Out & About Summer 2021

FREE

Summer 2021

West Berkshire, North Hampshire & East Wi ltshire

A Newbury News Ltd publication

Following the towpath Explore the Kennet & Avon canal by horse boat

Enigma uncovered Bletchley Park, the home of the codebreakers

Music to our ears

The Newbury Spring Festival is moving to autumn

Fashion Food Features Gardening Travel Competitions

SANDERSON

ONE SIXTY

COLLECTION

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GERALDINE GARDNER

Editor

W elcome to the summer edition of Out & About . Unfortunately, the government roadmap has not gone exactly in the right direction and the awaited opening up is on hold for a bit longer. I suspect there may be a few more diversions along the way, but things are certainly returning to some kind of normality and we have been able to reconnect with friends and family. Continuing the ‘roadmap’ theme, much as I hate to use the term, we do seem to have been on a ‘journey’. Coronavirus has completely upended everything we knew and in a very short space of time. We may return to our old habits, but some aspects of our lives have probably changed forever. One of the benefits of the pandemic – if benefit is the right word – has been our appreciation of the natural world. That is why we continue to cover the seasons with our Berkshire Farm Girl (p74) and the Barton Court river keeper (p78). And talking of seasons, if you’ve been thinking about ‘growing your own’ for a while, take some timely tips from Newbury allotmenteer David Cole (p70). Or, if you just want to sit in your already beautiful garden, we’ve got some design ideas for taking the indoors out (p66). The speed with which the various vaccines have been trialled and tested is testament to human resourcefulness. When people put their minds to it and work together they find a way to solve a problem and I was reminded of that when I paid a visit to Bletchley Park (p26) the home of the Second World War codebreakers. What they achieved

enabled us to live as we do now. I would recommend a visit to discover some of their incredible stories. Maybe you want to go further back, to a time when the world seemed simpler. The Kennet Horse Boat Company (p33) is one of only three remaining horse boat services in the country and offers a blast of nostalgia and a gentle day out. Events and festivals continue to open up and Newbury Spring Festival is an example of how flexibility can keep live performance on the agenda. The festival director Mark Eynon (p56) explains how he has managed to put together a two-week programme for the autumn. There are also plenty of other suggestions for days out in our What’s on section (p91). And you can’t think of going to a concert or an evening out without thinking about where you will eat. Our food critic Hilary Scott has great things to report about The White Hart (p42) and Outside at The Vineyard (p52). If you’re planning a picnic we have some themed ideas (p38) and tasty recipes (p44 and 50). Romain Bourger has some wine tips for you (p46) and fish aficionado Simon Rhodes encourages you to get barbecuing (p41). With four pages of fashion, as well as wellbeing advice, motors, travel, books and pet talk, I hope you’ll find some escape from the uncertainty of what’s going around us. The ‘journey’ continues, but it’s one of hope and resilience. We’ll be back at the next pit stop in autumn, until then enjoy the summer and hopefully the sunshine.

Editor’s picks

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Cover picture

War heroes

For the record

26 BLETCHLEY PARK

33 A TRIP TO THE PAST

61 ANTIQUES KNOWHOW

Discover the delights of the Kennet Horse Boat Company

The home of the Second World War codebreakers is open to the public

How to tell if your old vinyl albums are valuable

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CONTENTS

Summer 2021

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Local view: Jonathan Hopson experiences a close encounter with some owls Fashion: summer fashion from the high street and local boutiques 13 Health & Beauty: get your body summer ready FEATURES 26 Secrets of the past: a day out at Bletchley Park, home of the Second World War codebreakers 33 Turn back time: take a trip with the Kennet Horse Boat Company 56 Interview: Newbury Spring Festival director Mark Eynon on moving the festival to autumn WELLBEING 17 Fitness: the benefits of moving just a little bit more 21 Mental health: opening up in the new world 23 Education: understanding adolescents FOOD & DRINK 37 Pop Inn: The Six Bells at Beenham 38 Food for thought: perfect picnic paraphernalia 41 Fish: sizzling swordfish on the barbecue 42 Restaurant review: The White Hart Inn, Hamstead Marshall 44 Mrs B’s summer recipe: salmon and asparagus quiche 46 Top tipples: make the most of summer wines 50 Honesty: whip up a peaches and cream cheesecake 52 Restaurant review: Outside, The Vineyard, Stockcross 8

A Newbury News Ltd publication

LIFESTYLE 61 Antiques: how valuable are old vinyl records? 66 Interiors: take the inside, outside 70 Gardening: David Cole’s hints and tips from the allotment 73 Pet talk: hot weather tips and rabbit care ENVIRONMENT 74 Berkshire Farm Girl: Eleanor Gilbert’s summer diary 78 Tales from a river keeper: Nick Richards marvels at the mayflies 80 Bee aware: the importance of conserving the humble bee LEISURE 82 Travel: go-to beaches – and ones to avoid 85 Motors: searching for a soft top 87 Book review: a couple of summer reads 91 What’s on: things to see and do 97 Astronomy: summer night sky highlights COMPETITION 31 Win: Family tickets to Blenheim Palace and Bletchley Park

