Winter 2020

FREE

Winter 2020

West Berkshire, Nor th Hampshire & East Wiltshire

A Newbury News Ltd publication

Garden by design Malverleys estate transformed Life after parliament Richard Benyon one year on Looking out for families in need The West Berkshire Community Baby Bank

Fashion Food Features Gardening Travel Competitions

WINTER WEEKEND BREAKS AT WASING Rural Escapes for foodies at Wasing Park’s Boutique Hotel Guests can enjoy the ‘estate to plate’ specials from the a la carte menu and indulge in the Taste of Wasing, six-course tasting menu. They can even join the chef and cook lunch, alfresco, in the magical woodlands. Guests are invited to enjoy walking trails around the estate on foot or by bike before relaxing by the fireside in the Stables Bar. Yoga classes and fishing at the woodland lake are also available. Stay in the stunning grade II listed Granary, Smithy or Dovecote, or one of the individually designed, guest bedrooms. Prices start at £195 per room, per night, bed and breakfast. RESTAURANT OPEN ON

SATURDAY EVENINGS The Taste of Wasing six-course menu available with optional paired wines Join us at 7pm for this amazing experience.

For further information and to book email bookings@wasing.co.uk wasing.co.uk - 0118 971 3634

GERALDINE GARDNER

Editor

A s I write this we face an uncertain winter – how long will ‘lockdown2’ go on for? What sort of Christmas will we be having? I do know that for the first time in 30 years the chances of our family being together on Christmas Day – four children, their four partners and two grandchildren – are extremely slim, never mind all the wider family get-togethers we have got used to over the years. It is going to be different for us all, but there are some families who are in need of extra support and care, especially at a time when we all want our children to enjoy themselves as best they can. A year ago, Kayleigh Powell set up the West Berkshire Community Baby Bank to help the support services who in turn help vulnerable families, and she explains how it has grown during 2020 (p36). Richard Benyon has also had a life-changing year. After 14 years as Newbury’s MP he has left political life and is concentrating on the environment and sustainabiilty projects among other things (p30). Environmental issues have been on the agenda for many years, but this year in particular there has been a noticeable increase in how people perceive the world’s precious natural resources, even just appreciating the wildlife visiting our gardens during the enforced lockdown. In our new environment section (p79-83), Eleanor Gilbert, the Berkshire Farm Girl, continues her seasonal

diary and river keeper at Barton Court, Nick Richards, also starts a regular column highlighting what’s going on along the River Kennet. And we have some advice on how to keep our feathered friends happy and fed over the winter. And still on the theme of appreciating nature, I was lucky enough to be given a guided tour around the Malverleys in East Woodhay, where estate manager Mat Reese has spent the last 10 years transforming the beautiful gardens (p57). Sarah Bosley discovers the delights of stand up paddleboarding (p86), a healthy pursuit that offers a different view from the canal. The food section (p38-50) is packed with recipes, a review of The Crown & Garter, Inkpen, and even tips on creating your own wine cellar. We also found a nice circular walk, which begins an ends at the Red House Pub in Highclere. If we are in for a chilly season, there are some winter warmer fashion ideas (p8) and a four-page gift guide (p24) with some suggestions for food lovers, young readers and games to play with however big or small a gathering you are able to enjoy. As we head towards 2021, I am reminded of a Japanese proverb: ‘One kind word can warm three winter months’ – a little kindness does indeed go a long way, so be kind and look out for each other to help us all get through whatever lies ahead. Have a happy and safe winter.

Editor’s picks

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Gift guide

A year of change

Garden state

24 PRESENT PERFECT

30 INTERVIEW

57 YEAR ROUND COLOUR Mat Reese has transformed the gardens at the Malverleys in East Woodhay

A selection of gifts – available online and on the high street

Richard Benyon, one year on from leaving politics

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O&A WINTER 2020

CONTENTS

Winter 2020

7 Local view: Jonathan Hopson escapes to Scotland 8 Fashion: Wrap up warm inside and out 13 Health & Beauty: Look after your skin

A Newbury News Ltd publication

FEATURES

LIFESTYLE 63 Antiques: the big train auction

24 Gifts: looking for something different 30 Interview: Richard Benyon a year out of parliament 36 Caring society: community family support service has grown up during 2020 57 Malverleys : designer garden

68 Interiors: making best use of your kitchen 72 Flower power: local florists offer hints and tips 75 Pet talk: hedgehog safety and seasonal gifts ENVIRONMENT 79 Berkshire Farm Girl: winter diary 81 Tales from a river keeper: looking after the water 83 Outdoors: a brisk walk and look after the birds in your garden LEISURE 86 Down time: stand up paddleboarding 89 Motors: campervans are all the rage 91 Book review: selection of winter reads 93 What’s on: things to see and do 97 Star gazing: winter night sky COMPETITION 23 & 53 Win: a colour analysis and local gin

WELLBEING

15 Fitness: keep going through winter 19 Mental health: make use of the services available 21 Education: techniques to destress

FOOD & DRINK

38 Walk Inn: The Red House, Highclere 40 Honesty: getting Christmas ready 42 Restaurant review: The Crown & Garter, Inkpen 44 Mrs B’s Kitchen & Café: seasonal fare 47 Fish: keep the family healthy 50 Top tipples: want to create your own cellar?

