Happy 1st Birthday to us!

VILLAGE
September 2012
FREE
lifestyle magazine
for the RG7 area
eye
TM
Happy 1st
Birthday to us!
Starting a Business? Page 7
Plan it - Plant it Page 16
W
WORTHINGTONS
THE SALON
Our cover sponsor this month
KEEPING IT LOCAL News | Business | Sport | Health | Homes | Entertainment
1
Spratley’s Always Gives
Your Car ‘Star’ Treatment
Service & MOT
for £149.00*
Servicing of most makes*
(with free weekday car wash)
Vauxhall warranty work
Repairs and MOTs of most makes
Free vehicle health checks
Free local collection and delivery*
Free courtesy cars*
Flexible opening hours
0118 933 2338
Spratley’s of Mortimer, a fifth generation family company
www.spratleys.co.uk
60/62 Victoria Road | Mortimer | Reading | RG7 3SG
*
2
Value service suitable for vehicles outside of their manufacturer’s warranty period, up to 2.2
litre, excluding 4x4 and LCVs; includes semi-synthetic oil and oil filter. Fuel filter and spark plugs at additional
cost. Value service may not be suitable for all vehicles. Conditions apply.
H
appy Birthday to us... This month, the Village Eye team are popping those Champagne corks and
celebrating our 1st birthday. And, what a year it has been too! We’ve covered a whole range of
topics, events, news and business stories and put simply, have been overwhelmed by the support
of this community since our launch last September.
We have given away spa breaks, iPads, concert tickets and makeovers in our competitions, been privileged
to have been asked to film many of the momentous events and occasions which have taken place in this
region for EYE TV (if you still have not seen our short films, please visit www.villageeye.co.uk); and very
importantly worked with so many local businesses to find a way of telling their ‘story’ to you all. We hope
that you have enjoyed the magazine thus far, and continue to send in your stories, pictures and ideas, we
love receiving them!
Bill
Olympic
Summer
&
Ben
3
4
In this issue, we bring you news of a free ‘Heartstart’course in Burghfield, congratulate our very own
Olympic hero Chris Mears, meet Bill and Ben the Flowerpot Man (yes really), look at the evolution of the
humble ‘mobile’ and offer some practical advice to individuals looking to join the half a million
Britons who escaped the rat-race and started a business last year. In our Health,
Sports and Leisure sections we meet Zap Laser, based in Mortimer who
talk about tattoo removal, celebrate another 1st Birthday with
FREE
Worthingtons (our cover sponsor this month) and courtesy of
Berkshire Health and Fitness - we take a look at ‘Boxercise’, a fun
and effective way of helping to lose any of those extra pounds we
may have gained this summer.
mber
VILLA
GE
Septe
Tattoo
Regret?
2012
eye
TM
Happ
y
Birth 1st
day to
us
Start
Plan
W
WORT
HIN
THE SA GTONS
LON
Our co
ver
KEEP
sor thi
LOCAL
ing a
it - Pl
Busin
ant it
ess?
Page
16
!
Page
s mo
nth
News
| Busi
ness
| Spor
EYE
ING IT
spon
Smartphone
users
Scan here
September
8
lifes
ty
for th le magaz
in
e RG
7 area e
t | Hea
lth | H
omes
| Ente
rtainm
en
1 t
7
Regular finance columnist Mark Penston gives us an insight
into the financial Olympic legacy, and our friends over at the
Horticultural Trades Association in Theale have some autumn
gardening advice with their ‘Plan it - Plant it’ campaign. In our
Families section this month, there are articles about fussy toddlers,
driving lessons, horse riding and choosing the right school for your
child - We think that this issue really has got something for everyone, we
hope that you’ll agree!
And, if you are responding to any advertisement or featured business
within this magazine - please remember to mention the Village Eye when
contacting them. Keep it Local!
Community News - 2
Games Financial Legacy - 13
Olympic Summer - 3
Plan it , Plant it - 18
Swiss Army Phone - 6
School Choices - 21
Starting a Business - 7
Box Your Way Fit - 24
Zap! - 8
Robbie Robot Fun Day - 25
Toddler Tea Time
22
16
24
Box Your
Way Fit!
Reading
eye verts
eye web
eye deliver
J 12
M4
Theale
J 11
Beenham
Advertising in the Eye is very
cost effective, both in print
and online. We can even
complete your artwork for
you too (for free*) Please call
us for details 0118 907 6200
Need a local business
or service? Want to
keep up with local
news as it happens?
www.villageeye.co.uk
Village Eye is currently
hand delivered to most
homes and businesses
coloured in pink on the
map.
Thank you to all our contributors this month:
Maxta Thomas, Karen Mech, Susan Pankhurst, David Gregory,Katrina
Greville, John Preston, Marie Hurley, Mark Penston, Cassie King, Jackie
Stuart, Raisie Field, Robbie Robot
The Village Eye is bought to you by Pinktomato Ltd, a local, independent creative design and marketing
company. All content within the publication is copyright of Village Eye. The
publishers cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by
contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates,
times, URL’s and telephone numbers are understood to be correct at the time of
submission to print. *Not including stock images - release fee charged
PINKTOMATO
Burghfield
Burghfield Common
A4 to Newbury
Mortimer
Padworth
Aldermaston
Spencers
Wood
A33
Silchester
Tadley
Basingstoke
Editor: Hellen Shaw
Registered Address:
The Hothouse, Burghfield
Common, Berkshire
Hellen@villageeye.co.uk
0118 907 6200
To contribute, advertise or let us know your news - please call the team 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk
smartphones
view here
Please
Recycle
Me!
1
WINNER
OF A PROM
MAKEOVER
Back in June, Sarah Thomson a year 11
pupil from Theale Green School was
the lucky winner of the Prom makeover
Competition.
Each Year there are over 200,000 Heart Attacks in
the UK - some tragically escalate into Cardiac Arrests (when the heart goes
into a spasm) and there are Respiratory Arrests too (especially in the young).
Sarah Tho
mpson
Sarah said “I couldn’t believe it when my mum told
me that I’d won the competition - she hadn’t even told me she’d
entered on my behalf - so it was a complete shock. I had such a great
time at Kaven - all of the staff made me feel so special on my prom
day.”
WINNER
Family Marvellous Ticket
stival!
y the fe
Heartstart
Training Course
In Burghfield there is an average of
one 999 call each day of the year. A
number of these calls are to life-threatening
emergencies like Heart Attacks.
Hair & Beauty
On the Day of her Prom, Sarah spent the
afternoon at Kaven Hair and Beauty in
Theale being preened, pampered and
‘beautified’ ready for her big night.
Could you
Save A Life?
Congratulations to Jo, Richard,
Luca and Piper Monger of
Theale, the winners of a family
ticket to Marvellous 12 in July.
After what seemed like an
eternity of rainy days, it was
as if the organisers had
ordered the rain to stop,
hailing the start of some
warmth and sunshine...
Whilst a Heart Defibrillator will almost certainly be required in the case of a
cardiac arrest, CPR performed immediately by anyone (even you) can help
keep the patient alive and gives a Responder or Paramedic a good chance
of resuscitation. For every 60 seconds CPR is not administered - a patients
chance of survival reduces by 10% .
Immediate CPR saves lives
An emergency medic should arrive within 8 minutes of being called but that
still only means a 20% chance of recovery if NO CPR has been performed by
a relative or passer by at. Could you help give someone a chance? Would
you know what to do?
HeartStart Burghfield, a partnership between HeartStart Tadley Triangle,
Burghfield Community Partnership and Burghfield Community Sports
Association (BCSA) is giving members of the public a chance to learn CPR at
a free training session. Open to local residents over 8 years old, participants
will be trained by CRB checked, British Heart Foundation Qualified Staff and
you will receive a certificate of completion.
The course is 2.5 hours long and FREE. There are 30 FREE places on Thursday
September 20th at 7.30pm at Burghfield Community Sports Association on
James Lane - but you MUST book.
If you would like to book a place or find
out more, please email:
hs.burghfield@live.co.uk
or call
0118 983 3289
iper enjo
“We had a fantastic
evening at Marvellous, the bands
were great and so was the weather! The other
festival goers were really friendly too, we can certainly
see ourselves going back again next year.” Well done Monger
family!
P
Luca &
JOB VACANCY
FULLY QUALIFIED BEAUTY THERAPIST , Experienced Full Time Beauty
Therapist, with a minimum of 2-3 Years Practical experience, to join our existing
team of therapists in a busy and thriving salon in Theale, Nr Reading & Newbury
on the A4. IPL or laser training an advantage.
You will be able to communicate with finesse and work as an individual as well as
be a team player.
Silchester Parish Council secures
£50,000
from sporting legacy fund
Silchester Parish Council has secured funding to refurbish its sports pavilion
located on the playing field at the heart of the village. The grant has been
awarded as part of the Olympic legacy funding from Sport England’s Inspired
Facilities Fund.
The Inspired Facilities fund is part of the £135 million Places People Play legacy
programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic
Games into communities across the country.
Silchester Parish Council will receive £49, 959 of Sport England funding to
completely overhaul and upgrade its sports pavilion. The current building
was constructed in 1982 and replaced the previous wooden structure however,
despite the valiant efforts of local volunteers, it has suffered from lack of funds
for a number of years.
We pride ourselves in client care and therefore the use of top branded treatments
using CACI & Guinot treatments and equipment are just one of our specialities.
We can offer you a competitive salary plus regular training and development.
Apply to: sales@ kaven.co.uk including a
CV plus two references. (no agencies)
2
Hair & Beauty
Help to support your community by ‘Keeping Business Local’
The improvements will
include the building of a
new changing room, new
showers, an upgraded
roof and an expanded club
room. It is hoped that
these works will not only
improve the building as a
sporting facility but will
also enhance its appeal as
a social and community
asset for the village.
Our Olympic
Hero
eye
Chris Mears, We are
all so proud of you!
On Community
When the Olympic torch made its way through Theale back in July, it heralded the start of
a nation-wide six week Olympic haze. With around 6,000 local residents and schoolchildren
turning out to watch the flame as it was carried through the High Street by torchbearers Kieran
Wassell, Joe Robinson, and local ladies Gillian Hurley, and Wendy Shaw, the atmosphere
