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wallingford FEBRUARY 2023

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Discover books and authors at literature festivals, enjoy escapism and treat yourself to some ‘me time’

care supplement

Help to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones 'bring on the youth!'

Winter Recitals in Wallingford look forward to welcoming up and coming music stars

COMpetitions

Three nights in luxury Devon shepherd’s hut £250 of handmade designer jewellery

Q&A

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KATE MOSSE

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W HAT ' S I N SI D E

Contents FEBRUARY 2023 | Vol. 30 | No. 2

5 Community spotlight

25 Care choices

6 Bringing pieces together

38 Lots of love

8 Warm up winter

42 The art of the author

12 Meet a revolutionary

44 Competitions

19 Book your seat

48 Classified

Local news and charity events

Chess at Corn Exchange

Recitals in Wallingford

Enjoying your later life

Valentine's gift ideas

8

Q&A with Kate Mosse

Science meets spirituality

Literature festivals in 2023

Free to enter online

42

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AB OUT US

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Your Community events and activities

Love is in the air... Valentine’s Day is looming, as you might have noticed thanks to the shop windows festooned in hearts. But, of course, love takes many forms, even more powerful than romance. As you can see on these very pages (plus our online & abuzz on our social media feed) there is so much care of all kinds in the community. There are many ways to connect & show you care close to home. eeling energetic?! If so, I invite you to step up to join the virtual 2,100 squats challenge in honour of our Armed Forces community. Your fundraising could help provide emergency accommodation for a veteran in need, food vouchers for a family facing hardship, or training for dementia nurses. To sign up & pledge your support, please visit britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved ˜˜˜ How's your garden growing? Benson Garden Club members have been busy, including enjoying a talk by award-winning garden designer Christine Gibbs. Last year they introduced some initiatives, including a seed swap and Flower of the Month competition as well as organising more highlights, such as Charlotte Popescu In Praise of Apples on Thursday 2nd February. On 2nd March Pip Smith will be Nuts About Narcissus. A landscape architect with over 13 years’ experience working as a horticulturist, Pip has been head gardener at several private and public gardens, most recently at Wollerton Old Hall in Shropshire. On 30th March Michael Holland will give a talk, Saucy & Spicy, from his Tales From the Fruit Bowl.

˜˜˜ My local stars of the month are nine-year-old Albie Logan and his mum Claire who would love your help. Albie had a difficult start in life, contracting meningitis hours after his tricky delivery. Thanks to his strength, he beat the odds to survive his early days but was left with severe disabilities following a stroke, and cerebral palsy. When Albie was 18 months old he underwent surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital to help ease his seizures, life has not been an easy ride since but, "he started to become the happy boy he was meant to be," says Claire, "and his development started to take off." Could you help Albie live life to the full by donating towards a fund to buy him a Vanraam bike? Visit just4children.org & search Albie Logan.

Talks are at Benson parish hall, doors 7.15pm for 7.45pm; £2 members, £5 visitors & no need to book. Visit bensongardeningclub.weebly.com or email [email protected]

d...Continued on page 10.

Tell us about your group’s activities and meetings by 2nd February Email [email protected] or visit www.Roundandabout.co.uk

JOIN US...

All information correct at time of going to press – in these uncertain times please do check with event organisers.

R&A | 5

TH EAT RE

Make your move

Hit musical Chess comes to the Corn Exchange, Tuesday 7th to Saturday, 11th March he Sinodun Players are once again partnering with Crescendo Productions to stage the hit musical Chess. Written by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus with lyrics by Sir Tim Rice, Chess is a true masterpiece of musical theatre. Often described as ‘the thinkingperson’s musical’, this energetic rock musical uses the ancient game of chess as a metaphor for romantic rivalries, competitive gamesmanship, the super-power politics and international intrigue of the Cold War era. The action takes place in and around the arenas of the World Chess Championships in Merano, Italy, and one year later in

Bangkok, Thailand. It’s a love story (a triangle) between characters whose lives are torn apart by powers they cannot control. Chess generated several hits, including I know Him So Well, One Night in Bangkok, Anthem and Pity the Child to name but a few.