Cover photograph: Buttercups & Daisies Christmas wreath 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 CARRIE FAITHFULL, HELEN LAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY PHIL CANNINGS PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER, OUT&ABOUT IS A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, PUBLISHED BY NEWBURY NEWS & MEDIA LTD, NEWSPAPER HOUSE, FARADAY ROAD, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE RG14 2AD

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O&A WINTER 2020

WHERE HER I TAGE MEETS COMMUNI TY

Photo credit Steven Marwick

Greenham Control Tower is an amazing local heritage site, run by volunteers for the local community and attracting visitors from around the world. We celebrate the history of the common from 4000BC to its restoration all the way until it was closed and ultimately restored as it is today.

Sadly in these challenging times the tours have been suspended for now, however the Cafe is still open for takeaway hot food, cakes, confectionary, hot and cold drinks. In the unpredictable UK weather, we now have cover outside, so even if it’s raining, you can eat and drink your food in the dry. We are open Wednesday 11:00 - 3:00,Thursday to Sunday 10:30 - 3:00, and the team look forward to welcoming you.

Please visit our website https://www.greenhamtower.org.uk for more details and updates on the tours and cafe opening times. Full details on our website, where you can enquire about joining our volunteers. www.greenhamtower.org.uk

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LOCAL VIEW

JONATHAN HOPSON sends musings from Melrose, Scotland

D uring the last week in to fish for salmon on the river Tweed and do some hiking around the Eildon hills. As is often the case in this part of the world, there was a considerable amount of rain, but we were fortunate to see some sunshine and in what may be a relatively rare occurance, two separate rainbows in one day over Melrose. The magnificent ruins of Melrose Abbey date back to the 15th century and highlights from the interior include ornate stone vaulting over the presbytery, elegant piers and window tracery. The exterior is lavishly decorated with fascinating sculptures including hobgoblins, lute-playing angels, cooks with ladles and a famous gargoyle showing a bagpipe-playing pig. For any mycophiles – a person who likes hunting/cooking/eating mushrooms – feast your eyes on the results of a foraging expedition October, my family and I visited the Scottish borders

in some woods including, from top left, hedgehog fungus, wood blewit (with gills exposed) to the right and below a clump of three trooping funnel with a larger trooping funnel to the right. These were carefully chopped up and added with cream, vegetable stock and parsley to make a delicious mushroom linguine. Recent rainfall had swollen the river and the chances of catching a salmon in the fast-flowing water looked somewhat slim. However, using a large multi-coloured fly hand-tied by his grandfather, my son Edward managed to catch a fine-looking 12lb salmon. After pausing briefly to take a photo, the hook was carefully removed and the salmon was successfully released back into the river.

A rainbow over Melrose; spoils from a foraging expedition; Edward Hopson with a 12lb salmon; the ruins of Melrose Abbey

Often when walking in the area around Melrose, particularly just after it has been raining, the quality of the light appears different from the south of England and one can see further and with increased clarity. Objects several miles away, such as large trees on the skyline, seem to be clearer than a similar scene down south. I am sure this increased clarity of vision is real and not imagined – perhaps it’s due to lower levels of air pollution? I wonder whether this is a phenomenon shared by other Out & About readers? If you haven’t visited these parts of Scotland, I would highly recommend it – a much-needed breath of fresh air in these uncertain times.

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FASHION Winter warmers

Inside....

CLOCKWISE FROMTOP CENTRE WALLIS RED CHEVRON STRIPE JUMPER £28 | M&S COLLECTION JUMPER £99 | WALLIS BLUE STUD SHOULDER JUMPER £25 | DP CAMEL OVERSIZED SWEATSHIRT £18 | MATALAN PINK PUFF CABLE JUMPER £16 | FIFI&MOOSE SUNCOO EVER COAT FAUX FUR £199.95 | DOROTHY PERKINS TALL RED HEART TIGER PRINT JUMPER £24

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O&A WINTER 2020

FASHION

LEFT MATALAN FAIRISLE JUMPER £20 AND M&S COLLECTION TROUSERS £39.50 CENTRE M&S COLLECTION JUMPER £29.50 AND PRIMARK CHECK PULL ON PEG £10 RIGHT M&S COLLECTION JUMPER £29.50 AND MISS SELFRIDGE KHAKI WIDE LEG TROUSERS £32

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O&A WINTER 2020

FASHION

Winter warmers ... and out

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CLOCKWISE FROMTOP LEFT PRIMARK TEXTURED CROMBIE £35 | MONSOON ROSALINE MILITARY LONG £150 | MATALAN CAMEL TEDDY LONGLINE £40 | MATALAN BLUE COAT £35 | FIFI & MOOSE SUNCOO MANTEAU EMERIC COAT FAUX FUR £269.95 | PRIMARK BLUSH SUEDE MAC £30