Cover Photograph: The Kennet Horse Boat Company Picture: Phil Cannings

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 & Media 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 ILIFFE DESIGN HUB PHOTOGRAPHY PHIL CANNINGS PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY 24TH JUNE, OUT&ABOUT IS A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, PUBLISHED BY NEWBURY NEWS & MEDIA LTD, NEWSPAPER HOUSE, FARADAY ROAD, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE RG14 2AD

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LOCAL VIEW

JONATHAN HOPSON sings the praises of owls after some up-close sightings

T hanks to my sister-in-law, we were fortunate to be involved in a close-up viewing of a pair of barn owl chicks, which were being ringed and carefully checked over by an authorised monitor from the Barn Owl Trust before being returned to their nest high up in some redundant farm buildings. The owlets were around two weeks old and had been well fed by their parents, although barn owls generally have not had a good time of late as they are unable to fly and hunt in wet weather, due to their soft feathers not being waterproof. With the prolonged spate of windy and wet weather during April and May, many barn owl pairs have struggled to feed their offspring. Leaving my sister-in-law’s home in the Pewsey vale late in the afternoon, we were fortunate to see a pair of barn owls setting off for an early evening hunting trip. Although the light was fading, we could clearly see the owls’ ghostly outlines and almost ponderously slow wingbeat as they quartered along the outer margin of a nearby grassy field in search of prey. Barn owl flight feathers have small serrations on their leading edge and a hairlike fringe on their trailing edge, which help to break up the flow of air over the wings, reducing turbulence improve the detection and ability to pinpoint the direction of any sound, maximising the chance of accurately detecting mice and vole movement on the ground. From early May onwards we had often heard the same strange bird sound around 10pm. The sound was vaguely similar to the drumming of a snipe or perhaps the mechanical whirring of a nightjar and it proved difficult to conclusively identify. After some research and with the help and any accompanying sound. Asymmetrically situated ears

Barn owl chick monitored by a member of the Barn Owl Trust

O&A SUMMER 2021 To find out more about the Barn Owl Trust visit www.barnowltrust.org.uk 7 the more commonly heard “tu-whit, tu-whoo” – a good example of a tawny owl’s love call can be found at https:// youtu.be/vXq8JoYTGiY Our tawny owl experience continued a few days later when the urgent, high pitched alarm call of a blackbird signalled the presence of a tawny owl, perched high up in a neighbour’s redwood tree. Despite frequent mobbing by blackbirds and other smaller birds, this particularly tawny owl remained largely unruffled, seemingly resting with one eye closed while keeping the other eye open, alert for any sign of trouble

Tawny owl keeping a watchful eye on proceedings

of bird song identification software, we finally realised the sound was the love call of a tawny owl. It is usually the male that makes a soft reverberating hoot, known as an ocarina call, in his search for a mate. This is a very different sound from

FASHION

brace the sunshine these summer dresses lable from high street es. Over the page ck out designer clothes m fabulous boutiques er to home. ellow yellows summer blues… Em with avai stor che fro clos M to

Monsoon Delia Embellished Dress Yellow £120 and Tiered midi dress in pure cotton yellow £65

FatFace Mika painted meadow dress in ivory £49.50

O&A SEASON 2021

O&A SUMMER 2021

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Out&About fashion

FASHION

Marks & Spencer bag £25

Crew Short-sleeve button front jersey tea dress Inkyflr £59

New Look £27.99

F&F Lillie floral shirt dress £24

Marks & Spencer mules £35

C to

rew Closed e heeled

espadrille navy side £59

New Look £19.99

Monsoon Sylvie printed midi dress yellow £99

TK Maxx Woven Handbag £39.99

Crew canvas trainer rainbow £45

O&A SUMMER 2021

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FASHION

LOCAL STYLE

Roxtons, Hungerford www.roxtons.co.uk

Oui printed blouse £99

Travaux En Cours reversible bag £135

Pennyblack striped cardigan with lurex seams £135

Oui Knit £119

B the Lifestyle Shop, Newbury shopb.co.uk

Rislo Floral Wrap Dress £65

Jeanie Midi Dress £75

Silver leather sandals £48

Cropped wide leg trousers £65

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O&A SUMMER 2021

Out&About fashion

FASHION

Nooki Design Medulusa dress £135.95

Jax Jeans, Hungerford jaxjeans.co.uk

Carter Demin Shirt – Light Vintage Dip Dye £145

Josephine Shirt – Lynx Blue £140

Huxi Ruffle Blouse – Off White £110

Fifi & Moose, Newbury www.fifiandmooseboutique.online

White Coco, Hungerford whitecoco.co.uk

Red Button denim jacket £69.95 & Red Button denim jean £59.95

Juliet Shirt £58, Brigit Trousers £90, Sienna Clutch Bag £30 Mardie Dress £72 & Freddie Slipover £52

Caro dress £125

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O&A SUMMER 2021

Antiques & Brocante Market Antiques | Vintage | Flea Retro

A unique French style Brocante market offering antiques, vintage, retro, decorative arts and bric a brac plus Vinyl records on the front lawn of Shaw House.

