, hhaarrdd ddrriivveess,, bbrrooaaddbbaanndd)) SSeettttiinngg uupp ee--mmaaiill IInntteerrnneett pprroottooccooll pphhoonneess // wweebb ccaammss HHaarrddwwaarree && SSooffttwwaarree uuppggrraaddeess CCoommppuutteerr ddaattaa aanndd ppoowweerr bbaacckk--uupp AAnndd aa FFaauulltt FFiinnddiinngg aanndd CCoorrrreeccttiioonn SSeerrvviiccee
JJuusstt ccaallll oonn 00775533 22337722 22992200775533 22337722 22992200775533 22337722 229922
SSTT IIDDEEAA WWHHEERREE TTOO SSTTAARRTT?? SSTT IIDDEEAA WWHHEERREE TTOO SSTTAARRTT?? SSTT IIDDEEAA WWHHEERREE TTOO SSTTAARRTT??
AAlleexx DDeewweeyy
FFoorr tthhee ppaasstt tthhrreeee yyeeaarrss II hhaavvee eennjjooyyeedd hheellppiinngg mmaannyy llooccaall ppeeooppllee aanndd bbuussiinneesssseess,, iinncclluuddiinngg
TThhaattcchhaamm CCoonnnneeccttiioonnss..
II hhaavvee ttrraannssppoorrtt ssoo ccaann vviissiitt yyoouu aass rreeqquuiirreedd..
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 Based in Newbury
Confidential Counselling ServiceConfidential Counselling Service
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 29
Tracey Mobile Hairdressing
07770 823283
I offer quality, personal, affordable hair-dressing in the comfort of your own home at a time to suit you.
Based on Dunstan Park, I can travel to you in Thatcham and the surrounding villages.
Please call if you would like to make an appointment.
Tel: 07770 823283 Email: [email protected] Discounts available for double and group adult bookings.
A C o mmuni t y ba s edAA C o mmuni t y ba s edA C o mmuni t y ba s ed ff i t ne s s c lub fo r a l l !f i t ne s s c lub fo r a l l !ff i t ne s s c lub fo r a l l !
DDo you want to get trim, keep fit, and have fun?
Then why not try Reshape -- jjust the place to GET IN SHAPE!
FFrank Hutchins Hall ThatchamFrank Hutchins Hall ThatchamFFrank Hutchins Hall Thatcham
TTuesday 19.00-220.00 ATTACK & TONEAATTACK & TONEATTACK & TONE FFITTNESS PILATES FITTNESS PILATES FFITTNESS PILATES 8.10pm--9.10pm Sat 09.30--10.30am CCIRCUIT TRAINING CIRCUIT TRAINING CCIRCUIT TRAINING
CContact Rob on 007710 726424 - 01635 865382
or checkout http://www.re--shapeme.co.uk/
RUNNING FOR SOFTIESRRUNNING FOR SOFTIESRUNNING FOR SOFTIES SUNDAY 1600SSUNDAY 1600SUNDAY 1600-----1700117001700
Supply and fit hardwood flooring Restore and repair original floors
Free Quotes Personal and Professional Service
Competitive prices Fully Insured
Tel: 001488 684078 Mob: 007931330310
www.oaktree--floors.co.uk
HHungerford
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 30
LLLLOOCALOCALOOCAL RRRRRESIDENTIALEESIDENTIALESIDENTIAL CCCCLLEANINGLEANINGLLEANING SSSSSERVICESEERVICESERVICES
Hate Housework? We Love It! Local Resident, Phil Ryder, has recently taken on a mmyhome franchise covering the Thatcham area.
that everyone needs to spend valuable time at home - sometimes, without having to do the cleaning! Phil heads up a team of highly-trained, fully insured, cleaning professionals who have undergone a strict vetting proc-ess, including police checks. mmy cleaning service is tailored to meet the individual needs of each client, so before Phil can prepare a personalised quota-tion, he will visit the client at their property to assess their requirements and discuss any special requests.
nightly clean as the service is so thorough. But our service is flexible and our one-off cleaning services are also great for people in a variety of situations - moving into a new home, vacating rental accommodation and undergoing the dreaded inventory check - or in emergency situations such as after parties, before family
01635 873911
www.myhomeplc.com [email protected]
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 31
Indulge in a professional and personal experience
in a relaxed friendly atmosphere in my home salon or in the comfort of
your own home
Child friendly and flexible working hours to
suit your needs
www.angiesnai l s. co.uk
Bio Sculpture Gel Overlays Jessica Prescriptive Nail Care
Susan Molyneux Facials Fake Bake Spray Tanning
Pamper Parties & Bridal Packages Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup Eyelash & Eyebrow Tinting Waxing Ear Piercing
Gift Vouchers © Brian Chase. Image from BigStockPhoto.com
Thatcham, Newbury, and the surrounding
area
Give Angie a call on
07811 769753
1 AA rosette A la carte menu available in the restaurant Classic bar food menu all for under £10
Weekday lunchtime set price menu Seasonal game always on the menu
AAward-wwinning local real ales LLovely big garden with loads of seating
DDogs welcome in the bar and garden BBeautiful views across fields and woodland
GGreat walks from the pub
Open every day except Tuesdays Booking recommended
wwww.potkiln.org | 01635 201366
THE POT KILN, FRILSHAM
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 32
EExxtteerriioorr aanndd iinntteerriioorr wwiinnddoowwss cclleeaanneedd
CCoonnsseerrvvaattoorryy rrooooffss cclleeaanneedd eexxtteerriioorr aanndd iinntteerriioorr
UUPPVVCC ffrraammeewwoorrkk wwaasshh ddoowwnn oonn wwiinnddoowwss//ccoonnsseerrvvaattoorriieess//gguutttteerriinngg// ffaacciiaass//ssooffffiittss
aanndd bbaarrggeebbooaarrddss
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WWaasspp aanndd HHoorrnneett nneesstt ttrreeaattmmeenntt
AAnnaalloogguuee aaeerriiaall rreemmoovveedd
CCCCCCLLEEAANNIINNGGLLEEAANNIINNGGLLEEAANNIINNGG WWIINNDDOOWWSSWWIINNDDOOWWSSWWIINNDDOOWWSS TTHHEETTHHEETTHHEE TTRRAADDIITTIIOONNAALLTTRRAADDIITTIIOONNAALLTTRRAADDIITTIIOONNAALL WWAAYYWWAAYYWWAAYY SSIINNCCEESSIINNCCEESSIINNCCEE 119999331199993311999933
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0011663355 886600446633 0077884433 992200882277
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 33
Thatcham Photographic Club is a thriving local organisation made up of amateur photographers. Our aim is to help each other enjoy photog-raphy and to improve our skills in an informal, friendly and supportive way. We welcome people from all age groups and skill levels no mat-ter whether they have a simple point-and-shoot camera or a more complex one. The club also contributes as much as possible to the local community, especially by providing photogra-phers for events sponsored by Thatcham Town Council such as the Festival of Arts and Leisure; events at local schools and for other local organisations. Recently members have been very aware of the number of white-washed windows in Thatcham Town Centre where shops have
closed down. Now, thanks to the support of the owners of the Kings-land Centre and Thatcham Town Council, we have transformed one large shop by putting up a vibrant display of photographs taken by our members. We usually meet on the second and last Wednesday evening of each month. Details are available on the Club website: www.thatchamphotoclub.com. New members or those wishing
- are most wel-come.
