Local Buzz - Award Winning Lifestyle Magazine ISS34

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localbuzzmagazine.com

march 2017

Win

FREE

ÂŁ100 With Go Ape

Spring into Fashion

8

Common Food Allergies Headaches A pain in the neck?

Delicious Local Deli How to beat lunchtime rush

Easter Fun!

Question Time? Join the debate

Do Men Have Pelvic Floor?

pets in the spring

Keeping them safe

Connecting Local Businesses with Local People


THAT

CONSOL TAN

F E E LI N G

2 Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury RG14 1Ay

08000 88 60 90 consol.eu


in Local

Editor's Welcome

Buzz... 4 Community 8 BuzzConnect 13 Buzz Loves 16 Get the Look 21 Mother's Day 23 Motoring Feature - Number Plates 24 Books 25 Local Events 26 Easter Fun 28 Food & Drink 32 Health, Beauty & Wellbeing 35 Physiotherapist 37 Decluttering 39 Pets in the Spring 40 Competitions 41 Garden View

19 fashion 33 headaches

This March means a lot to me and my team at Local Buzz! We have achieved our objective to become a monthly publication and we are moving to bigger and better premises.

Jackie Osborne

Local Buzz is a channel that offers true engagement with a targeted audience

I

am really excited to say that there will be a training room providing workshops on social media at various levels to our local community. We will promote and invite you to come along, so watch this space!

Lastly, fancy a day at the races? Please check out the events organised by West Berkshire MENCAP in March and April ranging from race days to fish & chips quiz night! A great opportunity to have a fun day out and support our worthy chosen local charity for 2017.

To you, our loyal Local Buzz readers, I anticipate that there will be new features coming up that will make an even more compelling read.

Thanks for all your support! I am grateful to all of you.

So, this is the month that we celebrate and give thanks to the person that brought us into this world! Our Mother! Do you know how it all came about? Read more on page 21 to find out the origin of our Mother’s Day!

Editor-in-Chief Jackie Osborne To the Editor: editor@localbuzzmagazine.com Designer Vanessa Davis studio@localbuzzmagazine.com Website Editor Beatriz Silva Digital Media Lisa Cope Food Editor Paul Milverton Fashion Editor Janine Silver

Editor-in-Chief jackie@localbuzzmagazine.com

Community Editor Gemma McCrae editor@localbuzzmagazine.com Creative Media Damon Brown Copywriter Carlie Cohen Contributors Kathy Jones

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2013 magazine publishers’ awards

Find local Buzz Bee offers, fantastic deals on our website

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To promote your event: events@localbuzzmagazine.com Contact: PO Box 6248, Thatcham Berkshire RG19 9HW Your complimentary copy or where sold £2. Thank you for the continued encouragement from our advertisers, supporters and the local community.

for a daily dose of LOCAL buzz

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Although every effort has been taken in compiling the contents, the publisher cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions or information supplied by the advertisers.

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Do you have any news that you would like to share? We’d love to hear from you editor@localbuzzmagazine.com

COMMUNITY News your Community. your voice.

3 New Businesses in Town. . .

update. . .

Boogie Mites Babies

Go Green Taxis Newbury

Lizzie has recently set up her new business and is delighted to bring Boogie Mites Babies to Newbury & Thatcham.

The award-winning Go Green Taxis have recently opened for business in Newbury and West Berkshire, and business is already booming for the environmentally-friendly company.

Thatcham Vision depends entirely on the hard work and dedication of its wonderful group of volunteers who are committed to making Thatcham a better place to live.

Boogie Mites is an active music making 'magic key' that encourages child development. There will be sessions for parents and their babies (birth to crawling) at Acland Memorial Hall, Cold Ash from 10.15 - 11am each Thursday, starting 2nd March. Boogie Mites sessions are packed with catchy, original songs, shaker fun, dancing together and sensory play. You’ll find a friendly, supportive atmosphere, and there’s even a free CD as part of the 6-week course so you can carry on enjoying Boogie Mites with your little one at home! Join in the fun and discover how sharing music with your baby can boost those early communication, physical and social skills and make lots of new friends! You can try Boogie Mites today with a FREE download of our Wave Hello song. Simply email or text Lizzie - lizziel@boogiemites.co.uk or 07876 030129. Facebook page is @BoogieMitesNewbury

The company have won numerous awards including the UK’s Best Private Hire Taxi Company twice. They provide low, fixed price fares, modern vehicles and uniformed DBS-checked drivers who have local knowledge and provide outstanding customer service. The company provides an excellent service for residents and businesses alike, with local journeys, airport transfers and everything in between. Their awardwinning app allows the user to track their car and know who their driver will be. Free business accounts are available for their best prices. To book a cab, call: 01635 800 990 Email: bookings@gogreentaxisltd.co.uk www.gogreentaxisltd.co.uk/newbury

I’m delighted that they are now starting to see their goals become reality as they plan projects such as shades for play areas, community safety actions in collaboration with Thames Valley Police and maybe a bus service to the station if discussions are successful. Thatcham has a great community spirit that gives the town a strong identity which is why so many people love to live here. If you want to contribute to the community, then find out how on our website. Something I’m very excited about is our new community based website that launched last summer. Rather than just telling you about Thatcham Vision and our plans, although all that is there too, it is a free resource for the community to use. We’ll soon be launching a new service that lets other community groups have their own webpage on the site to promote themselves. They can also add their events to the town calendar, add news articles and their location on the town map.

Home Landing Home Landing is a new website for tea towel and textile enthusiasts. Browse through our collection of printed and woven tea towels. The collection ranges from fun loving cotton and linen printed tea towels, rustic linen tea towels from France, practical extra-large cloths and finally design led coloured French jacquard tea towels.

4

More details will be on the website soon.

Linen tea towel from Ulster Weavers Mother’s Day

Suppliers include, Ulster Weavers, Jaçquard Francais and Charvet Éditions. Free carriage on all UK orders. Visit us at www.home-landing.co.uk

st By David Conque

Thatcham Vision is calling for more volunteers to help with community projects. For more information www.thatchamvision.net and residents are encouraged to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

thatchamvision

Thatcham Vision


lindsey’s top tip

Police Advice Planning a spring get away – make your home look lived in while you’re away. Install timer switches on lights and radios.

garden as they could be used to break into your home, chain lawnmowers, tools, ladders, garden furniture and other items to a strong anchorage point. Burglars like to work undercover, so trim back your hedges this Spring. Clever planting can also help, use prickly plants and shrubs close to vulnerable areas such as windows, fences, boundary walls and drain pipes.

Don’t let burglars make easy work of your property, keep garden tools locked away. Don’t leave tools or ladders lying around in your

Deputy Supt Lindsey Finch - Local Policing Commander West Berkshire

More

Chamber Update. . .

Local Buzz

thatcham

Welcomes. . . The West Berks Chamber was delighted to welcome Michelle Smith, the new Chief Executive of the Education Business Partnership. Michelle has joined up with the local Chamber Council to provide valuable intelligence around the work of the EBP and its vital link between schools and business. The WBEBP has also expanded its services into the Swindon area. Newbury Racecourse has continued its relationship with the Chamber of Commerce into 2017. We look forward to working with the venue and the hosting of a number of high profile events. A real success story of the membership in West Berks is the number of companies using the exporting service provided by Thames Valley Chamber. This not only includes access to export documentation but also market briefings. It is a strong indicator that West Berks has a business community that has a production capability and is supporting British exports.

