Out & About Summer 2018

FREE

Summer 2018

West Berkshire, Nor th Hampshire & East Wiltshire

A Newbury News Ltd publication

Just a perfect day A round-up of things to see and do over the holidays

plus

Snap to it A visit to the UK’s only crocodile zoo Lyme disease One family’s fight for treatment

6 FREE TO ENTER COMPETITIONS INSIDE

Fashion Food Features Gardening Travel Competitions

Please call to book Newbury 01635 916888 Pangbourne 0118 984 4166 • Wallingford 01491 825155 We can be found in the Market Place, Newbury �OPPOSITE BILLS RESTAURANT� Visit our branch today!

Mor�mer 0118 933 1177 www.triangletravel.co.uk

GERALDINE GARDNER

EDITOR

H ere’s hoping that marvellous May was a precursor to a sizzling summer. The British obsession with weather is legendary, but I think that’s because it is so unpredictable and we can never be sure what each season will bring. At Out & About we have assumed that we’re in for a scorcher, which is why this issue is packed with ideas for outings (p25), al fresco dining (p58), summer fashion (p8) and all things warm and friendly. It’s often said that the sun’s rays make us feel better about ourselves and although we have to slap on the suncream, a bit of vitamin D supplied by the warm outdoors is good for us all. At the risk of sounding like a bit of a doom- monger we do also need to be aware that with the summer months also come ticks. Most of these pesky little bloodsuckers are harmless and can be removed without out any ill-effects. But the long-term effects of Lyme disease, which is passed on by around 15 per cent of ticks, is becoming more apparent and hit the headlines last year when former England rugby union

player Matt Dawson spoke out about the heart operation he underwent after contracting Lyme. At the same time, one of my sons rang me from the summer camp he was working at outside New York with the news that he too had Lyme. The difference was that my son was treated immediately with antibiotics and fingers-crossed there will be no lasting damage. It seems in this country Lyme disease is not picked up so quickly and patients are often misdiagnosed with ME when they exhibit similiar flu-like symptoms. Angela Knight, who contracted the disease some 20 years ago when she lived in Kintbury and has suffered various illnesses as a result, talks to one family about their battle to get the right diagnosis and treatment for their two sons, who unluckily were both bitten – one in Berkshire and one in Scotland – and became very ill (p22). It’s easy enough to take precautions and look out for ticks and, if removed quickly, there should be no harm done. So run wild and free over the summer and enjoy the best of the long days and balmy nights.

Editor’s picks

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Cover picture

Awaydays

Rainy days

44 CAFE CULTURE

25 SUMMER OUTINGS

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BORED GAMES Some alternative suggestions to the traditional ‘throw the dice and race round the board’ games to keep everyone entertained when the weather’s not so sunny

Independent tea shops and cafés are thriving and if you can enjoy your homemade goodies sitting out in the sunshine even better. We continue our round- up of some of the best

Places to go and things to see for the whole family and all within less than two hours away, plus some ticket giveaways and other competitions

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CONTENTS

7 Comment: Jonathan Hopson looks back at the hot summer of 1976 8 Fashion: sunny yellow and summer stripes and florals FEATURES 22 Don’t get ticked off: beware of Lyme disease season 25 Days out: fill the long summer holidays with family outings 36 Crocodiles Rock: a visit to the UK’s largest crocodile sanctuary 42 Bored games: some good old-fashioned-style family games with a modern twist WELLBEING 15 Fitness: mother and baby exercises 19 Health & Beauty: products and news 21 Mental wellbeing: Generalised anxiety disorder FOOD & DRINK 44 Café culture: healthy eating, a cup of tea and homemade cake 48 Restaurant review: The Dundas Arms, Kintbury 50 Honesty: keep it fresh 53 Fish news: terrific tuna 54 Top tipples: refreshing summer wines 58 Food news: al fresco dining

Summer 2018

A Newbury News Ltd publication

LIFESTYLE 64 Antiques: furniture finds and join the SAS team for the Great Antiques Pursuit 70 Interiors: summer atmosphere indoors or out 74 Gardening: safe lighting, easy mowing and a wildflower intiative 78 Travel: luxury family villas 81 Motors: Jaguar XF LEISURE 85 Book review: some summer reading ideas 86 How to...: family fun creating a hangry fish 89 What’s on: a round-up of local summer events 95 Outdoors: let the kids go wild 97 Star gazing: summer night skies COMPETITIONS 25-39 Win: a sports package at Walkabout, tickets to Wings &Wheels, Highclere Battle Proms, Crocodiles of the World and hire of a marquee

TO ADVERTISE IN OUT&ABOUT Abigail Reddin 01635 886612 abigail.reddin@newburynews.co.uk

COVER PHOTOGRAPH – Phil Cannings

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, TIM SILVESTER PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY 14TH JUNE, OUT&ABOUT IS A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, PUBLISHED BY NEWBURY NEWS LTD, NEWSPAPER HOUSE, FARADAY ROAD, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE RG14 2DW

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Implants are a safe and popular treatment and just like natural teeth Dental implants consist of an artificial tooth root which is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. They’re a great option for those who have lost a tooth due to gum disease, decay, injury or another reason.