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 34
Christmas Made Easy with
Waitrose Thatcham Your Chance to win an
Waitrose Thatcham are offering a lucky reader the chance to win a Waitrose Eat, Drink and Be Merry box of Treats hamper worth £50.
season. As well as a delicious range of
and inspirational ideas for all the family, from hampers to treats for the children and much more. Find all your traditional favourites, as well as fantastic catering solutions like seafood appetisers and luxury garnish assortments. A collection of dedicated food counters, boasting only the highest quality foods also awaits you - with meat, cheese and fish specialists on hand to offer their expertise and help prepare foods. If you are expecting guests, try Waitrose Entertaining, the food ordering service for every taste and occasion. Ensuring everyone is catered for is never going to be an easy task - but with this impressive
You can order everything you need for your traditional Christmas spread - or a buffet for an office party. For more details visit the branch at 48-53 The Broadway, Thatcham, call 0800 1692701, or go to 0800169 2701, or visit our website www.waitrose.com/entertaining. Experience a unique food shopping
environment this Christmas at Waitrose Thatcham and share in its passion for quality food and excellent service. To enter and win this Box of Treats hamper, please fill in your details on the entry slip below and when you next shop at Waitrose, be sure to hand it in at the till as you pay for your goods. Please note that you will only be eligible to enter if your spend is a minimum of £25. (treat this would be for you or a wonderful present for a relative or friend!)
Roasted Parsnip Soup with Chestnut Cream or
Homemade Pheasant & Cognac Pâté with Spicy Apple Chutney
or Smoked Haddock & Fennel Risotto with
Petit Pois & Kabana or
Baked Brie Filo Parcel with Mint Jelly ********
Traditional Roast Norfolk Turkey
or Steak & Porter Pie with
Creamed Horseradish Mash or
Slow Roast Wiltshire Pork Belly with Prune & Calvados Jus & Black Pudding Mash
or Fresh Scottish Salmon & Cod wrapped in
Serano Ham, with Oyster Sauce or
Chestnut, Onion & Brussel Sprout Risotto Cake, with Brandy & Herb Butter
******** Traditional Christmas Pudding &
Brandy Sauce or
Chocolate Orange Torte with Orange Sorbet
or Baileys Cheesecake with Espresso Cream
or Stuffed Baked Apple with Toffee Sauce & Custard
or Selection of English Cheeses with
Homemade Apple Chutney ********
Mince Pie & Truffles with Coffee or Tea *******
Tel: 00118 9713368 CChristmas Fayre DinnerChristmas Fayre DinnerCChristmas Fayre Dinner
11st 1st 11st ---- 23rd December 223rd December 23rd December
£25.95 per person
Book
Now
For
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Also
New
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Avai
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RG7 5NX
Wyatts BB UU TT CC HH EE RR SS
TThhee OOlldd DDaaiirryy WWoollvveerrttoonn PPaarrkk WWoollvveerrttoonn TTaaddlleeyy HHaannttss RRGG2266 55RRUU TTeelleepphhoonnee:: 0011663355 229999339999
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MMaakkee yyoouurr CChhrriissttmmaass bbooookkiinnggss nnooww !!
Wrinkle Relaxing
Injections
Dermal Filler Injections
Chemical Peels
Medical Microdermabrasion
Mole Screening
Skin Analysis
Karen HackwoodKaren HackwoodKaren Hackwood
Face First ClinicFace First ClinicFace First Clinic 07917 890507917 890507917 8905111000
HHaaiirr && BBeeaauuttyy BBaarrnn (See page 12)
hhaass nnooww mmoovveedd ffrroomm hhaass nnooww mmoovveedd ffrroomm hhaass nnooww mmoovveedd ffrroomm BBeerrnniieess ttoo::ttoo::ttoo::
CChhrriissttmmaass ooffffeerr!! CChhrriissttmmaass ooffffeerr!! CChhrriissttmmaass ooffffeerr!! WWhheenn yyoouu hhaavvee aann iinnjjeeccttaabbllee ttrreeaattmmeenntt,, oorr bbooookk aanndd ppaayy ffoorr aa mmiinniimmuumm ccoouurrssee ooff tthhrreeee cchheemmiiccaall ppeeeellss oorr mmiiccrrooddeerrmmaabbrraassiioonn yyoouu wwiillll
rreecceeiivvee aa ££5500 vvoouucchheerr ffoorr yyoouu ttoo ssppeenndd oonn ££5500 vvoouucchheerr ffoorr yyoouu ttoo ssppeenndd oonn ££5500 vvoouucchheerr ffoorr yyoouu ttoo ssppeenndd oonn
yyoouurrsseellff oorr aa ffrriieennddyyoouurrsseellff oorr aa ffrriieennddyyoouurrsseellff oorr aa ffrriieenndd..
and to be redeemed at Face First Clinic before January 30th 2010
www.facefirstclinic.com
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 38
OOrrggaanniicc bbeeeeff,, llaammbb aanndd cchhiicckkeenn hhoommee
pprroodduucceedd oonn oouurr oowwnn ffaarrmm wwhhiicchh hhaass bbeeeenn cceerr--ttiiffiieedd oorrggaanniicc
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CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASSCCHHRRIISSTTMMAASSCCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS TTUURRKKEEYYTTUURRKKEEYYTTUURRKKEEYY NNOOWWNNOOWWNNOOWW !!!!!!