Past collaborations between The Sinodun Players and Crescendo, who bring real West End experience and values, have been highly acclaimed. Recently The Sherman Show (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins), Guys and Dolls, The Showtime concerts, and the homegrown This is Jess. Chess will be no exception, with the full score from the original concept album being faithfully recreated and powerfully enacted by a talented cast, directed by Marilyn Johnstone, with Musical Direction by Rob Alderton. Tickets £18, under 18s £16, now on sale via the Box Office or online at cornexchange.org.uk

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MUS I C

Winter warmers Anita D’Attellis invites us all to book in to enjoy the upcoming highlights courtesy of the Winter Recitals Wallingford team n Saturday 11th February, oboist Ewan Millar, who won the televised Woodwind Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year 2020, will perform alongside Guylaine Eckersley on bassoon and Anita D’Attellis (piano). On Saturday, 25th February, a Bring On The Youth! concert will showcase soprano Elenor Vockins and violin virtuoso Tara Spencer, as well as Music Scholars from Queen Anne’s School. Prepare to be dazzled by these talented teenagers. And, in Le Grand Tango, on Saturday, 4th March, Argentinian cellist Leandro Silvera will play music from his homeland by Piazzolla. Joined by Anita, there are also works by Beethoven, Boulanger and Prokofiev.

go to Sue Ryder. This is a charity very close to my heart as they cared for my late husband, John Downing, when he was poorly in 2019 and 2020.” Elenor Vockins first discovered her love for singing with the Henley Youth Choir in 2017, and has since sung at the Chiltern Arts Festival, with Aliquando Chamber Choir and as soloist for the Henley Symphony Orchestra. Elenor performed in Garsington Youth Opera Company summer productions and in 2020, she received the Elizabeth Griffin Award for her performances at the Henley Youth Festival.

Anita says: “I set up Winter Recitals in 2018 out of a desire to play more chamber music and collaborate with many different musicians, while raising money for charity. Over the years there have been performances by several professional violinists, violists and cellists, a clarinettist, French horn player, trumpeter, trombonist, a soprano, and a saxophonist (Huw Wiggin).

Tara Spencer has just turned 17 and is studying A-levels at Farnborough Sixth Form College. She started playing the piano aged five and the violin a year later. She was awarded a place in the National Children’s Orchestra (NCO) aged 11 and successfully auditioned for the Junior department of the Royal Academy of Music in London in 2017. She has played in Berkshire Maestros ensembles since she was 10. She joined the Reading String Orchestra in 2016 and Camerata and Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO) the following year. She currently leads BYSO.

“Also, each year I put on a youth concert, choosing young talented soloists I have come into contact with through my accompanying work and school teaching. The charitable side is also very important to me, as half the proceeds

All recitals will take place at St Mary’s, Wallingford, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 (£5 for under-19s) with proceeds going to Sue Ryder and St Mary’s Church. For further details, please visit anitapiano.com/wrw23

8 | FEBRUARY 2023

R&A | 9

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Wallingford Photographic Club continues to offer a warm welcome with a mix of online and in-person meetings (the latter at Crowmarsh Pavilion). The club helps people of all ages and levels, meeting every Thursday at 7.30pm for 8pm (7.45pm competition evenings & online sessions). This month, Stephen Ball offers a virtual trip to Scotland via Zoom, the 9th features a popular members’ evening You Are The Judge, then on the 16th it's the Action! competition. On 23rd join JP Stones online for Storytelling For Photographers. For more highlights & info visit wallingfordphoto.club ˜˜˜

˜˜˜ Fancy some winter walking in the beautiful Chilterns? Join Henley and Goring Ramblers. There are two linear walks, from Cholsey and Goring on 4th February. You can enjoy a short snowdrop walk on 8th or a long one on 12th. Or get really fit on the Thursday walks, or enjoy one of the Nordic walks on 26th. The team have many more, usually about 25 walks each month! Please visit ramblers-oxon.org.uk/henleygoring or email [email protected] ˜˜˜ If you have something broken or needing repair, and would like help learning how to repair it, take it to the third Riverside Repair Café, Saturday 18th