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O&A WINTER 2020

FASHION

COAT: GISELLE FAUX FUR TRIM MAXI MONSOON £250 FACE COVERINGS: ACESSORIZE LEOPARD/ FLORAL FACE COVERING £5 | MISS SELFRIDGE GREEN AND BLACK 2 PACK FACE COVERINGS £10 BAGS: DEICHMANN BLACK CROC SHOULDER BAG, £14.99 | DEICHMANN LIGHT PINK CROC MINI TOTE BAG, £12.99 FOOTWEAR: RIGHT, WALLIS TAN SIDE ZIP HIGH LEG BOOT £69 | LEFT, WALLIS GREY DOUBLE BUCKLE ANKLE BOOT £39

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O&A WINTER 2020

A PASSION FOR ALL THINGS FLORAL

BEAUTIFUL BESPOKE CHRISTMAS WREATHS, TABLE CENTRES & CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

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O&A WINTER 2020 12

Out&About wellbeing

HEALTH & BEAUTY

It is easy for winter skin to get dehydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps, but you still have to battle against the cold winds outside and artificial warmth from indoor heating. Here are some suggestions to treat your skin from head to toe

Feeling smooth

Skin Republic knows how to soften you up

S kin Republic offers a range of scientifically formulated, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested products that combine the latest advances in skin care with nature’s restorative properties. Specific, targeted treatments combat a range of concerns such as ageing, dark circles, spots and blemishes, pigmentation, hydration and toning. Concentrated ingredients nourish, rejuvenate and hydrate, helping to maintain healthy-looking, glowing skin. The range if cruelty free and not tested on animals. Average price £5

Carmex balm prevents chapping Lip smacking

O riginally created in 1937 by Alfred Woelbing as a remedy for his dry, chapped lips, Carmex has become one of the world’s most loved lip balms with more than 130 sold every minute. Carmex’s unique formula soothes, moisturises, and relieves resulting in soft, healthy-looking lips with added SPF in some of the range for extra protection against the environment. Carmex’s ‘little yellow pot’ has been considered a cult classic in the lip care category with its iconic tingle for instant and long-lasting relief. Carmex lip balm is now available in squeezable tubes and sticks in addition to Alfred’s original pot with a range of flavours including the best-selling Cherry and Strawberry. Available from Superdrug, Boots and online. Prices start from £1.95 for a tube

G rass Roots is a new ethical and luxury skincare brand. It is cruelty-free, vegan friendly, contains natural ingredients and made in the UK. Bottles are recyclable and a percentage of profits are donated to PAPYRUS – prevention of young persons’ suicide. Contains cannabinoids (CBD) which has anti- inflammatory properties, to help to soothe the skin and reduce redness. CBD also helps to retain moisture and encourages cells to repair, making it perfect for all skin types. Available online at www.grassrootsskin.com

Back to your roots...

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O&A WINTER 2020

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O&A WINTER 2020 14

Out&About wellbeing

FITNESS

VICKI BROWN empowers you with tools to help you stay on top of your movement and overall wellbeing during winter

W inter is more challenging at the best of times when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but 2020 could be even harder. I’m going to show you some small techniques that you can turn to when the need arises – you can do them alone or team up with friends and family. Here are some things that you might like to try: • Try a digital detox for a week to help with sleep – do not take your phone into the bedroom and/or stop using your phone after a set time each evening. •Go to sleep and wake up at a similar time every day for a week. • Walk 10,000 steps a day for a week – or set your own target lower or higher that works as a personal achievable challenge. • Choose a different form of movement for each day of the week. • Meditate for 10 minutes every day. • Keep a journal for a month. • Complete 5 minutes of movement every day after you get up. • Each week have a self-care routine: light a candle, take a bath, read a book. • Get in touch with a different friend or family member each week to connect with others. • Join some online classes or challenges to help stay accountable through the winter months (The LiveFitNow Club is entirely online) 5-minute movement routines Strength: Focus on each of these movements for one minute (rest as needed) Squats

let your hands and head hang heavy, legs straight

2 Quad stretch – take hold of your foot in your hand, bringing your foot up behind you towards your buttocks, stand up tall, knees drawn together 3 Chest stretch – put your hands on your lower back and gently squeeze your elbows towards each other 4 Neck stretches – chin to chest, look to ceiling, ear to shoulder repeating on both sides, look over your shoulder repeating on both sides) 5 Reach up towards the ceiling (stand tall, reaching your fingertips up towards the ceiling) challenges? Warning: may cause competitiveness and pre-event training requirement. 1 Who can hold a plank (safely) for the longest time? 2 Who can hold a wall sit – legs at 90 degrees – for the longest time? 3 Who can do the most press ups in one minute? 4 Who can do the most burpees in one minute? 5 How about a game of charades? Movement does not have to feel like exercise, in fact it can be fun. 6 Have a ‘dance off’. Plan and practice some moves and hold a mini group competition. Zoom Party Game Ideas How about some movement Give yourself time and space when you need to. Know that you can take control of a few simple things to help your own health and wellbeing. Have a think about what you want to do, and buddying up with people who want to achieve similar outcomes can help you to enjoy the process even more.