SELECTION OF DRESSES A selection of dresses for those Summer days ahead 01635 569400 9 Weavers Walk, Newbury RG14 1AL Fifiandmooseboutique.online Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5.30pm / Saturday: 9.30am to 6pm

There will be picnic facilities, light refreshments and FREE entry to Shaw House and FREE parking. A great day out for all the family

Sunday 29th August 2021 Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury RG14 2DR www.westberkshireheritage.org/whats-on Antiques & Arts Fair acvr_events 07514 680872 jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com www.acvrevents.co.uk

We can help you to celebrate your special day. Your wedding is unique, so we pride ourselves on our flexibility to meet your requirements

01635 869 689 or 07787 560276 Email us :sarah@buttercups-and-daisies.co.uk www.buttercups-and-daisies.co.uk Visit us (by appointment only): 6 Riverside Studios, Lower Way Farm, Lower Way, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 3TL

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Out&About health & beauty

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Whether you are jet-setting off for that long-awaited holiday in the sun or you’re staying at home and chancing the unpredictable British weather, EMMA COLE has some skincare and beauty products to help you feel holiday ready

A limited edition deep- conditioning treatment specially formulated with calming Egyptian Jasmine and refreshing Mandarin. Available from Boots, M&S and other outlets. Luxury therapy

Treat yourself and feel good in your skin

Smart Skin Golden Jelly Cleanser £24

Smart skin products are 100 per cent cruelty free, vegan, and contain at least 95 per cent natural ingredients. They are COSMOS (the Natural and Organic Certification for Cosmetics) certified. The range helps people be kinder and more mindful when it comes to their skin and are perfect for getting your skin feeling flawless in time for a holiday. The full Smart Skin collection is available from www.mysmartskin.

Smart Skin Organic Bamboo Washcloths 2 per pack £8

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Therapies Egyptian Jasmine & Mandarin £36 Looking after number one The popular Wo Skincare range is 100 per cent recyclable and made from up to 80 per cent recycled PET. ‘Wo’ means ‘I’ or ‘myself ’ in Mandarin, which reflects the brand’s range of mix and match, mono-dose products. Its 3 in 1 multi-functional formulas help cleanse, hydrate and condition your skin, keeping you

Smile for the camera

A toothpaste which lightens, cleans, brightens and refreshes your mouth and breath. Everyone deserves to smile with confidence without sacrificing your tooth or gum sensitivity. Available from Boots. LA PACIFIC 4 in 1 Protection Enzyme Whitening Toothpaste £11

Power TonIQ Anti-Blemish Essence £15 for 1ml x 14 doses Wo Skincare Daily Base Aqua Gel £28 for 2ml x 28 doses nourished for every moment. To check out the whole range visit www.wearewo.com Wo Skincare Daily Base Comfort Balm £30 for 2ml x 28 doses

O&A SUMMER 2021

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Falkland Cricket Club Established 1884 Registered Charity Number 1168595 President Patrick Neate

Open Tues- Sat Join us to paint your very own pottery piece, leave it with us to glaze and fire in our on-site kiln and then collect to treasure at home or gift to a loved one. For more information you can find us on Facebook by searching for Blue Beetle Ceramics 01635 292539 bluebeetleceramicscafe@gmail.com W d

Are looking for new sponsors Packages start from £250+vat per season and include Falkland Cricket Club • Board advertising around the ground • Free fireworks tickets to our renowned annual display • An invite to our sponsors lunch • Advertising in cricket fixture brochure • Advertising on our web site • Use of ground for team building events on agreement

For further information please contact Graham Beal cricket@falklandcc.co.uk For further information please contact Graham Beal cricket@falklandcc.co.uk

Offering daytime, adult Art Courses in Newbury in a warm, friendly and nurturing environment. Many students come to learn but also to meet new people and have a bit of 'me' time. We cater for total beginners, as well as improvers looking to take their art to the next level. Mediums taught include pencil, charcoal, acrylics, watercolours, ink and wash and many more. Held at the tranquil St Marys Church Hall, Shaw, Newbury Get in touch for more details or to book your space. Visit our website www.creativeartclasses.co.uk or email studio@creativeartclasses.co.uk or call Carrie 07780 714656 Learn to Draw & Paint

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Out&About health & beauty

Take your legs on their well deserved day out, walk with confidence, and put that spring back in your step using the glamorous Legology products. with confidence

Air-Lite ‘Daily lift for legs’ RRP £62 Cream that reduces the tightness and puffiness caused by fluid retention, discourages cellulite, dissolve aches, pains and fatigue, rejuvenates and energises from the toes up.

