West Berkshire Lifestyle Nov - Dec 2022

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C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

10 

FESTIVE DESSERTS TO INSPIRE 

I do hope you’re ready for 

some festive fun - because 

this edition is coming in 

with (sleigh) bells on! After 

so many years of disrupted 

celebrations, it’s great to be 

able to look forward to some 

normality and really get into 

the spirit. 

First up we’ve got some 

delicious recipes - if you aren’t 

a fan of Christmas pudding 

(I’m in your camp) we’ve got 

lots of alternatives to keep 

everyone happy! 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

If you are hosting Christmas 

guests this year, we’ve got all 

the tips and tricks you need to 

make the experience stressless 

for you and comfortable 

for your visitors - it will be so 

lovely, they may even want a 

repeat stay! Heaven forbid! 

The competition section in 

this edition is a real bonanza 

- we’ve got an adult and child 

bike duo, a smart washing 

machine, 2 x £150 vouchers 

for cashmere clothes and 

accessories, a deluxe hamper 

and family fun at the Sea Life 

centre all to be won! 

16 

GUEST BEDROOM 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Contributors 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Helen Skeates 

e helen.skeates@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984494 

Cover image courtesy of Waitrose 

20 

READY FOR WINTER? 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, 

Hilperton BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Printed on sustainably sourced paper. 

Please recycle this copy or pass it along 

when you are finished for someone else 

to enjoy. 

Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be 

held liable for any loss occasioned by 

failure of an advertisement to appear, or 

any damage or inconvenience caused by 

errors, omissions and misprints. No part of 

this publication may be reproduced without 

prior permission from the publishers. 

The opinions expressed within are not 

necessarily those of the publishers. 

This is all alongside our usual 

dose of school, home, garden 

and later life advice. 

I hope you enjoy this issue 

and have some time in the 

coming months to take pause 

and reflect on the year - the 

passing of a much loved 

monarch, but a host of new 

beginnings - we will have the 

first King’s Christmas speech 

this year to punctuate our 

own celebrations. However 

you spend the festive season, 

I, and the rest of the team 

here, wish you a very happy 

Christmas and a peaceful 

New Year - see you in 2023! 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITION 

To enter any (or all!) of our competitions, head to 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions. 

Find the competition and enter on that post, 

using the appropriate keyword. 

T&C’s apply and no cash alternatives available. Winners chosen at 

random - entries made after closing date will not be accepted. 

WIN Bobbin, the 

A SET OF PARENT London based 

AND CHILD independent 

bike retailer 

MATCHING offers a 

VINTAGE STYLE selection 

BIKES FROM of vintage 

style bikes in 

BOBBIN 

pastels and 

BIKES! beautiful bright 

shades, suitable 

from age two with 

balance bikes, all the way up to 

adults. 

They also offer a range of 

complimentary accessories 

including wicker baskets, pannier bags, 

helmets and bike decorations. 

We are offering one lucky reader an 

adult Brownie 7 Dutch Bike worth £549, 

Bobbin’s signature Dutch bicycle and a 

matching child’s Gingersnap bike (12”- 

26”) start from £189 

All handmade in small batches the 

Bobbin bikes offer high quality and 

comfortable, not to mention stylish, 

leisure bikes for the whole family. 

www.bobbinbikes.com 

Closes 19/12/2022 - 

Competition keyword: ‘BOBBIN’ 

Did you know that a Candy RapidO washing machine is so 

smart that you can show it a photo of your laundry and it will 

tell you the perfect cycle to wash it at? Candy’s Snap&Wash 

smart feature allows users to communicate with their washing 

machine via an app. This feature offers technology that provides 

efficiency from the comfort of your phone. 

If you like to keep things simple but not compromise on quality, 

then Candy is the perfect option for you. And we have a smart 

Candy RapidO washing machine to offer one lucky reader! 

www.candy-home.com 

Closes 19/12/2022 - Competition keywords: ‘CANDY RAPIDO’ 

Loop Cashmere is the home 

of feel good cashmere. Each 

garment is crafted with love, 

following sustainable practises 

from goat to finished garment. 

Our Winter 22 collection is out 

now, offering gorgeous lofty knits, 

irresistible textures and a rainbow of 

colour. The collection is designed in the 

softest cashmere to effortlessly see you 

through the winter months in complete 

luxury. 

We’re offering you the chance to win one of 

two £150 gift vouchers and treat yourself or 

a loved one, to a little sustainable luxury. 

www.loopcashmere.co.uk. 

Closes 19/12/2022 - Competition keyword 

‘LOOP’ 

WIN 

2 X £150 

VOUCHERS 

TO ONLINE 

WITH LOOP 

CASHMERE! 

WIN 

A CANDY SMART 

WASHING 

MACHINE 

WORTH OVER 

£400! 

Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? 

