Out & About Spring 2019
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Spring 2019
West Berkshire, Nor th Hampshire & East Wiltshire
A Newbury News Ltd publication
Eco-warriors An army of ladies in Thatcham are leading the way Marvellous melodies Newbury Spring Festival hits all the right notes
Spicing it up Balwinder Kapila’s cookbook is a labour of love
Fashion Food Features Gardening Travel Competitions
The Vineyard | Stockcross | Newbury | Berkshire | RG20 8JU
Spring Events
Mother’s Day Lunch Sunday 31st March | 12pm to 2.30pm
Treat your mum to a memorable Mother’s Day in the elegant surroundings of our restaurant. Enjoy a Champagne aperitif on arrival and delicious three-course lunch. Mum will also receive a special gift bag! Three courses with aperitif - £69 per person | £35 per child under 12
Easter Sunday Sunday 21st April
Cocktails Masterclass Thursday 4th April Shake and stir your way to becoming a master mixologist. Our Head Barman will teach you everything you need to know about making the perfect cocktail. £135 per person for five courses with one paired wine per course
Lunch With...Nina Caplan Monday 3rd June Nina is an award-winning travel writer and journalist whose book, The Wandering Vine, includes the incredible history of wine and an enthralling account of her journey throughout Europe. Three courses with paired wines - £60 per person
Gather together with friends and loved ones for a leisurely Easter Lunch. Enjoy a Champagne aperitif, three delicious courses and a beautiful handcrafted chocolate egg. Three courses with aperitif - £69 per person | £35 per child under 12
www.the-vineyard.co.uk Please call us on 01635 589407
GERALDINE GARDNER
EDITOR
D aylight hours are getting longer, birds are singing and flower beds are blooming. Nature has a wonderful rhythm that transcends anything mankind can do to it, even though it seems as if we are doing our level best to destroy our planet. However, many of you are saying ‘enough is enough’ and we discovered local communities that are taking action and doing their bit in the fight against plastic and coming up with eco-friendly solutions (p26). Talking of friendly, Jonathan Hopson recently attended a seminar on loneliness and befriending initiatives. There are many volunteering opportunities out there and just a small amount of time given to others can make such a difference (p7). Loneliness is a problem not only confined to the elderly. The stresses and pressure of social media and keeping up with the latest trends mean many younger people end up feeling isolated and as a result their school and home life can suffer. Relax Kids (p23) is a programme designed to help young people cope, offering them an oasis of calm. I like to relax with a cup of coffee, usually with a cheeky slice of cake, and yet again we have found some wonderful independent cafés in the area (p50). If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more substantial for a special meal out, you might want to check out
The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, where Hilary Scott was wowed by the taster meal (p44). If its homecooking you’re looking for, I recently met up with Balwinder Kapila in her Pangbourne home to talk about her new book A Pinch of Spice (p36). It is packed full of traditional recipes handed down to her by her mother and grandmother, but with Balwinder’s own personal twist on many of them. Tradition is such an intrinsic part of our DNA. We love the famliarity of seasons and repeated rituals and I particularly love reading about the quirky ancient ceremonies and events that are still celebrated today, often many hundreds of years after they were first instigated. The Community Orchard in Thatcham holds an annual wassail (p95) and Hungerford’s Hocktide celebrations at the end of April, when the Tutti men march through the town demanding some goodly ale, are the epitome of British eccentricity (p33). There’s so much going on and so many people bringing communities together that it’s difficult to pack it all in, but I hope you’ll take heart from the positive messages in this issue and maybe it will give you food for thought about something you could do to preserve our planet for future generations – and if you do, let us know about it.