Cellu-Lite ‘Salon secret for legs’ RRP £62.50 A golden oil loaded with the deep-acting detoxifying and stimulating oils used by massage therapists during leg-lightening inch-loss treatments, this is the ultimate aromatherapy contouring blend.

Exfo-Lite ‘Stimulating salts for legs’ RRP £42 A high performance scrub that delivers superb skin- smoothing and body-contouring benefits, lightens and energises legs. A mix of sea salt and diuretic Himalayan pink crystals with a shake of Amalfi lemon peel.

Legology Lymph- Lite ‘Boom brush for body’ £16 A recyclable wooden brush with natural bristle. Available from Next, Amazon and other outlets

O&A SUMMER 2021

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After a cold and wet spring, the team at the Community Furniture Project shop in Bone Lane is looking forward to helping customers enjoy some better weather over the summer. The shop is a great place to find pre-used items for outdoor living, such as garden tables and chairs, picnic baskets, cool bags and picnic ware. Their book section also stocks a selection of second-hand cookery books with tempting ideas for summer food and BBQs. If you’re looking to get fit after months of lockdown, the shop also sells refurbished bicycles for adults and children. Donated bikes are repaired in the bicycle repair workshop, which is part of the organisation’s Training and Community Support Centre (TCS), based in the same building. TCS provides volunteering and training opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged adults and young people in a wide range of practical skills, with the bike workshop being a popular choice for many. Proceeds from sales in the Community Furniture Project shop help to support TCS’s training services, so when you donate to or buy from the charity, you can be sure that you’re supporting a worthwhile local cause.

Unit F, Hambridge Road Industrial Estate, Bone Lane, Newbury RG14 5SS Telephone: 01635 43933 enquiries@cfpnewbury.org www.n-c-r-c.org

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Out&About wellbeing

FITNESS What does it mean to you to get moving? VICKI BROWN says by adopting a positive attitude when adding a little extra exercise into your daily routine, you will feel the physical and mental benefits.

D o you always think of exercise as a chore? Something you have to do and don’t have time for? around movement – and see it as an opportunity. When thinking about exercise or movement you could say: l I get the opportunity to move my body l My body is capable of… x,y,z l I can/ I get to make my body… stronger, fitter, more flexible l I can…(insert what your body is able to do) l I enjoy this song and am going to move my body however I feel I want to, until the song comes to an end – I’ve moved and I’ve had fun doing it Exercise or movement will benefit you in body and mind, but does not have to come in the form of a specific exercise regime – although if that works for you, it is a good place to start. It can be simply adding more activity into your day and appreciating the opportunity, rather than feeling like a punishment or a chore, and that makes it more engaging. Ask yourself: How do you want to feel? What can your body do now? What would you like your body to be able to do? How about trying to reframe your mindset

that will show positive outcomes both physically and mentally. This is why it should be a priority, but also something that is part of life. The small choices we make everyday add up to make the biggest difference. What does it mean to me to be fit/strong/flexible? Does it mean being able to play with your child or grandchild on the floor, to be able to take the stairs instead of the lift? Will it mean you can run to catch the train that is about to leave? Not get out of breath doing something that currently challenges you? Or simply being able to do what you want to physically, at any age, without feeling that you can’t? These are the powerful, real life situations that matter, the things that you need to be able to do. Movement can aid so much of this, so take the stairs, park further away, do some stretching while you watch the television. The benefits outweigh the ‘chore’ – you just need to build those healthy habits for life. This summer you may be inspired by televised sports such as Wimbledon or The Olympics – maybe try a sport that you never have thought about before. Find a way to move, and remember, make the most of the opportunity to move your body and feel good in the process. What are you going to try?

What makes that important to you? Think about the possibilities. It may be an effort, but you can find something fun or good in the process and enjoy the results. Why move? Fitness is described in the Cambridge Dictionary as “the condition of being physically strong and healthy” and “the activities related to keeping healthy and strong”. It is a broad term that many people want to have as part of their lifestyle. What would achieving this mean for your life? Strength – At its most basic, you simply feeling stronger and more able to perform daily tasks. Ultimately the benefits of strength training are numerous. It helps you to maintain and build muscle tissue, increase strength and improve bone health (preventing diseases such as osteoporosis).

You can adjust your body composition by increasing your muscle mass and you can reduce your overall risk of injury. And it can make you feel good, improve confidence, and increase overall performance in daily life. Flexibility – Incorporating some flexibility and mobility into your week will aid movement, reduce stiffness and soreness in everyday life. There are things you can do sitting at your desk or watching the TV, which will reduce tension in the body and ease aches. If you want to be able to achieve the splits, set it as a goal and focus on regular movement to target this result. Whatever the outcome you will feel better to incorporate some moves into your day. The benefits of exercise are physical and mental. Moving your body triggers processes in the body

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

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O&A SUMMER 2021

You’re returning to exercise What should you aim for? Returning to Exercise Client Feelings