February, 10am-1pm, in the garden of Eastgate House, 1 High Street, Wallingford. Access is via the Green Door opposite the Boat House, next to the bridge. Volunteer repairers will be there, rain or shine, to help you with woodwork, sewing, sharpening, bicycles, small electricals, china and more. See RiversideRepairCafe on Facebook for more info. NB all repairers are volunteers, so all repairs are free, but with no guarantees of success. ˜˜˜ Try your hand at watercolour painting by joining artist Denny Webb at her watercolour taster on Saturday, 11th February, at Ipsden village hall with all materials supplied. It's an ideal time for beginners to test drive watercolour, play with the paint and see if they would like to take it up as a hobby, painting moors & mountains, 10am to 1pm, with refreshments supplied. If you want to give the gift of creativity for Valentine's Day, ask about her beautifully designed certificates for workshops or artwork. Call Denny on 01491 680942, email [email protected] or visit dennywebb.com

Do you know about the South Oxfordshire Local Exchange and Trading Scheme? It's part of a national organisation of community-based mutual help networks and is local to Wallingford, Henley and surrounding

˜˜˜

d...Continued on page 16.

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“I contributed to this book to ensure people don’t give up on themselves, as I nearly did,” adds Nila. “Instead, to help them cultivate confidence.” For the last 20 years, Nila has worked in technology for companies such as Yahoo! and Sky as a behavioural product expert. “However, in 2016, after my sixth major operation and two late miscarriages, I felt small, stuck and sabotaged. I took the unorthodox decision to

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Roses are red, Violets are blue, ditch waste this Valentine’s Day, our planet needs you… Dave Lamont - Plastic Free Home, Wokingham

very year in the UK we send more than 25 million Valentine’s Day cards and spend an incredible £650million on gifts ranging from flowers to fragrances. It’s time to change that for the sake of our planet. Here are a few other ways you could mark Valentine’s Day a little differently this year… Cards: Consider hand making a card. Not feeling crafty? Get one printed on recycled or FSC (sustainable) paper, free of glitter and attachments and not wrapped in plastic. Even better if it’s from an independent retailer. Every card from 1treecards.com comes with a packet of wildflowers and sees a tree planted. Flowers: At this time of year, roses and other popular ones are typically flown in from the southern hemisphere and delivered to your door in a refrigerated van. Unless you’re very lucky, they’ll soon be on their last legs after several pints of water. Opt for a long lasting house plant (ideally grown in the UK) or something for the garden. Chocolates: The cacao used to make chocolate will typically have come from South America or Africa and may not be Fairtrade or sustainably / ethically produced. The majority will also contain Palm Oil and often highly packaged. Consider eco-conscious Divine Chocolate, Tony’s Chocolonely, Beyond Good and Traidcraft. Fragrances: Worldwide, over 4,000 different chemicals are used to produce fragrances and many of these are bad news for the planet. Aim to find a fragrance that’s made ethically and sustainably from 100% natural ingredients. Gift an experience: Plan a day out or a short UK break (revisit somewhere special or explore somewhere you’ve always wanted to go), go out for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, see a show or head to the cinema, do something sporty, book a surprise experience, offer to do something nice for your other half like cooking a meal or chores around the house... You get the idea! Remember who and what really matter this Valentine’s Day and show our planet a little love if you can too.

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districts. LETS enables members to exchange skills, goods and services without using money, a bit like an organised barter system. It's a helpful way of borrowing something you don’t have, such as a drill, tyre pump, ladder, canoe, a lawn-mower, a leaf-blower, china for a party... the list is endless. Or you might need a hand with DIY or gardening, or someone to water your plants when you’re on holiday, to feed your cat, give you a lift to the airport, ironing, or a special cake. Members trade using skills, goods and services and pay using a virtual currency, Castles. This voluntary, non-profit-making group, run and managed by the members, also organise social events, outings and a holiday. It's a very simple system that's worked for 20+ years. Email [email protected], or call Simon on 07758 550525. RG8 Badminton club finished another successful season, welcoming many new members. The last meeting of the year featured a fun tournament with a number of novelty rounds won by Julie Drury and Peter Baker, with the worthy runners-up Helen Kennard and Martin Page. They play at Langtree Community Sports Hall in Woodcote on Thursday evenings. New juniors (14 +) and adult members will be welcome. You just need to know the rules and basic shots (even if they