“buddying up with people who want to achieve similar oucomes can help you to enjoy the process even more”

Cardio: Each movement can be complete high or low impact, focus on each for one minute.

High knees Star jumps

Sidestep Burpees Mountain climbers

Calf raises Press ups Tricep dips Sit ups

Stretch: (take your time in each position, at least 20-30 seconds) 1 Hang down towards the floor –

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

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O&A WINTER 2020

Traditional High Quality Local Christmas Turkeys

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2019 Great Taste Award for a Whole Turkey

O&A WINTER 2020 16

At the end of what has been such a strange and difficult year for us all, the Community Furniture Project in Bone Lane, Newbury, is looking forward to providing some much-needed Christmas cheer ! Once again, we are working with Swift Logistics Group to ensure that children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds won’t miss out over Christmas. The Christmas Toy Appeal collects and distributes new, un-used gifts to children up to the age of 19. Gifts will be on display upstairs at the Furniture Project between 1st - 24th December. Parents and carers referred by West Berkshire Council and other agencies working to support young children, will be able to visit during our opening hours, 9am – 12.30pm and 1.30 – 5pm, Monday to Friday, to make their selections. The week before Christmas, we will be serving Christmas lunches every day for our dedicated team of supported volunteers. The supported volunteers, who have learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health issues, take part in skills training sessions provided by our Training and Community Support Centre, next door to the Furniture Shop. Many of them are members of our ‘Kitchenwise’ cookery training project and are looking forward to helping their Training Officers to peel and cook hundreds of sprouts during the week! Stuck for gift ideas for family and friends? The Furniture Project always stocks a great range of donated, pre-used items, including bikes, books, pictures, mirrors, ceramics, glass and other bric-a-brac, which make ideal ‘environmentally-friendly’ Christmas presents. The shop also has a wide selection of Christmas decorations on offer. All our staff and volunteers would like to wish readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming you to the Furniture Project in 2021, when we hope life will eventually be able to return to normal again. CHRISTMAS CHEER AT THE COMMUNITY FURNITURE PROJECT

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

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O&A WINTER 2020

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O&A WINTER 2020 18

MENTAL HEALTH Chief Officer Healthwatch West Berkshire ANDREW SHARP explains some of the issues around mental health and why your experience matters Out&About wellbeing

W ith a second lockdown in progress and the UK in the grip of a second wave of Covid-19 we are all facing further restrictions. Over the coming weeks, difficulties in navigating our everyday life will return and concerns over mental health issues will increase. Our opportunities to see family and friends are being curbed and with this our most basic need for human contact, from a simple hug to the desire to mix with like-minded people at a football match or gig, will be limited. These simple things can have an enormous effect on our mental health. Healthwatch West Berkshire (HWWB) is your statutory health and social care champion – and for the last three years has put mental health as its top priority. We launched our ground-breaking Thinking Together events to enable the public, carers and those with mental health issues to discuss local services. In the four events, while working with a range of organisations, including Open for Hope, Thatcham, Eight Bells and Recovery in Mind, along with the Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), West Berkshire Council teams and other statutory bodies, we have heard from our community about a range of topics, most notably how services respond in a crisis. Our last Thinking Together event focussed solely on crisis services, highlighting gaps and leading to a full review of crisis services in West Berkshire by the CCG, with new services coming on stream to help people in the greatest need. HWWB also highlighted how physical

A Thinking Together event in Newbury

Our opportunities to see family and friends are being curbed and with this our most basic need for human contact, from a simple hug to the desire to mix with like-minded people at a football match or gig, will be limited

health is often neglected, how annual checks for people with serious mental issues have been implemented nationally and how the removal of bus passes had worsened mental health recovery. Additionally, we started to investigate Child Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the lengthy waiting times for help. The key for Healthwatch, as the public’s champion, is that we hear from the public, carers, friends and families. It’s vital that we are told what works well and what doesn’t, as well as what changes might make a difference. This enables us to take the public’s voice to those who make decisions

about services, to help improve how services are run, discover any gaps – and find out what works well and needs rolling out further. So, if you have any feedback, positive or negative, about mental health services in West Berkshire, or would like to attend a Thinking Together virtual event or volunteer for HWWB, contact us via the details below.