had a ‘carnival-like’ feel. This uplift in peoples moods continued through the games as
Britain delivered exactly what it had promised
the world it would do, a games to inspire a
generation.
A huge well done then to Chris Mears our
young local diving hero who finished in 9th
place at the Olympic final of the Olympic
3m springboard diving event. The 19-yearold former Willink pupil demonstrated resolve and determination to reach the final putting in
“the performance of his life”. Dubbed the ‘Miracle man’ of diving, his unexpected placement
came just three years after doctors gave him a five per cent chance of survival after sustaining a
ruptured spleen during a diving accident in Australia.
Chris Mears at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Chris has said he still cannot believe his remarkable journey after completing a dream Olympic
campaign by posting Great Britain’s best result in a 3m springboard diving final since 1984.
Wendy Shaw with the torch
(Photo - Graham Finch DIY-4-U)
Mears said: “That was the best performance of my life in front of a home crowd. I nailed it when it mattered and now I’m an Olympic finalist. I
can’t quite believe it.”
Council Planners say
NO
Firlands Farm
The proposed controversial plans to
develop the site at Firlands Farm into
a supermarket, flats, a nursery and
care home may just have to be put
on the back burner permanently
due to confusion over ownership
of the land.
Scentsations
Mortimer’s Quality Florist
Planners and developers had wanted to build a 2,879 sq m supermarket, a 60
bed care home, nursery, pub, residential apartments as well as 465 sqm of retail
space at the site in Burghfield Common. These plans though are now in doubt...
Emma Fuller, Planning officer for West Berkshire has written to Pegasus Planning
advising them that ”because we have been made aware that the Certificates
of Ownership are incorrect, this application is not valid and cannot be made
valid: Consequently no further action will be taken on it and it will be deemed
determined as INVALID due to incorrect Certificates.”
It would appear that there may be some boundary issues in the initial plans,
meaning that the land in its entirety may not be available for development.
If this is the case, it is very possible that the
whole planning process may need to start
again from scratch. Whilst we do not know
how much has been spent on the project to
date, it is likely to have been a considerable
sum and we expect that the planners,
developers and indeed the owners of the
majority of the proposed development site
may be considering their options as to the
financial implications of starting all over
again?
West Berkshire Council has confirmed
it has received more than 1,500
letters of objection to the application
with campaigners arguing that a
development of this scale would force
the existing independent stores in the
village to close.
Flowers with a Personal Touch!
Wedding Flower Specialist
Sympathy Tributes
Bouquets and Baskets for all Occasions
Free Local Delivery
Tel: 07900 241800
scentsationsflowers@hotmail.co.uk
www.scentsations-flowers.com
Mention the Eye
and receive a
Free Bouquet
upgrade on
all hand-tied
arrangements
during September
37 King Street | Mortimer | RG7 3RS
With over 12,000 homes in the RG7 area we can connect your business with the community
3
eye
Yes, you really did see
this man out running!
Eye on Community
Carnival
Saturday 22nd
September
Spencers Wood
12 noon to 9pm
The fabulous Spencers Wood Carnival will be held once again this year at the
Recreation Ground, Clares Green Road, Spencers Wood with Mason’s Funfair,
Giant Inflatables, Mini Beer Festival, Hands-on Art, Circus Skills, Stalls, Side shows and
lots more....
Spencers Wood Carnival was started in 2007 by friends Liz Ratcliffe and Debbie
Johnson-Wait, who set out to organise an event that would bring the whole
community together for a day of family fun with fairground rides, good food and
drink, a range of side-shows and a variety of entertainment for all ages.
The aim is to provide something for everyone, from puppets shows, craft workshops
and games for the children to live music from local bands to round off the day. And
for those who are after a bit of retail therapy, they have commercial stalls selling
quality crafts and speciality foods too The event is designed to build up community
spirit and has a real village focus, with Spencers Wood businesses responsible for
much of the event catering, and local schools, churches, clubs and groups running
stalls to raise some funds for themselves.
Any profits made centrally are shared out between the participating community
organisations too. This looks like a great day out for all the family.
Run Mortimer,Run!
Sunday September 30th 10AM
The annual Mortimer 10km run will take place on Sunday 30th September
2012 and runs in conjunction with an 8km charity walk and a 3km run which
is popular with younger runners.
The course undulates through the country lanes of Mortimer and starts and
finishes on the Mortimer Fairground. Prizes for the 10km are for the first man
and lady and first age category winners.
Around the start/finish area you will find refreshments, stalls, rides and
bouncy castles for the children. Even if you are not a ‘runner’, this event
always commands a great turnout from the local community, and - if we
get the Indian Summer the forecasters predict, it should make for a great
family morning out!
If you would like to take part, you can book online (see
link below). Entries are open now and the closing date for
postal entries is 16th September 2012. Entries on the day
will be accepted subject to race limit not being reached.
n AKA
resto
John P
r Ben)
BIll (o
Whilst driving through Burghfield recently,
a member of the Village Eye team spotted
something rather unusual - a man out jogging.
What is so unusual about that we hear you
ask - at this time of the year, there are lots of
people out there running. This chap though,
was jogging along dressed as Bill (of Bill and
Ben Flowerpot fame). We were intrigued to
find out more...
It turns out that ‘Bill’ aka, John Preston of Beech Hill is preparing to run three
half marathons in October: Basingstoke, Henley and Birmingham, followed by the Great
South Run, which is 10 miles long - all in the name of a local charity, Thrive. During these
races he will be dressed as Bill or Ben from the Flower Pot Men and, in order to get used
to the idea of running in fancy dress decided that all of his training should be completed
in character too!
“I am supporting Thrive by running these races in one month, which is a huge undertaking
for me as I only usually do one half marathon a year” John told us. “I am currently training
in my flower pot man suit and can be seen wearing it each week pounding the local streets
- I have had some strange looks - but it’s been such fun!”
Based at Trunkwell House in Beech Hill, Thrive is a small national charity that uses the
process of gardening to help disabled people to transform their lives. Gardening can
help individuals accomplish many things. It can help rebuild a person’s strength after
an accident or illness, and can provide a purposeful activity for someone coping with a
difficult period in their life. I have seen for myself the great work that Thrive is able to offer
and the huge rewards that can be achieved by those it helps.
If you see Bill (or Ben) out there in training, be sure to say hello and, if you would like to
help him to support this worthwhile charity, please make a donation at www.justgiving.
com/john-preston2 or by text message to donate £10 to MWML94 £10 to 70070
15% OFF
WITH THIS
ADVERT DURING
SEPTEMBER*
For more info: http://readingroadrunners.org
Burghfield
Spices
fine indian cuisine
Beauty and Spa Treatments
The Old Barn at Grazeley Green offers a unique and luxurious
Salon experience
Manicures and Pedicures
Holistic Massage
Waxing
Japanese Hand Massage
Lash/Brow Tinting
Hot Stone Therapy
Sunless Tanning
Body Treatments
Facial Skincare
Tel: 07990 709 311
www.theoldbarnbeauty.co.uk
4
Indian Head Massage
0118 983 4040
www.burghfieldspices.com
* Just mention the village eye or take in this
advert - (excludes drinks and delivery service)
the hatchgate, burghfield, RG30 3TH
cala@theoldbarnbeauty.co.uk
To contribute, advertise or let us know your news - please call the team 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk
Ciao
Bonjour
HELLO
¡Hola!
cześć
Hallo
I WANT
TO LEARN A
NEW LANGUAGE
THIS AUTUMN
Evening language courses start on
25th September 2012, and will run
every Tuesday from 7.00pm to 9.00pm
The Willink School
Courses are held at:
Our courses are taught by native speakers and include:
French | Italian | Polish | Spanish | English as a Foreign Language
For further information, please call 0118 983 2030
or visit our website www.willink.org.uk
Mortimer Hill, The Street, Mortimer, RG7 3PW
School Lane, Burghfield Common, Berkshire
5
eye
Technology
Swiss
Army
Phone
Did you know that nearly a third of UK adults now use a
Smartphone? We take a look at what they are being used for
TECH
eye
Regular Eye Tech readers will have probably picked up on our love of all things mobile related over this past year. That’s
because many of the team at Pinktomato (the folks behind Eye) have spent countless years in the IT and mobile industries.
Watching technologies evolve is a fascinating past time. It doesn’t seem all that long ago that I was given my first mobile
phone (circa 1989). It wasn’t so much a ‘mobile’, it was more the fact this is was not ‘wired’ to anything. The size of a small
unpopulated country, it required a shoulder bag of its own to transport, would rarely make or receive calls due to the
lack of cellular coverage at the time - but the fact that I had one was cool enough for me. Even back then, the
future of this emerging technology seemed bright.
The rumour was, that one day - you’d
be able to use your mobile for all sorts
of things like taking pictures or sending
short messages using the keypad
on the phone. Few envisaged
the influence the humble ‘phone’
would have on most of our lives
within a relatively short space in time.
u
do yo
What rs for?
u
use yo
Just twenty three years on and the once humble mobile talking device is now
much, much more. An intrinsic part of everyday live for most of the modern world,
phones have evolved into multi-functioning communications devices enabling
users to be connected to the world wherever they are. Whether they are working,
playing, shopping, paying, listening, watching, reading or writing, according to a
recent ofcom report just over a third of UK adults now use smart devices.
A recent survey by telecoms giant O2 uncovered some interesting statistics about