˜˜˜

don’t always work!). Juniors should have received some form of coaching. Fees are equivalent to £3 per session – half for juniors and the club is fully compliant with Badminton England Covid safety. To find out more visit rg8badminton.co.uk or call Julie on 07980 413026. ˜˜˜ The Winter Recitals Wallingford team continue to entertain music-lovers. Oboist Ewan Millar will perform on Saturday, 11th, alongside Guylaine Eckersley on bassoon and Anita D’Attellis on piano. On Saturday 25th, the Bring On The Youth! concert will star soprano Elenor Vockins and violin virtuoso Tara Spencer, as well as Music Scholars from Queen Anne’s School. The final concert, Le Grand Tango, takes place on Saturday 4th March, with Argentinian cellist Leandro Silvera as well as amazing Anita. All are at St Mary’s, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £15 (£5 for under-19s) with proceeds to Sue Ryder and St Mary’s. See our article & visit anitapiano.com/wrw23

Wallingford & District Art Club will hold an AGM on Tuesday, 21st February, followed by an illustrated talk by Robert Kidner on Art & The Night, a talk that promises to be fun and informative. Meet fellow art enthusiasts and maybe decide to join this friendly club. There's also an upcoming Saturday workshop in March on painting

˜˜˜

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B O O K S & A U T HO R S

Chapter

book can transport you to a new world, take you on adventures you’d never imagined and introduce you to characters you only wish you could meet – or not. J K Rowling, who has sold more than 500 million books worldwide with her stories of a certain young wizard, said “I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book” and she wasn’t just referring to Harry Potter and friends. That ‘magic’ shows no sign of letting up in an age where we are constantly surrounded by screens of one type and another with figures showing that in 2021, more than 212 million print books were sold. We delved into the realms of fantasy and sci fi doing battle in far away galaxies and lands, joined some formidable detectives to solve crimes – many of us no doubt unravelling more J K Rowling mysteries through her Strike series – and fell in love thousands of times with the escapism of a romance. The best-selling novel of 2021 was TV host Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club – hands up if you want to join crime-fighting pensioners Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim at Coopers Chase? Crime certainly pays for many - Agatha Christie is the best-selling novelist of all time through her detective tales of super sleuths, the dapper Belgian Hercule Poirot and the unassuming village busy body Miss Marple.

& verse “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading” writes Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice and if you couldn’t agree more then you’ll want to take your seat at one of this year’s literary festivals

She is outsold only by William Shakespeare (there are four billion copies of his works in circulation) and The Bible. As we turn the page into 2023 why not indulge in works by some of our finest novelists, historians and biographers at a literary festival. It’s just as well the Oxford Literary Festival runs for nine days from March 25th to April 2nd, there is such a wealth of talent on show you’d be hard pressed to make the most of it any other way! This year’s is the 26th and while there are far too many to name check, just to give you a taster, Al ‘the pub landlord’ Murray explores his second love, history, looking at military leadership during the Second World War. Crime writers Val McDermuid and Anthony Horowitz are at the Sheldonian and debating some of the biggest issues will be those including the UK’s Covid vaccine taskforce chair Kate Bingham. The festival also includes a host of events for children, R&A | 19

BOOKS & AUTHOR S

to town from September 28th to October 1st. More than 40 author talks and events were held last year at venues around town. Children enjoyed Jacqueline Wilson among others alongside free pop-up storytelling events while adults listened to a range of fiction and non-fiction topics from award-winning authors and debut writers. Details to follow for 2023, marlboroughlitfest.org If books and reading are your ‘thing’ then you won’t want to miss these festivals slightly further afield but regarded as some of the best in the field…