Healthwatch West Berkshire, Broadway House, 4-8 The Broadway, Newbury, RG14 1BA, Mon-Fri 9.30-5pm E: contact@healthwatchwestberkshire.org.uk | T: 01635 886210 | www.healthwatchwestberks.org.uk

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O&A WINTER 2020

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O&A WINTER 2020 20

Out&About wellbeing

EDUCATION There are techniques for suppressing the chemistry in our brains that causes stress. AMANDA BAILEY offers some tips to combat the festive ‘slump’

T his year’s World Mental Health Day campaign called for an increase in investment in mental health, with the Director General of WHO stating: “World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for the world to come together and begin redressing the historic neglect of

Bubble pots, pin wheels, blow football and karaoke toys will all help your child connect with the breath. Gifts such as dance mats, bikes, trampolines, scooters, scooter boards,

Avoid the winter ‘slump’ over the festive period Start by noting how you’re feeling on a scale from 1- 10, then engage in some activity • a walk, a bike ride/scoot • enjoy a sing-along and/or a family dance party to some favourite Christmas songs • play a fun game • have a comical Christmas-themed photo shoot or make a Christmas greetings video and send to friends and family. After the activity, score yourself again from 1-10. Did the scores increase? If so, you will have experienced improved vagal tone.

skipping and jump ropes are sure to encourage movement that will promote calmness. Christmas is a time of celebration and, for many, food is an important component. The vagus nerve is the major communication system between the gut and brain, sending signals in both directions. In animal studies it has been shown that heightened emotions and stress inhibit the signals sent through the vagus nerve and also cause gastrointestinal problems. A small study of people with irritable bowel syndrome and mild-to-moderate anxiety found that taking a probiotic for six weeks significantly improved symptoms. In addition to probiotics other groups of foods specifically beneficial for the gut-brain axis are Omega-3 fats, found in oily fish, fermented foods like yogurt and cheese and high-fibre foods such as grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Polyphenol-rich foods like cocoa, dark chocolate and olive oil also promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, as well as tryptophan-rich foods, such as turkey, eggs and cheese, which contain amino acids that are converted into the feel-good chemical, serotonin. As the festive season approaches, try and foster good vagal tone through carefully chosen gifts, food and activities for your nearest and dearest.

mental health.” We are forever

discovering how the brain works and the inbuilt mechanisms that exist to help us manage feelings of anxiety. And practitioners in the field of mental health use that knowledge to devise a range of strategies to help us when we feel overwhelmed or anxious. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many changes to our day-to-day lives, often accentuating difficulties and challenges we already face or bringing altogether different and, often, unexpected ones. Most of us are familiar with the automatic ‘fight or flight’ reaction when we feel anxious, upset or unhappy, as the body releases stress hormones, adrenalin and cortisol thanks to the incongruously named sympathetic nervous system. Far fewer are well acquainted with the parasympathetic nervous system, the rest and digest system that uses the brain’s vagus nerve to suppress the chemistry that causes stressful feelings and the associated thoughts and actions that go with it. Vagus is Latin for wanderer and these nerve endings quite literally wander through the body to the important organs triggering ‘happy’ chemicals – endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and

oxytocin – with them enabling fight and flight to decline and rest-and- digest, ie calm, to increase. Unlike the release of adrenalin, which is automatic, the vagus nerve has to be activated. Thankfully this can be achieved in many ways, including having a cold shower, singing, laughing, stretching, meditation, deep, slow breathing, massage, hugging, walking, cycling and running. The vagus nerve can be stimulated ‘in the moment’, or continuously, thus ensuring that this nerve is functioning optimally – so-called ‘good vagal tone’ – in decreasing the likelihood of heightened emotions in our daily lives. With Christmas in mind, you could choose gifts and activities for your children to promote good vagal tone, helping to reduce adrenalin levels and increase calmness and relaxation. You might build a comfort and calm box for those ‘in the moment’ surges of adrenalin, with stocking fillers, such as fidget cubes and spinners, glitter wands, liquid timers, kaleidoscopes and sensory balls.

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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O&A WINTER 2020

IMAGE CONSULTANCY Are you feeling lost with your image and bored of how you look? VANESSA BESTWICK specialises in helping people to look and feel fabulous

F ed up of having a wardrobe full of clothes, but nothing to wear? Newbury-based Image Consultant, Vanessa Bestwick can help you improve your image no matter what your age, shape or size. As a strategic consultant who has studied the science of styling and creating outfits to enhance an individual’s appearance, Vanessa focuses on refinement, building on what you

Wearing the right colours can make you look younger, healthier and refreshed

already have and eliminating what you no longer need. Her services include: colour analysis, personal styling, wardrobe detox and personal shopping. In addition, she now offers all of these services online, which is the perfect ‘pick-me-up’ during these unprecedented times. Vanessa explains: “When styling clients I

and lifestyle. Being confident is largely about self- acceptance, learning to like yourself and what you see in the mirror. I help you put in place strategies that make you feel good, such as nice clothes and outfits. Together we create a capsule wardrobe that is

functional and designed to suit your lifestyle. Q What are this season’s colour trends?

take into account individual characteristics, such as style personality, body shape and proportions. I apply colour theory to assessment processes to determine which colours suit clients the best based on their complexion, eyes and hair. “I use specifically designed tools and strategies to ensure that colour assessments are accurate. This ensures that an individual’s colour palette reflects their physical characteristics and personality. Human and colour psychology are also central to what I do. “Each client presents their own set of individual characteristics, so a ‘one- size-fits-all’ approach just doesn’t work. My consultations are bespoke by nature as I take time to really ensure that clients learn and understand how their colour palette can be used to enhance their look.” These are some of the questions Vanessa frequently gets asked: Q How can I look better and feel more confident? Becoming confident is not about trying to conform to a particular mould or style rather it’s a case of exploring what’s really right for you. It is essential with personal styling that clients work towards creating an image and wardrobe that reflects their unique physical characteristics – body shape, proportions, colour palette – personality