It is official, Local Buzz is now a monthly publication!

Businesses AND Civic Society

Increasing the frequency of our award-winning magazine is giving readers and advertisers more of what they want.

Our Chamber of Commerce is not the only framework for your local businesses. Another is the Rotary Club of Thatcham & District, which focuses on the social side of business people's lives The Club is there to foster fellowship and its members' service to their community, also high ethical standards. The fun part being the organising of events for charity i.e. The Santa Fun Run and The Car Show in June. To raise funds for local charitable causes such as equipment for West Berkshire Hospital and Internationally Shelter tents for disaster relief. Interested? For more information go to RotaryThatcham.org.uk

Local Buzz continues to go from strength to strength. We are far more than a Lifestyle magazine and have been steadily increasing EE FR Win our social £100 Spring With into media presence, Go Ape Fashion promoting 8 on Delicious Comm businesses across Local Delit Food how to bea lunchtime rush Allergies West Berkshire s Headache and North ! n u F a pain in Easter the neck? pets Hampshire via all in the Do Men Have spring Question ic Pelv Time? the major social Floor? media channels.

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west berks

localbuzzm

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march 2017

Keeping them safe

Join the debate

connecting

sses with Local

Local Busine

People

Whether you just want advertising in our high gloss magazine or require promotion via social media, the choice is yours.

Get in touch!

We would love to hear from you 01635 200006 sales@localbuzzmagazine.com

Gary Cranford Business Manager West Berks Chamber of Commerce West Berks Chamber of Commerce - 01753 870500 or email customerservices@tvchamber.co.uk www.westberkschamber. tvchamber.co.uk

Jeremy Cottam Chairman of Thatcham Chamber of Commerce & Director of WestBerks Properties Ltd Thatcham Chamber of Commerce 01635 871087 . 07768 233004 www.facebook.com/ ThatchamNetworking/

To share your community news contact editor@localbuzzmagazine.com

don’t miss the next Issue. . .

in the stands 1st april 5


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business

Our networking events are rapidly growing and in 2017 we have added more events that will bring greater opportunities to local businesses to engage, network and promote their products/services.

What is BuzzConnect? BuzzConnect believes real growth in the local economy will only be achieved by local businesses supporting each other.

Register today for the forthcoming events:

#TheBigQuestion 25th April at 6pm at the Donnington Grove Hotel

Join us today and experience our networking events where we aim to help build a stronger business community across West Berkshire and North Hampshire.

#TheBigQuestion is an open local debate formed by a panel of a few key personalities. This is an opportunity for you to ask your question. It is our own local "Question Time". To attend, register via our website and if you have a question for the panel, please send it together with your registration by the 18th April - www.buzz-connect.co.uk

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What is our charity up to this month. . . Mencap has two exciting events coming up! 3rd March Annual Race day at the Racegoers Restaurant. A fun and enjoyable day.

Go to www.buzz-connect.co.uk to see our events, workshops and information on joining. 8

17th March Quiz Night including fish and chips dinner Book your place now - please contact Phil King or Caz Austin on 01635 41464.


#TheBigPitch 10th June at Parkway, Newbury Due to the success of 2016 Dragon's Den, we have now renamed our event to #TheBigPitch! This is an opportunity for local businesses to present their business model to the panel and the public. It will be held at Parkway Shopping Centre. Prize is worth over £2,500. Register now as places are limited! This event is sponsored by Parkway Shopping and PAUL Patisserie.

Prize is worth over

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#TheBigEvent 14th September at the Royal County of Berkshire Show

01635 200006 info@buzz-connect.co.uk www.buzz-connect.co.uk

This year, this event will bring even more opportunities for local businesses. There will be a tour of the showground, an exhibition and a keynote speaker sharing his business experience and success.

UKBuzzConnect

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Like our Facebook page for more updates on this event.

B uzz C onnect S ponsors berkshirebusinesshub.co.uk

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Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto’s leading temples. It's formal name is Rokuon-ji and was built at the end of the 14th century originally as a villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the shogun at the time.

A special Japanese Temple The temple has been burnt down many times in the flames of war and more recently by arson. However, it was restored in 1955 with major improvement work being done in 1987 and all the gold leaf being replaced. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, Kinkaku-ji is one of the historical buildings most representative of Japan.

Open Studios 2017 OPENING TIMES OF THE EXHIBITION Sat 29 April - Tuesday 30 May

The Japanese Garden will be transformed into a magnificent Sculpture Exhibition comprising of work by 14 artists of the Open Studios including Johannes von Stumm, Diccon Dadey and Paul Harvey.

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It would be a special opportunity to see such a variety of sculptural forms in such a stunning setting. VIP tour 5 May 2017, please email gm@donnington-grove.com to register. Donnington Grove Hotel is a charming gothic style mansion built in 1766 by British historian James Petit Andrews.

A smaller verson of the Golden Temple was built in the 1990s within a private walled garden below Donnington Castle, on the Donnington Grove estate. The Temple is enjoyed as a tranquil place to meditate, just like the Japanese original and is popular for wedding photographs, private parties and celebrations. It will be licensed for ceremonies in 2017. 01635 581000 enquiries@donnington-grove.com www.donnington-grove.com 9


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fashion

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1.

3. ilver

By Janine S

Behind the Biggest Trends in Hollywood Celebrities need to be photo ready all the time; a walk down the red carpet or even a trip to the grocery store can easily land you on the front page. Responsible for every star’s transformation and best dressed award is an amazing stylist pulling the strings. To get the inside scoop, I spoke with celebrity stylist, Daniel Musto. Musto has worked with a long list of famous clients including Paula Abdul, Giuliana Rancic, Jenny McCarthy, Hayden Panettiere, Charissa Thompson, Tamar Braxton, and Jeannie Mai to name a few. Musto is also a featured personality on E!’s Who Wore It Better and a guest judge on Project Runway Junior.

4.

Get the Look From our local High Street

Musto describes his job as making ". . . people feel comfortable in their own skin by covering them up with clothes that match their personalities.” However, a stylist’s job isn’t all just playing dress up. “There’s a lot of accounting, organising, and schlepping involved,” Musto shares. So what can you do to look like a star? Musto gives us his favorite tips to help you look your very best. “Make sure your midsection is as flat as possible. We all have more around the middle than we’d like, but utilise body shaping undergarments to guarantee that you have the best silhouette. Also, always make sure your earrings complement your shoes. They should be friends even though they’re on opposite ends of your body.” He also recommends avoiding the colour brown for a formal event or red carpet. “It never photographs well in those environments.” Want to read my full interview with Daniel Musto including some juicy insider tidbits regarding Spanx and limos? Go to www.localbuzzmagazine.com/category/ fashion.

1. Strapless Sequinned Ball Gown £299 2. Embroidered, Sequinned & Tulle Gown £349

5. All gowns can be found at Silk by Meena. www.silkbymeena.com

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6. We love that this gown can be customised with sheer sleeves, a great way to keep the style but add a little extra coverage.

Have any questions, comments or thoughts? Drop me an email or send m me a tweet! Your question could lbuzzmagazine.co email: janine@loca BuzzFashion be featured in the next issue! @L m: gra sta r/in twitte

3. Lace Crop Top 2 Piece Elegance £299 4. Jersey Goddess Gown £249

5. Silver & Rhinestone Beaded Gown £299 6. Silk Jersey & Lace Gown £279

7 Floral Embellished Gown £159 8. Long Lace Gown £249

8.