Editor’s picks
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Cover picture
Reuse, recycle
Restaurant review
36 A PINCH OF SPICE
26 KEEPING IT GREEN Local communities are getting together to do their bit for the environment
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THE HARROW The Michelin star restaurant in Little Bedwyn has lost none of its sparkle
Pangbourne cook Balwinder Kapila shares her family recipes in a new book
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CONTENTS
7 Comment: Jonathan Hopson on befriending initiatives 8 Fashion: Denim and animal magic FEATURES 26 Eco tsunami: local recycling initiatives 33 Tutti traditions: Hungerford’s Hocktide 58 Arts aplenty: Newbury Spring Festival delights 19 Health & Beauty: vegan and holistic products 20 Mental wellbeing: ways to keep mind and body together 23 Education: destressing techniques for kids FOOD & DRINK 36 Home-grown recipes: Balwinder Kapila talks about her cookbook, with recipes to try 44 Restaurant review: The Harrow, Little Bedwyn 47 Pop inn: The Cottage Inn, Bucklebury 50 Café culture: healthy eating, a cup of tea and homemade cake 53 Fish news: the wonders of hake 54 Top tipples: Some spring suggestions WELLBEING 15 Fitness: eco-friendly ideas
Spring 2019
A Newbury News Ltd publication
LIFESTYLE 67 Antiques: snap up some camera bargains 73 Interiors: colours and furnishings to keep on trend 77 Gardening: year-round colour and local garden expertise
80 Travel: book some summer sun 83 Motors: Honda CR-V 1.5 VTEC
LEISURE 85 Book review: Costa book winner Sally Rooney 86 How to: create a foam clay chicken 89 What’s on: a round-up of local spring events 95 Outdoors: wassailing 97 Star gazing: spring night sky COMPETITION 63 & 65 Win: Newbury Spring Festival tickets and dinner; Highclere Battle Proms package
TO ADVERTISE IN OUT&ABOUT Abigail Reddin 01635 886612 abigail.reddin@newburynews.co.uk
General competition rules: The winner(s) will be the first entry(ies) drawn with the correct answer. In the event that a winner must be notified quickly and is unavailable on the daytime number provided, another winner may have to be chosen. Newbury News Limited employees, and employees
directly involved in the competition, and their families, are not eligible to enter. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Responsibility not accepted for entries lost or torn in the post. Postal entries must be on the original form. There are no cash alternatives to the prize.
@outnaboutberks
Read our digital edition at
GROUP EDITOR ANDY MURRILL (01635) 886625 ANDY.MURRILL@NEWBURYNEWS.CO.UK OUT&ABOUT EDITOR GERALDINE GARDNER (01635) 886684 GERALDINE.GARDNER@NEWBURYNEWS.CO.UK ADVERTISING ABIGAIL REDDIN (01635) 886612 ABIGAIL.REDDIN@ NEWBURYNEWS.CO.UK PRODUCTION DESIGN CARRIE FAITHFULL, HELEN LAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY PHIL CANNINGS PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY 7TH MARCH, OUT&ABOUT IS A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, PUBLISHED BY NEWBURY NEWS LTD, NEWSPAPER HOUSE, FARADAY ROAD, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE RG14 2AD
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JONATHAN HOPSON
JONATHAN HOPSON recently attended a seminar on loneliness organised by the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire. He encourages us all to make a diference in our local community
The Mortimer Village Lunch Club helps relieve loneliness and prolong independence by providing a meeting point for older people in the community. Set up more than eight years ago, it runs twice monthly and caters for up to 40 local residents. For 30 years, Enrych has enabled adults with a physical disability to enjoy leisure, learning and sporting opportunities through partnership with a volunteer or other support services. www.enrych.org. uk/region/berkshire/ The Plunkett Foundation in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, highlights the role of rural community businesses in helping people overcome issues such as loneliness and isolation. #TheLittleThings reduce loneliness and isolation. There are hundreds in the UK, but the nearest locally are Didcot and Enham Alamein. To find out more, and maybe start your own, visit www.menssheds.org.uk All Aboard in Redwood House, Hungerford, meets on the third Thursday of the month, offering a time to chat and play board games over a cup of tea. Call Catherine 07717 133021 or Sue 07922017464 Kennet Cassette (Newbury talking newspaper) was set up in 1976 by Peter Dann to give blind and visually impaired people in West Berkshire access to the tape cassettes. Since October 2017, the service has gone digital and now uses USB memory sticks. Fair Close Centre, Newtown Road, Newbury provides day centre services and a meals on wheels service and also offers a transport service. Men’s Sheds develops community spaces for men to connect to help Newbury Weekly News, by providing transcripts of newspaper articles on
I was recently invited to attend a seminar on loneliness organised by the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire at Fair Close Day Centre, Newbury. Following a powerful introduction by Richard Benyon – his key message could be loosely summarised as ‘get involved and help make a difference’ – a range of interesting speakers outlined some of the local initiatives to help combat loneliness. Loneliness is more prevalent than many people realise. Indeed, the government has recognised the importance of this issue, and, following the pioneering work started by the late Jo Cox in setting up a Loneliness Commission, a Minister for Loneliness, currently Mims Davies, the MP for Eastleigh, was appointed last year. One in three older people are affected by loneliness and nearly 50 per cent of all older people in the UK live alone, with 17 per cent saying they see family and friends less than once a week. Another sobering fact is that one in 10 older people visit their GP because they are lonely. Nearly four million older people in the UK say the television is their main
form of company and more than one million say they feel ‘chronically lonely’. Loneliness is not simply a later life issue. On the contrary, research from the Office for National Statistics shows that young people are among the loneliest groups in the UK. Social media, FOMO, (fear of missing out) and work, education and housing pressures all play a role. So young people feel they have hundreds of connections, but few roots, whereas conversely, many older people feel they have deep roots, but few connections. Volunteer Centre West Berkshire has recently started a new project – Befriend West Berkshire – which recruits and trains volunteers to become befrienders to socially isolated people over the age of 50. Through this scheme I have befriended a wonderful 95-year-old local man and we meet up around once a week. A recent highlight was visiting the de Havilland aircraft museum near Watford and watching him gain access to a confined space in the fuselage of an RAF Mark 1 Mosquito – the last time he did this was around 75 years ago.