Delight your friends and family with a selection box of delicious 

treats. One lucky reader will win a ‘Decadent Christmas in a 

Box’ containing the following: 

6kg Free Range Whole Turkey | 4.5kg Unsmoked Ham | 1kg 

Side of Smoked Salmon | 1kg Organic Cheddar | 1kg Cropwell 

Bishop Stilton | Christmas Pudding | Harrow & Hope Brut 

Reserve (750ml bottle) | Classic Cranberry Sauce | Granny’s 

Apple Chutney | Artisan Coronation Sauce | British Goose 

Fat | Luxury Bread Sauce | Traditional Roast Gravy | Sage & 

Onion Stuffing | Pigs In Blankets | 200g Smoked Chicken 200g 

Smoked Duck. 

www.copasturkeys.co.uk 

Closes 09/12/2022 - Competition keyword ‘COPAS’ 

Discover the amazing 

underwater world of the 

SEA LIFE Aquariums 

at one of the 11 

locations throughout 

WIN 

4 X TICKETS 

TO ANY SEA 

LIFE CENTRE! 

WIN 

CHRISTMAS IN 

A BOX WORTH 

OVER £400 

WITH COPAS 

TURKEYS! 

the UK and Ireland. 

Are you a Shark lover, a 

Humboldt Penguin fan, or 

a clownfish fanatic? At SEA 

LIFE you can see them all - from 

the curious and the rescued to the rare and the enigmatic. Every 

SEA LIFE is unique, and so are its creatures – a visit here will get 

you closer to the oceans than ever before. 

There are 11 SEA LIFE centres where the prize can be redeemed; 

London, Birmingham, Great Yarmouth, Loch Lomond, 

Blackpool, Brighton, Manchester, Scarborough, Hunstanton, 

Weymouth and Bray. Three lucky readers will win 4x tickets. 

www.merlinannualpass.co.uk 

Closes 19/12/2022 - Competition keywords: ‘SEA LIFE’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

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A 

CHRISTMAS 

CAROL 

WRITTEN BY 

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DIRECTION 

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Putting Girls First 

GSA Schools Create Happy, Well-Rounded, Confident Women 

The facts are that girls’ schools are 

crucial to achieving gender equality; 

they level the playing field for girls and 

consistently campaign for the benefit of 

girls and women, and always have. 

Looking At Women’s Lives Now 

In 2022 we are still five generations 

away from achieving gender parity 

at current rates of change. Whether 

deliberate or not gender bias still 

affects women’s life opportunities and 

ambitions. This has nothing to do with 

the innate talents and skills of girls 

and women of course; The Peterson 

Institute’s largest ever international 

survey of 92 countries found that 

companies with 30% more women 

at the top (at C-suite level) saw a 15 

percent increase in profitability in 

business. 

The Power of Girls’ Schools 

A modern girls-only education is vital 

to help girls achieve their full potential. 

Our schools put their ambitions firmly 

the centre. It’s at the heart of all we do. 

The Facts About Girls in Girls’ Schools 

In all girls’ environments: 

• Girls in classrooms are more likely 

to pursue ambitious educational 

goals 

• Girls excel athletically and have 

greater chances for leadership roles 

• Girls achieve a disproportionately 

large share of the top exam grades 

in the UK 

• Internationally educating girls is 

life changing, lifting people out of 

poverty, growing economies and 

saving lives 

Whereas: 

• Girls working alongside high 

achieving boys set their education 

goals lower, lack confidence in their 

abilities, and do less well in science 

and maths in contrast to girls in 

girls’ schools. 

• Girls get less teaching time in co-ed 

schools because generally teachers 

interact with boys more often in the 

classroom by a margin of 10 to 30 

percent 

Donna Stevens, GSA CEO: “Our mission 

at GSA is help our pupils create the world 

as it should be - a place where every 

girl can achieve and lead. An all- girls 

education gifts every girl with the skills 

and appetite to recognise her full talents 

and realise a brilliant life.” 

“The world should be a place where every girl can 

learn and lead. To achieve this we must ensure our 

economies, societies and education systems work for 

girls, not against them.” 

Malala Yousafazi 

GSA Alumna, Edgbaston High School 


GR Swimming 

Schools 

GR Swimming Schools has just scooped a 

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FESTIVE 

Not a fan of traditional Christmas pudding or 

Fancies 

feel like shaking it up this year? Here are some 

amazing desserts that are every bit as festive... 

STICKY DATE PUDDINGS 

Preparation time: 25 minutes 

Cooking time: 35 minutes 

Serves: 8 

INGREDIENTS 

175g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra 

for greasing 

80g light brown muscovado sugar 

6 Waitrose Medjool Dates, pitted and 

finely chopped 

3 British Blacktail Free Range Medium 

Eggs 

2 tbsp treacle 

175g self-raising flour 

1 tsp baking powder 

1 heaped tsp mixed spice 

½ tsp fine sea salt 

2 tbsp whole milk 

STICKY DATE SAUCE 

40g unsalted butter 

3 Waitrose Medjool Dates, pitted and 

finely chopped 

125g light brown muscovado sugar 

250ml double cream, plus extra to serve 

METHOD 

For the puddings, preheat the oven 

to 180ºC, gas mark 4. Lightly grease 

8 mini pudding moulds (each about 

175ml in volume), put a small circle 

of baking parchment in the base of 

each, then sit them in a large, deep-sided 

roasting tin. 