Eling Farm, Hermitage, Newbury, Berkshire RG18 9XR
Tel: 01635 200021
Email:elingf [email protected]
Eling Farm is locat ed bet ween Hermitage and Yat t endon or bet ween
Hermitage and Hampst ead Norreys just off the B4009
OOppeenniinngg TTiimmeess
WWeeddnneessddaayy,, FFrriiddaayy aanndd SSaattuurrddaayy 99aamm -- 11 ppmm
PANG VALLEY ORGANI CS Organic Produce at an affordable price.
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 39
24 hr emergency
service
No Call out charge
Blocked Drains, Sinks, Showers and Baths
House Buyers C.C.T.V. surveys
Drains Repaired or lined
Roots and Obstructions removed
High Pressure Water Jetting
Installations of Sewage Treatment plants
Gutters,
Storm Water Gullies and Soakaways cleared
CHAS
approved
Telephone
0118 981
2999
Fax
0118 081
2788
We would like to wish Season’s Greetings
to all our Customers
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 40
Berkshire AquaticsBBerkshire Aquatics
Wide range of Koi and pond fish Equipment Pond Design & Build
Paramount Pools LtdPParamount Pools LtdParamount Pools Ltd
01635 201854
01635 201623
Newbury Garden BuildingsNNewbury Garden Buildings
01635 2000 00
01635 202232
01635 202300
The Energy Warehouse LtdTThe Energy Warehouse LtdThe Energy Warehouse Ltd
RRenewable Energy SShowroom & Consultancy
001635 203344
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 41
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 42
G ardening is a pastime that can be enjoyed throughout the year and also provides endless opportunities
for friends and family to bestow upon the gardener numerous easy-to-find gifts. Well,
straightforward as that.
While most gardeners will be delighted to receive plants, tools, garden decorations or gardening books, a few serious gardeners can prove extremely tricky customers to find presents for.
If you have a horticultural and botanical expert to buy for this Christmas, you could be entering a minefield of tempting-to-buy, yet ultimately unwanted gifts.
For people like this you really need to know their gardening preferences, existing inventory of tools and plants and an in-
and aspect. Lack of knowledge could end up with someone receiving a tree that grows too tall or a shrub that overpowers the rest of the garden.
Of course, they will never let you know this,
present languishing unused in the shed or dying near the compost heap?
A serious gardener probably already has all the good quality tools they need and may or may not like garden ornaments. To overcome this dilemma you could ask them precisely what they would like is a gift but this defeats the point of surprise Christmas gifts. Don't let this put you off as there is nothing more gratifying than receiving a gift relating to one's hobby.
Garden gift vouchers are a great idea as they can choose whatever they like. Likewise, a subscription for a gardening magazine is a great idea which will provide, in effect, twelve months worth of gifts. For those on a small budget, practical items
such as gloves, seeds or an unusual pot plant will be received happily. Ready-planted outdoor pots are always useful and can be accommodated regardless of the
are also a great choice; but choose something a little unusual and challenging, such as orchids. If they have a conservatory, your choice of extraordinary indoor plants is greatly increased.
Gardeners tend to be weather-watchers so an ideal gift would be a special thermometer or maybe even a rain gauge. You can get a soil thermometer which will tell you whether the earth is warm enough to plant tender seedlings in spring. Barometers are beautiful and unusual, yet useful too.
Secateurs and pruners, if well-made, can prove time and muscle saving and are well worth the extra money spent on them. The make used by most professional gardeners is Felco which, although more expensive than other makes, will last a lifetime. Numerous types are available and you can even find secateurs for left-handed people.
Visit www.felco.com for further information. Think laterally. Good gardeners create their own compost so an attractive kitchen pail to collect food waste would save umpteen journeys to the compost heap. If your garden friend enjoys cut flowers, a beautiful vase in which to display them will always be appreciated. It may be that they are unable to spend much time in the garden now, perhaps due to age or incapacity. Why not pay for a gardener to help out with the heavy work? Or offer your own services to help.
thought that counts. The best gift for anyone, gardener or not, is one that is chosen with love and thought. © 2009 Rose Henfrey
Feature Gardening Page Gifts for Gardeners
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 43
A J C S E R V I C E SA J C S E R V I C E SA J C S E R V I C E S Landscape Gardener
Tony CoombsTony CoombsTony Coombs
01635 860159 07785 52575201635 860159 07785 52575201635 860159 07785 525752
After ... the photographs say it all !
kitchen fitting
Flooring sash windows
windows doors
staircases built in furniture
garden rooms sheds
decking extensions
roofs
ffully trained with 20 years
EExperience in both newly built and old
RReferences available
Liability insurance
IIVAN IVANOVIVAN IVANOVIIVAN IVANOV
Hermitage basedHermitage basedHermitage based 00777 58751590777 587515900777 5875159
[email protected][email protected][email protected]
CARPENTER / JOINERCCARPENTER / JOINERCARPENTER / JOINER
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 44
Free Security Advice & 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 Opened/Fitted/Replaced/Repaired
CAP SECURITY
LOCAL LOCKSMITHS
Professional Family Run Business
to your WOODPILE
kindling can also be ssupplied.