our mobile phone usage concluding that “Smartphones have become a digital
Swiss Army Knife’.
The survey found that the most popular activity is browsing the Internet with the
average smartphone user spending about 25 minutes every day browsing the
web. The second most popular activity is checking social networks, followed by
playing games, and then listening to music. Making phone calls is the fifth most
popular activity.
It also found that, for many people, the smartphone is replacing other possessions
including alarm clocks, watches, cameras, diaries and even laptops and TVs as
they become more intuitive and easier to use for things ‘beyond calls’.
With the digital landscape evolving as quickly as it is, who knows - soon, we’ll
probably not even need these devices in a physical form - we’ll ‘think’ to our own in-built communications centre and our emails will be constructed and
sent, our shopping delivered and we’ll never have to ‘talk’ to anyone ever again. The mind boggles. Eye Geek
6
eye
You can always
look for another
job, but you only
get one life...
T
he number of small businesses being launched across the UK is increasing,
according to new research. Figures released by intelligence supplier
Creditsafe suggest the rate of company formation outpaced the rate of
insolvencies last year, despite an overall increase in the latter. Close to
half a million (470,000) small firms were set up in 2011. So what about you? Have
you ever fantasied about getting free from a demanding boss, the daily rat-race
commute or the politics involved in just ‘doing your job’? Perhaps you simply
want to be in charge of your own destiny and are increasingly entertained by the
possibility of making your own decisions, your own money (and yes, mistakes).
Starting a business is not for the faint hearted, nor the work-shy. But, if you have a
business idea, some ‘balls’, determination and think it ‘has legs’, don’t pontificate.
You can always get another job, but you only get one life. Will you be the one who
gets to the end of their thinking “I wish I’d tried that.”
on Business
Be prepared to be flexible and wear many hats
The only certainty in life is change! Be willing to adapt to changing circumstances
or new situations. Your business plan and strategy cannot be cast in stone - as your
business develops you will need to adjust according to what you have learned.
In the initial stages you will be the Sales Person, the Marketeer, the Financier, the
PR Agent, the Administrator and tea-maker (if you can’t spin plates and juggle
simultaneously already, now would be a good time to learn!)
Stay positive
Starting a business takes resilience as challenges and problems occur. Stay
enthusiastic and positive and you will succeed.
For further sources of information, the following sites may be helpful to you.
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk
Before you start, here are a few things to consider:
An invaluable resource when starting a business
Know your product or service
This is your business and you need to know everything possible about what
you are selling. Do your homework and be fully informed about what you are
doing. You are the expert so make sure you have all the right answers about your
business. It is viable?
http://pinktomato.com
PINKTOMATO
http://melaniecurtisaccountants.co.uk
Local start-up and incorporation tax experts
Price your product properly
Do your research and make sure your product or service is priced fairly. Don't
undersell your service or product. if you are too cheap, your potential customers
will perceive your business in this way (unless of course, this is what you are
aiming for!) Remember, you want to make money when starting a business, but
you also need to be competitive.
Need help with
your Computer?
Plan your marketing strategy
How will you advertise your product or service and attract customers? It is
important to have a plan of action in place for promoting your business. It’s
almost an unwritten rule that you’ll need a good website. Don’t scrimp on this
- you may not be selling products online but your site is a modern day brochure
representing all that your business has to offer. A website is usually the first place
potential customers will go before deciding to work with you. Make sure that
your logo and contact details are clearly visible on EVERY page.
ABComputers is a local IT
support company based in
Burghfield. We are here to
help you resolve your PC or
Laptop Repair problems at
sensible and affordable rates.
Understand the competition
What can you learn from your competition? Study your competitors and find out
what you can do to make your product stand out from the competition. Knowing
the competition is key to a successful business.
ABComputers will visit you at
your home or office to make
an initial assessment of the
problem, and aim to complete the work on site. However, if it proves to be more cost-effective to take the PC
away, we will collect it, carry out the work at our premises, and return it to you at no additional cost.
Create a working space for your home business
Every business needs its own space. Whether you are thinking of starting from
home or are looking at renting office space. This should ALWAYS be separated
from family life.
Involving your family
If your business is to be home-based, include your family from the start. Ask
for suggestions, discuss possible problems and find solutions together. Get your
family excited about your business, their support will make it much easier. But set
some clear parameters about work/home balance. Working from home is very
hard to do and requires a great deal of discipline to ensure that in the long term,
work does not interfere with home life.
Monitor expenses carefully
Set a budget and stick to it as much as possible. Have a financial plan to ensure
that you and your family can maintain a healthy (but not extravagant lifestyle)
whilst you are starting out. Keep within your budget and keep expenses as low
as possible, only buying what you need to start your business. Set money aside
for essentials. Websites, business cards, telephone lines (on this note, you should
always have a landline number - it gives an impression of stability.)
Local creative web and marketing collateral
•
•
•
•
•
•
PC Repair, Laptop Repair/Troubleshoot Hardware
PC Repair, Laptop Repair/Troubleshoot Software
Virus, Spyware and malware removal
Recovery of deleted data, and transfer of data
PC & Laptop Security
Installation and setup of new PC's and laptops
0118 983 2467
Andre@abcomputers.org.uk
www.abcomputers.org.uk
Does your business have something to share? Let us know by calling the team 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk
7
eye
eye
Health & Wellbeing
Health&&Wellbeing
Beauty
Health
SKIN
Deep
What have the Beckhams, Katie Perry and Angelina Jolie all
got in common apart from their fame? They all have a tattoo.
Many people have them but what happens when they are no
longer wanted ?
Once a permanent statement of rebellion or a badge of belonging, today,
tattoos – or body art, as they are known – are a common sight. In fact, according
to a recent survey a third of all Britons under the age of 44 now have one, including
Samantha Cameron, our Prime Minister’s wife.
Their indelibility is no longer ‘everlasting’ either which, is welcome news for the 23 per
cent of those who say they regret their momentary encounter with an ‘Inkslinger’.
Tattoo removal used to involve painful acidic skin peels, dermabrasion (think of an
electric sander), or literally cutting out the tattoo and patching the area with skin
grafts from other areas of the body. All these methods sound barbaric and often
left horrific scars. Fortunately, such drastic action is no longer necessary - Tattoo
removal via laser is now among the fastest growing areas of the dermatology
industry.
Lasers were first used for tattoo removal around 20 years ago and has come a
long way since then.
‘In many cases we are able to completely erase the tattoo,’ says Sue Pankhurst
of Zap Laser Clinic in Mortimer, which has now successfully treated hundreds
of patients across the South. Patients come in for a variety of reasons, from
relationship breakups, to career advancement or simply that of regret - I’ve even
had regretful patients visit me the same day as having their tattoos done”.
ortimer,
ic, in M
r Clin
Zap Lase
Berkshire
Why do tattoos not fade over time,
disappear or simply wash away? “Tattoos
are created by injecting ink about a
millimetre into the middle layer of the
skin. As this layer does not shed like the
skin’s surface layers, the ink does not wear
away. The ink particles are too big to be
broken down by the immune system so
they just sit there”.
Lasers work by rapidly heating the
ink and shattering them into smaller
particles thus allowing them to be readily absorbed
by the lymphatic system and naturally expelled.
A number of colours of laser light are used to target different pigments. Red light
works best on blue, black and red inks; green light targets red and orange; near
Specialists in
Laser Hair Removal - Tattoo Removal - Skin Rejuvenation
Acne & Acne Scarring - Vascular Lesions
Pigmented Lesions - Microdermabrasion - Skin Peels
8
infrared works on dark pigments while another wavelength of infrared is absorbed
by green and dark pigments.
“Twenty years ago, only red light was available, but now, technological advances
mean that other lights are now available ensuring that the desired result is more
easily achieved” said Sue.
The laser handpiece we use is held like a pen, so removal can be very precise ‘It’s
now possible to target areas as small as a single millimetre,’ says Sue who says that
her clinic in Mortimer is now busier than it has ever been.
Patients have likened the laser removal treatment to the feeling of an elastic band
flicking against the skin - and in most cases, considerably
less painful that having the tattoo etched in the first place.
Certainly the use of Emla, a topical anaesthetic cream, or a
gel ice pack alleviates most discomfort
The skill of the technician is crucial. Yes, there are various
creams, potions, lotions and some scary looking DIY devices
available online, but when you consider that the results will
be as visible as the existing artwork, enlisting the help of a
trained professional is always a safer option.
Will it work? “Generally, if a patients tattoo is created using
a normal, standard ink, it will respond very well to the laser
treatment, though with non-standard inks, the result will vary”. says Sue. “Each
patient will respond differently depending on the colour, placement and size of
the tattoo”.
“At Zap Laser Clinic we want you to look your best” and use the latest non-invasive