Contact the West Berkshire Volunteer Centre on (01635) 49004 for more information about volunteering and the Befriend initiative or visit www.volunteerwestberks.org.uk/befriend.htm
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FASHION Beyond the blue horizon Denim never goes out of fashion - long, short, chic or boho, it can fit any mood
FIFI & MOOSE Mos Mosh £115.95
CLOCKWISE FROMTOP LEFT: DENIM JACKET TU SAINSBURYS £25, DENIM SKIRT DEBENHAMS £25, DENIM SHIRT M&S £32.50, ORANGE SKIRT RIVER ISLAND £35, WEDGES RIVER ISLAND £65, BRONZE TRAINERS TKMAXX £99.99, STRIPE JACKET NEXT £38, ESPADRILLES TKMAXX, ORANGE PLAY SUIT RIVER ISLAND £50.
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FASHION
FIFI & MOOSE Marc Aurel sweat top £159.95 Marc Aurel cargo pants £115.95
FROMTOP LEFT: DENIM DRESS NEW LOOK £22.99, STRIPE SHOES DEBENHAMS £45, PINAFORE DRESS DEBENHAMS £29, PINK SHOES DEBENHAMS £49, RED BOOTS TU SAINSBURYS £28, LONG DRESS DEBENHAMS £69, BLUE HEELS TKMAXX, DUNGAREES TU SAINSBURYS £35, SHIRT DRESS M&S £49.50, SPOT KITTEN HEELS NEXT £25, ORANGE LOAFERS TU SAINSBURYS £18.
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FASHION
things....
Bring out the animal in you
FROMTOP LEFT CLOCKWISE: CARDIGAN DOROTHY PERKINS £30, ZEBRA STRIPE JACKET RIVER ISLAND £40, SNAKESKIN JACKET NEW LOOK £34.99, SNAKESKIN FLATS MATALAN £10, LEOPARD PRINT FLATS MATALAN £10, LONG DRESS TKMAXX £16.99, SHORT SKIRT MATALAN £16, GREEN SHIRT WALLIS £35, SKIRT WALLIS £38, SNAKESKIN ESPADRILLES MATALAN £16, HEAD BAND NEW LOOK £5.99, SNAKESKIN TRAINERS RIVER ISLAND £32.
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FASHION
DEBENHAMS
TOP TO BOTTOM: SNAKESKIN SANDALS NEW LOOK £22.99, SNAKESKIN SLING BACKS RIVER ISLAND £60, LEOPARD PRINT SANDALS DEBENHAMS £52, SNAKESKIN SANDALS MATALAN £12, LEOPARD PRINT MULES MATALAN £12, ZEBRA STRIPE MULES RIVER ISLAND £60, BLACK SANDALS NEW LOOK £25.99, LEOPARD PRINT MULES MATALAN £12, SNAKESKINYELLOW HEELS NEW LOOK £25.99.
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The CLOTHES SHOP OF NEWBURY - FOUNDED IN 1985
01635 569400 Fifi & Moose Women’s Boutique 9 Weavers Walk, Northbrook Street, Newbury RG14 1AL www.fifiandmoose.co.uk Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5.30pm / Saturday: 9.30am to 6pm HELLO SPRING! Step inside to see our new arrivals
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FITNESS - VICKI BROWN
Have you ever thought about making ‘greener’ choices when it comes to exercise? VICKI BROWN suggests simple tweaks to your lifestyle that are also environmentally friendly
A s we become more aware about sustainability and eco-friendly choices, how can you work on your fitness and have less impact on the environment? At first there may not seem an obvious connection, but there are a few decisions you could make that may improve your health and fitness and be beneficial to the environment.