Boil the kettle. In a large bowl, using 

electric beaters, cream the butter, sugar 

and dates for 2-3 minutes until light 

and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and then the 

treacle. Lightly beat in the flour, baking 

powder, mixed spice and salt, then 

loosen the mixture with the milk. Divide 

the mixture evenly between the moulds; 

it should fill them about halfway. 

Pour a kettle of just-boiled water into 

the roasting tin so the water sits about 

halfway up the outside of the moulds. 

Cover the top 

of the 

tin with 3 layers of large pleated sheets 

of tin foil, ensuring the foil is tightly 

sealed around the edges (you don’t want 

steam to escape as the puddings won’t 

rise). Bake for 30 minutes until risen and 

springy. 

To make the sauce, put the butter, dates 

and sugar in a saucepan and set over 

a low heat. Add a pinch of salt and 

stir occasionally until the sugar has 

dissolved. Stir in the double cream until 

combined; keep warm. 

Remove the foil and carefully release the 

side of the puddings from the moulds 

using a small, sharp knife. Invert onto 

plates and pour over the sticky date 

sauce, adding a little extra whipped 

cream, if liked. 

All recipes and images courtesy of 

Waitrose. You can find thousands more 

recipes at www.waitrose.com/recipes 


fee fi fo fUn for 

all the family at the 

corn exchange pantomime! 

written and directed By plested Brown and wilsher 

Illustrations by Armadillo Images 

Fri 25 Nov – Sat 31 Dec 

www.cornexchangenew.com/panto | Box office 01635 522733 


CHOCOLATE & 

HAZELNUT 

SNOWFLAKE 

Preparation 

time: 25 

minutes + 

chilling 

Cooking time: 35 

minutes 

Serves: 8 

INGREDIENTS 

2 x 320g packs Jus-Rol Puff Pastry 

Sheet 

100g hazelnut chocolate spread 

50g chopped roasted hazelnuts 

1 British Blacktail Free Range Medium 

Egg, lightly beaten 

Icing sugar, for dusting 

METHOD 

Unroll both of the pastry sheets and 

cut a 20-22cm circle from each (save 

the offcuts to make tarts, cheese twists 

or palmiers). Put one pastry circle on a 

sheet of baking parchment and cover 

one side evenly with hazelnut chocolate 

spread. Sprinkle over ½ the hazelnuts, 

leaving a 1cm border around the edge. 

Put the second pastry circle on top, 

12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

pressing 

lightly around 

the border to seal. 

Put the lid of a small jar (about 

4-5cm in diameter) in the centre of 

the pastry (so you don’t cut through it), 

then use a sharp knife to cut the pastry 

into quarters (excluding the central 

circle). Cut down the centre of each 

quarter and then repeat. You should have 

16 equal strips of pastry attached to the 

centre. 

Take 2 strips next to each other and twist 

them away from each other 3 times. 

Press the ends together in a point, to 

seal. Repeat all the way around the 

circle – you should now have 8 snowflake 

‘arms’. Slide the snowflake, on its 

parchment, 

onto a baking 

sheet; chill for 

30 minutes. 4 

Preheat the oven 

to 200ºC, gas 

mark 6. 

Lightly brush the 

egg all over the top of 

the snowflake. Bake for 30-35 

minutes until golden and puffed up. Allow 

to cool, then dust with icing sugar and 

sprinkle over the remaining hazelnuts to 

serve. 

COOK’S TIP 

If at any point while making the 

snowflake the pastry becomes 

soft or difficult to work with, put 

it in the fridge for 15 minutes to 

cool and firm up.

For a truly scrumptious Christmas 

Festive fare, great gifts and seasonal decorations 

Rosebourne , 

Basingstoke Road, 

Aldermaston, 

Reading, RG7 4LD 

Rosebourne , 

Amesbury Road, 

Weyhill, 

Andover, SP11 8ED 

Follow us: 

@LoveRosebourne 

www.rosebourne.co.uk 

Servicing & mechanical repairs 

Diagnostics 

Air conditioning / climate control 

Pre MOT checks and repairs service 

Registered MOT testing station 

Fleet management Cars or Vans 

Electric / Hybrid vehicle servicing 

Managed by Affinity Trust, Englefield Garden Centre 

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www.englefieldgardencentre.co.uk 


VEGAN CHOCOLATE & 

COCONUT CARAMEL POTS 

Preparation time: 30 minutes + chilling 

Cooking time: 15 minutes 

Makes: 4 

INGREDIENTS 

200ml pouch coconut milk 

2 pitted medjool dates, roughly chopped 

1 tsp vanilla bean paste 

100g vegan dark chocolate (such as Raw 

Halo Dark 85%), finely chopped 

250ml pack Oatly Whippable Creamy Oat 

1 tbsp maple syrup 

Raw vegan cacao powder, for dusting 

METHOD 

Put the coconut milk, dates and vanilla 

in a blender and whizz until smooth. Tip 

into a small pan and bring to the boil. 