treatments available and our results in skin rejuvenation, removal of unwanted hair,
thread veins, sun damage and tattoo removal are second to none. At the clinic,
all treatments are available at affordable prices, whether you ‘pay as you go’ or
save money and pre-pay for a course.
If you would like to find out more about any of the procedures offered at the clinic
or would like some expert advice, please call them in confidence on 0118 933
1212, or visit their website www.zaplaserclinic.co.uk. They are also offering free
quotations for tattoo removal via email. If you would like to find out more about
having your tattoo removed, please send a photo to zaplsr@gmail.com
0118 933 1212
www.zaplaserclinic.co.uk
The Corner House, 18-20 West End Road, Mortimer
Is your hair ready for the autumn?
Kaven can help
When autumn rolls around, many
of us have a desire for change.
Whether it’s drastic or subtle,
one thing’s for sure; we want a
change for the better.
At Kaven Hair & Beauty, we’ll
help you prepare your hair for the
coming season with a new style,
cut or colour
HAIRDRESSING CHAIR TO RENT
In our thriving Hairdressing section
Tiring of working for someone else?
Join our fast expanding team of top class Hair
Stylists and Make Up Artists ...
Amazing Autumn Offers
Hair Salon
Beauty Clinic Spray tans for £20
Apply to sales@kaven.co.uk
Botox from £200
Be beautiful this autumn
•
•
•
•
Laser Hair Removal
S p r a y Ta n n i n g
CACI Firming
& To n i n g F a c i a l s
B r a z i l i a n Wa x i n g
•
•
•
•
Full head of highlights,
cut & blowdry £45
Hairdressing Studio
Gel Manicures & Pedicures
E y e b r o w Ta t o o t i n g
Individual Eyelash Extensions
51 Church Street Theale, Berkshire, RG7 5BX
Offer valid until 30th September 2012
Hair & Beauty
0118 930 3747
www.kaven.co.uk
Established since 1984 9
Happy B rthday
WORTHINGTONS !
It hardly seems possible that a whole year has passed since Worthingtons The Salon first opened their
doors to the public in Burghfield Common. From its humble beginnings as ‘The Hair Shop’ some fifteen
years ago, since taking over the premises Katrina and her team have worked tirelessly to create an oasis for
hair and beauty treatments; providing a luxurious setting and service at not so luxurious prices. “I wanted to create a salon which
would appeal to the wide demographic this village serves. Our clients range from career women, to busy mums, to men and older clientele” she
explained. “Our aim is to provide every client that comes through our door with a first class service and most importantly with hair and bodies they are proud
of”. In addition to their selection of male and female cuts, blow-drys and colour options, their range of services now also extends to nails, waxing, facials,
spray tans and even childrens Princess Pamper Birthday Parties!
One of the salons appeals is that they have introduced late night opening twice a week for those who simply cannot get away from work or life’s demands
during the day. On Wednesdays they are open until 7 and on Thursdays until 8 and, for those who wish to accept it, a glass of wine will always be offered
(providing the client is over 18!)
25% off
ALL COLOUR SERVICES
in September*
* Not in conjunction with any other offer.
W
Putting something back into society and the community is paramount in Katrina’s ethos too. Having spent many
years training new stylists in colleges and latterly as an accredited City & Guilds examiner, Katrina has taken on four
staff and two new apprentices since their doors opened. Their latest recruit, Aimee who has joined them this month
has recently passed NVQ level two (of four) in hairdressing and is hoping to graduate as a fully qualified stylist soon.
In order to complete her apprenticeship, and graduate to the salon floor, Aimee is looking to enhance her skill-set
in technical cuts and colours and is currently looking for models who will receive a first class, professional service
under Katrina’s watchful and experienced eye. From October 1st, Worthingtons will be opening on Mondays for a
full training day. If you would like to be become a model, model price lists & TC’s can be found on their web site at
www.worthingtonsthesalon.co.uk
WORTHINGTONS
THE SALON
HAIR - BEAUTY - NAILS
0118 983 2964
www.worthingtonsthesalon.co.uk
Shorelands | Reading Road | Burghfield Common | RG7 3BL
Anne Grive
MNutr RD
Registered Dietitian
Obesity - Diabetes - Heart health
Weight Management solutions - IBS
Coeliac disease - IBD (Crohns) Nutritional advice for all ages - Eating disorders
Nutritional expertise based on current scientific and public health
research, tailored to the individual. How can I help you?
Email: annegrive@yahoo.co.uk
St Johns Road, Mortimer, Berkshire, RG7 3TR
For a confidential chat, please call
0118 933 2638
Individual or Group consultations
Home visits by special arrangement
Available for talks, presentations,
lectures & media work.
Hear in the Community
When did you last have your hearing checked?
• Routine Hearing Checks
• Noise Protection
• Sensibly Priced Hearing Aids
Mortimer Hill, The Street, Mortimer, RG7 3PW
10
Tel: Email: Web:
0118 933 3162
andrewhyde@hearinthecommunity.com
www.hearinthecommunity.co.uk
Real results with
an ...
Cambridge Weight Pl
Mortimer’s newest Beauty Salon
At Puro we believe in creating the perfect
relaxation enviroment for our clients...
Waxing
Electrolysis
Manicures
Guinot Facials
Holistic Treatments
Revive
Reflexology
Pedicures
Unwind
Relax
20% off
Full Shellac Pedicures &
Guinot Hydradermie facials
When you mention Village Eye
Puro
Your Independent Cambridge Consultant:
Health and Beauty
Marie Hurley
t: 07944 169790
e: curlyhurley@gmail.com
01189 332 972
www.purobeauty.com
Puro Health & Beauty, 18-20 West End Road, Mortimer
A Total
bl a St!
The crazy-cool dance-fitness
workout for kids (ages 4-12) set to
hip-hop, salsa, reggaeton and more.
Do your feet
need some
attention?
New
Class for
Children in
Burghfield!
ZIN_postcard2_5.47x8.5_pics.indd 9
5/20/10 10:41 AM
Children’s Classes
Theale: Wednesdays
John Cumber Hall
Burghfield: Tuesdays
Burghfield Community Centre
Little Starz (5-8yrs) 15:30 -16:15
Big Starz (8-16yrs) 16:30 -17:15
Little Starz (5-8yrs) 16:00 - 16:45
Big Starz (8-16yrs) 16:50 -17:35
Adult’s Classes
Burghfield: Mondays
18:30 - 19:30
Theale: Wednesdays
19:00 - 20:00
Burghfield: Thursdays
09:30 -10:30
Aldermaston: Thursdays
19:00 - 20:00
Theale: Fridays
09:15 -10:15
Mrs Blands Infant School
Theale Primary School
Methodist Church
Aldermaston Village Hall
John Cumber Hall
To find out
more call:
Emma Jones:
07977
934930
11
0118 983 3897
Burghfield Common Mortimer Burghfield Village
Spencers Wood Beech Hill
Aldermaston
Theale
Padworth Silchester
And surrounding areas
...we’ll move you
www.parkersproperties.co.uk
BUYING SELLING LETTING
• Efficient,reliable&friendly•Fixedfeeoptions•FREEconsultation
Theessentialsupport
behind
ThamesValley’ssmalland
medium-sizedbusineses
Ourservicesinclude:
• Limitedcompanyyear-endaccounts
• Managementaccounts&bookeepingservices
• Taxcompliance&taxplanning
• VAT&payroll
• Businessstart-ups&incorporations
• Companysecretarial
• Contractorpackages
• Soletrader&partnershipaccounts
01189833473
mel@melaniecurtisaccountants.co.uk
www.melaniecurtisaccountants.co.uk
• FREEbookeepingsoftware•Over15yearsexperience
12
To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk
Eye on Business & Finance
eye
Olympic Performance!
As the medal count increased at the Olympics
this summer there was also much upbeat talk
about the Olympics producing a positive effect
on the economy. In fact politicians seem to be
counting on this. I hope they are right.
Independent Financial Advice
Research from countries that have hosted the
games in the past shows a mixed story. The
chart below shows that it is the minority of
countries where the games have actually had
an overall positive effect on the economy (based on GDP). Whether
the UK manages to be one of the few who benefits from the Olympics
has yet to be seen.
• Investments • Pensions & Retirement Planning
• Inheritance Tax Planning • Long Term Care • Mortgages
For an inital consultation call Mark Penston on:
0118 987 6655
markp@blueskyifas.co.uk
www.blueskyifas.co.uk
3 Chalfont Court, Lower Earley, Reading, Berks, RG6 5SY
BlueSKY Independent Financial Advisors is the trading name of SFIA Limited which is authorised and regulated by the
Financial Services Authority. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage or other loans secured on it.
Need a Solicitor?
A traditional and friendly law firm based in Theale, just off
Junction 12 of the M4 offering a professional approach
over a comprehensive range of Legal Services.
•
Allareasofconveyancing
•
CommercialProperty
•
WillsandProbate
•
ContestedProbate/InheritanceClaims
•
GeneralLitigation
For advice please call:
0118 930 4630
john@johnlbankysolicitors.co.uk
Experienced
legal
consultancy
Open
Monday - Friday
9am - 5pm
18a High Street, Theale
Berkshire, RG7 5AN
www.johnlbankysolicitors.co.uk
Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 538444)
There are many companies that have benefited enormously from the
games and I’m sure more will follow but one has to be realistic about
the effect of these, relatively few, companies on the economy as a
whole.
In the investment world researching and selecting these well performing
companies is a major contributor to portfolio performance. In rising
markets it is relatively easy for a fund manager to make investment
gains, but the current volatile markets require an experienced stock
selector. Some managers seem to have an eye for it and even in these
difficult times there are Olympic performers to be found if you know
where to look.
Mark
Mark Penston BSc, APFS, MEWI
Independent financial adviser
Mark Penston is a Partner of Bluesky Independent Financial Advisers
and specialises in pension and investment advice.
13
D.Damon
Blocked Drain?
We offer a local, complete drainage service
including drain/pipe clearing, CCTV survey and
tracing, building works, drain repairs and lining.
• Emergencycall-out
• Nocall-outcharge
• Allinsuranceworkundertaken
• Serviceavailable24hoursaday,allyear
• Nojobtoobigortoosmall
• Samedayservicewheneverpossible
• SafeContractorapproved
• CHASaccredited
• HealthandSafetyscheme
Offeringfriendly,helpfulstaffandaprofessional,
skilledservicecallusnowon:
01189812999
AD
Sand & Gravel
We supply Builders,
Landscapers and for
general household use
with local delivery.
Sand
Ballast
Sharp Sand
10mm Pea Shingle
25mm- 40mm Stone
Crushed Concrete
Bedding Sand
Scalpings
Top Spoil
t: 0118 930 2668
m: 07775 960 596
info@ambardrainage.co.uk
Ambar Drainage Ltd
24/7
1 Comet House
Calleva Park, Aldermaston
Reading, Berkshire, RG7 8JA
Geoffrey Church & Co.