SSeasoned logs cut and ssplit to your
fire size. Full and half
lloads aavailable
for more details: 07836 223467007836 22346707836 223467
Cold Ash
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 45
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
Garden Thyme Garden Maintenance and Landscape Services
Their services include:
RRegular maintenance on private and commercial properties, weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits
SSmall tree removals
HHedge Cutting/Pruning
GGarden clearances
JJet Washing
FFence/Shed Painting
WWeed control
SScarifying services
RRotovating service for vegetable plots and allotments
Mark Ian
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 46
Most people are surprised when they find out just how little the State Benefits system pays out. The trouble is that when they find out it is generally too late to do anything about it!
Did you know that Statutory Sick Pay totals just £79.15 per week(1). You may be able to apply for Employment and Support Allowance, but as a couple that only amounts to £100.95 per week(2). With the average household spend being £459 per week(3) or £23,868 a year, how would you plan to bridge the gap between your regular expenses and your drop in income if something did happen to you such as an accident or serious illness? It does happen and I have seen both sides of the story where people have had the foresight to protect themselves and those who have poo pooed the idea and have ended up selling their home!
Have you ever really thought about if you suffered a serious accident or long-term illness, could your partner continue to pay the mortgage or cover the shortfall in your
home the main salary, you may still do everything at home to ensure your partner can go out to work and your children get to school not to mention the dentist and football practice etc etc. Could your partner afford a full time nanny, cook or cleaner to replace you?
Running through some basic questions might help you consider how your family
considerable period of time due to accident or illness. Questions such as:
Have I got enough savings in the bank? Would I be able to keep up the mortgage payments? Would I have to sell assets or downsize my home? Would I be able to pay off credit balances and loan accounts?
Keeping up with the typical hectic family schedule would be stressful enough, without added financial worries. Are you properly protected in case you can no longer work but depend on your salary to maintain your lifestyle?
considering how much you can afford to take out. If you go for a higher sum
assured, your payout will cover the mortgage and leave an extra amount should the worst ever happen. This means your loved ones can put the sum left over into an account to pay other bills or living expenses and it
considering a new Critical Illness Cover policy, going for a larger lump sum payment can make all the difference to help your
critical illness, especially if you need to pay for private treatment or purchase special equipment.
Get the right advice and find out how little it can cost plus ensure the policy is written in trust if you have a partner. This could save £1000s on inheritance tax and ensure the right person received any payout without delay.
Protecting you and your family should be
face it, how much do you spend on the odd magazine or coffee? Protection cover may
most essential things you will ever buy!
(1) www.direct.gov.uk (2) www.dwp.gov.uk (paid for the first 13 weeks of your claim whilst a decision is made on your capability to work) (3) www.statistics.gov.uk
please see page 55
SSimon Claxton
ccan be contacted on
001635 202001
Feature Our Financial Expert - Simon Claxton
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 47
PETER KIRKHAM YOUR LOCAL HANDYMAN
INSIDE : fflloooorriinngg -- ttiilliinngg -- ccaarrppeennttrryy,, ffllaatt ppaacckk
aasssseemmbbllyy,, sshheellvviinngg,, ddeeccoorraattiinngg
...... aanndd mmuucchh,, mmuucchh mmoorree !!
OUTSIDE : ffeenncciinngg,, ppaattiiooss,, rreeppooiinnttiinngg aanndd
ggaarrddeenn mmaaiinntteennaannccee -- bbootthh ddoommeessttiicc oonnee--ooffffss ttoo rreegguullaarr ccoommmmeerrcciiaall ccoonnttrraaccttss
...... aanndd mmuucchh,, mmuucchh mmoorree !!
1122 LLaammbb CClloossee TThhaattcchhaamm Berkshire RRGG1188 33UUEE
0011663355 887722228855 00778844990077882200440011663355 887722228855 00778844990077882200440011663355 887722228855 0077884499007788220044 wwwwww..bbeerrkksshhiirreehhaannddyymmaannsseerrvviicceess..ccoo..uukk
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 48
Useful local phone 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
Doctors’ appointments 01635 871117 Appointment cancellations 01635 295445 All other appointments/calls 01635 295445
Burdwood Surgery 01635 868006 Newbury Hospital 01635 273300
Vet O’Gormon Slater & Main 01635 868382 GKG Veterinary Surgeons 01635 868047
Library 01635 866049
Mon: 9.30-5.00
Tues 9.30-7.00 Wed - not open
Thurs 9.30 - 5.00
Fri 9.30 - 7.00 Sat 9.30 - 12.30
Mel Wilder 01635 826650
Gingerbread
Some of the Thatcham Team
Thatcham’s
COMMUNITY RESPONDERS 0800 587 02070800 587 02070800 587 0207
‘We are waiting to hear from you!”
www.southerncentralambulance.co.uk
A Neighbourhood Watch Meeting is being held at the West Berkshire
Council Offices in Market Street, Newbury on Wednesday 11 Novem-ber 2009 at 7.30 pm. We shall be having a talk by Garry Poulson
about the Newbury Twin Town Association. Chief Inspector Judith
Johnson is also hoping to attend this meeting.
Representatives from the Police and Fire Service will be giving crime
updates. Anyone is welcome to attend this meeting. For further information please contact Angela Money on
01635 40866
IF YOU NEED A DOCTOR OUT OF HOURS West Call 0118 9787811
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Angela Money, Neighbourhood Watch Administrator for all of West Berkshire, writes :
Feature Local Community Pages
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 49
Kindly supplied by Thatcham Photographic Club
They Shall
often read aloud during the ceremony; the most famous stanza of which reads:
They shall grow not old, as we that are
left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years
condemn, At the going down of the sun and in the
morning We will remember
them. We will remember
them.
Binyon (1869-1943)
TThatcham Branch of the Royal British Legion Wednesday, 11 November 110.45 am
The Thatcham Branch of the Royal British Legion once again intend to hold a short Remem-brance Service at the War Me-morial. The Service will be led by Revd Andrew Hall, The
(Thatcham Branch) Padre. All welcome to attend.
TThatcham Christmas Lights Celebrations Friday 4 December 2009 The switching on of the Christ-mas Lights in Thatcham will take place in the Broadway on Friday 4 December. As in previ-ous years there will be lots of entertainment and fun for all the family.