Simmer vigorously, stirring regularly for 

10 minutes until thick and reduced by 

half. Divide between 4 small glasses and 

set aside to cool, then cover and chill for 

at least 1 hour. 

When the coconut caramel has chilled, 

put the chocolate in a medium mixing 

bowl. In a small pan, heat 100ml 

whippable creamy oat and the maple 

syrup to just before boiling. Take off the 

heat and pour over the chocolate in the 

bowl. Leave to melt for 1 minute, then stir 

until smooth. 

Put the remaining 150ml whippable 

creamy oat in another mixing bowl and 

use electric beaters to whisk to soft 

peaks. Set aside 2 tbsp to garnish, then 

fold the rest into the melted chocolate. 

Spoon into the glasses on top of the 

coconut caramel. Serve with a dollop 

of the whipped creamy oat and a 

dusting of cacao. These are best served 

immediately, but can be covered and 

chilled for up to 30 minutes. 

COOK’S TIP 

Make a double batch of the 

caramel, then cover and store 

in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

It’s particularly delicious 

spooned over baked apples. 


BE OUR 

‘Tis (nearly) the season for hosting visitors - we’ve got top 

Guest 

tips on creating a sumptuous guest bedroom, plus tips to 

improve all areas of the home 

Left: Caitlin Marie Design, 

caitlinmariedesign.com 

Above: Annabel Grimshaw 

Interior Design (image from Chris 

Snook), annabelgrimshaw.com 

THE BEDROOM 

DON’T: WORRY IF YOU 

HAVEN’T GOT LOTS OF 

SPACE 

Ultimately you have to work with what 

you’ve got - in the last 2 years, many of 

us have seen our guest rooms overhauled 

to become home offices. If you’ve 

ditched the bed don’t worry - how about 

adding an attractive sofa bed that you 

can actually use the rest of the time as a 

break out area from your desk. 

DO: PROVIDE BASIC 

AMENITIES 

The more things you can put in the room 

to make their stay easier, without having 

to ask you for everything, the more 

relaxed everyone will feel. A mirror is 

important, as are fresh towels, tissues, 

and perhaps even a hair dryer. A bedside 

carafe and some glasses means they can 

help themselves to water too. 

DO: INVEST IN GOOD 

WINDOW TREATMENTS 

As you might have never slept in this 

space, you might not know how light 

behaves or how effective the current 

window treatments are for blocking out 

light. For a really luxurious look, pair 

blackout blinds or shutters with thick, 

decorative drapery. Shutters give a lovely 

secure feel to a space and really finish 

the room. 

DON’T: SETTLE FOR A 

LUMPY MATTRESS 

The same goes for the mattress as the 

window treatments - spend a night in the 

room and see if the bed is up to scratch. 

DO: PROVIDE GOOD 

LIGHTING 

Multi-level lighting is key for making a 

space feel cosy - make sure there are 

two bedside lamps and then another 

light source in the space, such as a 

standing lamp in the corner or a lamp on 

a dressing table 

DON’T: SKIMP ON THE 

BED LINENS 

Good bed linen really is worth the money 

- and it tends to wash better too. Provide 

a good quality duvet and pillows, linens 

and some additional blankets if your 

guests feel the cold. 

DO: CREATE 

SOMEWHERE THEY CAN 

UNPACK 

We all know it’s a bit stressful trying to 

live out of a suitcase - allowing for some 

hanging space and a few drawers to 

unpack into, can really help guests keep 

on top of things whilst they’re with you. 

DO: MAKE IT SMELL 

LOVELY 

Kit the room out with either fresh flowers, 

a reed diffuser, or room sprays. Neom 

candles have range of wonderful relaxing 

scents, which can fragrance the room 

even when they are not lit (Complete 

Bliss Scented Candle, 3 Wick, £48). 

Pillow spray to help deep sleep is also a 

lovely touch to make the 

space feel 

homely. 


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ROLLERS | ROMANS | VERTICALS | VENETIANS | CURTAINS | SHUTTERS | WOODEN BLINDS 

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Phil Rose 07971602751 

*Based on the same spec, size & levels of service. 


Skimmia japonica 

DON’T: BE A 

PERFECTIONIST 

If your guests were hoping for hotel 

standards, then that’s where they should 

have stayed. Just aim to make sure 

the space is clean, comfortable and 

functional, then relax - there’s enough to 

be worrying about in the festive season 

without adding high expectations on top 

of that. 

THE REST OF 

THE HOUSE 

DO: ASSESS YOUR KERB 

APPEAL 

We can all become a little immune to the 

scenes we see every day, so taking a bit 

of time to objectively assess how things 

look can be really helpful. Give the area a 

sweep and a clear out, check wall lights 

are working, that your doormat is in good 

condition, and that any glass has had a 

good clean. Clean the door itself too - it 

really does help things look more up and 

together. If your door is on its last legs, 

now is the time to get a new one ordered 

- as a bonus it could save you money on 

heating your home too. 