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JONATHAN HOPSON

The early summer sunshine has set JONATHAN HOPSON off on a trip down memory lane to the fondly-remembered summer of ’76. While studying for O-levels he also discovered a passion for the new music that was filling the airwaves at the time

T he unexpected recent spells of uncharacteristically sunny weather during April and May provided some poignant memories of the long hot summer of 1976. Back then, along with the rest of my year group, I was sweating over O-level papers in a largely airless gym that was being used as an examination hall, praying for a good match between my revision schedule and the exam questions. As well as uninterrupted sunshine for days on end and water shortages, 1976 was also a great year for new music releases. I still have a vinyl copy of the rock group Metro’s eponymous first album recorded in 1976 and released the following year on Transatlantic and Sire records.

If you are not already familiar with the music of Metro, a visit to www.youtube.co.uk is recommended. Two other musical gems from 1976 are, I think, also worth noting. Genesis’ Wind and Wuthering features some of their best music and judging

that “at least frogs love the rain!”. The year 1976 was a musical vintage that included much longevity – Jean Michel Jarre celebrates his 70th birthday in August this year and is still at the forefront of electronic music-making, having released two new albums, Electronica 1 & 2 , in collaboration with other electronic musicians in 2015 & 2016, plus a two- year Electronica concert tour around the world, which finished in San Diego, California, in April 2018. So with typical British optimism, let’s hope the recent fine weather will be much repeated in the months ahead and the golden orb in the sky will give us all something to smile about – and maybe a new wave of music will come along to remind us in future years of the balmy summer days of 2018. n The highest temperature recorded in June 1976 was 35.6°C in Southampton on the 28th. This record still stands. n The highest temperature recorded for July was 35.9°C on the 3rd in Cheltenham. n Below average rainfall was notable from May 1975 to August

Number 1 record in July 1976 was Don’t Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John and Kiki Dee – it held the top spot for six weeks

by the crowd reaction at the sell- out Genesis Revisited concert at the Hexagon, Reading, in April 2017, guitarist Steve Hackett and his 40-year-old music are still excitedly and loudly appreciated. Jean Michel Jarre, the French synthesiser genius and son of Maurice (who composed the Oscar-winning film scores for Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago and Passage to India ), burst onto the musical scene in 1976 with Oxygene , reaching No 2 in the UK charts. Jarre has gone on to stage some legendary concerts, including playing to 1m people in the Place de la Concorde in 1979 and London Docklands in 1988. I remember the Docklands concert for the torrential rain and a laughing Jean Michel telling the audience at the start

One of the best tracks is the fabulous One Way Night featuring Peter Godwin’s mellifluous vocals and some superb guitar work from Duncan Browne. The album also includes the single Criminal World , a track which received much wider coverage when covered in 1983 by David Bowie on his Lets Dance album.

1976 – resulting in a drought. n Parts of the south west went 45 days without any rain in July and August. The hot, dry weather affected domestic water supplies leading to widespread water rationing

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FASHION

RIVER ISLAND

RIGHT: TOP MISS SELFRIDGE £28, LACE DRESS MONSOON £149, DRESS TU CLOTHING £25, SHIRT F&F £16 BELOW: FLORAL DRESS MONSOON £69, SPOT DRESS TU CLOTHING £25

OASIS

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FASHION

Brighten up your summer wardrobe with a dash of yellow – it’ll keep you smiling even through the classic British summer rain. LACE TOP NEW LOOK £19.99, TOP LAURA ASHLEY £50, SKIRT RIVER ISLAND £45, T-SHIRT RIVER ISLAND £18, LONG SLEEVE TOP F&F £16, TOP MONSOON £35, SHORTS MONSOON £35, STRIPED SHORTS MISS SELFRIDGE £25

YELLOW TO GO

TOP ROW: HAT TOPSHOP £16, MULES NEXT £55, SLINGBACKS NEXT £55 BOTTOM ROW: SHOES TOPSHOP £46, ESPADRILLES MONSOON £39, BAG RIVER ISLAND £28

Out&About fashion

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FASHION

TOP ROW: STRIPE TOP LAURA ASHLEY £35, TROUSERS MONSOON £45, EARRINGS RIVER ISLAND £12, DRESS MONSOON £69, LACE DRESS LAURA ASHLEY £110, SEQUIN TOP RIVER ISLAND £38, TROUSERS F&F £18 BOTTOM ROW: DRESS LAURA ASHLEY £90, EARRINGS RIVER ISLAND £12, DRESS MONSOON £120, DRESS LAURA ASHLEY £85, DRESS MONSOON £59, EARRINGS RIVER ISLAND £12

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FASHION

STRIDE OUT IN

STRIPES & FLORALS

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F&F

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1 FLORAL SHOE F&F £18 2 RED SHOE M&S £39.50 3 STRIPE FLAT F&F £12.50 4 RED SLIDER RIVER ISLAND £30 5 STRIPED HEELS M&S £29.50 6 SANDALS MONSOON £45 7 HEELS RIVER ISLAND £30 8 BAG MONSOON £29 9 ESPADRILLES F&F £12.50 10 ESPADRILLES MONSOON £39 11 BAG TOP SHOP £22 12 BAG M&S £25 13 BAG NEXT £36 14 BAG RIVER ISLAND £36 15 BAG M&S £35, 16 WEDGES RIVER ISLAND £55

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Out&About fashion

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13 th July St Michaels Summer Day with fun & laughter from Van Dunk 14 th July Basingstoke Disability Roll – Fun, Games, Crafts and Food 26 th - 29 th July The Malls Annual “Punch & July Festival”

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FITNESS - VICKI BROWN

The idea of exercise when you’ve got a newborn baby or young infant may seem challenging, but VICKI BROWN has devised a workout routine you can do anywhere with your baby as the ‘dumbbell’ – one that keeps getting heavier

Repeat each of these exercises as many times as you can.