borrow one? If you have a neighbour or a friend with an energetic dog, they may be grateful to you for offering to take it out for a walk or maybe just join them for regular walks. Not only will it naturally help increase your activity level, it is proven that interaction with dogs can make you feel better. A positive for both body and mind. TRY SOMETHING NEW THAT GETS YOU OUTDOORS You could go for a jog (try www.nhs. uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k- week-by-week/), cycle, go for a hike. Not only is the fresh air great for you, you’ll be increasing your vitamin D and you will be getting yourself moving, seeing the local area and having little negative impact on the This can apply to lots of the things that are involved with a healthy lifestyle. • Get yourself a reusable water bottle. • Be mindful of the clothes and shoes that you buy and remember most items, once they have reached the end of their life with you, can be recycled or sent to charity shops. Get in touch if you would like a LiveFitNow reusable tote bag. It isn’t about being perfect, but we can all make a difference. I hope this inspires you a little to make some small changes and different choices – we live in a beautiful world, so let’s take care of ourselves and our environment. environment around you. REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
to work out it means you don’t need to have any commitment to times or contracts.
COLLECT LITTER AND COMPLETE YOUR DAILY STEPS If you struggle to hit your daily step total or are looking to increase them, but sometimes get bored, why not incorporate a task into this by collecting litter? I don’t know about you, but I have noticed a massive increase in the amount of litter around and if we all do our bit to clear it up, we will hopefully see a big overall change. The massive bonus is you will be getting exercise while you do something fantastic for the local community and environment. If you do this # your photos to
DON’T DRIVE TO THE GYM If you go to the gym, why not make getting there a workout too? Walk instead of driving or take public transport – you will more likely need to walk further to get to and from the bus stop. You may find you need to spend less time in the gym and more time getting some fresh air this springtime.
get more people taking part #LiveFitNowLitterCollecting
WORKOUT AT HOME OR OUTSIDE With a small amount or even no equipment needed, you can carry out full body workouts at home, in your garden or even at your local park. Not only is it a quick and easy way
WALK A DOG If you don’t have a dog, why not
Vicki Brown runs: LiveFitNow, Wash Common, Newbury. Telephone: 07879 447829. www.LiveFitNow.co.uk
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Who’d drive 3 hours for a 20 minute workout?
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The Wonderful World of Wellbeing Festival Kempton Park 11 th & 12 th May 2019
Mindfulness Meditation Immerse yourself in a new opportunity Experience the benefits, discover the science, enjoy the RESULTS! ~ All levels, evening/daytime available, free parking ~
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Limited places and advanced booking only! Introduction to Meditation - 4 week course The Yoga Temple, Donnington Grove
Friday 26 Apr – 17 May@12-1pm Friday 7 Jun – 28 Jun@12-1pm *Wednesday 3 Jul – 24 Jul@8-9pm New Era Theatre, Wash Common* Friday 20 Sep – 11 Oct@12-1pm Friday 1 Nov – 22 Nov@12-1pm Monthly Restorative Meditation All welcome, booking required. First Sunday of each month @7-8pm New Era Theatre, Wash Common Mindfulness Meditation (term time) Complete ‘Introduction to Meditation’ above then 5 and 10 block drop in classes *** NEW ‘Sleep Retreat’ for 2019 *** From the comfort of your own home, an online meditation course to help you sleep Register your interest via mindful-medicine.co.uk
A Festival, that uniquely creates a ‘centre of well-being under one roof for an entire weekend, is a place where you can learn from and engage with dozens of wellbeing, health, and healing providers as well as indulging the senses in mindful spaces and practicing wellbeing techniques. It’s a truly ‘one of a kind experience’ so get ready to nourish yourself mentally, physically and spiritually throughout this weekend of relaxation and inspiration.
Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey,TW16 5AQ
mindful-medicine.co.uk/book-online 07840 620731 gillian@mindful-medicine.co.uk
www.wonderfulworldofwellbeing.com
A local charity for local people providing suppor t and information
We offer support and help to those who are grieving following the death of someone close Such an event can affect us emotionally, physically, socially and in many practical areas of our life. Bereavement can have serious effects on individuals, families and communities. Cruse gives support and help to everyone who comes to us in their time of need. That help and support is strictly confidential and is given without charge. Providing free support and help for the bereaved in West Berkshire
New logo, new address, same charity The Rosemary Centre, West Berkshire Community Hospi tal, Rookes Way, Thatcham RG18 3AS 01635 31542
01635 523573 enquiry@crusewestberks.org www.crusewestberks.org REGISTERED CHARITY NO: 208078
office@newburycancercare.org.uk www.newburycancercare.org.uk
Charity no. 1157796
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Whether you are a committed vegan or just don’t want to use synthetic solutions, there are a range of beauty products available on the high street that are suitable and they needn’t cost the earth
Vegan-friendly skincare
www.purepotions.co.uk
Kneipp offers an extensive range of natural body, bath and skin products that will not only invigorate and brighten your skin, but will also lift your mood too. Mineral bath salt crystals: formulated with the purest natural plants and herbs, to clear the mind and soothe the body. Products are free from parabens and chemical additives. Skin firming: the range contains a unique blend of high- quality grapeseed oil known for its firming properties and sandalwood fruit to help prevent skin aging. Body washes: Each body wash has been specifically formulated to bring the benefits of herbal bathing to shower lovers, so when combined with water they will gently condition the skin and infuse the air with powerful scents to help clear and soothe the mind. Sparkling bath tablets: the perfect way to revive after a long day – when activated by warm water, the essential oils It’s often said that vegan isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle. That means vegans make animal-friendly choices in all sorts of areas, such as wearing non-leather shoes and avoiding wool, as well as seeking out cruelty-free skincare. It can be confusing trying to work out which cosmetics and toiletries are both vegan (ie contain no animal products) and cruelty-free (ie don’t contain ingredients that have been tested on animals). No kitemark doesn’t mean not suitable for vegans Not every product that ticks both boxes has a cruelty-free kitemark, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t suitable for vegans; it just means that the company who made the shampoo or the face cream hasn’t paid for certification. It’s no longer permitted in the UK to advertise the fact that your product hasn’t been tested on animals, as EU regulations mean that no product sold here is allowed to be tested like this anymore. But some skincare ingredients (especially synthetic additives) might have been tested in the past, and some brands do comply with compulsory animal testing in other countries – if they’re exported to China, for example. Some products are labelled as natural, but contain ingredients that have been derived from animals. It’s also possible to market a product as ‘natural’ but still be using animal-derived ingredients such as lanolin or keratin, or colours, preservatives and emulsifiers made from animals, rather than plant-based alternatives. Holistic bath and body pampering
will gently dissolve to relax the body and mind. Herbal baths: Bathe away your daily stress, strain and fatigue with the highly-concentrated essential oils. Massage Oil: the massage range is high in essential oils and vitamins to help smooth and firm the skin and soothe the senses. The light formula leaves skin soft not greasy. Face masks: peel off and cream face masks revitalise, soften, soothe and hydrate the skin to guarantee a glowing and radiant complexion. All sourced from a variety of plant-based ingredients, the full Kneipp range is available at Holland & Barrett, Lloyds Pharmacy and independent pharmacies nationwide from £1.95 www.kneipp.com Apart from the local beeswax used in their ointments, all Purepotions’ oils and creams are free from animal-based ingredients and do not use any ingredients tested on animals. That means they don’t use any ingredients made from cow’s milk, they don’t add fragrances processed from living creatures, they choose alternatives to dairy- derived fatty acids, animal-derived glycerin, keratin, lanolin, tallow, ingredients made from fish or shellfish, or ingredients made from egg protein. All their creams and oils, as well as their haircare products, are perfectly safe for vegans, as well as for anyone wanting to make sure that the toiletries they use are genuinely cruelty-free. You can rest assured that they also use plant-based alternatives rather than synthetics when such a choice exists. Purepotions products are available from certain Boots stores and Waitrose supermarkets, and all Holland & Barrett stores.
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ANGELA RYAN - MENTAL HEALTH
Recovery in mind ANGELA RYAN is the founder of Newbury-based Recovery in Mind, a centre that provides help and courses for those suffering from mental illness and which is supported by NHS healthcare professionals. Angela knows firsthand the effect of a severe mental breakdown and this is her story