Our Recommendations Our guidance for you is simple; when you return to formal exercise (running, swimming, the gym, classes, …) be kind to yourself - hurting yourself on your return will only delay your path to fitness. Give yourself time to regain the form and the stamina, and then push yourself onwards- you will do much better that way. Whatever position you are in, returning, starting, delaying, or considering, you have our empathy. It has been a difficult year for all of us, even if nothing bad happened to yourselves or your families, so treat yourself well, look after yourself and your friends and your neighbours, and be positive about what your future can hold for you. Fred’s Corner Unsurprisingly Fred turned out to be a very popular contribution to our last article, so for a while we intend to share some of our experiences of him with you here. We’ve figured out that Fred wasn’t very “socialized” in his previous home - not badly treated but never made “part of the family”, so his interactions with us continue to be very cautious. We are making progress, and strangely it seems that being away for a couple of weekends has made him realize that we do add some kind of value to his existence; more than just as providers of food. Fred has started “repaying” our generosity with his own - in the form of (mostly) dead rodents and fledglings. We can’t complain (he is after all a “wild animal”) and it’s nice to know that he thinks WE need feeding. The photo above shows he has all the equipment he needs to dispatch his prey, even though he is in fact yawning, At least that is our interpretation of his behaviour; it may be that he thinks of us as weird animals that can provide him with food but don’t appear to be able to hunt ourselves, so he’s showing us how; we’ll never know ...

Now that the UK is mostly “unlocked” (fingers crossed) many of you will have returned to exercise at the gym or added exercise into your life style. This article is aimed at those who are returning to an existing regime but keep reading anyway as you might gain some insights. There are two things to consider when returning to exercise; the FACTS and the FEELINGS. Facts are the measurable things that allow you to compare your current condition with an earlier one. At Abstract Bodyworks Newbury we collect and share a LOT of facts about our clients, so we are both in a great position to know what happened to them during lockdowns, and how they are responding to proper exercise again. On the feelings front we don’t have second sight - but we do have clients who are happy to share their experiences of returning to exercise. Some Exercise Facts At Abstract Bodyworks we know a lot of things about exercise- a key one is that “if you don’t measure it you can’t improve”. That isoneof thefoundationsofourexercise protocols, and it covers every aspect of our training including the environment in our gyms, the kind of equipment and the layout we have, and (of course) a host of information about our clients’ training progress. We also know, from personal and business experience, that people don’t maintain an exercise regime for years on end- they take breaks because of life pressures, convenience, distractions, and a host of other personal reasons. Over the 20+ years we have been trainers we’ve developed some rules of thumb about how to reduce exercise levels when returning from extended periods of absence, including dropping weights by about 5% for every quarter of rest. That means some of our clients saw a 20% drop in their target weights when they recently returned after a years’ absence. That does not indicate that they are 20% weaker after a year off; in fact research shows that you only lose about 1% of your muscle each year. The much larger drop in weights allows our clients to ease back into their exercise — we push our clients to work as hard as they can — and typically they have made up the lost ground in about 10 sessions.

Derek: “We have all experienced disappointments throughout this dreadful pandemic, and missing regular supervised exercise was one of mine. The return after the 1st lockdown was frustrated by the Government failing to recognise how safe 1to1 training could be. We weren’t frustrated at Abstract Bodyworks though; they had created a Covid safe space which included waiting for the gym to be sanitised and setup, mandatory hand washing be fore exercising, face masks for both trainers and trainees; an environment that screamed “clean”. This gave me the confidence of knowing I was safe, added to which the machine weights were initially reduced to compensate for strength loss whilst in lockdown. The 2nd lockdown was frustrating too but I was not concerned about my return as I knew that Abstract Bodyworks is a safe environment, and I have been brought back to my normal exercise routine in a considerate and managed manner.” Tracey: “I was nervous about restarting proper exercise. Even though I’d had the bestintentions I hadn‘t done anything bar a daily walk during the last lockdown, so I was worried. But I needn’t have been; one of the benefits of personal 1to1 training is that they take their clients’ individual circumstances into account and, after the return consultation, reduced all of the weights appropriately; not that much though! as the exercise was still challenging and the first session was hard but achievable. I also had my body composition measured again and found that I’d maintained my weight (hurray!), I’d lost muscle (boo) - it is that kind of insight that is hard to get elsewhere. After each session the team is reviewing the weights and increasing them slowly so, fingers crossed, I’ll soon be back to where I was pre lockdown.” See advertisement opposite for details of how to book two free personal training sessions. Quote O&AQ32021

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Abstract® Bodyworks Personal Training FITNESS Life without Weakness

more important than ever It is fantas�c that our Government has rolled out such a successful vaccina�on program, and that full unlock is here (we hope!) .

11 Kings Road West, Newbury www.pe-newbury.co.uk 01635 551656 pe.newbury@gmail.com 07450 915462 At Abstract we ALWAYS give two free sessions to newcomers, so people can check out what we offer without obliga�on. Call us to book the start of your next health journey. But if this pandemic has taught us anything then it ought to be that being strong and fit helps you to stay healthy.