Then, really set off your door with a 

classic wreath - you could make your 

own to really make it tie in with the 

setting, or to your personal tastes - go 

ultra-traditional with orange slices 

and berries or something a bit more 

contemporary with feathers or dried 

grasses. 

DON’T: FORGET TO 

REPAIR DAMAGE 

Last summer was exceptionally hot and 

dry, resulting in lots of hairline cracks 

from the humidity in the air. These are 

easy to fine fill, sand and repaint - it’s a 

quick job but makes such a difference. 

DO: REFRESH YOUR 

PLANTERS 

There are lots of great options for you to 

add some winter colour to pots at the 

front of your home. The little bobbing 

heads of cyclamen are gorgeous, as 

is the structure from winter heather. 

Skimmia japonica is a super winter 

shrub - glossy leaved and just the right 

size for pots, when winter is over and the 

container display has come to an end, 

you could plant them out in the garden 

to grow on. They come in a variety of 

shades - covered in clusters of longlasting 

buds during autumn and winter 

which eventually open to delicate flowers 

in spring. 

DO: RESTOCK 

CUPBOARDS 

Make sure your guests know where 

tea and coffee are kept and that they 

can help themselves - this is especially 

important if your morning routine is 

different to theirs. Some mince pies or 

other freshly baked goods are a lovely 

treat, especially if your guests have 

travelled far to see you. 

DO: KEEP SPARES 

It’s a nice gesture to make sure there 

are spares for those commonly-used, 

and often forgotten, items - toothpaste 

and other travel-sized toiletries and a 

phone charger. It makes people feel more 

comfortable if they can be self sufficient, 

without having to constantly ask to 

borrow things. 


PROVIDE SEATING 

Think about where you are likely to 

congregate together and make sure 

there is enough seating to accommodate 

everyone at once. This might be at the 

kitchen table or the living room. Pouffes 

and ottomans make great occasional 

seating which can be tucked out the way 

when not in use. We love classic leather 

Moroccan designs, or storage ottomans 

which can be used for blanket storage. 


RELAX 

For most of us, Christmas affords some 

rare time to relax in the company of those 

we hold dearest. Don’t 

forget to enjoy the 

company of those 

you are hosting 

- and don’t 

sweat the 

small details 

- your guests 

are just happy 

to see you! 

A festive wreath creates 

a warm welcome 

Moroccan Leather Pouffe, £99, hauslife.co.uk 

Macedon Storage Ottoman 

£92.99, wayfair.co.uk 


PREPARE YOUR 

HOME FOR WINTER 

Taking on some basic maintenance can help 

prepare your home for winter as the changing 

weather conditions can cause costly damage. With 

a few easy steps you can be winter ready for the 

long, cold months ahead... 

1. SERVICE YOUR BOILER 

Your boiler should be serviced annually 

to make sure that it’s still safe to use and 

works efficiently. Ideally this should be 

done before the heating season. This 

will give you some time to make sure 

everything is still working before the days 

get too cold! 

There are other ways to ensure your 

central heating is efficient. Bleeding 

radiators, to release trapped air, is a DIY 

task. While power flushing, a job best left 

to the plumbers and heating engineers, 

can ensure a build up of sludge is 

removed from radiators. 

2. INSULATE YOUR LOFT SPACE 

If you haven’t already insulated this 

space, or you have poorly performing 

insulation that has slumped over time, 

tackling this project will quickly pay 

dividends over the colder months. 

3. CHECK YOUR GUTTERING 

An essential task when preparing your 

home for winter — look for leaves, moss 

and other debris and clear gutters and 

downpipes to prevent blockages in heavy 

rain and snow. 

Cracked, missing or damaged rainwater 

goods or brackets should ideally be 

replaced, too. Leaky rainwater goods, 

can, over a period of time lead to damp, 

so it’s important to make these cheap 

fixes now — rather than making costly 

remedial work at a later date. 

4. GET YOUR CHIMNEY SWEPT 

The winter weather can cause damage to 

your chimney, so the pre-winter months 

are a great time to get your chimney 

professionally swept. Sweeping will 

improve the efficiency of your chimney by 

ensuring any potential blockages, such 

as nests or a build up soot, are removed 

before you start using your open fire or 

log burning stove. 

5. INSULATE YOUR PIPES 

Insulating (or lagging) your pipes can 

reduce the loss of heating and also 

prevent them freezing and bursting. This 

is particularly important when plumbing 

is located in cold areas such as in 

uninsulated loft spaces and garages. 

Keep the heating at a low level (above 

4°C) even when you’re away from the 

property, as this will help maintain a 

consistent temperature around the pipes. 

Just in case of emergencies, know where 

your stopcock is to enable you to turn 

the cold water system off and limit further 

damage. The stopcock is usually located 

under your kitchen sink and normally 

looks like a tap/lever. 