Layers of Tulle

ON

While tulle might conjure up images of ballerinas or outdated princess style prom gowns, tulle has become surprisingly chic! A gorgeous tulle skirt adds volume, which can help create an hourglass figure or simply just showcase your inner girly girl. At her recent LA premiere for Passengers, Jennifer Lawrence wore an elegant strapless white Dior gown. The full length tulle skirt, which floated down to the floor, remained modern and edgy due to a bleeding crystal heart adornment. Sofía Vergara also chose a tulle skirt paired with a sparkly strapless top at the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. The full tea-length skirt showed off her toned legs and femininity, proving once again how this ethereal fabric can easily turn a plain dress into something extraordinary. To keep tulle looking sleek and modern, stick to a simple streamlined silhouette in a single hue.

trend

Oh So Sheer Once shocking, the sheer gown has recently become a Hollywood staple. From Kim Kardashian and Rihanna to Gwyneth Paltrow and Irina Shayk, everyone has put their own spin on this body bearing style. Even Jaimie Alexander and Diane Kruger jumped on board showing off their Hollywood physiques in sexy translucent dresses. Baby Aerial and Australian model Nicole Trunfino took their own approach, with long black gowns that show off lots of skin. Proving to be a bit of an illusion, these dresses can appear to elongate your legs while showing off all your best features.

The most surprising part of a sheer dress isn’t what it shows, but what it can hide. By focusing on certain body parts you can cover up and distract from others without anyone being the wiser. Putting your figure on display, but on your own terms.

The classic black dress gets a statement making upgrade. From a head turning jewelled bodice to just a touch of shimmer peeking out from underneath, our favourite stars can’t get enough of these bedazzled gowns.

A Touch of Sparkle Never one to shy away from the chance to shine, Jennifer Lopez looked both polished and sultry in a Reem Acra gown at the 2017 People’s Choice Awards. The black long sleeved dress was more understated than some of her usual red carpet looks, but the crystal encrusted bodice gave it an unexpected dose of glamour! Kate Winslet also stepped out in a little black dress with gems peaking out from the top. The stop-and-stare embellishments transform a simple LBD (Little Black Dress) into a beguiling red carpet worthy number.

Adorned with floral details or a touch of sparkle, neutrals are making a comeback! Feminine and demure, but alluring at the same time, it’s easy to see why this trend has popped up on so many red carpets.

Muted Embellishments Nicole Kidman looked stunning at the 2017 Producers Guild Awards in a gorgeous cream long sleeved gown covered in jewels, which accentuated her ivory complexion. Another fan of this gorgeous style trend is Beyoncé, who attended the Met Gala in a long sleeved latex Givenchy gown embellished with ladylike floral details and pearls. Taraji P. Henson also perfectly balanced the juxtaposition of delicate and provocative in her Reem Acra gown, complete with sheer top and a full skirt in a soft rose at the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. No matter your skin tone or body type, embellished neutrals is one stylish update everyone can pull off!


Our unique designs celebrate the best of both Eastern and Western cultures. Offering a variety of exclusive collections that are carefully created and selected from different parts of the world. Each one of our gowns is limited edition, to ensure that your attention grabbing gown is one-of-akind. In addition SILK by Meena will customize our designs in order to fit your preferences and needs, offering everyone the chance to own that perfectly fitting dress without the haute couture price tag.

www.silkbymeena.com Beech Lane, Reading RG6 5PT


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fashion

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Coming Soon!

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g n i r p S A little sample of the new blooms at Monsoon, Parkway Newbury. What would your wardrobe be without dresses? From party, evening, cocktail and occasion dresses to jumper styles, sweeping maxi dresses and the universally flattering wrap dress, they're our go-to piece for easy elegance.

New for Spring!

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STORM by Monsoon Casualwear

For everyday fashion staples, look no further than STORM by Monsoon. Stylesavvy girls aged 8-15 years can create cute outfits with mix-and-match separates, fit-andflare dresses and more, before pulling it all together with on-trend jackets.

4. 5. 1. Alexa floral midi dress £109.00 2. Hallie soft belted dress £119.00 3. STORM Studded ankle boots £35.00 4. STORM Lanikai white top £24.00

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5. Florence floral shift dress £99.00 6. Anthea embroidered jacquard scarf £39.00 19


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0118 971 3573

www.pegasusmotorcare.com service@pegasusmotorcare.com Unit 1 Beenham Industrial Area, Grange Lane, Beenham RG7 5PP

Helping you achieve the lawn you’ve always wanted.

Phil Adshead runs Supagrass in the Hampshire and West Berks area. He has helped over 1000 customers improve their lawns, and has looked after the greens at two of the top 10 golf courses in the world including Augusta National. For a FREE lawn assessment and quote with Phil, call 01256 461388 or email rbf@supagrass.co.uk

Lawn Fertilising

Moss Control

Weed Killing

Scarification

Aeration

Lawn Mowing

www.supagrass.co.uk 20


Mother's Day falls on different days depending on the countries where it is celebrated. It is held on the second Sunday of May in many countries, such as Australia, Canada and the United States

Mother's Day

This year we celebrate on 26 March You may not realise, but Mother’s Day happens on the fourth Sunday of Lent and originally had religious traditions attached to it. In the sixteenth century, it was a celebration of the ‘mother church’ and people would return to the church in which they were baptised or where they attended as a child. Thus families would be reunited. This was known as going ‘a mothering' or Mothering Sunday. It was commonplace for the Lent fast which prohibited sweet, rich foods and meat to be lifted a little and for a Simnel cake to be shared. Years later, youngsters working as servants were given an annual day off to visit their mothers and would take gifts. This was called ‘Mother's Day.’ The celebrations of Mothering Sunday and Mother’s Day have generally combined into one annual occasion. The first official Mother’s Day was organised by Ann Jarvis in 1908 in West Virginia as a memorial to her mum. By the 1920s however Ann had become disillusioned by the commercialism of the day and especially the common use

of printed greetings cards. Celebrating the day became less popular. It wasn’t until the second World War when soldiers wanted to acknowledge their distant mothers, that the day grew in popularity once more.

India

Other countries who celebrate Mother's Day. . .

Japan

China While relatively new to the country, the imported holiday of Mother’s Day aligned with traditions of filial piety in China, as it has in countries the world-over. On the second Sunday of May, an increasing number of Chinese celebrate the day with gifts and festivities. Egypt Mother’s Day in Egypt and several other Arab countries falls on March 21, the first day of spring. The widely observed unofficial national holiday is a day of gift-giving and celebration.

Mother’s Day is a rather new phenomenon, but the imported holiday is making up for lost time. On the second Sunday of May, mothers are showered with flowers, cards and gifts. Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May, when the Japanese load their mothers with gifts, primarily flowers. Russia In the former Soviet Union, mothers were celebrated on International Women’s Day on March 8, a celebratory date that has since become an internationally-observed day to honor women and reflect on the goal for gender equality. In 1998, post-Soviet Russia introduced Mother’s Day on the last Sunday in November, but most of the gift giving still happens in March.