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Are you worried about substance misuse or that of a loved one? If so I can help. Please visit my website www.stewartkennedycounselling.com Please call, text or email Stewart on 07711 872 548 stewartmkennedy@sky.com Over 15 years in recovery myself “Stewart has helped me immensely” Stephen QUALIFICATIONS MSc in Addiction Psychology and Counselling from London South Bank University and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP

Are you a Counselling Service offering advice on any of life’s challenges? Please contact Abigail for a quotation to advertise your services abigail.reddin@newburynews.co.uk

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Join a community that cares for your welfare, make new friends and find time to do the things you love. Your security and safety is our priority.

• Landscaped gardens and terraces • Restaurant, club lounge and bar • Library • Undercroft parking • Wellbeing and other classes • 24/7 concierge and management

Please contact sales@edenrl.com or call 01635 551 229 for information or make a personal appointment www.pearlhousenewbury.co.uk

Prices start from £275,000 (Other charges apply)

HELP TO MOVE AND PART EXCHANGE

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Out&About wellbeing

Five simple ways to look after your mental health and wellbeing Mental health and wellbeing is about how we think, feel and act. It’s about how we handle stress and relate to others. Mental health can also mean having a mental health condition that affects thinking, mood and behaviour. Mental health and wellbeing has worsened during the pandemic and it’s normal to feel anxious, scared or worried about coronavirus, so here are some techniques to help you if you are struggling

We know that social relationships act as a buffer against mental ill health. Feeling close and being valued by others is a fundamental human need which is why it is important for people to connect with others. You can stay in touch with friends and family by phone, email, video message and post. Understandably, you may find that social distancing can be boring or frustrating. Learning and working towards a goal helps improve self-esteem, confidence and feelings of satisfaction. Newbury College has digital and distance learning available. We can experience feelings of anxiety and worry about the unknown or what will come, which can overwhelm us. It’s really important to be present and live in the moment, and not think too far into the future. This could include things like trying a different place for lunch, taking a walk outside or practicing mindfulness techniques.

To strengthen your own personal resilience and reduce stress during this period of uncertainty, build the five ways to wellbeing into your daily routine, as this will help you to feel a bit more able to cope and more able to support your family and friends. Being physically active can help improve our mental health and wellbeing but remember you might not be in the right head- space to do an intense workout. A small amount of exercise, even 10 minutes can make a difference, such as going up and down the stairs, using bean tins as weights or accessing an online exercise video. Try talking to your GP about a referral for exercise if you need more support. Helping, sharing, giving and volunteering are associated with increased sense of self worth, positive feelings and experience more meaning in life. There are vulnerable people in our communities who continue to need our support throughout the pandemic. Giving to others improves wellbeing and can

help build new networks. This might be from giving

something small like a thank you or word of encouragement volunteering for a local charity.

You can find out more about orgnisations and advice available to you visit https://info.westberks.gov.uk/publichealth

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O&A SUMMER 2021

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS ACCEPTED

Creative Courage forLife*

Where children become everything they can be Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4-18 year-olds w www.stagecoach.co.uk/newbury 07526658471 @ newbury@stagecoach.co.uk Venue: The Clere School, RG20 9HP

Stagecoach Performing Arts is the trading name of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited. Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently ownedby their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Theatre Arts Limited.

Calling all local Independent Businesses from Fashion Jewellers Crafters Pottery Artists and more

We want to hear from you for our autumn and winter editions. Please ask Abigail for a quote abigail.reddin@newburynews.co.uk

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Out&About wellbeing

EDUCATION With exams largely replaced with school-based assessments this school year, AMANDA BAILEY writes in more depth about the amazing, yet often maligned, period known as adolescence.

P uberty begins at any time from eight to 14. On average the onset of puberty starts at 11 in girls and 12 in boys when the hypothalamus begins to release sex hormones. The physical signs are easily recognised: changes in body shape, body hair, sweat and, for some, spots and acne. But how does the ‘puberty brain’ adjust to these new and shifting hormone levels? We all rely on a part of the brain called our amygdala – our fight and flight response – wired for threats, real or perceived. It is from here, as the logical, problem-solving part of the brain – the prefrontal cortex – is growing, that remodelling and maturing the reactionary and emotional volatility comes – one moment, a confident, happy and laughing teen, the next irritated, upset and angry with friends and family. The prefrontal cortex contributes to personal development as the teen begins to understand more complex matters, such as searching for their identity or making moral and social choices. This is brilliantly explained in a short YouTube clip by Dan Siegel entitled The Adolescent Brain www. youtube.com/watch?v=0O1u5OEc5eY Twenty years ago, journalist, Adair Lara, wrote a candid memoir describing her own experiences of parenting her teenage daughter Hold Me Close, Let Me Go . She writes kids are dogs, teens are cats: ‘You, not realising that the dog is now a cat, think something must be desperately wrong with it. It seems so antisocial, so distant, sort of depressed. It won’t go on family outings. Since you’re the one who raised it, taught it to fetch and stay and sit on command, you assume you did something wrong. Flooded with guilt and fear you redouble your efforts to make your pet behave. Only now you’re dealing with a cat, so everything that worked before now produces the opposite of the desired result. Call it and it runs away. Tell it to