Bicep Curls: stand hip width apart, hold baby across your hip bones, engage your core, bend the elbows to lift baby to chest and then lower to the starting position.

Shoulder Press: sit on a chair, baby resting on chest. Hold baby under armpits, extend arms to lift baby straight up towards ceiling then back down to starting position.

Russian Twists: sit on floor, knees bent, baby on lap holding under armpits. Lean back, spine in neutral, core engaged. Take baby round in a twisting movement to one side of your body and then across to other side.

Squats: Stand, feet hip width apart, hold baby to chest. Engage core, bend your legs until they are at 90 degrees, keep the chest up, pause and then drive up back to starting position.

Buggy Lunges: hold onto buggy, take a large step forward so your front knee is at 90 degrees and your back knee drops towards the ground. Step the back foot forward to standing, feet hip width

Chest Press: lie on your back, with knees bent, feet on the floor, baby resting on chest. Holding baby under armpits, extend arm to lift baby straight up towards ceiling then bring back to starting position.

apart. Repeat using alternate lead step.

Hip Thrusts: lie on your back, with knees bent 90 degrees, feet on the floor, baby resting on pelvis. Squeeze your bum muscles to lift your hips and baby off the floor, hold at the top then slowly lower back to the ground.

Buggy Walking: taking a walk or jog with your baby in their buggy is a great way to get moving and increase your activity daily. If you are looking to improve your fitness and start shedding the extra baby weight this is a great way to get started. You can do this anywhere, anytime and with a balanced and nutritious diet you can start seeing changes.

Vicki Brown runs: LiveFitNow, Wash Common, Newbury. Telephone: 07879 447829. www.LifeFitNow.co.uk

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Human bodies are fully developed by about age 25 - but in the following years most people lose roughly 1% of muscle and gain 1% of fat ... … becoming 25% weaker and 45% fa�er by the age of 50! This decline isn’t inevitable - specialists at Abstract Bodyworks have shown that the right kind of exercise can halt and even reverse it. If you want to have a healthy old age you

should start good exercise, NOW, at any age and in any condi�on.

first two sessions FREE!

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It’s never too EARLY to start improving your health and fitness An Interview with Jeff Turner – Abstract Bodyworks ® Founder Jeff Turner, founder of Abstract Bodyworks, visited the sister gym Abstract Bodyworks Newbury early in May 2018, to share some of the latest thinking about Age Defying Exercise, meet some UK clients, and spend some time with his friends and colleagues, Stephen & Pat McKinnon. While he was here he sat down for an informal chat with Stephen. Below are some of the key points that came out during that conversation. A Healthy Body Journey SM: So what are the exercise principles you use today that allow you to stay so �it and healthy in such little time? JT: Abstract Bodyworks developed these exercise methods to exploit the natural wound/heal capacity of the human body. SM: “wound/heal” sounds dangerous – what does it involve? The Future of Exercise SM: What is the next thing in exercise? JT: Maybe nothing! Our training is based on how the human body, any human body, can regain strength. If something comes along that is better then we’d switch in a heartbeat, because all we are about is getting our clients to be FITTER so they can do what they want. At Abstract Bodyworks we try to work with leading industry thinkers , and right now I’m collaborating with Dr Ellington Darden on a new book he is writing, which is very exciting. But you’ve worked with some key researchers too right?

JT: For exercise, any exercise, to have a positive impact on the human body it has to stimulate the muscles up to the point where they are forced to respond – the “wound” is the stimulus and the “heal” is the response. SM: So how do you achieve that at Abstract Bodyworks? JT: We have combined a variety of leading edge systems into our unique exercise protocols. In no particular priority: Personalized Exercise: each client is not only trained 1to1, but the speci�ics of their routines are created to address their unique capabilities and needs. Exercise Equipment: many people, including the old me, think that free weights are the best way to go, but we are all wrong. By using world class, purpose designed, exercise machines we can make workouts safer and more effective, as well as making them more ef�icient in time. Meticulous Progress Tracking: each workout a client does is documented (by their trainer) so there are objective measures about how clients are progressing. Progress is clear, and any plateaux can be examined to understand if there is a roadblock or just a pause on their journey. There are many more bene�icial features of Abstract Bodyworks exercise – like the cool, private environment – but the best way for people to �ind out more is to take advantage of the two free trial sessions available to everyone.

SM: Yes; we’ve done a couple of research projects with Drs James Fisher and James Steele of Southampton Solent University and had them both published in peer - reviewed journals, not the kind of thing that most gyms can boast of! So what of the future for you and our clients?

A Body Builders Beginning Stephen McKinnon (SM): Jeff, you started off years ago as a natural body builder - can you explain why you took that path? Jeff Turner (JT): Well I made that decision initially because of my genetics; I found that I had the capability to gain muscle size easily. Now that isn’t a good or bad thing, it just is, and I couldn’t change it if I tried! SM: So you started because it was EASY! JT: That’s right. At the age of 18 I decided to become a natural body builder (without the use of drugs or supplements), which involved two hours a day, six days a week at the gym, resulting in no spare time. SM: And are you still training like that? JT: NO! I did that for about 6 years, until I was introduced to Arthur Jones and the Nautilus and SuperSlow® training methods, which are the foundation of what we do at Abstract Bodyworks. Because of that I brought my commitment down from 15 hours over six days to two 8 minute sessions per week – and I’m stronger now at almost 60 than I was when I was 25!