21


Test drive an Test drive an award winning award winning ŠKODA ŠKODA

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the end of the agreement there three options: i) own the vehicle:pay paythe theoptional optionalfinal final payment; payment; ii) return and tear, excess mileage charges #At #At the end of the agreement there areare three options: i) own the vehicle: return the thevehicle: vehicle:subject subjecttotofair fairwear wear and tear, excess mileage charges apply; orreplace: iii) replace: exchange vehicle. maymay apply; or iii) partpart exchange thethe vehicle. Available on a Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s and over. Subject to availability. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer available when ordered by 3 April 2017 from Available on a Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s and over. Subject to availability. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer available when ordered by 3 April 2017 from participating retailers. ^Deposit contributions are: £2000 ŠKODA Octavia(excludes (excludesSE SEBusiness Business and and SE SE Technology), Technology), £1500 and SESE L, L, £1000 forfor other ŠKODA YetiYeti participating retailers. ^Deposit contributions are: £2000 forfor ŠKODA Octavia £1500for forŠKODA ŠKODAYeti YetiOutdoor OutdoorSESE and £1000 other ŠKODA Outdoor models (excludes SE Drive, L Drive, Business and Technology)and and£1000 £1000for forŠKODA ŠKODA Citigo Citigo (excludes (excludes S). with any other offer andand maymay be be Outdoor models (excludes SE Drive, SE SE L Drive, SESE Business and SESE Technology) S).Offers Offersare arenot notavailable availableininconjunction conjunction with any other offer varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication. Freepost ŠKODA Financial Services. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who maymay varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication. Freepost ŠKODA Financial Services. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who payfor usintroducing for introducing to them. Models shown are: ŠKODA CitigoColour ColourEdition Edition1.0 1.0MPI MPI5dr 5dr60PS 60PS at at £10,620 £10,620 OTR, 150PS at at £20,415 OTR with optional pay us youyou to them. Models shown are: ŠKODA Citigo OTR, ŠKODA ŠKODAOctavia OctaviaHatch HatchSE SESport Sport1.41.4TSI TSI 150PS £20,415 OTR with optional Race Blue metallic paint at £555 and ŠKODA Yeti Outdoor SE 2.0 TDI CR DPF 110PS at £20,505 with optional Quartz Grey metallic paint at £555. Models shown may vary from UK specification. Race Blue metallic paint at £555 and ŠKODA Yeti Outdoor SE 2.0 TDI CR DPF 110PS at £20,505 with optional Quartz Grey metallic paint at £555. Models shown may vary from UK specification.

Official consumption the ŠKODArange rangeininmpg mpg(litres/100km): (litres/100km): Urban Urban 31.0 31.0 (9.1) 88.3 (3.2), Official fuelfuel consumption forfor the ŠKODA (9.1) to to 72.4 72.4(3.9); (3.9);Extra ExtraUrban Urban44.1 44.1(6.4) (6.4)toto 88.3 (3.2), 2 emissions for the ŠKODA range in mpg are 170 to 90 g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative Combined 38.2 (7.4) 80.7 (3.5). 2 emissions for the ŠKODA range in mpg are 170 to 90 g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative Combined 38.2 (7.4) to to 80.7 (3.5). COCO purposes and may not reflect real driving results. purposes and may not reflect real driving results.


The popularity of personalised number plates has gone through the roof with people from all backgrounds now owning their very own private registration.

motoring

The stunning Pagani Zonda S a price tag of over £1 million pounds

The number of cars on England's roads has risen by almost 600,000 in one year. Recent figures show there were 25.8 million licensed cars in the third quarter of 2015 compared with 25.2 million in the same period of 2014.

numb4r plate5

Since car registrations were introduced in 1903 the popularity of personalised number plates in the UK has increased dramatically and many highly sought after registration numbers are changing hands for vast sums of money.

Personalised plates are car registrations that read a name or word specific to the owner or their vehicle. They are made up of letters and numbers and follow the legal formats of number plates set by the DVLA. In the past personalised plates were associated with the business elite and people wanting to show the world their success. In today’s motoring world however personalised plates are bought by people from all walks of life who want to add the finishing touch to their vehicles or make their car stand out on the road. Some personalised plates are bought as a present to mark a special date or occasion whilst other people buy car registrations as an investment and sell them on for profit. Whatever the reason, it is clear on any journey that the popularity of personalised plates is growing all the time. In other places the popularity of such plates is just as strong with many countries issuing what are known as vanity plates to personalise the nation’s vehicles. Vanity plates are similar to personalised number plates in that they are all unique and are specific to the owner or their vehicle. The main difference to personalised plates however is that they are typically made

up from 6 or 7 characters (letters and numbers) in any order with no specific format. For this reason vanity plates can read pretty much anything however as with DVLA registrations, obscene and offensive words are banned. In the US vanity plates are hugely popular and can be spotted in every state. The list of personalised number plates on the roads in the US is endless and includes countless classic examples such as FAST (assigned to a 1986 Corvette Pace car), HI-TECH and SNKBITE (spotted on a Dodge Viper). Many of the vanity plates in the US are used for comedy value or to portray a certain image. FBI AGNT for example is not assigned to a Federal agent’s vehicle, it is misleadingly owned by an insurance agent working for Farm Bureau Insurance! Australia is another country which has embraced the use of vanity plates with each state administering their own personalised registrations. Recently there has been a growing call for the DVLA to issue US style vanity plates in the UK however there is a heated debate going on between the government, police and number plate dealers over the implications that the introduction of vanity plates would have. However as the

current format of DVLA number plates has the scope to last until the year 2049 the introduction of vanity plates to the UK is surely still a long way off and the popularity of personalised number plates will continue to grow.

Three of the UK's most expensive car number plates. . . 1. '25 O' : £518,000 The priciest ever sold by the DVLA, bought by Ferrari dealer John Collins in 2014. The plate is now thought to take pride of place on a Ferrari 250SWB once owned by Eric Clapton, worth around £10million. 2. 'F 1' : £440,000 The previous record holder, the initials of Formula 1 were bought by Bradford businessman Afzal Khan in 2008. The digits were then assigned to his McLaren-Mercedes SLR. 3. 'S 1' : £404,000 Claimed to be Scotland's first ever number plate, it was bought back in 2008 by an anonymous bidder who claimed the digits would be fixed to an old Skoda!

23


On my way!

BuzzConnect supports businesses in West Berkshire and North Hampshire. Come and join our networking events:

1st Thursday at Metro Bank, Newbury 8.30am - 10am 3rd Thursday at Donnington Grove Hotel 5.30pm - 7pm Go to www.buzz-connect.co.uk to see our events, workshops and information on joining.

Books Reconstructing Amelia

Wicked Gregory Maguire

Kimberly McCreight

We all think we know our children. We think we understand what makes them tick and we like to think that they would turn to us if they were in trouble. But do we really know what is going on in their lives? Kate certainly thought she knew about her 15-year-old daughter, Amelia. As a young law student Kate found herself pregnant and saw the chance to have the one thing she had always wanted, love. She raised Amelia and became a successful lawyer and appears to have everything. Of course, perfection is fragile, and it doesn’t take much to bring Kate’s world tumbling down.

We all know what happened when Dorothy arrived in the Land of Oz courtesy of a cyclone. She killed the Wicked Witch of the East and magically acquired her ruby slippers. But do we really know the rest of the story? What did happen in Oz before this little girl from Kansas carelessly ‘dropped’ in? Wicked, is the story of the witches of Oz, addressing politics, animal rights, outcasts, fate, friendships, and the philosophical question of what makes us bad. Clearly Oz is not just for children.