Some of the key colours I am seeing include navy blue, yellow, orange, red, olive and classic neutrals such as beige – they are definitely making their presence known this season. In terms of colour schemes ‘Complementary’ colour styling is evident. This involves mixing colours that sit on opposite sides of the colour wheel, such as purple with yellow or blue with orange. Monochromatic style, a style using various, shades, tints and tones of one hue, is extremely popular, e.g. mixing red with pink or orange. Q How should I embed trends into my wardrobe? I work under the 80:20 rule, where 80 per cent of your wardrobe consists of key staples you will wear time and time again. The other 20 per cent you can play with and have fun with colour trends. Q I am worried about going out at the moment due to health conditions, can you still help me? Yes. I can use Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams. I can even go shopping for you to help build your wardrobe. Accessing my virtual services can really aid mental health and the sessions are not only informative, but also fun. You can also interact with me via my Instagram and Facebook blogs for additional inspiration and support.

Contact Vanessa Bestwick Telephone: 07939688088 Email: vanessabestwickstylist@gmail.com Fb: www.facebook.com/vanessabestwickimageconsultant Instagram: www.instagram.com/sassy_in_preloved

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Out&About advertorial

IMAGE CONSULTANCY COMPETITION

Win a personalised colour analysis

D iscover your ‘WOW’ colours and instantly look healthier and younger. n Feeling lost with your style and don’t know where to begin? n Going through divorce/separation and need a confidence boost? n Raising children and putting yourself second for too long? n Wasting money on lots of clothes, but still never having anything to wear? n Fancy a change, an update and refresh? n Need to progress up the career ladder but you feel your image/ personal branding is holding you back? n Need help planning your outfit for a special event? – wedding, birthday, prom, party, races n Fancy a treat, something just for you? Colour can have a huge impact on the way we look and feel, and the way people perceive us. Did you know that wearing the right colours can make you look younger, healthier and refreshed? However, it’s not just about making a great visual impression on others, it’s also about how we feel on the inside. Colour analysis will also give you a huge motivation and confidence boost. Most importantly, it will lead you to look and feel fabulous! There is also a financial gain because once you know your colours, you will stop wasting money on clothes that don’t suit you and spend less on make-up and accessories. I aim to offer services that are affordable and accessible to all. In addition, I like to support local retailers. I have recently teamed up with DAJ Collection in Newbury. On a larger scale, my Instagram blog @ sassy_in_preloved encourages people to create outfits by combining new clothes with old and pre-loved.

NB: Face-to-face colour analysis services are delivered in line with Government COVID guidelines. Virtual services are offered as an alternative if deemed appropriate.

Colour analysis competition

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

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

For your chance to win a personalised colour analysis consultation with Vanessa answer the following question: Which Newbury store has Vanessa recently teamed up with? Send your answer on the form to Colour Analysis competition, Out & About , Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2AD. The closing date for entries is Thursday, December 10. For O&A terms and conditions please see p5.

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

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

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

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GIFT GALLERY

Santa gets a Second Job by Michele D’Ignazio Times are tough for Santa. He’s tightened his belt, made the reindeer redundant and now it’s time to get a second job. This is a hilariously and heart-warming festive adventure about the true

Just one of those days by Jill Murphy A new picture book from award-winning author and illustrator, Jill Murphy. Full of satisfying read-aloud repetition and rhythm Hardback RRP £12.99

message of Christmas. Paperback, RRP £7.99

Poems to save the world with, chosen and illustrated by Chris Riddell A gift of poetry

Little book worms

and gorgeous illustration to

galvanize, uplift and inspire the reader through these interesting and challenging times. Hardback RRP £12.99

Kidnap on the California Comet by M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman, illustrated by Elisa Page Board the California Comet for its three day journey from Chicago to San Francisco, and help Harrison Beck to solve another heart-stopping mystery in the second Adventures on Trains story, Paperback RRP £6.99

Too much stuff by Emily Gravett

The Kate Greenaway winning author’s brilliantly inventive and funny woodland story about a magpie couple.

They hoard and they hoard for their new home, adding everything from cuckoo clocks to mops and socks, until, crash, the inevitable happens. With gentle messages about the perils of consumerism and that having too much stuff doesn’t bring happiness. Hardback RRP £12.99

Counting creatures by Julia Donaldson and Sharon King-Chai

A fun and visually stunning interactive counting book full of gorgeous baby animals, with shaped pages, flaps and fold-outs to marvel over. This is a gorgeous book to treasure and a companion to Animalphabet. Hardback RRP £14.99

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Giving back

Tom Savano Christmas hampers Collaborating with other small, owner-run artisan food producers, Tom Savano has created five different craft food and drink hampers with all profits raised going to the Trussell Trust, feeding impoverished families. The hampers cater for a variety of lifestyles – a vegan/GF one, a fit mind, body and soul one, a chocolatey one, a boozy one and a classic family one. To gift the perfect Christmas hamper to family and friends this year and give a little love and kindness to those who need it most, simply head to www.tomsavano.com/savexmas