JT: We hope to continue to deliver one key bene�it – FREEDOM. Good exercise creates a positive response in a safe, effective and TIME ef�icient manner, and that gives our clients two fantastic freedoms – the �irst is freedom from frailty with their new healthy, �itter bodies, and the second is free time, liberated from all the hours they used to waste in gym - like I used to!

See adver�sement opposite for details of how to book your two free sessions. Quote O&AQ22018 for a free gi�

© Abstract Bodyworks UK Ltd, 2018

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Whether you’re lounging by the pool or taking in a sightseeing tour, you want to feel summer-ready. These beauty products will give your skin a tan glow, keep it moisturised and co-ordinate your make-up basics – then you’re good to go HEALTH & BEAUTY

A touch of Hollywood

1 HOUR TAN MOUSSE (£7.99) Comes in original, medium, dark and extra dark and the new shade, ultra dark. Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter has recently released its festival-inspired Limited Edition bottle too. Get your summer glam on

SUMMER BRIGHTS WITH JOAN COLLINS TIMELESS BEAUTY RANGE Desire a pastel pink? Bella nail lacquer and matching lipstick paired with Dusky Pink velvet contour for a gentle blush to the cheeks – ideal for fair to cool skin tones. Calling all coral lovers The Suzy Starr nail lacquer and matching lipstick radiates warmth and compliments sun kissed or warm complexions. Paired with Coral velvet contour blush. Divine Lips: A creamy and hydrating lipstick that leaves the lips feeling nourished and comfortable. £18 Nail Lacquer: A nail varnish that dries quickly, strengthens nails and covers any imperfections. £13 Contour Velvet: A weightless powder blusher with a velvet texture that melts into the skin

Top this up with the luxurious glow of Golden Goddess Dry Body Oil (£10) to ensure you are insta-ready. Also available are tanning prep products such as the Tough Stuff 3 in 1 Body Scrub (£5.99), Chocolate Whip Oil Free Body Moisturiser (£5.99) and the Double Sided Deluxe Velvet Tanning Mitt (£4). Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter is available from various stockists including Superdrug

seamlessly. Complete with a compact mirror and a small, soft brush perfect for travel and touch ups throughout the day. £22 Available from Marks & Spencer

Give your skin a workout

ELEMIS TARGETED TONING BODY MOISTURISER £69/200ML Targeted Toning Body Moisturiser is a cream to oil that treats areas prone to loss of texture, leaving them looking visibly tighter and more toned. A powerful trio of Plankton Extract, Jania Rubens and Nigari Salts work to stimulate the body’s natural detoxification process and promote collagen synthesis resulting in soft, supple skin with visibly reduced dimpling.

Available in John Lewis and other stores.

Massage – apply product using hands and fingertips in large circular movements. Cream will warm and transforms to an oil. Apply to areas prone to cellulite such as thighs, stomach and back of arms (not face).

Pinching – stimulate circulation by squeezing the skin between fingers and thumb, moving across the area of concern.

Cupping – stimulate drainage by firmly patting cupped hands over the area of concern .

Knuckling – firmly pound area with a closed fist, using the flat of your knuckles to go over the area of concern.

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Hear well feel well

Our hearing is something most of us take for granted. Ƶƚ ũƵƐƚ ůŝŬĞ ŽƵƌ ĞLJĞƐŝŐŚƚ ŝƚ ĐĂŶ ĐŚĂŶŐĞ ŽǀĞƌ ƟŵĞ͕ ƐŽ it’s important to make regular hearing checks part of ĂŶ ĂĐƟǀĞ ĂŶĚ ŚĞĂůƚŚLJ ůŝĨĞƐƚLJůĞ͘ dŽ Ŭ LJŽƵƌ ĨƌĞĞ ŝŶŝƟĂů ĂƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚ ĐĂůů ƵƐ ŽŶ Ϭϭϲϯϱ ϱϮϯ ϯϰϯ Žƌ ĐŽŵĞ ĂŶĚ ƐĞĞ ƵƐ Ăƚ ϭϬ tĞĂǀĞƌƐ tĂůŬ ŝŶ Newbury. www.maryharehearingcentres.co.uk

Quality hearing care by the experts

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DR JANA JENKINS - MENTAL HEALTH

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

DR JANA JENKINS explains

Y ou are unlikely to be surprised that anxiety and worry are both very common, but manageable for many people. GAD on the other hand is characterised by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry, accompanied by high levels of apprehension about events or activities. Furthermore, people with GAD tend to be constantly preoccupied with their worries about health, money, death, family issues, interpersonal relationship problems or work difficulties.