6. MAKE SURE YOUR OIL TANK IS 

TOPPED UP 

If your property has an oil tank, make 

sure it’s topped up for winter. Doing so 

will help you avoid peak winter prices 

and make sure you don’t run out of oil 

through the colder months. 

7. GET YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE 

READY 

Making sure your garden is clear, clean 

and ready for winter is a good idea. 

Secure anything that could be swept 

away by the wind such as greenhouses, 

plant pots and wheelie bins. 

8. GET YOUR ROOF CHECKED 

Roof slates/tiles can become loose 

throughout the year and this could lead 

to leaks through the winter. It may be a 

good idea to get your roof inspected by 

a professional to make sure there are no 

areas that need fixing before the colder 

months. 

9. DRAUGHT PROOF WINDOWS, 

DOORS AND FLOORS 

With current energy prices rises, 

undertaking draught proofing measures 

can be a relatively simple and costeffective 

way of improving your home’s 

thermal performance. 

Measures include insulating loft hatches, 

adding draught proofing strips to doors, 

and blocking up unused chimneys. 

Some tasks can take minutes — others, 

such as insulating beneath timber 

suspended ground floors, are more 

invasive and will require considerably 

more work. 

10. MAKE SURE YOUR PROPERTY IS 

INSURED 

One of the most important things to 

consider when heading into winter is 

whether you have home insurance. The 

winter months bring darker nights which 

lead to higher crime rates, plus the UK 

weather obviously starts declining in the 

winter. Not only will most home insurers 

provide cover for things like theft, but 

also fire and flood too. 


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Showroom: Hillview Windows Ltd, Unit A Hambridge Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5SS 


GIVING COUNT 

With Christmas around the corner, our 

regular contributor Matt Biggs gives us some 

tips on what to buy the gardener in your life... 

Giving gifts at Christmas is always both a pleasure and a puzzlewe 

want the recipients to enjoy what we give and, perhaps this 

year more than most, we want the gifts to be both valued and 

valuable. Thoughtful gardening gifts can fulfil both of these 

criteria, so here are a few suggestions: 

A subscription to a gardening magazine is a terrific gift for 

either a keen gardener or a new gardener – it lasts all year, has 

seasonal tips and ideas and is something to look forward to each 

month, what’s not to like! 

Membership of a local gardening club, or a gardening course 

or day is a really good idea too – there are lots of options from 

learning how to prune to a whole bee keeping course, just ensure 

you know the particular interest of the person concerned and the 

choice is yours. 

For people who may be house bound or less mobile, how about 

giving them a card with a little message in to the effect of –‘ This 

card entitles you to a day out at a garden centre, perhaps with 

coffee or lunch added to be taken during the next 6 months, and 

sign it – that way it can be taken in better weather or when the 

person is feeling up to going out and gives something to look 

forward to. 

Trees – fruit trees, ornamental trees, big trees, little trees – we 

know how important they are, and we know we need them so 

either a gardening gift voucher or indeed a tree in a pot to grow 

on, just ensure the trees eventual size is suitable for the space 

and give a gift that really will last. 

Thinking slightly outside of the box but for someone who maybe 

is having trouble keeping up with the basic garden tasks, how 

about buying them a few hours of a professional gardener in 

their area. That way the big tasks such as the autumn clear up, 

planting up of pots, grass maintenance etc can be done for them, 

allowing them to do the things that they can do and enjoy. 

There are magazines, there are books, there are tools, there are 

trugs and mugs and gloves – the list is endless so enjoy choosing 

and giving a gardening gift this year. 

To find out more about Matt visit his website 

matthewbiggs.com 

Bourne Buildings Ltd 

THE LARGEST SHOWSITE IN THE UK WITH OVER 200 BUILDINGS, 

5,000 STONE ORNAMENTS & 100 FURNITURE SETS ON DISPLAY 

Set in a magical landscape of water and wildlife, Bourne Buildings 

is not your typical garden buildings showsite. 

Well known for its vast selection of garden buildings and expert 

advice, Bourne Buildings offer standard, as well as made-to-order 

designs of varying qualities and styles, fit for all budgets. 

Our complete range of services include product installation, base 

laying and a re-felting service. 

Visit our showsite to see an impressive array of stone ornaments, 

including eye-catching armillary sphere sundials, and over 100 

small garden furniture sets. 

On display at our showsite in Farnham, we have over: 

• 60 Sheds 

• 35 Greenhouses 

• 60 Summer houses • 20 Garden Offices & Garden Rooms 

• 35 Playhouses • 8 Garages 

Opening hours 10AM - 4PM 

Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun 

CLOSED TUESDAY & WEDNESDAYS 

01252 718481 

sales@bournebuildings.co.uk 

www.bournebuildings.co.uk 

Bourne Buildings Ltd, 39-43 Guildford Road, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9PY 


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Our commitment to you is to provide the ultimate in quality, service and value, from 

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We provide a complete service from design through to installation. We can automate 

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where needed. 