FestiveFoodies

Seville Orange Marmalade Distilled Gin Liqueur Made in a traditional copper still to create a deep, dark and warming blend of bitter orange, molassed sugar and botanically rich hand crafted gin, with a truly distinctive flavour. It’s perfect drunk neat, over ice or simply with some tonic added for a longer drink. This liqueur has been made in partnership with the Spirit of Masham Distillery, a small, craft batch distillery based in the North Yorkshire town of Masham. RRP £29.95/35cl/20% ABV)

Almond & Orange Mincemeat

from Rosebud Preserves A great twist on a British classic. Simply prepared with fresh Bramley apples, plump

vine fruits, lively citrus and a measure of brandy. This mincemeat does not contain any suet so it is suitable for vegetarians. Raisins, apples, currants, unrefined sugar, sultanas, lemon juice and zest, orange juice and zest 8%, candied peel, almonds 5%, brandy 1.5%. RRP £4.60/340g)

An Honesty Treat How about a gift voucher from Honesty? Let the food lover choose their own artisan food or use it at one of the Honesty Group’s cafes and restaurants www.honestygroup.co.uk

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Fun and games

Kikkerland Unicornhole For all unicorn lovers out there, here’s a new play on and old game. Fashioned after the classic corn-hole/ bag toss game. Game includes wooden board and horns. Makes a great gift for all ages. Perfect for the office or lunchroom. Can be played solo, or against a partner. RRP £28

The Emoji Game Emotions are sure to run high in this riotous family card game. Be the first to collect a full set of emotions but beware, the devious action cards may hamper your progress. RRP £7.99

Old-fashioned Fox & Geese A game of odds with unequal pieces and

different moves for each player. Will fate favour the fox or will luck run with the geese? Play the best of 2-5 games to see who really comes out victorious. RRP £29

Goat Yoga Game Players perform real yoga poses

while completing ridiculous challenges with an inflatable goat. From balancing the goat on your head to batting it in the air, to bleating the tune to a song...your game night is sure to be filled with belly laughs. RRP £22.99

Rubik’s Amazing Box of Tricks Marvin’s Magic proudly presents an exclusive magic set celebrating the 40th anniversary of the world famous Rubik’s Cube! Includes 40 superb tricks ideal for 8 years old plus. Rubik’s Box of 40 Amazing Magic Tricks includes Instant solve, Mind reading puzzle cube, Jumping cubes and many more. RRP £24.99

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Because you care

Linen Union Tea Towel, Flora & Fauna Calendar 2021 Designed by talented UK illustrator and florist Holly Lines. This lovely fresh design, with a mixture of mainly flowers and insects is made in the UK and printed on white linen union. RRP £11.50 www.home-landing.co.uk

Giving back

Cheese serving dome & ceramic platter A porcelain cheese serving platter with a mouthblown glass dome, the perfect cheese serving accessory. Features the Paxton & Whitfield logo along with the names of a series of classic cheeses. It comes presented in a branded hat box. RRP £50 paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

Little Cooks Co A great gift for parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts etc to give to children this Christmas.

It’s a stay at home fun, educational activity, with a proven track record of being able to continue delivering during lockdown. There is also a giving back element – every box bought pays for a vulnerable school child in the UK to receive a healthy breakfast through its partnership with the charity Magic Breakfast.

Pricey but nice

Subscription boxes are available to purchase at www.littlecooksco.co.uk From £8.33 a month

Chococo’s Mug to Hug & Hot Chocolate Gift Set A lovely way to send someone a virtual hug – Chococo enamel hug mug and tube of 70% Madagascar origin dark chocolate flakes, all wrapped in compostable cellophane. Vegan-friendly if made with any plant milks. www.chococo.co.uk RRP £17.50/mug + 125g dark chocolate flakes

Lewis Hamilton 2020 1:2 scale helmet An essential collector’s item for Lewis Hamilton fans the 1:2 scale helmet, replicates his 2020 Testing helmet used in Barcelona. Made by a team of skilled craftsmen, the Lewis Hamilton helmet shell, interior and visor have been created using similar materials to the real racing helmets worn by the F1 drivers. RRP £125 www.F1Authentics.com

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Subscribe to 2021

Subscribe now so you don’t miss an edition £10.50 for four editions delivered to your door from March 2021(March/June/September/November) delivered to mainland UK only

FREE

Spring2018

West Berkshire, North Hampshire & East Wiltshire

A Newbury News Ltd publication

A symphony of music Newbury’s flagship festival turns 40

WIN a pair of tickets to see Sansara and pre-show dinner plus

Facing the stalker AuthorVanessa Lafaye

Walking with alpacas Join the Wyld Court trek

Fashion Food Features Gardening Travel Competitions

Email: subscriptions@newburynews.co.uk to register or fill in your details below and send them to: Newbury Weekly News, Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2AD Name:.................................................... .................................................................................................................... Address: .................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode .................................................................................................................................................................. Telephone Number:................................................................................................................................................. Email: ........................................................................................................................................................................