For example, many people with GAD experience hypothetical worries such as ‘What if get burgled?’ or ‘What if I or my loved ones get involved in a traffic accident and die?’ – it is understandable that their bodies will produce a ‘fight or flight’ response to prepare for danger even though it is not real. Think about it like a test fire alarm, the sound is the same, but there is no real danger of fire. Most people I see who present with GAD experience unhelpful thoughts about their physical symptoms and they report being frightened by these symptoms. For example, it is common that people think that there is something physically wrong with them, they are feeling ‘out of control’ or believe that they are going ‘mad’. There is no wonder they may start fearing anxiety symptoms for such reasons. If you live with someone who appears to have GAD, encourage them to get professional help. From my clinical experience, it can be frustrating for the relatives who cannot make sense of irrational worries or need to constantly provide reassurance. Try to be patient if you can and try to refrain from the phrase ‘Don’t worry’ as GAD sufferers find it dismissive. Also try to avoid giving reassurance because it tends to keep anxiety going and reassurance is very short lived. GAD can become disabling for many people – they start avoiding events and their life may become very restrictive. If you think you may have GAD and it is negatively impacting on your life, you may benefit from the evidence- based therapy (recommended by NICE guidelines) such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

This excessive worry causes significant distress and interferes with one’s daily functioning

They anticipate that ‘something bad is going to happen’. This excessive worry causes significant distress and interferes with one’s daily functioning. Excessive worry further results in many symptoms of anxiety that affects our body and

can lead to many unpleasant physical symptoms such as palpitations, shallow or fast breathing, feeling nauseous, headaches, sweating or shaking. Feeling tense and irritable, unable to relax, problems sleeping and difficulties with concentration, worry about anxiety itself are also common symptoms. Most of us will have experienced some of these symptoms at some point. However, for people who experience GAD these symptoms can be persistent and severe and therefore understandably very distressing. It is important to emphasise that anxiety is a normal reaction to danger and an important survival mechanism. However, it can become a problem when our mind and body are constantly prepared for danger and get stuck in the ‘threat’ mode. Let’s talk The Key to Hope. Change. Empowerment

Stress • Depression • Self-esteem • Trauma • Anxiety • Bereavement Divorce • Suicidal thoughts • Relationships • Gender & Sexuality Addiction • Anger management • OCD • Phobias • Panic attacks Family issues • Eating disorders • Emotional & physical abuse Career • Low mood • Self harm • Infertility

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If you’d like to book an appointment or have any questions, please call on 07544 752 667 or email us at enquiries@keytherapyassociates.co.uk We are also happy to set up an initial free consultation.

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Don’t get

ticked off Lyme disease is generally thought to be a tick-borne disease which, if left undiagnosed, can have long-term health consequences. ANGELA KNIGHT talked to a family from Windsor, and Beenham resident Lucinda Edwards, about the impact Lyme has had on their lives

F ive years ago, Luke Gilbert was a happy, healthy nine-year-old, excited to be invited to a sleepover party in Windsor Great Park. But what was a fun time turned out to be “a life-changing day for our family”, says his mother Samantha. Luke came home with a tick attached to his arm, which they tried to pick off – the family had no idea that there was a risk in the UK of ticks transmitting

developed headaches, nausea and fatigue and was having difficulty remembering things – an MRI showed that he had some permanent and degenerative damage to his spine. That same year, 2014, Luke was unable to attend school – he was mostly bedridden with pain and fatigue. He begged his parents to buy him a wheelchair, making

The Government should investigate Lyme disease as 3,000 new cases a year is probably only the tip of the iceberg. There should be UK Guidance – too many doctors and consultants are still unaware of Lyme disease.

do with their elderly neighbour’s walking stick to get around the house on a bad day. He developed frightening symptoms, which the family have now discovered are linked to Lyme neuro-borreliosis, when the bacteria cross into the central nervous system. Luke was unable to read, would forget how to write or speak, became light and sound sensitive, mostly lost his short-term memory and was exhibiting alarming behaviour changes. The paediatrician suspected chronic fatigue syndrome and his mother, in desperation, searched the internet, clicking on a link “Is it ME or is it Lyme?”. There was a photograph identical to Luke’s ‘bulls-eye’ rash. Samantha says: “It was only when I stumbled across the picture of the bulls-eye that everything fell into place. Meanwhile, Luke was at his worst and it was at this point that I thought we were going to lose him. Luke was saying he didn’t want to go on.” There is a two-tier system in testing for Lyme. The first is an Elisa test, which measures antibodies against the organism – if this is negative the patient is told they don’t have Lyme disease. If the Elisa test is positive then a second test will be

Lyme disease (borreliosis), a debilitating bacterial infection. Luke soon developed a huge ‘bull’s eye rash’ on his arm and he began to have chronic abdominal pains, headaches, nausea, fatigue and joint pains. Samantha knew there was something seriously wrong with him. Four months later he was referred to a paediatrician. He underwent numerous tests, but no diagnosis. The following year, his arm was x-rayed and a tumour was discovered where he had been bitten. He had an operation to remove the tumour and was diagnosed with a rare cancer-like condition. Six months of MRIs and full skeletal surveys followed to ensure there were no more tumours, but he still continued to deteriorate and nobody could explain why. In August 2014, the family took a short break to the Highlands, thinking the mountain air and scenery might be therapeutic for Luke. His older brother, 12-year-old Harry, played in the long bracken. When they returned, Harry had a lingering bite at the base of his back and became ill about six weeks later. The pain spread from his back to the soles of his feet and legs – on some days he was unable to walk. He