sit and it jumps on the counter. The more you go towards it wringing your hands, the more it moves away.’ So, be a good listener, rather than a ‘fixer’ or ‘quizzer’. Give your teenager space to come up with their own thoughts and understanding, and discover who they are. Make the most of spontaneous moments – watching a TV programme, driving them somewhere, sitting down on your teen’s bed as they complete some homework. Remember, teens want to connect with other teens and need space away from listening ears. Parents are often perceived as ‘part of the problem’ – you’re not listening, you don’t understand and aren’t respecting their wishes. It may be tough, but it is more important than ever to lead by example. Teenagers need to know all emotions are OK, but not all behaviours. When overwhelmed by a ranting and raging teenager, a parent needs to put on their own oxygen mask, take time out and

settle their own heightened emotions, ready to be there when the crying and raging is over. Most parents do not share the same parenting skills, this is a time to put your own conditioning to one side and support each other. It will help your young person if you present a united front and agree on proactive plans and actions, including setting clear boundaries and limits, as you navigate this stage of life. And, remember to be kind to yourself. Parents’ behaviour is often rooted in their own fears and suspicions. Listen to your teenager’s ideas and questions; consider what’s possible, judgement, the safer you will be when they need to speak to someone about their own sadness or disappointment. As a parent, it becomes more apparent to me every day that our children are sent to open our eyes. voicing your opinion if asked. The longer you listen without

Amanda Bailey offers a number of bespoke and group courses to help children, young people, adults and families reduce anxiety and increase calmness, visit www.beberkshire.co.uk or send an email to: amanda@beberkshire.co.uk or call/text on 07909502667

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Training in warmer temperatures can be a real challenge for people. It puts more stress on your body and can cause health issues/problems if precautions are not taken. The combination of exercise itself and a hotter, more humid climate can increase your core body temperature, which leads to your body sending more blood to circulate through your skin in order to cool itself. As a result, there is less blood for your muscles, which then increases your heart rate. High humidity levels also add more stress on your body because it is not easy for sweat to evaporate from your skin to cool your body. Consequently, your body temperature increases. Five Tips For Training In Warmer Weather

Wear Light, Breathable Clothing When you train in rising temperatures, sweat is going to be an issue. What you wear to your sessions will be important, both for your performance and enjoyment when exercising. Thicker clothing material is not ideal for warmer temperatures, as you will feel heavy and tired during your sessions. So, make sure you wear light, breathable clothing so that you feel sharper and more comfortable when the sweat inevitably builds up. You

Normally, your skin, blood vessels and perspiration level adjust to the heat. However, if you are exposed to high temperatures and humidity for too long, you sweat heavily, and don’t drink enough fluids, these systems may fail. So, how can you make training and exercise is safe and consistent when the temperatures rise? Hydrate Regularly The first key area to focus on is hydration. Getting enough water throughout the day is a huge determining factor in how your body will function, both in terms of health and fitness. Your body is 60% water, so it is vital that you stay hydrated so that you sweat and cool down easily. Make sure that you have a water bottle with you when you train, not just so you can maintain a high level of intensity and quality, but also to avoid any health risks that come with dehydration, such as exhaustion, nausea, fainting, and dizziness.

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should also bring a towel and/or a headband if sweat around your head is a common occurrence. Know Your Limits Training in the heat is likely to be more demanding on your body, so it is vital that you know how much your body can withstand, before applying it into your session. If you feel exhausted, nauseous, or even ill during your training session, then stop – you do not want to run the risk of fainting or suffering heatstroke. Do what you can and still push yourself hard, but do not go over your limits in hot weather. Rest and Recover Well If you want to be able to train efficiently and regularly in rising temperatures, it is essential that you get plenty of rest and recovery both before and after your sessions. Incorporate active rest days into your routine, along with a high- quality night’s sleep of 7-9 hours. This will make your exercise schedule much more sustainable and manageable, which is crucial when temperatures increase. Prioritise Good Nutrition Another huge part of being able to train well in the heat will be your diet. It is vital that you consume foods that include a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables so that you plenty of energy, support muscle recovery

and provide your body with much-needed nutrients. Aim for lean protein sources and carbohydrates that release energy slowly, such as

oatmeal, rice, potatoes, pasta, as well as fruit if you are looking for a sharper energy hit.