We also offer a speedy repair and annual maintenance service that you can rely on. 

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f

MG4 EV 

ALL ELECTRIC 

HATCHBACK 

Motoring journalist Sue Cooke test 

drives the MG4 EV all electric hatchback 

The MG automotive brand provokes fond memories of my youth 

when I owned a little red MGB roadster. MG plans a new all 

electric sports car in 2024, but in the meantime, MG has entered 

a new sector of the market, which it has never been in before – 

the all electric C segment. 

The MG4 EV, is a strikingly designed fully electric hatchback. 

There are six colours to choose from. I road tested the model 

painted in a gorgeous Holborn blue. 

In the cabin there is little difference to driving a traditional car. 

The driver slides behind the wheel and presses the brake pedal. 

Engage the rotary gear selector and automatically the vehicle 

goes into ‘Ready’ mode in complete silence. 

Standard hi tech features include a wireless charging tray, a 

10.25” colour touchscreen with Apple CarPIayTM and Android 

AutoTM and iSMART app connectivity. Advanced MG Pilot 

safety features include traffic signs recognition and lane 

departure warning. The driver assistance systems have useful 

voice control. If you have ever left your car in a multi storey 

and promptly forgot which floor it is on, then you will much 

appreciate the phone app which will find your MG for you! 

Using an adaptor, you can even boil a kettle using the battery 

that powers the car. There are five Drive modes including a snow 

mode. 

The MG4 EV entry level is the SE with the standard 51kWh 

battery. Using a rapid charger, the charge to 80% takes 39 

minutes with a top range of 218 miles. 0-62mph is a quick 7.7 

seconds. The cost is from £25,995. 

The SE long range uses the 64kWh battery and will charge to 

80% in 35 minutes with an increased mileage range of 281 

miles. 0-62mph is 7.9 seconds. The cost is from £28,495. 

The Trophy long range battery will complete 270 miles and is 

recognisable as the car has changes to the exterior design 

which include a two tone roof and a very attractive Twin Aero 

Rear Spoiler with a gorgeous red patterned light bar and rear 

privacy glass. Equipment includes an upgraded MG Pilot 

system, with the inclusion of Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change 

Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Additionally, the interior is in 

leather with electric driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering 

wheel, a Bluetooth key, satellite navigation, a 360 degree 

camera, and an upgraded MG iSmart system compatible with 

live services. The cost is from £31,495. 

With a predicted high residual value of 64.6% and a seven year 

warranty, the MG4EV offers value for money. The new hatchback 

makes buying an all electric car more affordable and offers the 

spaciousness of an SUV with plenty of headroom and generous 

amounts of legroom, hi tech features, quick performance and a 

reasonable mileage range. 

The MG brand has grown by 75.9% and MG says it is the 

fastest growing manufacturer with 153 dealers in the UK, which 

number is expected to increase to 160 by the end of the year. 

Future models will use this new MSP platform architecture and 

an MG5 is promised in December. An MG4 EV with a larger 

battery of 77kWh dual motor powertrain and an extended range 

up to 329 miles, will even include a ‘Launch Control’ button! 

My little red sports car was lots of fun, but it couldn’t boil a 

kettle! 

Facts at a Glance 

Model: MG 4 EV all electric 

Price: from £25,995 for SE standard 

Power: 51 kWh battery 

Performance: 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and on to a top 

speed of 100 mph 

CO2 emissions: zero 

Combined Range: 218 miles (WLTP) rapid charge to 80% in 

39 mins

Fore more information contact: 01635 254888 | kblwork@tesco.net | www.enbridgehouse.co.uk 

Enbridge House, Church Road, Woolton Hill, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 9XQ 

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the joys of 

RETIREMENT 

From keeping fit and healthy to making the mental 

adjustment, we’ve got all the tips you need to make the most 

of your new-found free time. 

DEVELOP A ROUTINE 

You may find it feels more normal to 

continue getting up, eating and going to 

bed at roughly the same time every day. 

Plan in regular activities such as voluntary 

work, exercise and hobbies. This will 

keep things interesting and give you a 

purpose. 

WIND DOWN GENTLY 

Ensure a smoother transition by retiring in 

stages. By easing off your workload over 

several years, you’ll be able to get used 

to the idea of not working and fill your 

time in other ways. Ask your employer if 

you can cut back your working hours. 

EXERCISE YOUR MIND 

Government studies have shown that 

learning in later years can help people 

stay independent, so use your free 

time to continue to challenge yourself 

mentally, whether it’s learning an 

instrument or a language or getting a 

qualification. 

KEEP PHYSICALLY ACTIVE 

We should all aim to do at least 150 

minutes of moderate-intensity physical 

activity a week, so build up to this if you 

haven’t made exercise a normal part of 

your life previously. Why not sign up for 

a charity event to give you a goal to work 

towards? 