There will be seasonal enter-tainment from Kennet School, Trinity School and Thatcham Primary School, plus perform-ances from Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS) which is a theatre group lo-cated in Thatcham.
KATS produce two or three main shows a year as well as an assortment of smaller pro-ductions. With an active mem-bership of almost 100 people
there is a wide variety of shows to suit all tastes. Why not visit www.kats.org.uk. SSee inside front cover for more details.
The music will be from Cold Ash Brass Band and the Com-munity carol singing will be led by Mr Jamie Read of Read Dance & Theatre Company. Community organisations will provide stalls offering food, games and gifts. Many of the shops will stay open late provid-ing an opportunity for Christmas shopping.
Father Christmas will be appear-ing and children aged 10 and under will have the opportunity to meet him and receive a small present. Additional activities will be provided by a Face Painter and Balloon Modeller.
The theme this year is
nition of the 40th anniversary of the moon landing and shops in the town are invited to take part in a window dressing competi-tion. Other competitions are planned, including a treasure hunt and fancy dress competi-tion. The entertainment on stage starts at 6.00pm and the lights will be switched on around 7.15pm.
Remembrance Day Sunday 8tth November 2009
The Parade will depart at approximately 10.35 am from Waitrose Car Park, march along Station Road, Thatcham Broadway, High Street, A4 to the War Memorial. A service will take place at the War Memorial with a two minute silence at 11.00 am. The Parade will then march to St
be another short service.
CCivic Carol Service
SSunday 20th December 2009 at 4.00 pm All Welcome
Feature Diary Dates
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk
T h e C h u r c h a t t h e T h e C h u r c h a t t h e
H e a r t o f t h e C o m m u n i t yH e a r t o f t h e C o m m u n i t y
There has been a church on the site of St
Mary’s Thatcham for 1,000 years and for countless generations the church has been
at the heart of community life.
Church-going may have declined over the past century but the parish church still has
a special place at the heart of the
community – after all a parish church is by definition for the whole parish, not just for
those who worship on a Sunday.
Making Connections is a special initiative from the church to strengthen and renew
its links with the town. Curate, Becky Bevan says, ‘we’re keen to show that the
church really cares about community life – we want to celebrate all that we enjoy
together in Thatcham. Many of our Making Connections events are in collaboration
with local groups and flow out of existing relationships.’
So the week, which runs from 7 – 11
November, has a wide variety of events – a bike race, ‘a choir from scratch’, a
poetry evening, a kid’s football ‘turn up and play’ session, and a concert from the
internationally renowned African Children’s choir. All events are open to anyone and
everyone who wants to join in.
‘But this isn’t just a one-off week of events’, says Becky, ‘Making Connections
is about an on-going journey of deepening links between the Church and the
Community.’
Revd Becky Bevan 01635 871577
Sat 7 Nov
Who let the dads out?
Let the bells ring out
Steeple chase bike connect
Kidz Quiz
Sunday 8 November
Remembrance Day
A Choir from scratch’
Monday 9 November
Lunch time Connect
Hand bells open evening
Tuesday 10 November
Lunch time Connect
Poetry, Port and Puddings
Wednesday 11 November
Lunchtime Connect
African Children's Choir
Thursday 12 November
Lunchtime Connect
Craft Connect
Friday 13 November
Lunchtime Connect
Gardeners’ Connect
For much more information, please see
w w w . m a k i n g c o n n e c t i o n sw w w . m a k i n g c o n n e c t i o n s -- t h a t c h a m . o r g t h a t c h a m . o r g
“ A Ta s t e o f t h e We e k ”“ A Ta s t e o f t h e We e k ”
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 51
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 52
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OOOO VVEERRVVEERR 3300 3300 YYEEAARRSSYYEEAARRSS EEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEEEEXXPPEERRIIEENNCCEE WWOORRKKIINNGGWWOORRKKIINNGG WWIITTHHWWIITTHH CCOOMMPPUUTTEERRSSCCOOMMPPUUTTEERRSS
A local charity for local people
providing support, careand information
For more information please contact :
0011663355 3311554422
Lady Painter & DecoratorLady Painter & DecoratorLady Painter & Decorator
Jackie Cleaver
07771 636990
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 53
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 54
GGardner Leader
TThis month Lucy Samara, Inheritance Protection Solicitor at Gardner Leader LLP, ttakes a look at the often confusing issue of Probate.
AA family member has died leaving a Will naming me as sole executor and I need to oobtain Probate to administer her estate. The deceased was a widow with an estate of ££350,000.
What is Probate?
A Grant of Probate is a legal document giving the executors the authority to deal
There are three different types of Grant:
1. Grant of Probate - issued to one or more of the executors named in the Will.
2. Grant of Letters of Administration (with
Will annexed) - issued when there is a Will, but there is no executor named, or when the executors are unable or do not wish to apply.
3. Grant of Letters of Administration - issued when the deceased had not made a Will.
HHow do I obtain a Grant of Probate?
Firstly, you need to ascertain the value of
property, bank/building society accounts, other investments and personal possessions.
inheritance tax threshold of £325,000, there will probably be an inheritance tax liability, so you must complete an inheritance tax account IHT400. This requests personal details of the deceased together with details
Part of the inheritance tax liability must be paid on applying for the Grant. This can sometimes cause difficulties if insufficient cash funds are available. All executors named in the Will who wish to apply for Probate must sign the tax account.
As the deceased was a widow, you may be able to make use of the transferable nil rate
potentially increasing the nil rate allowance to £650,000. This will require a specific application to HM Revenue & Customs,
estate (ie his Grant of Probate), his death certificate and their marriage certificate.
You will then need to apply for a Grant of Probate by contacting the Probate Registry to arrange a personal interview with the Registrar. Solicitors are able to make the application by post and will receive the Grant within ten working days of making the application.
WWhat do I do when I receive the Grant of Probate? You will be able use the Grant to sell the property, close the bank accounts and cash in any investments. Ultimately, you will be able to distribute the estate to the beneficiaries.