Written by Sean Wilson (Personal Trainer and founder of Sean Wilson Fitness) “ I have loved sport, health and fitness from a very young age and played cricket, football, rugby, and tennis for over 15 years. After not being able to play sport regularly due to a hip condition, I developed a huge passion for resistance training and committed myself to becoming an expert in technique, exercise selection, nutrition and helping people achieve their fitness goals. ”

Please get in touch seanwilson222@gmail.com 07771475036 Newbury, Or visit www.seanwilsonfitness.com

SEAN WILSON FITNESS

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PICTURE: ISTOCK.COM/NEONJELLYFISH

A cracking day out If you are staycationing this summer and looking for ideas for a day trip, then Bletchley Park, the home of the Second World War codebreakers, might just fit the bill. GERALDINE GARDNER and PHIL CANNINGS had a look around to see if they could crack the secret of its success

I n the last few years, the profile of the codebreaker Alan Turing has been raised in the public consciousness. His work alongside his colleagues at Bletchley Park has been immortalised in books, films and, most recently, on the £50 banknote. But what of Bletchley Park, the mansion just south of Milton Keynes where all the codebreaking took place? The house nearly got knocked down in the 1930s after the Lyon family sold it to a devel- oper, but in 1937 it caught the eye of Admiral Sir Hugh Sinclair, head of MI6, who was looking for a location outside London in anticipation of the inevitable war. The rest you might say is history, but

what a rich history it is. The fascination of the World Wars is never-ending and the appeal of a visit to the Bletchley Park site is that you are walking around a place where intelli- gence gathering was key in determining which way the Second World War went and where ordinary, everyday people played an extraordinary part in history. We visited Bletchley on a rather dull, cloudy day, just after the easing of lockdown and the reopening of visitor attractions. There was a steady stream of visitors as we made our way to a rath- er unassuming entrance which belied the huge range of exhibitions and space that the site covers. Pre-Covid, Bletchley Park was attracting around 250,000 visitors a year, they had

great plans for the 75th anniversary of D-Day in 2020 and were looking for- ward to opening up new exhibitions to visitors. Like many attractions they had to put their plans on hold. However, they have still made use of the bunting intend- ed for that 75th anniversary, which is strewn around the main exhibition building and which adds to the nostalgic atmosphere of the place. When you arrive you go into the visitor centre, where a short film gives you a quick overview of the significance of what went on at Bletchley in the context of the war. Elsewhere on the site there is also a 10-minute cinematic experi- ence exploring Bletchley’s secret role in D-Day preparation – and then through to

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Out&About leisure

a gallery of exhibitions of paraphernalia from the time, an area dedicated to Alan Turing and an explanation of the roles played by the many people who worked there during the war years. And there were many people. When Sir Hugh first opened Bletchley up, it housed around 200 recruits, brought up from London to set up proceedings. By the end of the war there more than 9,000 people working on the site – some of who were to go on and meet after the war, and even get married without even realising that they had been working at the same place during the war. In fact, extraordinarily, people who worked there were not allowed to talk about their roles until 2009, when the government finally lifted restrictions. For more than 60 years, they’d kept their secrets and many, of course, have died without ever divulging their role in the codebreaking activities. Once the ban on talking about it was lifted, the historians and archivists at the park have been able to gather more information about activities during the war years and where possible compile recordings from people who worked there. From the visitor centre there is plenty more to see. You are given a map of the site and can also pick up an audio guide and then head outside to the many huts and blocks that housed all the different operations and to the main house itself. At the outset, the mansion was the core of the operations and some of the rooms have been re-created exactly as they were 80-plus years ago. Old photographs on the wall are mirrored by the furniture and fittings around you as you immerse yourself in the rich history of the build- ing. The mansion also houses a new exhibi- tion Early Days, which covers the events from 1938 to late 1939. It is laid out in the drawing room and gives an easy to understand overview of the early days. There are lists of recruits – including potential recruits who didn’t make the cut, such as one JRR Tolkein – what happened to him? Maps, emergency procedures and rules on protocol give a flavour of what was expected at the time. And the exhibition also includes some hands on activities. Not as many as had first been planned, but there are opportunities around the

for many important recruits, including Turing. And it was here that they made the first breakthrough in cracking the German Enigma codes. The garages house some of the contem- porary vehicles, including a motorbike – we are reminded that messengers travelled daily to and from London, delivering vital information. And you can also see one of the vehicles used in the film Enigma , based on the book by Robert Harris. The vehicle is on loan from Mick Jagger, one of the producers of the movie. From here you can then make your way around the huts, some of which house individual exhibitions demonstrating the work that went on. They are laid out as they were at the time and – you get a sense of the bustle Continued on page 29 Dilly Knox worked in the cottages here, and was responsible for many important recruits, including Turing. And it was here that they made the first breakthrough in cracking the German Enigma codes.

five areas of the exhibition to immerse yourself in the period and feel like you are taking part. All the activities are Covid-compliant and cleverly laid out for participants of all ages to have a go. Outside, it is easy to imagine the civil- ians and members of the armed forces congregating on the lawns. An old tennis net is still in place and in front of the mansion is a large lake, with picnic areas around it. Soundscapes have been installed so you will hear voices and contemporary scenes being enacted out as you wander around the lake – people playing cro- quet, spotting a Spitfire or just enjoying some leisure time. Behind the mansion is the stableyard, where one of the key figures at Bletchley – Dilly Knox – was based. He worked in the cottages here, and was responsible

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