The World’s Worst Children

Naughty Amelia Jane!

David Walliams

Enid Blyton

Ten short stories make up this book, each one telling of the life of a particularly unpleasant child. In many ways it appears to be a straightforward case of morality. The unpleasant children who don’t think things through and only behave in a way that they feel will be beneficial to them. Dip into a story at any point, or read the book from start to finish, it is entirely up to you. But be warned. These truly are the world’s worst children!

Some books never fail to entertain generation after generation and the Amelia Jane books by Enid Blyton are no exception. At some point in childhood we all wonder what would happen if our toys were alive. Well in this nursery they are. Amelia Jane is a big ragdoll and she is not just big, she is bad. And the other toys are generally scared of her. Hardly surprising when she does things like throwing pints of milk over other toys on a regular basis! In the words of Enid Blyton: “I do somehow feel perfectly certain that she can’t be good for long.”

Traitor to the Throne Alwyn Hamilton

Mere months ago, gunslinger Amani al'Hiza fled her deadend hometown on the back of a mythical horse with the mysterious foreigner Jin, seeking only her own freedom. Now she's fighting to liberate the entire desert nation of Miraji from a bloodthirsty sultan who slew his own father to capture the throne. When Amani finds herself thrust into the epicenter of the regime, she is determined to bring the tyrant down. Desperate to uncover the Sultan's secrets she tries to forget that she is a prisoner of the enemy. In Traitor to the Throne, the only certainty is that everything will change.


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#TheBigQuestion Event

#TheBigQuestion is an open local debate formed by a panel of a few key personalities. This is an opportunity for you to ask your question.

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BuzzConnect is launching another exciting event in support of our local community.

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To attend, please register via our website and if you have a question for the panel, you can send it together with your registration by 18th March.

If you have an event and would like to promote it in West Berkshire and North Hampshire, please get in touch via events@localbuzzmagazine.com

Cinema

Local Events Senior Citizens get a hearing Logan Released 1 March In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.

Kong: Skull Island Released 10 March A team of explorers and soldiers travel to an uncharted island in the Pacific, unaware that they are crossing into the domain of monsters, including the mythic Kong.

Thatcham Vision is pleased to invite a select audience to a speech by our local MP, Mr Richard Benyon 2pm on 3rd March 2017 at Kennet School, Stoney Lane, Thatcham RG19 4LL. David Conquest, the Chair of Thatcham Vision said “We are hoping to attract representatives from local Churches, from Local Government, Charities, British Legion and the medical community as well as interested members of the public." Following the speech, David will chair the Q&A session at the meeting hosted by Kennet School. Mr Benyon has had a special interest in the concerns of our senior citizens particularly the isolation that can blight the lives of the elderly and their families. Sponsored by Thatcham Vision the event will involve year 13 students who will conduct a formal interview and video the event to be used on You Tube.

Beauty & The Beast

Power Rangers

Released 17 March

A group of high-school kids, who are infused with unique superpowers, harness their abilities in order to save the world.

An adaptation of the Disney fairy tale about a monstrouslooking prince and a young woman who fall in love.

Released 24 March

FREE ONLINE!

upload your events localbuzzmagazine.com Some details may be subject to change so please check before you book or travel for an event : entertainment.askbuzz.co.uk


Good Friday Christians around the world observe Good Friday on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Many countries celebrate the anniversary of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Church services are held in the afternoon to remember the hours when Jesus hung on the cross. Churches in countries, such as Belgium and Mexico, are draped in black in memory of Jesus’ suffering. Many Christians in Poland fast on dry bread and roasted potatoes and egg decorating is also part of their preparations. Handmade kites are flown in Bermuda to symbolize the cross. In Australia lots of sporting events are held on this day too. The Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race and the Easter Racing Carnival in Sydney are very popular. The Three Peaks Race in Tasmania also begins, teams sail along

the west coast and then run or walk up and down one of three mountains. There are many theories as to why the day that remembers Jesus’ death on the cross is known as Good Friday. Some suggest the day is 'good' as in 'holy' and others speculate it may be a corruption of 'God's Friday'.

EasterF

Hot Cross Buns

have a certain meaning. The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus, and the spices inside signify the spices used to embalm him at his burial.

The sweet spiced bun made with currants or raisins, and marked with a cross on the top are also traditionally eaten on Good Friday in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and some parts of America.

While hot cross buns are now sold and enjoyed throughout the year, they were once reserved for Good Friday alone. Queen Elizabeth I passed a law decreeing that the sale of buns, spiced cakes, bread and biscuits in London was limited to funerals and the Friday before Easter and Christmas. Thus, the tradition to eat them on Good Friday was born.

The buns mark the end of Lent and different parts of the hot cross bun

Nutmeg Until the mid-19th century, the small island group of the Banda Islands, which are also known as the 'Spice Islands,' was the only location of nutmeg. World production of nutmeg is estimated to average between 10,000 and 12,000 tonnes per year.

26

Easter is a time for fun and chocolate! But it is also a time to celebrate new beginnings and new life.

The deeply superstitious population believed the buns had medicinal or magical properties, and the Church was fearful of these powers being abused. Some thought the buns could protect their home from fire or bad luck, and sailors would take them on their travels to prevent shipwreck. It was also commonly believed that a hot cross bun baked on Good Friday would never go mouldy.

What does Easter mean?

Easter is a spring festival of new life. As a pagan tradition it is the beginning of growth after the cold winter months. The name comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess of the dawn and spring - Eostre. For Christians, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and practising Christians attend special church services at Easter time. Easter celebrates life and rebirth, which is why we see lots of symbols of fertility like eggs, chicks and rabbits.


Easter Egg Hunts Activities Set up activity posts around the garden and house. Before hunting for the eggs the children need to complete a physical challenge. This could be star jumps, skipping up and down a path or hopping around while searching for the next chocolate egg.

Rhymes Place rhyming poems around the house giving the children clues where to find the eggs, for example in the fridge :

Sunday 16th April

Fun!

You will find an egg somewhere cold,

Where you find milk, eggs and ham,

The room is downstairs where dinner is made,

But it is not next to the jam!

ow? Didyoukn 90 million chocolate eggs are sold in the UK each year.

Egg Decorating Chick eggs are very cute and easy to make with the children. 1. Insert two small holes into the egg. 2. Using a straw gently blow the contents out through the opposite hole. 3. Use yellow acrylic paint to cover the eggs. 4. Once they are dry stick a yellow feather on the top, draw black eyes and a red beak. 5. Shred green paper and use an old cardboard egg box.

Rocky Road The Creme Egg Way! Method 1. Melt in a pan on very low heat the milk chocolate, dark chocolate, butter and golden syrup stirring regularly to ensure it doesn’t burn. 2. Once the chocolate has melted set aside 150ml to be used later, leave the rest in the pan but turn off the heat. 3. Crush the biscuits into small pieces (but not too small) and fold into the chocolate mixture in the pan.

You will need. . . 140g butter 150g rich tea biscuits 250g milk chocolate 120g dark chocolate 4 tbsp golden syrup 50g mini marshmallows 50g raisins 16 mini creme eggs

Top T ip

4. Mix in the raisins and mini marshmallows.

Put the mini creme eggs (16) and the marshmallows in the freezer for a couple of hours beforehand (ensuring the marshmallows are separated from each other) so they hold their shape. When you take the eggs out chop them in half to show off their classic yellow and white inside.