again featuring best-selling writers and well known names. For tickets and full programme visit oxfordliteraryfestival.org Dogs, a stately home, the Cuban missile crisis, crime and historical fiction were all on the agenda for Wantage Literary Festival in 2022 and they’ve already started on bookings for this year’s event in October. Planned and organised by a team of volunteers, the festival also features a charitable outreach programme bringing the wonder of words to the community with some free and reduced price events. The schools outreach programme will also return this year. Your suggestions are welcome for speakers, wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk Venues throughout Chipping Norton are preparing themselves for the 2023 ChipLitFest from April 27th to 30th. Previous years have yielded comments such as “an exceptionally welcoming festival”, “a lovely community feel – happy, smiling faces everywhere” and “so much variety, something for everyone”. In addition to talks, there are events for children and schools as well as workshops – truly offering something for everyone! Line up and ticket details at chiplitfest.com Marlborough Literature Festival celebrates the best of writing and books with events for all ages and tastes and this year comes 20 | FEBRUARY 2023

May brings The Bath Festival from 12th to 21st celebrating music and books in the beautiful city. Bath is also home to Europe’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival too which returns this year from September 29th to October 8th. Among those taking part last year were celebrity authors Dermot O’Leary, Rosie Jones and Richard Ayoade and previous Waterstones Children’s Laureates Michael Rosen and Cressida Cowell who all helped bring books and stories to life with a vibrant and varied programme for the whole family. Visit bathfestivals.org.uk/the-bath-festival The world’s first literature festival took place in Cheltenham so true devotees should definitely put October 6th to 15th in their diaries. Cheltenham Literature Festival leads the way in celebrating the written and spoken word, presenting the best new voices in fiction and poetry alongside literary greats and high-profile speakers. The 10-day programme is a mixture of ticketed events, free family activities and events and fringe events staged throughout the regency town. More at www. cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature Former US president Bill Clinton called Hay Festival the “Woodstock of the mind” and it has come a long way since it began in 1988 in a pub garden. It now attracts in excess of 100,000 bibliophiles over its 11 days, this year from May 25th to June 4th, featuring writers, poets, philosophers, historians, scientists, comedians and musicians in a large tented village on the outskirts of town with 10 venues, pop-up cafes, shops and restaurants. Some early bird events have already been revealed, with more to come, hayfestival.com

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á ...Continued from page 16.

landscapes in oil or acrylic, tutored by guest artist Paul Oakley. Email [email protected] or visit wallingfordartclub.org.uk ˜˜˜ Wallingford Patient Participation Group have asked me to pass on a heads-up about a health information morning, involving many organisations, on 25th March. Please pop the date in your diary & watch this space for more details next month.

You are invited to Wallingford Methodist Church Centre any Tuesday to socialise over games, puzzles and hot drinks. The warm space will open 12-4pm at the hall in St Leonard’s Square. From this month, the local heroes will offer the usual homemade two-course meal on the first Tuesday of the month, with a light lunch on the third Tuesday. Please email [email protected], or leave a message on 07818 660861.

˜˜˜

Cholsey Singing Circle invite you to enjoy an hour of beautiful harmony singing from many traditions, all taught by ear with no sheet music or accompaniment. It’s open to everyone and children and babies are welcome (take whatever they need but the singing is for you!) and for all abilities, no experience needed. Find

˜˜˜

your voice, make friends and let loose! £8 per session on Fridays 12.45-13.45pm, at The Great Hall in Cholsey Meadows. For more details visit upliftchoir.com There are more wildlife wonders to enjoy at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, OX14 4TE. Wild Connections (for adults) is the second Friday of the month, 10.30-noon, £3pp. On Saturday, 11th February, 10am-3.30pm there's Wild Weaving: Willow Bird Feeders (for adults). Half term (13th-16th February, 10am-2pm) features a dinosaur-themed family trail on the nature reserve for families with children aged between four and 11 years (£5 per child) and there's a Teen Practical Conservation Day on Friday 17th, 10am-3pm when 13-17-year-olds can learn some practical conservation techniques (£25). For more info, visit bbowt.org.uk

˜˜˜

PROBUS is an organisation for retired professional and business people. The South Oxfordshire group meet on the first Wednesday of each month at Shillingford Bridge Hotel for a drink, lunch and a speaker. They also organise social events for members and their partners, theatre, museum trips. If you are recently retired, new to the area or interested in joining, email chairman, John Edwards, on [email protected]

˜˜˜

d...Continued on page 36.