Your Local Funeral Directors
High quality, low cost vehicle repairs
20 years experience with both public & trade
For a personal and dignified
service at all times

Funerals furnished to or from
any distance




Private Chapel of Rest

All types of Memorials
supplied and fixed

Pre Paid Funeral Plans
24 HOUR SERVICE
TELEPHONE: 0118 981 4420
48 Bishopswood Road, Tadley, RG26 4HD
14 Dont Forget to Mention VIllage Eye when responding to any feature or advert



Bumper scuffs to full re-sprays
Plastic bumpers repaired
Colour coding
Alloy wheels refurbished
Latest paints used
Low bake oven
Insurance work undertaken
All work is guaranteed
Windscreens supplied and fitted
Based in Silchester so local delivery and collection can be arranged
For a FREE quote or friendly no nonsense advice,
please contact Richard Norris on:






Williams
Chimney serviCes
William Chimney Services is an established,
professional family run chimney sweeping Business.
Services we offer:
•
Acompletecleansweepservice.Makingsure
yourchimneyorfluesystemiscleanandefficient.
•
Weprotectyourhomefromsootbysealingthe
applianceandusingspecialisedvacuum.
•
SmoketestandDrawtesting
•
Birdandverminnestremoval
•
CCTVinspections
•
Cowlsandbirdguardssuppliedandfitted.
•
Wecansupplyyouawiderangeofcapscowls
andbirdguards.afittingserviceisalsoavailable.
•
Adviceonfueltypes
How often should your chimney be cleaned?
Smokelesscoals:Atleastonceayear,Wood:Oncea
seasonwheninuseBitumouscoal:Twiceayear,
Oil:Onceayear,Gas:Onceayear
Web:
www.williamschimneyservices.co.uk
mail@williamschimneyservices.co.uk
Tel:
01189 712367
Chimney se
£40.00 per sweep
to Village Eye
readers
Wehaveawealthofknowledgeandexperienceinsolidfuel,gasand
oilappliances.Usingthelatestandmostuptodateequipmentto
makesureyouandyourappliancearesafeandworkingefficiently.
e-mail:
Willia
TV signal problems? We can help!
Contact Toby on 07737 784 244
for a free quotation
Or email: info@bluebanana.tv
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Digital Television Aerials
Radio Aerials, (DAB and FM)
Sky HD
Multiroom systems
Freesat+
European satellites
Flat screen TVs mounted on walls
Home cinema systems
IRS Systems
Hidden cables
Repairs to existing systems,
Domestic and Commercial Work undertaken
www.bluebanana.tv
Spring quarter page landscape colour.indd 1
Tadley
Pet Supplies
You name it - we sell it!
•
•
•
•
•
•
31/01/2012 12:13
Why Pay More?
Pond Food
4-5 THE FORGE (next to Tesco’s)
Pond Accessories
HEATH END ROAD
BAUGHURST
Reptile Food
TADLEY
Reptile Accessories
HAMPSHIRE
www.tadleypetsupplies.co.uk
Main stockists of CSJ cat and dog food
Now in stock Lily’s Kitchen, Orijen and Acana Dog and Cat Food
0118 981 9996
15
eye
pl n it
plthis Autumn
nt it
Home & Leisure
The Horticultural Trades Association is encouraging gardeners to ‘Plan it, Plant it this Autumn’ in a new initiative to continue gardening beyond spring and summer.
The initiative will aim to create awareness that the garden is not dormant during the winter and will encompass a wide range of autumn gardening activities including
lawn care, planting, autumn bedding, trees, fruits and wild bird care.
Research commissioned by the HTA revealed that over two fifths (41%) of gardeners mistakenly believe that fruit trees and berries should be planted in spring. As the
greatest abundance of fruit tends to appear in late summer and early autumn, it's important to plant them during the autumn season and early winter. Autumn conditions
are usually ideal for it to thrive - the soil is still warm after summer and moist from the start of autumn rain
45% believed that spring bulbs should also be planted at this time, when in fact Autumn is the key time to do both. Planting spring
flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and snowdrops, peonies and crocuses really couldn't be easier and are best planted in
September or October for best results.
Autumn is also an important time for lawn care with gardeners looking to prepare their lawns to make it through the difficult winter
months and ensure that it is looking its best come the Spring. With leaves starting to fall, it is important to regularly rake the lawn and
keep it clear, as a thick layer of leaves will smother a lawn and weaken the grass, and provide winter shelter for unwelcome garden
pests.
With the days getting shorter and the nights getting colder, Autumn is also the ideal time to start feeding the birds in your garden, if
you are not already doing so. Good quality high energy feeds are what birds need at this time of year to meet garden birds' energy
requirements through the coming winter.
Divide herbaceous perennials
Collect and sow seed from perennials and
hardy annuals
Dig up remaining potatoes before slug
damage spoils them
Net ponds before leaf fall gets underway
eye
TIME
2
Keep up with watering of new plants, using rain or grey water if possible
Cover leafy vegetable crops with bird-proof netting
Give evergreen hedges a trim
Take cuttings of evergreen shrubs, geraniums and hydrangeas.
Sculptured Windows
like this
Check that electrical installations are in working order before the winter.
Complete major construction jobs, particularly concreting.
Check that gutters and drains are free of leaves and other debris.
BRIDGEWOOD
LANDSCAPE
SERVICES
LOGS
Seasoned Hard Wood By the Load or Bags, cut
to your requirement - also
Kindling Wood. FREE bag
with first order when you
mention this advert.
FENCING
All types - Close Board –
Post and Rail – Gates
WASP NEST REMOVAL
16
from £315 plus VAT
Mark Vincent
tel - 0118 983 3725
mob - 0789 903 0317
www.bridgewoodlandscapes.co.uk
SOFT LANDSCAPING
Turfing- Hedging – Garden
Maintenance – Borders
HARD LANDSCAPING
Driveways – Patios –
Pergolas – Decking
TREE SURGERY
Pruning - Felling - Crown
Reduction
•
•
•
•
•
PriceincludesInstallation,‘A’energyrating
DoubleGlazedUnits(GasFilled)
WindowCill
MetalMulti-pointLockingSystem
SafeDisposalofoldwindow
0118
983 4777
www.kestrelwindows2000.co.uk
412 Reading Rd, Burghfield Common
on
SU
MM
m
fro
es
ut 4!
in
M 2M
4
1
ST Jct
JU
M
da
y
27
ER
th
A
FET
E
ug
us
t
10%
OFF
FOR
ME
TH MBER
FOR E ARME S OF
CE
D
THU S EVER
Y
(ple RSDA
ase
Y
brin
g ID)
Wetrooms, easy-access showers and bathrooms
We are a local company,
successfully offering a personal and
professional service to customers
for over 25 years. We offer a reliable
and dependable service complete
with project management from
the start of the job right through
to completion. We will manage
all elements of the job and you
will have the comfort of one single
contact rather than having to deal
with a number of tradesmen. The
Bran Partnership is accredited with
the Trading Standards ‘buy with
confidence’ scheme and also the
FMB trustmark scheme. Please call
us for all of your plumbing needs
for a no fee, no obligation quote.
Proud installers of
Please 0118 983 1212 or 07836 648503
call or
email: bran.partnership@btopenworld.com
click
17
eye
Families
StageAbility!
When you think of a Stage School, you would be forgiven for thinking of Bonnie Langford, fake smiles and jazz hands, there’s no getting away from it.
But is that perception correct or are we as parents missing a trick? The benefits of drama are well-documented so perhaps we should look again...
Jackie Stuart, Principal of StageAbility Stage Schools has recently moved to the RG7 area and will soon be opening a children’s after-school drama