5. Chop the mini creme eggs into half. Set half of them aside to

!

t Eggsalen

use later and put the other half in the pan and mix in gently. 6. Lay out baking parchment onto a tray (20cm x 26cm) and spoon the mixture onto it. Press down firmly on the mixture to compress it so it forms an even layer. 7. Pour the 150ml of melted chocolate, which you set aside earlier, evenly across the top of the mixture. Fill in any gaps and create a slightly smoother top surface. 8. Put the remaining creme eggs on top of the rocky road (with the white and yellow creme showing), pushing them down carefully into the mixture. Place in the fridge to set overnight. Once set, cut it into squares and serve.


26th March

As the Spring approaches, come and enjoy a freshly prepared meal using seasonal ingredients at our stunning 15th century country inn.

Nobody can offer Indian food like we can! Savour a wide variety of meals with distinctive flavour and aroma served by friendly staff.

Take advantage of our “Family of 4 Offer” - see the back of Local Buzz and call us to book your table.

01635 35000 54-55 Bartholomew St Newbury RG14 5QA

www.thebullinnstanforddingley.co.uk

www.indigobayrestaurant.co.uk

The Bull Inn, Stanford Dingley RG7 6LS Follow us on Facebook!

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Indigo Bay Restaurant specialises in traditional tandoori and Indian curries.

Food Waste Food waste is a major problem. The Food and Agricultural Organisation of the UN estimates we waste a staggering 1.3 billion tonnes of food globally each year, approximately a third of all food produced. With millions of people around the globe suffering hunger and food insecurity, it is criminal that we, as a society, waste so much perfectly good food. Additionally, food waste is hugely damaging to our environment. If food waste were a country, it would be the third biggest emitter of carbon dioxide after China and the USA.

The emissions from the process which culminates in the food we see in the supermarkets (and that which is wasted before it even reaches the shelves) includes those from the production stage, the packaging and the delivery. There is also the massive amount of water wasted in commercial food production processes.

How can I help? Some fruit and vegetables do not make it to the supermarket shelves, simply because it doesn’t meet certain aesthetic criteria, even if it is completely edible. So why not grow your own fruit and vegetables and regardless of their shape and colour, they will taste delicious.

One of the most damaging aspects of food waste is its carbon footprint.

As certain vegetables can be re-grown from scraps, many homegrowers will be using the leftovers of their produce to grow the next batch, further cutting down on waste.

Top Tip Fruit and vegetable cuttings also make excellent compost. See our garden feature at the back for more handy tips.

If you grow more produce than you need, give the surplus away to friends and family. Not many people will turn down delicious and fresh homegrown fruit and vegetables. And you never know; you may even inspire them to become kitchen gardeners themselves. If you have a lot of a particular fruit or vegetable that is coming to the end of its life, use it to make a big batch of something easily freezable, like soup or smoothies.

If you need another reason to keep growing your own produce, not only are your home grown fruit and vegetables tastier, fresher and better for the environment; you are also contributing to the fight against the serious problem of food waste.


Wondering whether that dicky tummy or rash could be down to something you’ve eaten?

I cannot eat that!

Food allergies and intolerances What’s the difference between food allergy and food intolerance? A food allergy affects the immune system. Symptoms usually appear within a few minutes of eating the offending food, and can include a skin rash, upset stomach (eg vomiting), stomach pains and wheezing. The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which can affect breathing and send the body into shock. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, which is why it’s so important for people with a known allergy to carry an EpiPen if they’ve been prescribed one, and to teach colleagues, friends and family members how to use it. Food intolerances are more common than food allergies. Symptoms include irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, stomach upsets, eczema, migraines and even arthritis. The immune system isn’t affected and symptoms might not appear for a couple of hours, which can make it harder to work out what type of food is causing the problem.

Diagnosis You’ll need to see your GP if you suspect you have an allergy or intolerance, so that they can rule out any other causes for your symptoms. They’ll then likely refer you to a specialist for tests. Food allergies can often be diagnosed with

blood or skin reaction tests. Intolerances are more difficult to diagnose. You may be asked to follow an ‘elimination and challenge’ diet, if necessary, to try to determine what foods you’re intolerant to. You’ll be asked to cut out certain types of food for a period of time, then reintroduce them gradually.

While you can be allergic or intolerant to any type of food, there are eight common culprits: Shellfish

If you have an allergy or intolerance to one type of food, you may well be allergic to other types in the same food group.

Treatment If you’re allergic or intolerant to a type of food, you’ll need to avoid it completely. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Ingredients such as milk powder and egg white are often used in products you wouldn’t expect to find them in. Restaurants aren’t always as vigilant as they should be about cross-contamination. So you might be prescribed steroids, antihistamines, or an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) if you have an allergy. You may also be referred to a dietician, to make sure you’re still getting all the nutrition your body needs.

Milk

Peanuts Tree Nuts Wheat Soy Fish

Eggs

The website www.allergyuk.org has a wealth of information about allergies and intolerances. If you don’t have access to the internet, try the helpline on 01322 619898. 29


Join BuzzPower, a multimedia marketing campaign for local businesses and maximise your. . . Social Media . Online Articles . Email Marketing . Print . Video . Website Banners

BuzzPower offers a value for money campaign. Share your company information via various channels. Start taking advantage of this success campaign and celebrate the results!

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alty Online Loy Scheme

as you earn points are ch hi w op sh to in d te er conv money

e m i t h c n u l e Beat the n i l n o r e rd o d n a h rus 01635 226420

www.thebakehousedeli.uk

orders@thebakehousedeli.uk The Bakehouse Deli The Bakehouse Deli opened its doors in 2015. It was originally known as Newbury’s "The Baguette House". They pride themselves on offering a big selection of made to order sandwiches and freshly baked crusty French baguettes with delicious hot and cold fillings. As well as baking the most delicious cookies, they serve a variety of hot and cold drinks.

OFFICE MEETINGS Our

5 specials!

Orders in multiples of five

Regular Sandwich Box Sandwiches and crisps for five people £12.50 Fillings selection: Home baked ham & tomato Roast chicken & crispy leaves Free range egg & cress Cheddar & chutney

Savoury Pastries Sausage Rolls, Cheese lattice & cut quiche for five people £7.00 Cookies for five people £4.50 Fresh cut fruit for five people £10.00

Gorment Lunch Box Rustic Baguettes and Ciabatta with crisps for five people £15.00

FREE

tasters are available in the shop

Fillings selection: Mozzarella tomato & basil Ham & chutney with salad Coronation chicken with rocket Free range egg and spinach leaves

We roast a beef joint every day to carve up for hot baguettes and we cook our own free range Wiltshire Ham with a special recipe.

The Bakehouse Deli 2 Northcroft Lane Newbury RG14 1BU


PRANIC HEALINg “Only those of us who have experienced this terrible tragedy can truly understand. None of us needs to suffer alone; together we can help each other”

Rediscover the ancient art of energy healing

Twin Heart Meditation 18+ Mondays £35 per term

Treating physical and psychological conditions 01635 44200 / 07437 229 586 www.quantumvioletspranichealing.co.uk info@quantumvioletspranichealing.co.uk QuantumVioletsPranicHealers

For more information Contact: Julie 07763 644 315 Email: newburysobs@yahoo.com

quantum

Violets

Suitable for all ages. Suitable for animals. We are regulated by Pranic Healing UK & Ireland. © 2015. Quantum Violets | Pranic Healing

Mothers Day

Laurabella Day Spa Premier day spa and skincare clinic offering a full range of beauty and holistic treatments seven days a week T: 01635 291211

www.laurabella.co.uk

download the laurabella app book online www.laurabella.co.uk 32

Gift vouchers & e vouchers available

Reflexology Have you ever tried Reflexology, if not, you should come and see Tania and try it out, see if its for you and be pleasantly surprised with the relaxing experience, but also treating different ailments and diagnosing symptoms through your feet. Magical stuff! £10 for a taster treatment every Thursday night at Laurabella.