A ngela Ryan is a working mum and wife, who has been living in West Berkshire for the last 25 years. In 2013, she was struck down with a serious mental illness called psychotic depression. For the next two years she experienced prolonged periods of hearing a ‘voice’ (called auditory hallucinations), believed that messages from the television and radio were ‘sent for me’ and felt paranoid. It nearly broke her spirit – she was ‘not me’. But she survived what turned out to be the most life-changing experience for her, as she now goes on to explain: “My recovery was longer and more labour-intensive than I had thought or hoped and required help and support from healthcare professionals – I had been hospitalised twice in 2014 for a period of three months. how we might help and support that person on both practical and emotional levels, but my illness was a steep learning curve for all of those individuals. People didn’t instinctively know what to say, how to get help, how to understand a complex mental health system, learn about the illness, or how to offer practical support. Mental health illness is difficult and painful for all those who support people like me. But there is help and I was indeed fortunate to have great professional and other support. However, I realised after about a year that however much professional help I received, I needed to learn how to self- manage my symptoms and challenges. So I attended a Recovery College, provided by the NHS in Southampton, where I had been an inpatient in a specialist mother and baby psychiatric unit. The Recovery College courses helped me to understand what had happened to me, how to manage my difficulties and to make practical plans to keep well and how to ask for help in case of a relapse. At the end of 2015, I began to wonder why we didn’t have a Recovery College in West Berkshire, so I attended meetings, My family, friends, neighbours and strangers were all key parts of the process for it wasn’t easy for them either. When a friend breaks a leg we know (even though we may have never broken a leg ourselves)
dug around and asked the question. As we all know cuts in local and NHS services are ongoing and there simply wasn’t the budget – even though there was the enthusiasm and vision – to get one going. So in June 2016, I started Recovery in Mind, based in Broadway House, Newbury, owned and managed by Greenham Trust. We work in partnership with the West Berkshire Community Mental Health Team (NHS) to deliver a range of courses to help people to improve their mental health. Everyone who attends is referred to as a student as it’s a learning opportunity, not therapy or treatment and our courses are delivered
by two mental health professionals and our team of wonderful peer trainers, who share their own lived experience and stories of mental health challenges
to empower and inspire students in the belief that a more meaningful and enjoyable life is possible, regardless of the severity or length of those challenges. Two and a half years on and we have had nearly 200 people through our doors. We are funded by a variety of local organisations and trusts such as Greenham Trust and West Berkshire Council’s adult learning
fund. Just before Christmas, I had a call from the Big Lottery to confirm two years of funding, which will enable us to help an additional 60 adults per year so exciting times ahead! My own personal recovery journey seems to interest people and I hope gives hope to others who live with mental health challenges, as well as their families and friends. I’ll be writing a regular article for Out & About , about various aspects of mental health, which I hope you will find interesting and will be helpful to us as a community as we learn to better support people living with mental health challenges.”
Recoveryinmind.ord.uk • Follow AngelaRinm2016 on twitter
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Mindful Medicine
Gillian Ward is a British School of Meditation accredited teacher, Ofqual recognised and a Practitioner of AcuEnergetics® – an Australian therapy that works with the body to promote faster, natural healing, to ease pain and improve physical and emotional health. What is meditation? Meditation is a daily practice for an
By consciously sparing some quiet dedicated time on a daily basis, meditation gives us an opportunity to become present, slow down (our minds and bodies) and enjoy life much more. Everyone can do it We all suffer from the same doubts and mind-wandering habits, that’s why it’s easier to learn in a small group setting with a qualified meditation teacher. Live life to the fullest Meditation is like a gentle awakening for the mind and body. Most people new to meditation report better energy levels in the day and a deeper sleep at night. Where do I sign up? Gillian Ward founder of Mindful Medicine runs small group mindfulness meditation classes in the community at The Yoga Temple, Donnington Grove and New Era Theatre, Wash Common.
allocated period of time, where we take some time out to quieten our minds and relax our bodies. It has existed for many thousands of years, with numerous different types and techniques to suit. Whichever method we prefer, the end result is the same – we become more mindful of our thoughts, feelings and interactions with each other. How can it help me? Meditation plays an important part in maintaining and recovering good health and wellbeing. By learning to still the mind, we relax and strengthen every system in our bodies and stabilise emotions.
She also delivers bespoke classes and talks for private, public and charitable organisations.