class in Burghfield to add to her established part-time Stage Schools in Tilehurst, Earley and Wokingham. “These Bonnie Langford stereotypes really
couldn’t be further from the truth and probably put some families off! Our high-energy drama classes are all about teamwork, building confidence
and working hard to improve performance skills,” says Jackie.
Volunteers Needed
A new service to help fight loneliness and isolation with older people in the Mortimer area
Do you have an hour or two to spare each week?
Are you a good listener
and do you get on well
with people?
“There’s a lot of laughter and playing the fool during class, but it doesn’t
take long before parents see their children standing taller and stepping
forward”.
Why don’t we find out for yourself? StageAbility are holding a free Drama
Discovery session for interested families on Monday 17th September from
5pm – 7.15pm. Call Jackie to book a place on 0118 933 3791.
StageAbility Stage Schools
BURGHFIELD COMMON
Local Drama Classes
Do you have a genuine
interest in the elderly and
the stories they have to
tell?
After-school Drama Classes For Kids Who Love
to ACT!
Or perhaps you are an
older person who would
like to join the service?
Want to find out more? Don’t miss our
FREE Drama Discovery session
Help fight loneliness and isolation by helping
out with Mortimer’s Able Active Friends Service.
on Monday 17th September at
5pm.
Burghfield Methodist Church Hall.
YOU COULD BE THE PERSON WHO
PUTS A SMILE ON SOMEONE’S FACE!
Booking essential.
Session will run from 5pm—7.15pm.
WOODLEY
For further information about how to join
or how you can help, please call:
Sian Laflin
07771 671629
email sian.laflin@ageconcernwoodley.org.uk
Ann Parr MBE 07766 008627
email ann.parr@ageconcernwoodley.org.uk
Registered Office: The Day Centre South Lake Crescent Woodley Reading Berkshire RG5 3QW
Charity Number: 1143165 - Company Number: 7652765
L e a r n t o D a n c e !
•
•
•
•
•
Disco
Rock&Roll
StreetStyle
Ballroom
LatinAmerican
www.jbsd.co.uk
or call 07565 691827
18Spring quarter page landscape colour.indd
1
New Children’s Drama Classes will start the
following week:
Every Monday afternoon
at Burghfield Methodist Church Hall
5pm—7.15pm ages 7+ (infants 5-6pm)
Call or email Jackie to book your place!
W: berkshire.stageability.co.uk
E: Jackie@berkshire.stageability.co.uk
T: 0118 933 3791 or M: 07721 565898
...classesinBurgfhfieldCommon
Joanna Bevan School of Dance is a small, community based
dance school that is open to all. With classes in Burghfield
we aim to provide a happy and safe environment in which
students can learn various dance styles.
30/01/2012 09:07
t 1
12/10/2009
10:00
Something
for Everyone
Free Swimming with
Something
for
Everyone
The Rainbow
Page 1
Do you want to develop an interest, learn
a new skill and meet new people?
Do you want to develop an interest,
Starts from September
learn a new skill and meet new people?
We work with a number of local
mething forWeEveryone
work with a number of local organisations to provide a range of cou
organisations to provide a range of
courses and activities in over 60 different
develop anvenues
interest,
across West Berkshire.
Do you want to
and activities in
learn a new skill and meet new people?
The best thing you can
over 60 different venues
across
give
yourWest
childBerkshire.
next to
Concessions
a number of local organisations to
provide a range of
courses
*Maths *Digital Photography *English
n over 60 different venues across West
Berkshire.
*Spanish *Art *IT and much more.
*Drawing *Salsa Dancing *Creative Writing
available for West
Berkshire
values,
areresidents
great
* Pottery * Web Design * Languagesmemories.
* Arts & Crafts * IT
* Reflexology * 'Creative Writing * Hairdressing
* Yoga
Concessions available for
Fun and
* Web Design * Languages * Arts
Crafts
*
IT
West&
Berkshire
residents.
* Gardening * Plumbing * Taiji * Pilates and much more.
Concessions available for West Berkshire residents
ottery
Reflexology * 'Creative Writing * Hairdressing * Yoga
Gardening * Plumbing * Taiji * Pilates
more.
Toand
find much
out more,
or to request
learning,
in a safe
a specific course
in your area,
Contact
the the Adult & Community Learning Team
and caring
the Adult
ntact the the Adult & Communitycontact
Learning
Team& Community
on 01635 519060
Learning team on:
environment
on 01635 519060
or www.westberks.gov.uk/adulteducation
or www.westberks.gov.uk/adulteducation
WBC VE Centralised Sept 2012.indd 1
01635 519060
or email to
aclteam@westberks.gov.uk
Mornings:
Gillian:
Gill:
0118 983 2291
07889 794122
07702 084099
www.rainbowmontessori.uk.com
Burghfeld Common
Untitled-210:42
1
19/07/2012
19/07/2012 17:
For indoor or outdoor Shows, Festivals,
Parties and Weddings
Delivered in that ‘Old Fashioned Way’
We provide
a fun, old
fashioned way
of serving ice
creams to our
customers
on an old
Victorian ice
cream bike
anywhere in the
UK.
We provide a fun, old fashione
serving ice creams to our custom
Victorian ice cream bike anywher
We can also theme bikes to yo
Tel 0118 3751415
Mobile 0788 5567044
Email jeffsicecreams@yahoo
Web www.jeffsicecreams.c
We can also
theme bikes to
your event.
To find out more or book us for your
special occasion please call or click
www.jeffsicecreams.co.uk
jeffsicecreams@yahoo.co.uk
For indoor or outdoor Shows, Festivals,
Parties and Weddings
Delivered in that ‘Old Fashioned Way’
T: 0118 3751415
M: 0788 5567044
19
Jubilee Day Nursery
Providing children with the space, time, opportunities and
freedom to achieve in everything they do...
Every day at Jubilee is a learning adventure where children are able to explore
the world around them and develop the skills needed to face the new challenges of
school and life beyond
We counted and
built a high tower...
I’m an engineer!
I wrote my name in
sugar, mud and even
on paper
I want to
be a vet
I loved
baking
We worked
as a team
“Jubilee has been ‘oodles’ of fun,
I have learnt so much and now I
am ready for Big School!”
Jubilee Day Nursery
sends their best
Tel: 0118 970 1600
Email: info@jubileedaynursery.co.uk
Web www.jubileedaynursery.co.uk
wishes to all children
starting Big School
this month!
20 Jubilee Day Nursery, Paddock View, Rectory Road, Padworth Common, Reading , Berkshire, RG7 4JD






—Fulldaycaresettingfor
—AvarietyofadultcoursesonofferfromThe
Arts,IT,Dance,Health&Fitness.Suitsalllevels
ofability!

childrenaged05years
—Providesasafe,happy&
Stimulatingenvironment
—FamilyLearningCoursessuchasNewbornto
—Largeadventuregarden
—GoodOfstedReport
—EarlyYearsEducationGrant
—Yogaforthetoddlers&
Parenting,UnderstandingBehaviour&Learning
ThroughPlay

—Pickupabrochurefordetailsofcourseson
offerthroughouttheAutumnTerm.

preschoolagegroup
Open51weeksayearfrom07.3018.00
SUMMERHOLIDAYACTIVITIES

throughouttheschoolholidays!!
SpacesavailableNOW!
Tofindoutmorecalltheofficeon
01189812918or
emailus:aded@hurst.hants.sch.uk
FormoreinformationcontactNicolaDoubleton
01189814129orvisitthewebsite:
www.hurst.hants.sch.uk/hurstcentre



—QualityChildcareataffordable
prices with lots of exciting activities
forschoolchildrenupto12yrsold.


—Avarietyofmembershipstosuitallincluding
casualandteen!

—Operatingafterschool15.0018.00
—Anextensiverangeofclassesincluding
—
—SquashCourts,Badminton,Snookerandlots
andduringschoolholidays
08.001800,withsnacksprovided.