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DECIDED TO DIVORCE OR SEPARATE? WHAT NEXT? If you have made the difficult decision to divorce or separate from your partner, you may be wondering what to do next. There are a host of practical issues to consider, such as ‘what do we do about the children, our finances and the family home?’ At Slade Legal, our experienced family solicitors provide expert advice and support, tailored to your needs and circumstances - we are on your side when it can feel like nobody else is. We can help with all aspects of relationship breakdown, divorce, financial disputes and arrangements for you and your children. We can also help early on in a relationship if you are thinking about moving in together or getting married.

We are here for you, so please get in touch with our Family Law team today and find out how we can achieve a result that’s right for you.

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Award-winning care in Caversham Introducing Signature at Caversham, a brand new luxury care home providing outstanding facilities and exceptional care delivered by highly trained staff, who have a true passion for care. From spacious en-suite studio accommodation with kitchenettes to the expansive communal space including a pub, hair salon, restaurant and even a café - our residents can retain their independence in style. R ES IDENTI AL| NURSI NG| D E ME NTI A C AR E 

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CARE

Adult Care d Winter 2023

Man’s best friend

“Pets just make us feel happier” – the simple reason why many elderly people benefit from the companionship of an animal e are a nation of pet lovers and for many this doesn’t change just because you have to enter a care home – man’s best friend can become even more important at this time of life. Ill health, loneliness, depression and anxietyrelated issues can all make later life harder but pets can help ease the elderly through and studies have shown that interacting with a dog, cat, rabbit, ducklings and even fish can kindle memories about past experiences and provide an opportunity to talk.

One charity which knows a thing or two about the benefits our furry and feathered friends can bring is Oxfordshirebased Pets As Therapy who say a PAT pet can improve a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing, adding that there’s often an increased connection with carers and family too, and those living with dementia can feel energised and elated, “It comes down to a very simple truth: pets just make us feel happier”. The charity was founded in 1983 by dog owner and volunteer Lesley Scott-Ordish and as it enters its 40th year, its vision remains unchanged to ensure everyone has access to the companionship of a pet regardless of their circumstances. In addition to its work in care homes, Pets As Therapy also extends the services to schools, hospitals and prisons. More than 4,000 volunteers go out and about with their animal friends extending the paw or claw of friendship to day care centres, residential homes and hospices as well as the other facilities. Pets As Therapy volunteers are pet owners who give up their time to help, if you would like to help find out more and apply

d

R&A | 25

CARE

stroking their fur to watching their antics can have a very calming and reassuring benefit. Animal visits to care homes can bring back fond memories for residents, with many remembering previous pets or happy times with friends and family when they come face to face with visiting animals.

d Continued...

at petsastherapy.org/information/forvolunteers One such home company which has benefited from the love and attention of a PAT dog is Brendoncare which has homes in and around Alton and Winchester in Hampshire and at Froxfield near Marlborough. Staff and residents there have seen first hand the positive effects of the joy and companionship that animals can bring. Rebecca Spicer, Volunteer and Activity Manager at Brendoncare, said: “Wellbeing is so much more than the word games and outings. Bringing animals to show our residents adds an element of home: a visiting PAT dog, social farm experience or even a pet animal for the home adds to this. “Animals bring love and comfort to our residents, and for them the nurturing feeling of caring or parenting something is familiar. In practice all residents have a natural instinct to stroke a dog, hold a chick or pet a horse. It’s those integrated moments that are engrained in our memories that give us that warm fuzzy ‘good’ feeling in our tummy.” Animals offer unconditional love and companionship. Sometimes, they provide a level of companionship that people can’t and many find interacting with pets such as simply 26 | FEBRUARY 2023