For more info mindful-medicine.co.uk/book-online, gillian@mindful-medicine.co.uk /07840 620731/ mindful-medicine.co.uk
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Spring 2018
West Berkshire, North Hampshire & East Wiltshire
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ǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ƐŚŽƵůĚ ĐŚĞĐŬ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŚĞĂƌŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ƟŵĞ͕ ĞƐƉĞĐŝĂůůLJ ƚŚŽƐĞ ŽǀĞƌ ϱϬ͕ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ŝŶ ŶŽŝƐLJ ƉůĂĐĞƐ Žƌ ůŝƐƚĞŶŝŶŐ ƚŽ ůŽƵĚ ŵƵƐŝĐ ĨŽƌ ůŽŶŐ ƉĞƌŝŽĚƐ͘ KŶ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ĐĂŶ ǁĂŝƚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ϭϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ďĞĨŽƌĞ ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŚĞĂƌŝŶŐ ůŽƐƐ͘ :ƵƐƚ ƚŚŝŶŬ ǁŚĂƚ LJŽƵ ĐŽƵůĚ ďĞ ŵŝƐƐŝŶŐ͘ ^Ž ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ƉƵƚ ŝƚ Žī Ͷ ĂĐƚ ŶŽǁ͊ To book an appointment call us today on 01635 523343. 10 Weavers Walk, Newbury, RG14 1AL newburycentre@maryhare.org.uk www.maryharehearingcentres.co.uk
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EDUCATION Help your kids to relax
During her 30 years as a teacher AMANDA BAILEY noticed the increasing number of children and young people suffering with anxiety, stress and poor self-esteem. She now offers a programme devised by Relax Kids, one of the leading experts in child relaxation training, classes and resources
D id you know that half of mental health problems suffered in adulthood start before a child reaches their 15th birthday? Frustrated with the lack of support, Amanda Bailey discovered Relax Kids, which showed her how to support the development of good mental health in children and young people. The programme provides a unique way in which to develop everyday strategies to manage stress, anxiety and differing moods. It helps young people who are feeling, tired, cross or unhappy, those finding it difficult to sleep, stressed with exams, suffering from headaches and stomach problems and more. Many children are obsessed with fidget spinners, slime, squishes, squidgies and flossing (the dance not dental hygiene!). Without realising it, they are stimulating their senses, which has a calming effect on their nervous system. When we feel anxious the body releases stress hormones, adrenalin and cortisol, followed by an automatic Deep breathing will calm the mind and relax the body – the out breath is the calming breath. Before any breathing exercise take a moment to settle, feeling the body relax. Always breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. Encourage your child to say how it makes them feel, they are then more likely to recognise emotional discomfort and use breathing as a strategy to combat anxiety. At first, together with your child spend time feeling and observing the sensations of breathing in the nose, chest and tummy. Allow a breath to enter the body and then let go. Lie down on your back and place a light object such as a book, soft toy or paper boat on the
to help them feel calm and relaxed in all areas of their lives. Amanda runs Relax Kids community classes for children aged 6-11 in Hermitage and Wash Common. Each session contains Relax Kids 7 unique steps. movement and games, then progress to a calm and relaxed state learning simple and fun relaxation strategies, such as massage, breathing techniques and meditation. She also offers six-week Family Chill Skills courses in your own home for ages 7+, including teens, young adults and parents. These sessions provide opportunities to learn relaxation techniques and strategies, including information about the structure of the brain and how this relates to emotions and feelings. It also explores ways to problem solve and change attitudes, behaviour and habits through visualisations, positive thinking and self belief. The children learn to regulate themselves with high-energy
Amanda Bailey
‘fight and flight’ reaction. This sensory stimulation promotes the release of ‘happy chemicals’, reduces the adrenalin and allows calm and
relaxed feelings to increase. These current fads provide
individuals with an opportunity to explore the science behind regulating stress, as well as learn more strategies
Ideas to try at home
chest, then tummy and watch it go up and down. After spending time focussing on the experience of breathing, encourage your child to sit up tall, with the body at ease, allowing the diaphragm to expand as their lungs fill with air, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. The slower the out breath the more relaxed your child will feel. Here are some fun breathing exercises to practise: • blow onto a large feather or pin wheel • blow through a straw – you can make this extra fun by using water, a milkshake, blow painting, bubble blowing • blow under a tissue and make it float • imagine you are blowing out candles on a birthday cake or blowing up a balloon
If you’d like to find out more, visit www.relaxwithamanda.co.uk or send an email to: info@relaxwithamanda.co.uk or call/text on 07909502667
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Keeping it
We are all aware of the detrimental effect non-recyclable goods are having on our planet. Front of the firing line is plastic and with billions of tons going into landfill each year, as well as the mountains of litter just dropped, there is a growing army of people who are trying to do something about it and preserve the planet for future generations. OUT&ABOUT talks to some of the local groups doing their bit for the environment
C oncerns about the environment and the impact that our lifestyle has had and is continuing to have is an ongoing battle. David Attenborough highlighted the problem of plastics in the ocean in Blue Planet, illustrating the devastating impact on wildlife and nature. While the Green Party has long campaigned on environmental issues, there is a sea change among the general public and a greater desire to take action – the recent walkout by school sixth form pupils expressing their concern for the lack of action over climate change was a prime example. This awareness is mirrored in commercial businesses, now bending over backwards to show how eco- friendly they are and the recycling, packaging and other community intiatives they are instigating. The government took action against plastic bags when they introduced a 5p charge in 2015 and that has dramatically reduced the amount of bags we use for shopping – down from 7.9 billion bags in 2014, to 1.75 billion in 2017-18. The takeaway coffee and food market is also under pressure to provide recyclable cups and food containers. The larger chains already offer a money-off incentive if you take your own cup for a takeaway, but there is still much more to do. Smaller, independent business seem to be ahead of the game in this area, and most smaller cafés now have wooden utensils, no plastic straws and recyclable cups.