After school collection service
from all local schools and the sur
roundingarea.
Formoreinformationcallthecentreon
01189811611or
emailus:tall.trees@hurst.hants.sch.uk
BodyPump,Combat,Zumba,SchwinnSpin
&lotsmore!

morefacilitiesforhire
Tofindoutmorecallthecentreon
01189811611or
emailus:leisure@hurst.hants.sch.uk
Come along to our Open Morning
or Open Evening to discover more
about our school.
Open Evening
Tuesday 25th September 2012
6.00pm - 9.00pm
(Head teacher’s presentations at 6.30pm, 7.15pm and 8.00pm)
Open Morning
Wednesday 26th September 2012
9.15am - 10.45am (Tours at 9.30am and 10.00am)
Daytime visits are welcome throughout the year by individual appointment.
Please phone the Head teacher’s P.A. on 0118 930 8517.
MOVING ON UP!
As September starts, children are returning to school and for some,
the school will be a new one. Moving up to Secondary School is a
big event in any child's life. Think back to your own school days.
Whether you joined the local throngs at Theale Green, The Willink,
Ryeish Green, The Hurst or perhaps a school further afield, we’re sure
you remember that first day! We can all fear change and your child is no different. A new school
is a massive change for them. The School
If you have a year six pupil, your thoughts are probably already
turning to which secondary school your child will attend. For many
parents, catchment area rules mean that there is one main school
in the area, but if you do have a choice, making the decision can
be tough. Gathering as much information as possible will help; read
the Ofsted reports and attend a number of Open Days together to
see the students’ work, meet the teachers and tour the school. The Student
Your youngster has been used to the secure environment of primary
school and become a large fish in a small pond. Suddenly he's got
to adjust to the large, much less personal world that is secondary
school. There will be lots of challenges at first. The classroom culture will be
different, surroundings unfamiliar and classmates will be new. Your
confidence in your child will help him thrive and make the move to
secondary school go smoothly. After a few weeks it will seem like
yesterday’s news. The Parent
Let’s not forget, it’s a big step for parents, too! To think that ‘Your Little
Johnny’ will finish this new stage in life as an adult can make parents
a little nostalgic. And perhaps you feel he’s not ready for the new
travel arrangements, new subjects and all the other pressures.
Helpful websites and numbers
www.education.gov.uk
to see school performance tables in your area.
www.ofsted.gov.uk
for Ofsted reports
www.westberks.gov.uk
for help and information on admission procedures
Church Street, Theale, Reading, RG7 5DA
T: 0118 930 2741 E: inmail@thealegreen.w-berks.sch.uk
www.thealegreen.w-berks.sch.uk
Theale Green Community School 0118 930 2741
The Hurst Community College 0118 981 7474
The Willink 0118 983 2030
To contribute, advertise or let us know your news - please call the team 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk
21
eye
Toddlers at Teatime
Food & Leisure
& Easing the Strain
Many children will go through a phase of fussy
eating at various stages of development, but the
most common time will be the “terrible twos” and is
quite normal. Most parents know that children strive
for independence and seek to test the limits of their
environment. Children often grow out of fussy eating
especially by the time they start school.
Eating should be fun, children enjoy taking part in
preparing the food, learning the different textures,
shapes and colours. Don’t worry too much about the
combinations of food, cereal doesn’t need to be
kept just for breakfast. My 4 year old is quite partial to
bran flakes for dessert and why not.
Being calm and consistent is often easier said than
done but can make a real difference. Having some
rules and structure will help your child learn what is
expected of them. Ideally have mealtimes without
distractions like television, have meals at the table
and associate other activities with different areas.
Set a good example at home, applying the same
rules and offering the same foods to the whole
family.
If your child refuses then accept their decision, but
do not offer another food in its place. Children need
to feel hungry before a meal and a toddler that has
snacked is unlikely to focus on mealtimes and more
nutritional food.
Children like to be encouraged when they are
eating, even if they only eat a little bit. Ignore
unwanted behaviour and they will start to realise
what gets them the attention. They thrive on being
praised when they are doing well. Maybe start a
scrapbook with your child showing every new food
they try and reward attempts at new foods.
Eat meals together wherever possible, as children
love to copy. Many little ones will eat well at nursery
or school but struggle at home.
30555 BDS DL Leaflet:Layout 1
1/12/11
12:07
By Marie Hurley, Health visitor, midwife
and mum of two Burghfield tots.
Children will need to try a food 10-15 times before
accepting the taste or texture, so try not to assume
that they don't like it - keep trying small amounts on
the plate.
Avoid piling the plate too high, a large portion will
terrify them. A few small morsels with variety and
colour will appear much more attractive and
- they can always have more.
Pageachievable
1
Limit mealtimes to 15-20 minutes then clear away
unwanted food without comment. Remember to
stay calm and smile, most healthy children will go
through this normal stage.
Seventeen
Take to
the road with
Burghfield
Driving School
If you have your provisional licence or are about to
apply for it, then you are ready to take to the roads.
I’m Neil Mason and I provide safe and professional
driver training in the Reading area.
Tilehurst • Pangbourne • Calcot • Theale • Burghfield • Grazeley
Mortimer • Beech Hill • Spencers Wood • Central Reading • Whitley
Neil Mason
(DSA) Approved Driving Instructor
Free pick up
Dual controlled,
learner friendly car
One-to-one tuition
Lessons for beginners
or nervous drivers
Pass Plus, refresher
and motorway lessons
For more info or to book a driving lesson, please contact Neil on
07794 555 338 or 0118 9833 294
email neil@burghfield-ds.co.uk
www.burghfield-ds.co.uk
22
Recently, my sons best friend excitedly told
me that there are only 372 days until he can
legally drive a car (not that he was counting).
This announcement did two things... Number
one, It made me feel old (It only seems like
yesterday that he was pedaling around in
my garden on a tricycle) and number two, it
struck a chord when I remembered that I too,
had been as keen to get behind the wheel - I
had a calendar on my wall and crossed out
each day until the big day arrived!
I had been eager to drive ever since I could
remember, and at 9am on my seventeenth
birthday I had my first lesson (my father had
insisted on being my ‘instructor’ - he said that
imparting his experience would be a doddle
and would save money).
There wasn’t a second lesson with him - the
hour or so I spent with him in the car that
day caused more tension and frustration
than any others I can recall. It wasn’t that
he wasn’t patient with me or that he wasn’t
an experienced driver - quite the opposite.
It was more to do with the fact that it was
immediately apparent that teaching someone
to drive is a learned skill and in order for a
pupil to learn effectively, there is a definite
process and methodical approach required. (I
love my father, I really do - but didn’t want to
pick up any of his ‘bad’ driving habits either
(something which, for those of us who are
drivers will ALL have wether we choose to
admit to them or not.)
When I returned from my lesson that day, I
enlisted the help of a local instructor and,
not wishing to sound smug - passed my test,
first time just 9 weeks later! I’d learned that
when learning to drive, investing in a good,
qualified instructor will pay dividends - and
not just financially too.
To contribute, advertise or let us know your news please call 0118 907 6200 or email info@villageeye.co.uk
Marie
and
Driven!
Normally driving instructors charge per
lesson, and having an excellent, well trained
instructor should theoretically shorten the
time it takes you to get your test pass, and
therefore reduce the overall costs.
A practical and engaging instructor will help
you deal with the many dangers on the road
too. They will do their best to get you through
a test and turn you from a nervous learner
into a competent driver. Certainly experience
in driving, like anything comes with time but
our advice is to look for a quality instructor
that can start you off in the right direction.
Learning to Drive can be really daunting but
at the same time really exciting. Passing your
test can be a real step to gaining independence
and for many teens, learning to drive at the
earliest opportunity is viewed as a ‘rite
of passage’. Normally, for car drivers, the
earliest date a provisional license can become
valid is your 17th birthday. You can apply for
the license up to three months before your
17th birthday however, you will still have to
wait until your birthday before you can take
your theory test.
If you have a teenager and would like to find
out more, the following links may be helpful
to you:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/
LearnerAndNewDrivers/index.htm
http://www.rospa.com/roadsafety/info/
learners.pdf
http://www.2pass.co.uk/
Hellen x
The
Pers
My Sporting Times
Events
EventsFlyerMarch2012:Layout 1
PILATES
hS
15/03/2012
The Small Fry
& The Big Fish Swim
Try something
new this month!
“Come for
1500m/3800m Open Water Swim
an Open
Sunday 27th May 2012
Entry Fee - £15/£20
At the Tri2O Swim Centre @
The Reading Lake Hotel
Personalised medal for every finisher
Water Swim
at the
Tri2O
Sunday
15th July Swim
2012
10km & 10 mile Multi Terrain Run
Centre”
BODYCONTROLPILATES
9.30am, 10.30am, 7.00pm & 8.00pm
Entry Fee - £15/£20
At Butlers Lands Farm in Mortimer