CCan I instruct a solicitor to obtain the Grant on my behalf? Yes, I would be happy to guide you through what can be quite a complex and time-consuming process.
(Figures quoted in this article are correct at the time of going to print.) DDetails: Lucy Samara TTel: 01635 508080 EE-mmail: [email protected] WWeb: www.gardner--leader.co.uk
PProbate what is it and how does it work?
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 55
LL E T S FA C E F AA C T S :
Fusion Financial Management is a trading name of 2plan Ltd 2plan Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. It is entered on
the FSA register (www.fsa.gov.uk) under reference 461598.
WWith people living longer,
tthe strain on State benefits growing, and
1 in 9 baby Boomers forecast
to live to 100 ...
Call Simon Claxton at Fusion Financial Management on
001635 202001
First meeting is free to establish whether I can help!
Would you like :
The Truth about what you should and shouldn't do with your money?
To get a f irmer idea of where you are heading f inancial ly?
To check that your ex ist ing prov isions, such as l ife assurance or pensions are rea lly right for you?
To take control of your f inances without necessar ily be ing sold anything - and see your l ifesty le improve?
Home 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
SSarah Sladen 07979378408 or 01635 299429
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 56
Answers: see page 66
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 57
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 58
TTHERESA WRRIGHT HEEALTH TTHERAPIST
T 0118 9710255 M 0777 5708431 E [email protected] W www.theresamwright.com
TTREATMENTS
RREMEDIAL MAASSSAGE TTHERAPY
AAROMATHERAPY MAASSAGE
FFITNESS & HHEALTH CCONSULTATION
ONE ON ONE FIITNESS CCOACHING
SSIX WEEK HEEALTHY EEATING PPROGRAMME
Theresa has her own
eexclusive private gym and clinic - so you can be assured
oof total privacy
FFFFUUNERALUNERALUUNERAL DDDDDIRECTORSIIRECTORSIRECTORS & && & MMMMEEMORIALEMORIALEEMORIAL CCCCCONSULTANTSOONSULTANTSONSULTANTS
15 Hampton Road Newbury Berkshire
RG14 6DB Tel: 01635 41615
Fax: 01635 522050
Dignity Funerals Ltd. A company registered in England
FALKLANDFFALKLANDFALKLAND BUILDERSBBUILDERSBUILDERS
Over 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years ExperienceOver 30 years Experience
01635 201125 & 07831 47069301635 201125 & 07831 47069301635 201125 & 07831 470693
Al l t yp es o f AAl l t yp es o f Al l t yp es o f Bu i lding wor k BBui lding wor k Bu i lding wor k
under t a kenuunder t a kenunder t a ken
Extensions EExtensions Extensions ----- AAlterationsAlterationsAAlterations ----- RRenovations etcRenovations etcRRenovations etc
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 59
T hese words are now part of our seasonal vocabulary, but are the items still around today? Of course, we know
gold is, but what about frankincense and myrrh?
Gold holds a unique place in our lives for its numerous remarkable qualities; no other
of us as a precious metal used for jewellery and various other objects but did you realise that it was one of the first metals to be discovered by humans? For around 7000 years, almost every culture that has ever existed has revered gold and used it to symbolise wealth, power, beauty, permanence and triumph. From currency to jewellery, medals to medicine, this shining yellow metal has countless uses.
Gold never tarnishes or rusts and can be melted and formed into remarkably intricate shapes. It can be pulled into extremely fine wire or hammered into thin sheets. A piece of gold just 5mm in diameter can be beaten into a foil sheet half a meter square and thread can be created that is delicate enough to use for embroidery.
Highly efficient and reliable at conducting electricity, gold is used in almost every electronic device from televisions to mobile
used in aerospace projects due to its unfailing competence.
Since 700BC gold has been used in dentistry for fillings and crowns because it is hypoallergenic and easy to mould. Gold has also been utilised in medicine for generations and is still used today to treat many conditions.
Frankincense and Myrrh are aromatic resins gathered from trees and it is said they were once more valuable than gold.
Frankincense comes from the Boswellia tree and has been used for millennia for its medicinal properties - to promote healthy digestion and to cure skin problems. It is gathered from the young tree by scoring the bark with a knife, allowing the oozing sap to harden on the trunk before being scraped off into containers. The resin is still used in perfume, aromatherapy and, as the name implies, burned as incense. It is also employed as an insect repellent thereby protecting against mosquito borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
Myrrh comes from a tree called Commiphora which grows in North Africa. The resin is collected in a similar way to frankincense. Myrrh was used in traditional medicine as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory treatment. It was also made into incense and perfumes. Until about the 15th century myrrh was used in Egypt as an embalming material in mummies and formed a major part of the funerary rituals of the time. Today myrrh is used as an antiseptic in mouthwashes, toothpaste and cough medicines. Its pleasant scent is used in many modern toiletries and cosmetics as well as incense. An excellent insecticide, myrrh wood is used in building to repel termites and burning it helps keep mosquitoes away.
Employed since before Biblical times, gold, frankincense and myrrh have continued to be useful and desirable and still remain in our lives in many ways.
Feature Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 60
MMaggie RobertsMaggie RobertsMMaggie Roberts
TT: 0118 9714679 FF: 0118 971 4728 MM: 07880 603930
We provide support for your local busi-ness helping you with the more mun-d a n e t a s k s (invoicing, customer database updating, mailshots, digital and tape dictation etc) that will free up more of your time to actually do your job! A cost effective, flexible and local service - perhaps for a one-off project or on a more regular basis. We work offsite so no over-heads. Reasonable rates. Monthly re-tainers available.
E: [email protected] www.carrick-secretarial.co.uk
CCARRICK CARRICK CCARRICK
SSECRETARIALSECRETARIALSSECRETARIAL SSOLUTIONSSOLUTIONSSSOLUTIONS
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
Easy sudoku
Turn around to see if you are right!
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 61
please see page 28
BBruce Bamber
ccan be contacted on
007769 783424
RRelationships
relationships? Relationships bring so
many things to think about, so many
c o m p l i c a t i on s , expe c ta t i on s ,
disappointments, irritations and
misunderstandings so much conflict
and anxiety. Or do they?