SEEK SOCIAL SUPPORT 

For many people, work can form a big 

part of their social life and it’s common 

to feel at a bit of a loose end once you 

retire. Fill the gaps by joining clubs and 

groups. 

PAMPER YOURSELF 

After decades of hard work, you are due 

some ‘me time’. Whether your idea of 

indulgence is a city break, a day trip to a 

spa or a small pleasure like dining out or 

going to the cinema, schedule some time 

for a well-deserved treat. 

GET A NEW PET 

Could you house a rescue cat or dog 

in need of a new home? Research 

has shown that our furry friends have 

a positive effect on our health and 

wellbeing. 

According to pet researcher Allen R. 

McConnell, a professor of psychology at 

Miami University, people with pets are 

generally happier, more trusting, and less 

lonely than those who don’t have pets. 

They also visit the doctor less often for 

minor problems. 

To find out more about rehoming a pet, 

visit your local animal rescue centre, 

the RSPCA or Dogs Trust. If you might 

be interested in volunteering to walk or 

foster an elderly person’s dog, contact 

The Cinnamon Trust. 

PUSH YOUR BOUNDARIES 

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, both healthwise 

and in general, and doing something 

different can be a refreshing change. 

Some people have found that simple 

changes, such as trying a tasty new 

recipe, finding a different hairdresser or 

joining an exercise class they haven’t done 

before gives them a new zest for life. 

GIVE BACK TO THE 

COMMUNITY 

Ever thought of volunteering? Perhaps 

you’d enjoy getting involved with your 

local youth club, animal rescue centre, 

environmental organisation or elderly 

support group. 

TRAVEL MORE 

Always dreamt of going on an aroundthe-world 

cruise, a wine-tasting trip 

through Italy, or a simple camping 

expedition in the Welsh valleys? Now you 

can finally make those long-held plans 

a reality, depending on your health and 

budget limitations. 

If longer trips aren’t practical, mini breaks 

may be a good alternative – or even days 

out to places you’ve never visited before. 

Edited from an article published for the 

British Heart Foundation - find more 

help and advice at www.bhf.org.uk 


arnes coaches 

01793 821303 | www.barnescoaches.co.uk 

NEW 2023 Holiday Borchure Out 1st 

November 2022! Call today to pre-order your 

free copy to be posted to you. 

Sidmouth 

Mon 7th Nov 2022 

5 Days: From £449 

Includes visits to Exeter, 

West Bay, Lyme Regis, 

Dawlish, Teignmouth, 

Donkey Sanctuary & Wells. 

Skegness, Lincoln & The 

Wolds Turkey & Tinsel 



Includes visit to Stamford, 

Lincoln, Boston, Louth, & 

Melton Mowbray. 

Secret Santa Mystery 

Fri 11th Nov2022 


From North to South, to 

East, to West... our mystery 

destination is for you to 

guess! Includes visit to a 

famous Christmas market! 

Loch Lomond All 

Inclusive House Party! 

Fri 11th Nov 2022 


Includes a Michael Bublé 

Tribute Night! With visits to 

Stirling, Luss, Loch Lomond 

shores & great scenery! 

Isle of Wight, Sandown 

Turkey & Tinsel 

Fri 25th Nov 2022 


Includes visits to Alum Bay 

overlooking the Needles, 

Yarmouth, Shanklin & Ryde. 

St Agnes Mistletoe & 

Wine 



Includes visits to Bideford, 

Falmouth, Portleven, 

Padstow, Truro, views of 

Mount’s Bay, Land’s End, St 

Ives & Looe. 

Festive Cheer in St- 

Anne’s-on-sea, Lytham 

Sun 4th Dec 2022 


Includes visits to Bownesson-Windermere, 

Fleetwood, 

Southport. Great ‘Xmas 

Xtras’ included too! 

Barmouth Turkey & 

Tinsel Mon 5th Dec 2022 


Includes visits to 

Shrewsbury, Machynlleth, 

Aberystwth, Betws-y-Coed, 

Llandudno & Abergavenny. 

Belgian & German Xmas 

Markets, Brussels 

Fri 9th Dec 2022 


Includes Aachen, Bruges, 

Ypres & Brussels’ Christmas 

Markets! 

Looe Turkey & Tinsel 

Mon 12th Dec 2022 


Includes festive cream 

tea, ‘christmas’ dinner 

and bucks fizz reception, 

afternoon bingo & quiz, 

entertainment most 

nights. Visits out to Exeter, 

Falmouth, Fowey & 

Padstow. 

Chichester for Christmas 

Fri 23rd Dec 2022 


Includes visits to Southsea 

or Gunwharf Quay, Bognor 

Regis! Entertainement 

every night, Christmas 

Lunch and many more 

‘Xmas Xtras’ included! 

Ilfracombe for New Year 

Fri 30th Dec 2022 


Includes afternoon 

Devon tea, glass of fizz, 

gala evening dinner. 

Days out include stops 

in Barnstaple, Bideford, 

Woolacombe & Sanders 

Garden World. 

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West Berkshire Lifestyle Nov - Dec 2022

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