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O&A WINTER 2020 28

For the past 20 years local photographer and former GP, Paul Sievers has contributed to the Newbury Cancer Care annual calendar which has raised over £50,000 for the charity. He has now curated his photography of West Berkshire into this beautiful book. The book has a front cover illustrating Highclere Castle and has been generously sponsored by The Storey Charitable Trust. It is available at £20 with all proceeds going to Newbury Cancer Care.

̴̴̲̳ ÜīƋƔƤơō JĺìƇƒ ͝ òƜĖƣƋ ͝ rŞŊƖƕƲŚ ͝ 8ljƌĺƲıƇƚƩĺƮ – ‹÷΀ō÷ ƎƋƲƥ Śĺ ƎƋƬŊ ƟƯŞ

Calendars are £7 and books are £20 – Further information is on our website or call the office on 01365 31542 Not only is the book a delightful collection of pictures covering the seasons & events in our locality, but you will know that the money raised from the book is going to a support a valuable West Berkshire service helping to fund our ongoing operations (transport, therapies, grants & signposting) for those in West Berks diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.

Here to support you For help call us 01635 31542 office@newburycancercare.org.uk www.newburycancercare.org.uk Charity no. 1157796

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Off the naughty step In November 2019, Richard Benyon stepped down as MP for Newbury after serving his consituents for 14 years. He tells GERALDINE GARDNER what life is like after politics, that he doesn’t miss being on the naughty step and how his new unstructured life has never been busier

R ichard Benyon is looking He absentmindedly strokes his dog Willa’s ear as he looks back on what has been an extraordinary year for everyone, but one which has been the start of a new chapter for him personally. “I never thought of politics as a job for life, but I have always been fascinated by it and feel very privileged to have been involved as Newbury’s MP – and for so long.” After a career in the Army in the early 80s, he studied at the Royal Agricultural University, then worked as a Land Agent and qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. His political career began in 1991 when he stood as a councillor. “I had no amibitions then of becoming an MP, but when the opportunity arose, I felt it was the right time and the right place. “Just as standing down in 2019 felt right - although had the General Election been held in a couple of years time, as it should have been, I would have hung on.” His last few months as an MP were not without controversy. When, in September 2019, he could not support the government and sided with 20 other Tory rebels on a crucial Brexit vote he was “put on the naughty step” for a while, although he did eventually have the whip reinstated. “That is something I will not miss,” he says. “Those 10pm calls from the whips office telling you to come in now for a vote. “Especially on your wedding anniversary!” he adds ruefully – another naughty step moment. During his 14-year career as an MP, he was Parliamentary Under Secretary relaxed and happy as we chat in his study at Englefield House.

And what about personal achievements – what is he most proud of from his time in parliament? “I think – and I hope – that I helped many people on a local level, but on a national level it would have to be the Natural Environment White Paper which was published in 2012. “It will take a generation to bear fruit, but it fundamentally showed a way to change our approach to conservation and instill a better understanding of the importance of nature and of looking after our natural resources.” The environment and nature is evident in the many new projects he is now involved in. “When I first decided to retire as an MP, I didn’t really have a plan as to what was next. “I knew I would get involved in charity work and I am now on the board of three close to my heart – Plantlife UK, Blue Marine Foundation and Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and an adviser to two environmental consultancies.” He has long been an advocate of cleaning up the rivers and waterways and during his time as an MP wrote a report on marine conservation. “I now have a new friend – Feargal Sharkey – who is passionate about the importance of preserving our chalk streams and holding the big water companies to account.” Feargal Sharkey was the lead singer of rock band The Undertones, before having a solo career. He then went on to become chief executive of UK Music. A keen angler, he has now turned his attention to cleaning up our water “The Environment Agency does what it can, but it’s all about priorities and Feargal’s voice is a tremendous asset to the campaign – and adds a bit of street cred!

of State for Natural Environment, Water and Rural Affairs, but was more recently happy to find a niche on the security committee, where his previous military experience came into its own. Does he miss anything about the cut and thrust of politics? “Honestly? Generally speaking, no, although I enjoyed tackling issues and just occasionally get a bout of FOMO - fear of missing out. “I am reminded of a song from the musical Hamilton – ‘I want to be in the room where it happens’. “I did enjoy sitting in the COBRA meetings where decisions were made, hearing all the arguments for and against, visiting GCHQ, MI6 and the like. “But I think the biggest thing I miss – and this is going to sound a bit of a clich é – is the range of people I got to meet on a daily basis within the constituency.

“I’m reminded of a song from the musical Hamilton – ‘I want to be in the room where it happens’.”

“It’s something I’ve often talk about with Laura [Farris, who succeeded him as Newbury’s MP]. You meet such amazing people, from the lollipop lady who has been quietly getting on with her job, to the charity stalwart who is recognised in the honours list and all the incredible companies and organisations. “It really is a huge privilege.”

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