Consider Mr Smith. He is a hermit.
He lives in a cave, miles from the
nearest town, village or human
habitation. Mr Smith has achieved
human being for 27 years. He lives
on what he can find and much of his
time is spent attending to the
activities necessary for his survival.
bit about not seeing anybody for 27
years) sound appealing to you? If it
does, it might be that your own experience
of relationships has left something, perhaps
a lot, to be desired. Have you been abused,
exploited or stifled in any of your
relationships? Do you find that you just
give, give, give in the vain hope that things
will change?
Some people find that it is best to live the
life of an emotional hermit. They distance
themselves from others because to get close
is just too risky or painful. Their experience
of everyday living is limited to attending to
what must be done to get by. Many people
achieve a kind of solitude even though
surrounded by thousands of other people.
The result is loneliness, an acute awareness
of a lack of meaningful relationship and this
is one of the most painful emotions.
Of course, relationships are what make us
relationship with our mothers, all our
formative experiences are forged in
relationships with the important people
around us and our ability to live the best life
that we can depends on our ability to seek
out and negotiate constructive relationships.
Love, hope and joy are all born in
relationships.
Perhaps now is a good time to step back and
think about your own relationships. Perhaps
life ccould be much easier than you think.
Feature Our Counsellor - Bruce Bamber
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 62
Protection
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
www.newbury.cats.org.uk
Newbury Cats
Helen’s Hairy HoundsHelen’s Hairy HoundsHelen’s Hairy Hounds
Mobile Dog Grooming Service
Pamper Your Dog In
The Comforts Of Your Own Home
Trimming/Clipping Brushing/Bathing
Turbo Drying / Ear Cleaning /Nail Clipping
Friendly Reliable Service
City & Guilds Trained
Tel 07766 303476
www.helenshairyhounds.com
RRRELIGHTELIGHTELIGHT HHHEATINGEATINGEATING SSSERVICESERVICESERVICES BOILERS
FIRES
COOKERS
SERVICE
REPAIRS
INSTALLATIONS POWER FLUSHING
LANDLORDS GAS SAFETY INSPECTIONS
Richard Carpenter Tel : 07900 267208
CallCallCall
Sue Sue Sue PittsPittsPitts
016350163501635 273210273210273210
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and
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Baby Massage ClassesBaby Massage ClassesBaby Massage Classes The benefits for both of you,The benefits for both of you,The benefits for both of you,
will last forever.will last forever.will last forever.
Est. 1993
DIRTY COOKER ? THE UK’S NO 1 OVEN CLEANING SERVICE
OVENS, HOBS, RANGES & AGAS
YOUR FRANCHISE COVERING
NEWBURY & 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 ???
www.cookerburra.co.uk
Stress related conditions
Muscle aches & pains
IBS
Insomnia
M A S S A G E T R E A T M E N T S
Now available at
Claire’s Hairdressing/Holly’s Beauty
32 High Street, Thatcham
01635 862223
10% discount with this voucher
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 63
The school offers a range of dance classes for adults - Ballroom, Latin American and Sequence Dancing. All
rhythm to those who wish to improve their technique and style - up to, and including, competition standard. Classes in Cold Ash & Newbury
001635 580930 wwww.1stepahead.info School of DanceSSchool of DanceSchool of Dance
BUCKINGHAM LANDSCAPING & GROUNDWORKS
- Driveways, Patios, Paths, Brickwork - Site Clearance, Levelling, Foundations, Bulk Excavation, All Excavator work - Garden Buildings, Garages - Sand, Gravel & Topsoil delivered
Tel: 01635 269216 www.buckinghamlandscaping.co.uk
For all your soft furnishing and sewing needs
Curtains, blinds, pelmets and alterations. Fabric choices and advice available
Contact: JJudy Connolly
07747 634556 www.indigodesign.co.uk
RROGERROGERRROGER FFISFISFFISHERHHERHER
CCarpenter/Joiner KKitchen Fitter/ GGlaze Tiling
HHouse Maintenance PPainting/Decorating
330 Years Experieence
Tel: 01635 827690 mob: 07876 588721
Hire or buy a hat or fascinator.
Shaw Lane House Shaw Lane Baughurst 00118 9816555
GGET AHEAD HATSGET AHEAD HATSGGET AHEAD HATS
wwww.getaheadhats.co.uk ee: [email protected]
F.C. CUMMINS & SONS 2 MILES NORTH OF NEWBURY ON B4009
HORSE/ANIMAL and POULTRY FEEDS
A range of pet food for Cats/Dogs and Small Pets Natural and organic feed plus other equine supplements and goods
Horse Feed from £5.50 per bag Cash & Carry or Delivery
Paddock Maintenance and Fencing Visit our shop now or phone us on
01635 200327 www.fccumminsandsons.co.uk
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 64
In the last issue I wrote telling you of my
journey to Arkansas, USA . I was there to
film a group of guys called linesmen whose
job is to keep America’s power flowing,
enabling homes, hospitals and industry to
keep working without having to shut down.
They work on the 500,000 volt power lines
while they are still live, wearing special suits
to protect them, although still not escaping
the feeling of small tingling shocks. Electro-
cution is just one of the dangers they
continually face.
Their job this time was to change spacers
along the power lines. Sitting on a plate
attached to a helicopter whilst hovering next
to the live line, they connect themselves and
the helicopter to the line to create a loop of
electricity . This keeps them selves and the
line at the same 500,000 volts. On several
occasions I witnessed the helicopter skid
actually touching the line, the rotors inches
away from disaster. It was hot and physically
hard work, temperatures during filming often reaching 100 degrees with 100% humidity.
On the third day of filming the crew chief
stopped operations. He’d had a call from the
power company and it was very bad news.
He called the team together.