no waste. The products are all vegan and biodegradable – from laundry liquid, fabric conditioner, multi-surface cleaner, glass cleaner, vinegar, washing up liquid, toilet cleaner and liquid hand soap, to shampoo and conditioner. Jenny says: “We decided to set up a pop-up shop from our home, thinking that we might get a few people – but they were queueing round the corner, so we realised how keen people were to get involved.” Jenny and her group ran another pop-up event in Thatcham Baptist Church at the end of January. The space was donated for free by the church and people queued for up to an hour to top-up their cleaning products ethically at the zero waste shop Alongside the Thatcham Refillable stall, Scoop Zero Waste, from Oxford, was selling unpacked dry goods and people learned about Ecobricks – reusable building blocks made from plastic – from Hampstead Norreys Community Shop. The event also raised more than £200 for charity. The couple have refilled more than 400 plastic bottles since launching and built up a growing eco-network where ideas can be shared. Thatcham Refillable is open three times a week and Jenny advises people to check their website www.thatchamrefillable.co.uk or Facebook page to find out when they are open any given week.
One local group that is leading the way in how to recycle responsibly and what to do with all the waste that each household builds up is based in Thatcham. Jenny Kirby set up a Facebook page, Thatcham & Newbury plastic free, recycling & zero waste UK, last June and the group already has more than 2,000 members sharing ideas on how to reduce waste. Jenny also started Thatcham Refillable in September, which she and her husband run from their home and markets. They supply household cleaning products in customers’ own bottles. The products come in 20l containers, which are refilled – therefore there is Did you know... The plastic bag charge is not a tax, and does not go to the Government. Retailers are given the choice what to do with the proceeds, but they are expected to give it to good causes. Between April 2016 and 2017, almost two-thirds of retailers reported giving more than £66 million to good causes – amounting to four pence for every single-use bag sold by them.
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Out&About feature
Plans are also under way to set up a green market in the district. Another active member of the group is Jana Karstova Little, who is busy collecting crisp wrappers and other packaging that you would not normally think was recyclable. “I was out walking my dog and was really shocked at the amount of crisps packets and other rubbish that were just lying around. “I went back the next day and filled bags of the stuff – but then had to find something to do with it,” says Jana. “I discovered TerraCycle, which takes wrappers – like crisps packets – as well as all sorts of other packaging and recycles it. “They have partnered up with various companies who pay to have their packaging recycled and for every few kilograms you send back, they donate money to a charity chosen by you. “I have chosen Canine Partners – an organisation that partners people with physical disabilities with assistance dogs.” In the first six weeks of this year, Jana has amassed 22.7kg of waste that would otherwise have gone to landfill, this includes 3.5kg of oral products, 5.9kg of beauty product plastic packaging, 6.7kg of petfood flexible packaging and 11.6kg of crisps packets. “I’m so proud of everyone getting on board with this,” says Jana. “We have already raised more than £40.” Jana shows us the boxes in her garage filled with Ella’s Kitchen food pouches and tubes of Pringles, items that most people just chuck in the bin. She has also got various local companies collecting packaging for her, including Donnington Vets which is collecting pet food packaging for Jana to send on to TerraCycle. The list of what can be done to reduce waste and create a greener, cleaner planet is endless, but the Thatcham initiative is just one example of how a group of people can get together and make a difference. And there are more inspiring stories from other local communities over the page
Initiatives from Thatcham & Newbury plastic free, recycling & zero waste UK. Recycling Jana Karstova Little collects: • All biscuit wrappers, non-savoury biscuit wrappers, all cracker wrappers, cake bar wrappers • All crisp packet and multi bag wrappers. NO popcorn bags. Please rinse and dry • Any toothbrush and the packaging, tooth paste tubes and caps, electric toothbrush heads and packaging. NO floss packaging, interdentals or denture related • All wet pet food pouches, all pet treat flexible packaging and pouches and dried pet food flexible plastic packaging. NO cans, cardboard or hard plastic • Personal care caps, pumps, plastic pots, flexible plastic tubes, hair colour kits, roll on deodorant, flexible plastc wipe packets beauty only, single use mask packets • Finish dishwashing tablets doypacks (flexible bags) no other brands • Tin foil – washed and dried Jenny Kirby • takes in used biros, felt tip pens and mechanical pencils • Milk bottle tops can be taken to the porch at St Mary’s church Thatcham. • Other small bottle (fizzy, squash, water, tetra Pak) tops can be mailed free to Freepost LUSH GREENHUB
Jenny Kirby at the recent pop-up shop in Thatcham and Jana Karstova Little with packaging ready to be sent to TerraCycle
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