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Out&About Exclusive

Tick list NOT all ticks carry Lyme disease The risk is highest from March to October Ticks live in grass, bushes, shrubs and low-growing foliage The tick injects a chemical that numbs the bite area before sucking blood, so it is easy to miss Outdoors – even in the summer – cover legs and arms and do a thorough tick check when you come indoors Check children’s hair for ticks too Regularly check your pets Ticks can be as tiny as a full stop – so are difficult to detect when they first attach What to do if you get bitten by a tick Don’t touch the tick with your fingers, use a tick remover – available from vets and chemists Tell your GP straightaway if you have been bitten If you have any symptoms, it is better to start treatment sooner rather than later stopthetick.co.uk

done, called a Western Blot, to confirm the presence of specific antibodies. However, antibodies depend on the response of the immune system to the invading Borrelia pathogen and this can vary considerably from individual to individual; additionally, this pathogen weakens the immune system, so antibody production is considerably reduced. Luke’s NHS Elisa test came back negative for Lyme disease. The family were also told at that time that “if it was Lyme, it wouldn’t be worth treating at this late stage”, advice which couldn’t be more wrong, as the sooner Lyme is treated the better – the longer it is left the harder it is to treat. The Gilberts couldn’t find a tick-borne specialist within the NHS. In December 2014, 19 months after being bitten by a tick, Luke was so ill they turned to a private hospital – the Breakspear in Hertfordshire – for testing and treatment. Luke’s blood was sent to the US and Germany and his results came back positive for Lyme disease. In March 2015, Harry had a blood test that showed he too had Lyme disease. It is really bad luck to have two sons suffering from the disease, one caught in Berkshire, the other in Scotland, but it shows how widespread it is and how careful people have to be when outdoors. By the age of 12, Luke had made substantial improvement and managed to return to school part-time. But he still spent time lying in pain, or dealing with symptoms like fatigue or cognitive and processing issues. The pain was both intense and migratory – at times

the UK, Samantha did some fundraising so she could take her sons to the US for specialist treatment. They were able to see a specialist in tick-borne diseases in 2016 and have been four times since then. The family says they have had the support of everyone involved within the NHS, but as there isn’t a Lyme specialist in the country, Luke has had to see a number of different specialists. “It’s been a horrific few years. I had to give up my job to care for the boys and with our finances stretched, our house had to be remortgaged – with another trip to the States needed, I am again thinking of fundraising for more treatment. We’re determined to stop the possibility of any longer-term damage being done and to give our children every opportunity to regain their health.” In the UK, Lyme is not a notifiable disease so there are no accurate statistics as to how many people are affected. In a debate held in the House of Lords, Lord Greaves said: “The Government should investigate Lyme disease as 3,000 new cases a year is probably only the tip of the iceberg. There should be UK Guidance – too many doctors and consultants are still unaware of Lyme disease.” Eleven UK Lyme campaign groups recently formed an All Party Political Lyme Group, chaired by MP Michele Donelan, who had the disease. Samantha

recently presented to the APPG on behalf of one of the Lyme groups. Michele Donelan has called for a Government inquiry into Lyme disease in the UK. Luke and Harry’s fundraising: www.gofundme.com/2r94aek lymediseaseuk.com (an online patient support group) www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk

he wanted to be taken to A&E, because he said it felt like he’d broken a bone. The fatigue was not a normal tiredness, but flu-like – he struggled to stand up or walk around. Because there are more Lyme specialists abroad than in

begin a major fight to get better from this truly devastating and debilitating Lyme illness.” Lucinda’s progress has been a long haul: “At times I feel like the climb is too steep and has gone on for too long. I cannot tolerate antibiotics and even the strong Lyme herbal remedies make me ill. I am working with a specialist Lyme naturopath in Basingstoke, but it is often one step forwards two steps back. “I am a long way from what I would describe as a decent quality of life with reasonably good health. I really feel I am still at base camp with Mount Everest to climb.”

For 25 years, former model, Lucinda Edwards, from Beenham, struggled with what she was told was ME (Myalgic encephalomyelitis). She suffered from overwhelming fatigue, burning muscle pain, memory and sleep problems, headaches, heart palpitations and many other symptoms. She and her family spent thousands of pounds trying to get her well. She had visited US clinics five times, including the renowned Mayo Hospital in Minnesota, for treatment, and no doctor diagnosed Lyme disease. Three years ago, she sent her blood to a specialist German lab where Lyme disease was diagnosed. She does not know how she

caught it and never saw a tick bulls-eye rash. When she found out that what she had was Lyme disease and not ME, she says:

“I was angry – very, very angry! I felt really let down that so many doctors, hospitals and clinics had misdiagnosed me and had dismissed my illness as psychological. I had to

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Summer outings The long break over the summer can sometimes be difficult to fill, but when someone says ‘ I’m bored ’, hopefully you’ll be able to entertain them with something from this quick guide to days out. Taking Newbury as our centre, we’ve found places from two minutes down the road to up to two hours drive, for a full day’s excursion. This is by no means an exhaustive list, so keep an eye out for more ideas on www.newburytoday.co.uk/section/108/days-out