Further up the state another crew had had
an accident. A helicopter had hit the cable,
bringing the line and the helicopter down,
killing two of their colleagues. This is a very
specialist job and only a small number of
people have the courage to do it. The people
who had died were known to some of the
team. All of the crew were told to immedi-
ately call home. Their families would soon
hear the news that a linesmen and pilot had
been killed in Arkansas. 6
As we were the nearest to the accident, the
power company were pulling my crew off
their job to send them to repair the line
which had just been damaged. Around 8000
homes and businesses had been affected by
the loss of the line. So the crew, its vehicles
and the helicopter set off on the 200 mile
journey. I was to fly to the scene in the
helicopter to get some aerial footage. This
meant flying over the crash site and the pilot
and I were not looking forward to what we
were about to see.
The crash had occurred in a valley near a
power station with many lines criss-crossing
the gorge. Jonno, my pilot, was surrounded
by lines as he made his careful approach.
When we spotted what had happened less
than a day before, I felt very aware of the
danger the team experienced every day.
The helicopter had burst into flames on
impact and all that was left was a few small
fragments and a scorched mark on the
ground. The crew didn’t stand a chance.
We met up with our crew, who had been split
into teams and were positioned 200ft up on
two pylons that spanned the valley. From the
first pylon some of the team had to attach a
rope to the helicopter as it hovered above
them. The helicopter then pulled the rope
2000 metres across the gorge, where the other crew would attach it to a winch. The
new power cable was then attached to the
rope and winched across as it would be far
too heavy for the helicopter to pull 2000
metres of wire. It was a success, the line was
reconnected and soon the power was back
on.
We then turned around and headed back to
the spacer job 200 miles to the south. It had
been a tough day, but the team were just
pleased it had gone well. All in a day’s work
Feature Behind the lens….
[email protected] 0118 9886070 www.thatchamconnections.co.uk 65
Please mention Thatcham Connections when responding to advertisements. 66
Acupuncturist Joanna Phillips 13 Amateur Theatrical Society Kennet Amateur Theatrical Society 2 Animal Feeds
FC Cummins & Sons 63 Balloon Shop Emotions 32 Blinds Shaftesburys 44 Smart Blinds 16 Boarding Kennels Foxhold 26 Brewery The West Berkshire Brewery 31 Builders& Go Falkland Builders 58 Building Society Newbury Building Socity 60 Burial Ground Acorn Ridge 57 Business Opportunity 62 Butcher 37 Car Maintenance Halfway Garage 19 Cards Emotions 32 Phoenix Trading Care Services BUPA 6/7 Care @ Home Ltd 26 Carpenter/Joiner
Ivan Ivanov 43 Roger Fisher 63 Cats Protections
Newbury Cats Protection 62 Charity
The Newbury & District Cancer Care Trust 52 Children - including Babies Baby Massage 62
Buggyfit
556 GR Swimming School 14 Jubilee Day Nursery 15 Just the 2 of us 17 Monkey Music 14
School 17 OISE 18 Read Dance 17
Cleaning My Home 30
24 Cooker Cleaning (see oven cleaning) CCommunity Pages 448/49 Computers Alex Dewey Bitesize 20 Clive Stanley 52
Sarah Sladen 55 Thatcham PC Doctors 57 Counselling/Coach Bruce Bamber 28/61 Curtain & Soft Furnishings Indigo Designs 63 Dancing & Drama Schools One Step Ahead 63 Decorator
Lady Painter & Decorator 52 Tony Fegan 22
Decorators & Finishers
Scarlet 21 Drainage
Ambar Drainage 39 Dog Grooming Services
62 Electrical & Property Thatcham & Newbury Maintenance Services 19 Electrician MP Electrics 22 Financial - IFA Simon Claxton 46/55 Fitness Classes Buggyfit 62 Reshape 29
sportbilly Fitness 16 Flooring Oaktree Floors 29
Stone Partnership 53 Food Retailer
Waitrose 35 Funeral Directors
Turner Brothers 58 Garden Centre
Hilliers Garden Centre 40 GGardening Feature 42 Gardening Services
AJC Services 43 Bathstone 25 Buckingham Landscape 63 Garden Thyme 45 Green Thumb 41 JPH Forestry Mowers UK 39 NPT Paving Specialists Tree Surgeon 44
Hat Hire or Buy
Get Ahead Hats 63 Handyman
Peter Kirkham 47 Martin Newman 9
Hair & Beauty
31 Bernies 12 Face First Clinic 37 Massage Treatments 62 Tracey Mobile 29 Twist Hair 65
Health & Fitness Club
Bradfield College 11 Heating Services
Relight 62
Health Therapist Theresa Wright 10/58
Home Cinema
Vivid Research 65 Kitchen Refurbisher Re-Nu 21 Locksmith
Cap Security 44 Logs
David Pope 44 Memorials
Memorials in Stone 19 Organic Foods
Pang Valley Organics 38 Riverford 11
Oven Cleaning
Cookerburra 62 Ovenclean 20
Pet Food Retailer Spire Ridge 27 Picture Framer
Inner Piece 52 Plumber
Anthony Bosley 51 GJH Plumbing 60
Thatcham & Newbury Maintenance Services Printer Big Print 23 Removals
One man and his van 63 Restaurants The Angel 3
The Coach and Horses 29 The Fox 34 The Pot Kiln at Frilsham 31 The Six Bells 36
Sculpture
Casting a Memory 5 Secretarial Services Carrick Secretarial Solutions 60 Shop Kaleidoscope 67 Solicitor
CLM Law 8 Gardner Leader 54/58
Tax Advice
Tax Assist 16 TWD
Tree Surgeon JPH Forestry Ltd 44 Vet
26 Water Softener
JM Softeners 20 Window Cleaner
32 Windows, doors and conservatories 63
Woolf Conservation Trust 33
AAnswers page 56: Anagrams: Holly, Reindeer, Cards, Stocking, Turkey, Snow-man. NNumber puzzle final answer: 150 RRiddle answer: kittens
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Thatcham ConnectionsTThatcham ConnectionsThatcham Connections Ursula Aitken SStable 5 GGravelly Bridge Farmhouse GGrazeley RReading RG7 1LG
TTel: 0118 9886070 email: [email protected] wwww.thatchamconnections.co.uk