Energy Medicine If you suffer for Anxiety or Depression do come and see Sarah, working on a physical, mental and emotional level, Sarah has worked with teenagers giving them tools to help cope as well as specialising in stress related ailments in all ages. First treatment £20 introductory offer.

Hypnotherapy We welcome Jana to our team, a Hypnotherapist who works with a selection of methods to help combat, phobias, weight loss, smoking, confidence and much more. Jana works every Tuesday and first consultation is free of charge.

March Special offer

Himalayan salt scrub with the hydrating foot treatment £45.

for more fantastic offers visit our website

Opening Hours Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm Friday 9am - 7pm Saturday 9am to 5.30pm Sunday 10am to 4pm For extra information and daily promotions find us on Facebook and twitter and like our page.

Strattons Farm, Newbury Road, Kingsclere RG20 4SZ


Are all you fellas doing your pelvic floor exercises? Mel Harrison

Are your headaches a pain in the neck? Although it is important to note that there are many different types of headache, one of the most common is known as a cervicogenic headache, which affects up to 18% of the population. A cervicogenic headache basically means head pain that originates from the neck and base of the skull. There are a number of different causes for these headaches, but the most common include previous trauma, repetitive movements or prolonged postures. Over time, these factors cause dysfunction particularly to the top 3 vertebrae in the neck and their surrounding tissues. This dysfunction then causes a referral pattern to the skull, as the nerves that supply the upper neck structures, also supply the skin overlying the head, forehead and the backs of your eyes and ears.

So how can osteopathy help? l

Joint release and mobilisation to the upper neck.

l

Massage and stretching techniques.

l

Prescribe appropriate exercises.

l

Advice on work and sleeping postures.

Please note: I am currently on Maternity leave and I will be back soon.

Carol Graham

Yes, that’s right! Men have pelvic floors too. It’s common knowledge amongst women that if we don’t exercise our pelvic floor muscles they will become weak and can lead to embarrassing leaks as we mature. Standard ante-natal advice tells us to exercise these muscles before and after childbirth to tone our Pubococcygeus (PC) muscle to keep ourselves honeymoon fresh. However, men are rarely given this advice. Men have the same Pubococcygeus muscle which runs from the tailbone to where the penis attaches to the pubic bone. Because it connects the front, the back and all the important bits inside, it stands to reason that strengthening it will increase control and sensation in the entire genital area. In 1952, Arnold Kegal devised some simple exercises, which are now named after him, as a method for increasing genital strength to help with incontinence. What Dr Kegal didn’t anticipate was the number of patients who would then report that their vaginal muscles had become stronger resulting in increased sensation during intercourse and better orgasms. If you don’t use it you lose it, and strength in any muscle that doesn’t get used is no different. Regular Kegal exercises not only prevent the consequences of poor muscle tone, like urinary incontinence, but help to increase vaginal and penile strength. Kegals increase sensitivity and vaginal lubrication, they can intensify orgasms, strengthen erections and assist in delaying ejaculation.

Ask mel - local Buzz Osteopathy Expert

Carol Graham Psychosexual & Relationship Therapist MBACP Tel: 07711 875 819 www.northhampshireclinic.co.uk info@northhampshireclinic.co.uk

an d

07727 666312 www.melharrisonosteopath.co.uk melharrison156@yahoo.com

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So, guys (and girls) look after your sexual health and get squeezing!


Saunas certainly are a great way to relax after having a stressful day. This act of relaxing and unwinding alone makes a session in a sauna highly desirable, but what other benefits are there?

however it should be noted that blood pressure effects are unpredictable, and can rise in some people and fall in others.

5. Anti-aging Therapy A sauna gives older people a simple path to achieving a healthy sweat, and thereby an excellent anti-aging therapy. Similarly, a sauna is a popular option for young people who are incapable of exercising, and consequently achieving a good sweat due to physical disabilities.

Sauna

6. Improved Sinus and Breathing A sauna can also provide relief to patients with asthma and chronic bronchitis. It should be added that whilst these benefits hold true for a lot of users, some traditional sauna users do experience difficulty breathing if for example the air is dry (the heat conditions in a sauna can vary from dry air to a more steamy environment), and such individuals could be better served by Far Infrared saunas, where the issue is reported to be non-existant.

1. Toxin Cleansing There are a lot more toxins within our environment and our food than any other time, and it seems our bodies are in danger of turning into toxic waste dumps! Saunas may help in this matter because of the fact that the average person sweats approximately half a litre of body fluid

during an average sauna session, and sweating is one of the body's primary natural method of cleansing itself of toxins.

2. Better Blood Circulation

Chilling out in a steam room regularly seems to have a visible influence on your health, wellbeing and your appearance. Steam rooms are well known for their relaxation and deep skin cleansing, but steam room benefits also include relief from muscle soreness and stiff joints, blood circulation improvement and sinus congestion relief. Using a steam room regularly can have a visible impact on your wellbeing and appearance.

Taking a sauna in the evening facilitates going to sleep, in addition to a deeper sleep.

The heat within a sauna causes the blood vessels to expand and can therefore aid better blood circulation,

Steam Room Chilling out in a steam room regularly seems to have a visible influence on your health, wellbeing and your appearance.

3. Sleep Better

Vs

1. Respiratory Benefits Steam rooms have been shown to be an effective remedy for conditions such as asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis and allergies. Breathing passages are soothed on account of improved moisture content within your lungs, throat and nose.

2. Pain Relief Heat has always been considered to be effective against joint and muscular pain. It causes your blood vessels to expand, which raises blood circulation. Consequently, more oxygen and nutrients can reach damaged areas of your body. This has the double effect of briefly suppressing or stopping pain and accelerating your body's healing rate.

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3. Skin Benefits Dermatologists recognize the benefits of steam, there is nothing better for your epidermis than a heavy sweat as it cleanses your skin more thoroughly than soap and water.

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Physiotherapy is available on the NHS and via private therapists

What does a

Physiotherapist do? Physiotherapists take a science-based approach and look at the whole person including their lifestyle and general wellbeing. They educate patients so they can become involved in their own care and often give advice about posture, lifting techniques and the correct ways to carry objects. Physiotherapists frequently recommend exercises to strengthen specific parts of the body and improve overall health and mobility. These may be exercises which are done at home or they may suggest exercises which are done in warm, shallow water known as hydrotherapy, or general activities such as swimming and walking. They also use manual therapy. This may be the aforementioned massage or other forms of manipulation. Some physiotherapists also use specialist methods such as acupuncture, ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (where mild electric currents are passed through the skin).

Physiotherapy can be defined as the use of physical methods such as massage, heat treatment and exercise to treat those affected by illness, injury or disease, rather than the use of surgery or drugs. It can also be used to help reduce risk of injury or illness in the future.