National Space Museum Blenheim Palace

Bletchley Park

Vale & Downland Museum

Ashdown House

Garsington

Roald Dahl Museum

Basildon Park

SHRIVENHAM

Cotswold Wildlife Park

NEWBURY West Berkshire NEWBURY

Henley Beale Park Bekonscot

Bowood House

Wilton Windmill

Tangmere Basing House the Vyne

Crofton Beam Engine

Longleat

Museum of the Iron Age

Monkey World

Stansted Park

Whitchurch Silk Mill Boomtown Mottisfont Beaulieu

Museum of Army Flying Bestival, Lulworth

Goodwood

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This Ole House Shaw House in Newbury is rich in history and West Berkshire Council runs many family activities there throughout the year. To find out more visit www.westberkshireheritage.org/ shaw-house But how about further afield? The National Trust runs and maintains a selection of properties, all within easy reach of Newbury, and there are many other family-run or trust-owned houses: Less than an hour away Basing House (30m): Run by the Hampshire Cultural Trust, Basing House was the largest private house in Tudor England that suffered at the hands of Cromwell during the English Civil War. www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/ basing-house The Vyne NT (35m): Tudor house that has recently undergone extensive renovation works to the roof and sits in magnificently laid-out gardens and alongside a lake. Also stages outdoor theatre events. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne Ashdown House NT (35m): This doll’s house of a building is surrounded by woodland. It was built by William Craven for the love of his life, Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia, in 1662.There is limited access to the house and

only as part of a tour. There is also a lace maker at work and woodland crafts demonstrations. The woodland is open all year round. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ashdown-house Basildon Park NT (35m): 18th- century house with wooded parkland, peaceful trails and picnic places, with areas for children to run and play. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon- park Blenheim Palace (45m): Home to the Marlborough family, and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is more than 300 years old. Events take place in the grounds all year round and a tour round the house and explore among the grounds would make for a great day out. www.blenheimpalace.com Mottisfont NT (45m) : Originally a priory, then a haven for the bohemian artists of the early 20th century, Mottisfont offers plenty of space for running around and letting off steam, as well as an extensive programme of family activities. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont

More than an hour away Bowood House (1h): Set in Capability Brown parkland, Bowood House belongs to the Lansdowne family. In addition to the Georgian house and landscaped gardens, there is a children’s adventure playground that includes a life-size pirate ship. www.bowood.org Beaulieu (1h5m): The house, the grounds, the motor museum and monorail. A trip to Beaulieu really is a full day out and there are many special events over the summer. www.beaulieu.co.uk Stansted Park (1h15m): Stansted is a Grade II-listed Edwardian country house set on a 1,800-acre estate within the South Downs National Park. The house began as a hunting lodge in the 11th century. www.stanstedpark.co.uk/ Longleat House (1h20m): Definitely somewhere for a full day’s visit – there’s the house and grounds, the safari park and the main square, where you can get up close to smaller exotic creatures. www.longleat.co.uk Goodwood House (1h25m): Horses and cars and a grand house to boot. What’s not to like? www.goodwood.com/

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A day at the museum

the Vale of the White Horse. wantage-museum.com

More than an hour away Bekonscot Model Village & Railway (1h10m): Not strictly a museum, but the world’s oldest model village stuck

West Berkshire Museum, Newbury (www.westberkshireheritage.org/ west-berkshire-museum) has a range of exhibitions all year round, but if you want to go further afield and for something a bit different, try some of these: Less than an hour away Whitchurch Silk Mill (20m): The oldest silk mill in the UK still in its original building. It is a Georgian water mill that weaves silk using 19th century machinery. whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk/ mill/index.php Wilton Windmill (30m): The only working windmill in Wessex and still producing wholemeal, stone-ground flour. Open from Easter to the end of September on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 2pm to 5pm for guided tours. Picnic area with views across the Downs. www.wiltonwindmill.co.uk Vale & Downland Museum (30m): Open Monday to Saturday, various exhibitions, including the history of

Crofton Beam Engine (35m): Crofton Beam Engines were built 200 years ago to supply water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon canal. The Engine House, Engineman’s Rest café and gift shop open until end of September every day (except Wednesdays) from 10.30am to 4.30pm. For steaming dates and other events visit www.croftonbeamengines.org Museum of the Iron Age (35m): Tells the story of Danebury hill fort, which lies to the south west of Andover. www.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/ museum-of-the-ironage Willis Museum and Milestones (35m): Both in Basingstoke and part of www. hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk

in a 1930s timewarp. www.bekonscot.co.uk

Q: What is the standing capacity of Alfresco Marquee Hire’s 6m by 9m marquee? Send your answer on the form to Alfresco Marquee Hire competition, Out &About , Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5DW. The closing date for entries is July 24. For O&A terms and conditions see p5. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (1h 10m): Ships, submarines, museums and boat excursions take you on an 800-year journey through Britain’s epic story of the Royal Navy and its rich maritime heritage. www.historicdockyard.co.uk/ Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre (1h 20m): Aimed at six to 12-year- olds, it features three hands-on galleries plus daily drop-in crafts, and storytelling at the weekends. Fizzpoppingly good. www.roalddahl.com/museum Bletchley Park (1h 25m): The once top-secret centre of iconic codebreaking huts and blocks set within an atmospheric Victorian estate. Spies and intrigue, perfect. bletchleypark.org.uk

COMPETITION

W in a marquee for your summer event with Alfresco Marquee hire

team specialise in hiring out Capri Marquees which are hugely flexible and a real talking point for any event – from parties to christenings, lunches, barbecues, corporate events and weddings. Additional party packages are available, ranging from a hog roast to a dance floor and bar. Laura says: “Being small and family- run means that we can offer huge flexibility and the most attentive levels of customer service to all of our clients. We tailor our package to suit the requirements of your event and budget.” You could be in with a chance of winning a weekend hire of a 6m by 9m (20’ by 30’) Capri marquee for an event within 15 miles of Newbury. The marquee seats 40 people or 70 standing and weekend hire is £350. For more information click onto www. alfrescomarqueehire.co.uk or check them out on Instagram or Facebook. For your chance to win the hire of an Alfresco Marquee, answer the following question:

West Berkshire-based Alfresco Marquee Hire has teamed up with Out & About to offer one winner the perfect prize for a summer event.