Personalised medal for every finisher
6.00pm*, 7.00pm* & 8.00pm*
The water is open 4
a week
until late
Thetimes
Doggy
Paddle
September
& The Big
Dog Swim
1.30pm
* these are currently half hour ball, half hour mat classes.
Beginners are very welcome. Please call for details.
Thursday
30th August
2012
Tuesday
5pm – 8pm
Thursday
5pm
– 8pm
1500m/3800m
Open
Water
Swim
Saturday 7.30am – 10am
Entry Fee - £15/£20
Sunday 7.30am – 10am
At the Tri2O Swim Centre @
BURGHFIELD ST MARY’S PARISH CENTRE, BURGHFIELD
The Reading Lake Hotel
Personalised medal for every finisher
...try something new
A gentle but strong
whole body workout
challenging you to new
physical poise and
energy, plus greater
mental strength.
Page 1
The Reading Triathlon
The
Sunday 9th September 2012
750m/23km/5km Sprint
Entry Fee - £55
1500m/46km/10km Olympic
Sun
Entry Fee - £60
At the Tri2O Swim Centre @
The Reading Lake Hotel
Race T-shirt & medal for every finisher
The Summer Gut Buster The Devil’s Duathlon
autumn class timetable
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
FRIDAY
09:19
Heather Lewis
07785 254 313
For online entries visit:
www.mysportingtimes.com
For further enquiries contact:
andy@mysportingtimes.com
10km
Sunday 7th October 2012
5km Run/20km Bike/5km Run
Entr
At B
Pers
The
Winter Gut Buster
Entry Fee - £35
10km Run/40km Bike/5km Run
Entry Fee - £40
At Butlers Lands Farm in Mortimer
Personalised medal for every finisher
Sunday 30th December 2012
10km & 10 mile Multi Terrain Run
The
& T
Entry Fee - £15/£20
At Butlers Lands Farm in Mortimer
Personalised medal for every finisher
You’ll find our team of experts and
fully equipped swim shop at the
Reading Lake Hotel, RG30 3UN
0118 933 2761
Thu
Giddy-up
RG7!
‘Poppy’ at Burley Lodge
150
Ever fancied learning to ride a horse? Burley Lodge Equestrian Centre can help
Anyone who has tried horseriding will confirm that it is a very fun and enjoyable way to relax and unwind from all the troubles
of contemporary life. Other than being just a mere hobby for some, there are also others who find pleasure in competing
against other horse riding enthusiasts. In short, horse riding could either be a sport and a form of leisure at the same time.
Entr
At th
The
Pers
Whether you are new to riding, and require a safe and enriching setting in which to learn; Or are a more advanced rider,
Burley Lodge Equestrian Centre in Shinfield offers exceptional facilities in which to improve your flatwork, jumping and
cross-county too.
Set in 180 acres of land Burley Lodge is a family run riding centre where owner Bridget Hart and Manager Jenny MacArthur
have over forty years combined experience of teaching and running a riding school to the highest BHS standards, and are
passionate about providing quality instruction alongside exceptional horse care.
With riding lessons tailored to your requirements; from hacking to private and group lessons, they welcome all abilities,
from children aged 4+ to adult riders, from leisurely riders to those wishing to gain professional qualifications, Burley Lodge
is the perfect setting in which to learn.
Learn to Ride
•
Beginner lessons to advanced level, including BHS exams
•
Jumping, cross country and hacking
•
Clinics, shows and competitions throughout the year
•
Days at the stable and pony weeks
•
Working
livery
contact
enquiries@burleylodge.co.uk
Owner:
Manager:
Office hours:
Group
Discounts
Available
Bridget Hart
Jenny MacArthur
Tues-Sun, 9am-5pm
For o
www
Burley Lodge is a very Friendly
riding school located in beautiful
surroundings. With highly-qualified
instructors, Burley Lodge offers lessons
to all ages with horses to suit all abilities!
For f
andy
0118 988 6936
www.burleylodge.co.uk
Burley Lodge Equestrian Centre | Hyde End Road, Shinfield |Berkshire | RG2 9EP
23
eye
BOXING
Cle ver
On Sport & Leisure
Boxercise - A fun way to keep fit
HAVE FUN AND GET FIT FAST AT A
BOXERCISE CLASS!
Raisie Field of Berkshire Health & Fitness tells us more...
If you overindulged on the BBQ’s and Pimms this summer, chances are, you may
now be thinking... “I really want to shift those extra pounds now” and to help you
achieve this, we have a different kind of fun and exciting weight-shifting, muscletoning exercise for you to consider - Boxercise®
No, we are not suggesting that you turn into a wanna-be Muhammad Ali - just to
take part in an exercise concept which has been developed and adapted using
the age-old training principles of boxing to form a fun, addictive, safe, stress busting
workout suitable for both men and women of all ages and levels of ability.
Now considered one of the most effective forms of cross-training available today
Boxercise® combines use of both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems with the
systematic recruitment of both fast and slow twitch muscle fibres in a manner that not
only ensures a diverse workout, but also enhances sports specific senses, including
hand-eye co-ordination, balance and timing. Boxercise classes are always fun,
energetic and addictive.
“Don’t just take my word - here are a couple of testimonials from other class goers”:
‘For the first time I have definition in my arms’ Joanne, Burghfield Common
“Finally an exercise class I feel like sticking with” Nikki, Mortimer mum of 2
With classes held in Mortimer and a new class starting this September in Burghfield
this is your chance to get out there and try something new. Whether you are looking
to cross train, lose weight, gain fitness or just get moving and have fun, Boxercise is
well worth a try.
Free Class - Free Class - Free Class - Free Class - Free Class - Free Class
If you would like to try out this fun class for free, Raisie is offering Village Eye readers
a complimentary session at one of her Burghfield or Mortimer classes in September.
For details, call 07779 049447 or visit www.berkshirehealthandfitness.co.uk
Raisie also specialises in personal training and Nordic Walking.
Not got a sport science degree? Let us translate... Burn fat, get great abs, shoulders,
arm and say good bye to bingo wings, tighten you bottom and get thighs you never
thought possible. All this and still have fun? Absolutely!
Zen Kyo Shin
Taijutsu
Boxercise is a brilliant concept it allows you to exercise using boxing techniques
without having to get in the ring. Set in an exercise format, participants learn the
eight boxing punches using high cardio pad work and circuit training.
“It’s more fun than going to the gym as the classes are so varied and because you
get to work in partners it’s a great way to meet new people, the classes are very
social and friendly” says Raisie Field from Berkshire Health and Fitness who has been
running Boxercise classes locally for the past year. “I guess the magic ingredient to
Boxercise is the fact that it actually works, my participants have all noticed a change
in their muscle tone in their arms, legs and abs. One lady has lost 4cm around her
waist since joining my class.”
Berkshire
Health & Fitness
classes
Classes in Burghfield and Mortimer:
Tuesdays 7-8 pm & 8-9pm Mortimer St Mary’s
Thursdays 7:30-8:30pm, Willink
(times/venue may alter, please see website for details)
www.berkshirehealthandfitness.co.uk
07779 049447
WANT US TO FEATURE
YOUR BUSINESS
IN THIS MAGAZINE ?
To advertise or feature in Village Eye
at surprisingly affordable rates, please call
0118 907 6200
24
A N
E V E R E V O LV I N G T R A D I T I O N
Work Hard - Play Hard - Train Harder
Tuesday Juniors 6-7pm Seniors 7-8:30pm
at Swallowfield Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street,
Swallowfield, Berkshire. RG7 1QX
Call or visit our website for a club local to you.
Tel : 01494 525403
Web : www.zkstaijutsu.co.uk
Our clubs welcome to the “family”
both experienced or beginners interested in Martial Arts.
Learning something new in most sessions, improving
your techniques, learn to protect those closest to you.
Improve your core,conditioning and confidence,
1st session free and low training fees.
All Instructors are CRB checked, Insured, and 1st aid trained.
Junior Classes include
Martial Art Games
Striking
Ground Fighting
Grabbing Attacks
Coordination Exercises
Self Defense Skills
Rolling & Breakfalling
Team Building
Senior Classes involve
Stricking
Grappling
Self Defense Skills
Kata
Weapons Training
Throws & Takedowns
Fitness & Core Work
Body Skills
Clubs at Princes Risborough, Terriers, Reading and Barnet London.
The Village Eye is a privately owned magazine and bought to you by Pinktomato Limited, a local marketing company. All content within the publication is copyright of Village Eye. The publishers
cannot accept responsibility for views or opinions expressed by contributors or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers. All dates, times, URL’s and telephone numbers are understood
to be correct at the time of submission to print. To feature your business in this publication please call 0118 907 6200
Robbie the
Robot Fun Day
registered charity number (1052720)
SUN 16th Sept 1 - 5 pm
at Wokefield Park
Bo
Please support the
Robbie the Robot Appeal
at Royal Berkshire Hospital
RG7 3AH
un c
n
a
f
r
e
w
o
P
s
y Cas
tle
s
e
p
Low ro Laser
com
bat
lf
o
g
Crazy
all )
w
ng llenge
i
b
m
i
l
C
s Cha
(3 Peak
y
r
e
h
Arc
Entry
£5
Our Sponsors :
Wokefield Park
DeVere Venues Wokefield Park,
Grahame Robb Associates & Unique Outdoors
lp
Al
BBQ - ICE CREAMS - DRINKS - STALLS - COCONUT SHY
TOMBOLA - WELLIE THROWING & MUCH, MUCH MORE...
Free
ro
ce
ed
s
to the R
ie
obb
ea
l
Children under 3
Ap
p
Tickets are strictly limited so to avoid
disappointment please register at:
http://regonline.activeeurope.com/robbietherobotfunday
25
FREE PIZZA for Kids during
September at The Spring Inn
After School Club
Monday to Fridays
3pm -6pm
26
Order a main Pizza or
sandwich and get 1 childs free
Margherita pizza* Oh, and
we also do the washing up!
0118 930 3440
www.thespringinn.co.uk
Bath Road | Sulhamstead | Reading | Berkshire | RG7 5HP
*Not in conjunction with any other offer. Under 12’s only.