How can Physiotherapy help? Physiotherapy is commonly used to treat back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain and sports injuries as well as movement problems following a stroke or resulting from multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. It can also assist with rehabilitation after a heart attack, and lung and breathing difficulties such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. Some also use it in preparation for child birth. Physiotherapy is available on the NHS and via private therapists.

How to become a Physiotherapist To become a qualified physiotherapist in the UK, you must pass an approved degree. This will take three years if you study full time and around six years if you study part time. You will need three A Levels to get onto most courses and these will usually need to include a biological Science and possibly PE, as well as at least five GCSEs including Maths, English and one Science. There are also some accelerated MScs available for those with non-cognate degrees. To be successful therapists need to show an aptitude for caring as well as knowledge of physiotherapy. Physiotherapists need to be good listeners, motivators and able to explain treatments clearly and calmly. In addition they should also have good manual skills and be physically fit themselves as the work can often be strenuous. To practice in the UK, physiotherapists must register with the Health and Care Professions Council and have professional liability insurance. They have to keep their knowledge and skills up to date and pay an annual retention fee. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists is the professional, education and trade union body for around 56,000 physiotherapists in the UK. 35


Does your child suffer with anxiety & self-confidence issues?

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Claire Bushell DIRECTOR OF THE WELLBEING CENTRE & HYPNOBIRTHING ANTENATAL TEACHER 36

We are a team of local practitioners offering a range of complementary therapies, workshops and gentle exercise classes from our welcoming premises in Newbury. For more information: Drop in weekdays 9.30am – 5.30pm or by appointment

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Decluttering

the KonMari Way Marie Kondo is a Japanese ‘organising consultant’ whose method for decluttering is taking the globe by storm. Called KonMari, the method is actually pretty straightforward. If something you own doesn’t ‘spark joy’, get rid of it. Simple right? KonMari isn’t for everyone, and Kondo certainly has a few somewhat bizarre suggestions. (Seriously, who has the time to unpack every item from their handbag, every evening?) But most of her advice is practical, easy to follow and actually makes a lot of sense. She also dips into the psychology of why we hold on to things, and why we should let them go. Kondo recommends collecting every item in a particular category and going through them in one go. So, for instance, you’d lay every item of clothing you own on the bed or floor, pick up each one and if it doesn’t ‘spark joy’ add it to the charity pile. With this approach, you get the shock of realising just how much stuff you actually own, and are more likely to discard items than if you just flick through them when they’re in a drawer.

She does, of course, make some concessions for items you really need but that don’t particularly spark joy. The main idea is that you should stop hoarding stuff that you might use one day, clothes that you only ever wear when the washing pile is teetering over, and items you feel guilty about getting rid of. Kondo also has some good advice when it comes to what to do with the things you keep. She advises against buying expensive storage solutions, and using shoe boxes to keep things tidy instead. She also recommends storing things vertically, e.g. folding clothes so that they can be stacked on end, meaning you can see them, rather than having them buried under other items. It does mean you can find a black t-shirt easily, but that you might have to unfold several black t-shirts to find the one that has the motif on.

Kondo lives alone, and it does feel sometimes that her method is mainly aimed at other single adults. But why not try this out with the family, you may be pleasantly surprised!

Spark Joy A comprehensive, illustrated manual on how to declutter and organize specific items throughout the house, from kitchen and bathroom items to workrelated papers and hobby collections. User-friendly line drawings illustrate Kondo’s patented folding method.

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pet feature

Spring is on its way

Julie - Oscar Pet

Food

For more information or help to kick start a healthy eating regime why not give us a call (see advert below).

After a long, wet and windy winter, the days are getting longer and lighter and warmer weather is hopefully on the horizon. We thought this was a good time to give some advice and guidance.

Take garden plants for instance Did you know that some are poisonous to cats and dogs? For example, daffodils, spring bulbs, tulips and aconite. If you have these in your garden and your pet is prone to eating all sorts then placing a mesh fence around them will help to keep your dog or cat away. If you think your pet may have chewed or ingested a plant which is known to be poisonous, contact your vet. Symptoms you may see are excessive salivating, sickness, diarrhoea and lack of coordination.

Springtime Allergies Our (free to customers) OSCAR Helpline receives a much higher number of skin related enquiries during the spring and summer months. Just like humans, dogs can develop allergies to pollen, grass and plants. Commonly, owners report that dogs begin to itch or start to develop red rashes, sometimes resulting in bald patches. If you suspect your pet is developing a skin problem, we recommend you take them to the vet. Feeding a gluten free diet will not stop summertime allergies, but it will help to

support the health of your pet's skin and coat. Feeding a diet which contains optimising levels of biotin, zinc and omega-3 will help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. For more information why not give us a call.

with their own special Easter present, such as a tasty treat or a new toy, but remember to keep sweets, chocolates and Easter eggs out of their reach.

If you would like any further advice on Springtime and pets, why not give Alan and Julie a call 07914 015 719 or 01235 759 237.

Easter is coming and so is all of the yummy chocolate Please remember chocolate contains theobromine which is toxic to dogs and cats. Theobromine affects cardiac function and causes seizures, tremors, vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, panting and extremely fast pulse. If you find your dog or cat has eaten some chocolate, contact your vet. Sweets can also cause your pet to have a digestive upset and should be kept well out of reach of your pet's paws because the sweet smell of them can be hard to resist! Some sweets contain Xylitol which is a sweetener, commonly found in sugar-free human foods, and has recently been found to be toxic to dogs. By all means indulge your pet

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07914 015 719 or 01235 759 237 www.oscars.co.uk 39


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Green

garden view

rdener Fergus

Local Buzz Ga

To make good compost you need more or less equal amount of 'greens' and 'browns' by volume.

Homemade Compost Home-made compost is a thing of wonder when all goes well! But too often it goes horribly wrong and we end up with a putrefying heap. Here are my tips to create a rich, sweet compost. . .

How to make compost I have tried several methods, including my late grandfather’s which involved careful layers of various ingredients and sprinkling on lime at intervals, but I decided to try my own method. To make good compost you need more or less equal amount of 'greens' and 'browns' by volume.

1

Collect enough compost materials to make a layer of at least 30cm or more in the compost bin.

2 Place a few woody plant stems

or small twigs on the bottom first as this will improve the air circulation and drainage.

3 Mow the lawn, empty the

kitchen bin of scraps and weed the garden and place on top.

4 To help create air spaces within the heap, mix in some torn up cardboard packaging (cereal boxes are ideal), straw and wood prunings.

5 Make sure you mix up your

kitchen waste with egg boxes, toilet roll middles and similar household paper and cardboard products to create a better balance.

6 Occasionally mix everything

together and add water if it is dry, or dry material if it is soggy. Leave to mature and by Autumn you’ll be digging in your very own wonderful compost, dragged from the bottom of your heap. It is very rewarding, great for the plants and also free!

Compost containers You can make your own, using old floorboards, posts and wire netting. Alternatively you can opt for ready made bins. Check with your council as many offer cheap bins to encourage recycling. If not, garden centres stock a good variety. Position it out of the main line of sight, behind a shed or some tall plants.

aterials

Compost m

veg scraps

Fruit and  bags nds and tea Coffee grou  plants g and beddin Old flowers  pings Garden clip  ds ee Annual w  g shells eg Crushed  . rabbit) bedding (e.g al im Small an ing tubes  ud cl in d, ar dded cardbo re Sh  Egg cartons  gs Lawn mowin 

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