Alfresco Marquee Hire competition

Answer ................................................

Name....................................................

British weather is unpredictable – one minute we’re sheltering from the rain and the next, it’s too hot and we’re looking for protection from the sun. That all means that no summer event is complete without an Alfresco Marquee to provide a beautiful centrepiece. Alfresco Marquee Hire was recently taken over by Laura Maton and Andy Loupekine. The couple and their

Address................................................

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Email.....................................................

Daytime tel no....................................

Alfresco Marquee Hire Ts & Cs: Date must be mutually agreed by both parties but prize must be taken by 31 October 2018; standard Alfresco Hire Ts & Cs must be signed and adhered to; hire includes basic marquee hire. Matting and lighting can be added at extra cost if required; marquee needs an area of 6.5m x 9.5m (22’x32’) on flat grass to be installed on (we are not able to install on patios or hard surfaces); winner must agree to photographs and promotion on social media/website, and provide a testimonial.

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VICTORIA PARK NEWBURY Newbury Town Council has extensively There’s even outdoor gym equipment for over 14’s to use free of charge!

refurbished our beautiful Victoria Park over the last couple of years and the Park has so much to offer all year round. Membership on the LTA approved tennis courts is just £39 a year for a whole family to play as much as they like, or you can pay and play from just £3.20. Our Skatepark and Splash Park are both hugely popular, with the Splash Park open every day until September from 10:30am to 5pm. Our kiosk is open throughout the summer for ice-creams, hot food and coffee and you can hire one of our new pedalos or kayaks too. The play area has inclusive play equipment, with lots to do for children of all ages.

We have Brass and Silver Bands playing on the bandstand most Sunday afternoons throughout the summer and the Bowls Club welcomes new members, with an open evening every Monday.

For information on any of these things, or to join our tennis membership take a look at our website www.newbury.gov.uk or call 01635 35486

For more information see www.newbury.gov.uk or call 01635 35486

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Trains, planes, spaceships and automobiles

W hat’s not to love? From an early age, we love movement and speed, the newly-opened Burghclere miniature railway offers a fun ride (for running times visit their FB page) or if you’re looking for a bit more adventure how about:

a unique collection of aviation memorabilia stretching from the First World War through to the Cold War. Among the many attractions are numerous interactive displays and several aircraft simulators for visitors to experience. www.tangmere-museum.org.uk British Motor Museum (1h10): Head north on the A34 to the world’s largest collection of historic British cars with more than 300 classic cars www. britishmotormuseum.co.uk or south to the national motor museum at Beaulieu (1h5m) to see a display of the earliest motor carriages to classic family saloons www.beaulieu.co.uk/ attractions/national-motor-museum/

Other attractions include emergency services demonstrations, laser quest, paintballing, kit-plane demonstrations, aviation and motoring simulators, fairground and more than 80 retail outlets. As the last plane touches down, the party starts across the arena with a mix of musical evening entertainment. Taking the hassle out of your day the show includes; more than 20 fixed-price catering outlets, two bars, hospitality facilities, free on-site parking, public camping, lost children point, disabled access, cash point, informative show commentary, meet the pilots, official show merchandise and grandstand seating. www.wingsandwheels.net For your chance to win one of three family tickets to one day of the show, answer the following question: Q: Where is the Wings & Wheels event being held? Museum of army flying (40m): Extensive collection charting more than 100 years of the British Army in the air. With more than 35 fixed wing and rotary aircraft on display. Near Stockbridge. www.armyflying.com Watercress Line (45m): Fleet of steam locomotives runs the full 10 miles between the market towns of Alresford and Alton. www.watercressline.co.uk Solent Sky Museum (55m): Solent Sky Museum showcases the international importance of aviation history in the Southampton and Solent area. www.solentskymuseum.org More than an hour away National Space Centre (1h57m): With six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium and the iconic 42m high Rocket Tower, it is an out-of -this-world experience, well worth a day out. https://spacecentre.co.uk/ Tangmere Military Aviation Museum (1h23m): Home to an impressive display of historic aircraft and COMPETITION

Less than an hour away Didcot Railway Centre (30m): A unique collection of Great Western Railway steam engines, coaches, wagons, buildings and an occasional visit from Thomas the Tank Engine and the Fat Controller. www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

Send your answer on the form to Wings & Wheels competition, Out &About , Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5DW. The closing date for entries is July 24. For O&A terms and conditions please see p5.

W in one of three family tickets to Wings & Wheels, Saturday and Sunday, August 25 and 26, at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey. The air displays have previously included show favourites the Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Chinook helicopter with witty and knowledgeable commentary from aviation experts and display pilots. The Wheels Zone features interactive displays from clubs, a crowd line parade and a Monster Zone offering monster truck passenger rides. Supercars and classic and vintage icons put on an awe- inspiring display of power and speed on the Top Gear track in a two-hour auto spectacular from Brooklands Museum. The Military Zone & Parade adds some classic nostalgia as the regal military vehicles complete a cavalcade for spectators before taking their place in the zone’s living history with live re- enactment battles.

Wings & Wheels competition

Answer ................................................

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Address................................................

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Email.....................................................

Daytime tel no....................................

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