Brendoncare Alton recall a recent visit by a range of farm animals which for one resident was a special afternoon as he reminisced about the pig farm he used to run and remembered precious memories for him and his family – whilst stroking a pig! Animals give residents a break in routine and something they can look forward to. But that’s not all – research suggests that animals and their calming nature and affection can offer health benefits such as lowering people’s blood pressure and heart rate, increasing levels of oxytocin (the stress-reducing hormone) and decreasing the production of the stress hormone cortisol. Brendoncare say that while they love seeing their residents’ excitement when they get to hold a duckling or stroke a donkey, their lovely smiles aren’t the only benefit of petting these animals. Stroking an animal’s fur/feathers, hearing their unique sounds, holding them in their lap, feeding them and grooming them are all interactions which provide great sensory stimulation for residents and are particularly beneficial for people with dementia. Brendoncare Park Road in Winchester helped welcome some baby ducklings into the world and alongside the familiar caring and nurturing aspects that bring back familiar feelings, cuddling and petting the ducks also provided sensory stimulation. Find out more at brendoncare.org.uk In addition to the work of charities such as Pets As Therapy in care homes, many residential homes welcome residents to bring their much-loved pets with them with they move in recognising the benefits to older people – improving mental wellbeing, decreased dementia rates, a sense of purpose and fun.

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ssistance from the Bank of Mum and Dad is often welcome by couples stepping on the first rung of the property ladder. As you embark on this new adventure, we can ensure that your parent’s money is returned to them if the property is sold (e.g. if your relationship with your partner sadly breaks down). Once you have settled into your new home, it is important to remember that it is likely to be your most valuable asset. Therefore, we would advise that you make a Will so that your home is inherited by your loved ones upon your death. If you and your partner start a family, we will happily revisit your Will to consider your children, and any children from a previous relationship, in order to reflect your changing circumstances.

Delivering outstanding compassionate care We provide quality care for adults over 18 with a high level of personal care and friendship. Our aim is to support service users in every way we can to help them live independently. We cover areas around Oxfordshire including but limited to: Warborough, Benson, Dorchester, Wallingford, Nettlebed, Sonning Common, Henley on Thames, Stoke Row and surrounding areas.

As you become more established, you may decide to purchase an additional investment property. We will be on hand to advise how to tax efficiently manage the rent if you and your partner fall into different tax brackets. Whilst you are fit and well, we can also prepare documents to enable your family to act for you if you lose your mental faculties. Finally, in the sad event that either your parent, partner or you pass away, we will offer support in settling any inheritance tax, closing bank accounts and distributing assets. It will be our pleasure to assist you through the highs and lows of life. Contact us at: 01491 839346 or [email protected]

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Home Live in care can have a number of physical and emotional benefits, especially when compared to life in a care home: Our Live in Care Service

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Can you help Louise take on the world with confidence?* A support worker can make a real difference to peoples lives. Style Acre is a dynamic and fun charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autism across Oxfordshire. Everyday is different when you care

If you are looking for an inspirational and worthwhile role, get in touch today [email protected] www.styleacre.org.uk

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R&A | 29

CARE

Care cap delay ocial care cost reforms, due to come into effect this October, were delayed by two years in November’s Autumn Statement meaning many now face paying more for their own social care until October 2025. The reforms first outlined in September 2021 by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson ensured no one would pay more than £86,000 in their lifetime, reducing the likelihood of having to sell the family home to cover the cost of care. In reversing the original move, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt said it would address the

Maybe you’re concerned by potential extra care costs on the horizon? We explain and suggest sources of support funding crisis affecting the care sector and allow councils to have more “flexibility” to raise council tax bills. Steven Cameron, Pensions Director at Aegon UK, said: “It could easily cost those paying towards their care an additional £26,000 for every year of delay, while also sorely depleting the savings of those with assets under £100,000 who’ll need to wait another two years for promised extra means-tested support.” People with an overall wealth of less than £23,250 are supported by the Government for social care costs. If you are concerned, it’s a good idea to seek advice from your current care provider, Age UK which provides impartial advice, an independent financial adviser or your county council because grants or other support might be available.

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www.countywidecaringltd.co.uk 30 | FEBRUARY 2023

CARE

A day in the life… Nurse turned care home manager Susie Green shares her memories of life as a care home manager in A Most Precious Gift it terribly and felt guilty for ending my career so I thought it would help to write my tale.

wanted to give people a little peep at what happens through the front door of a care home” says Susie Green of her new book A Most Precious Gift. Susie invites us to walk through the doors of a care home with her as our guide, as the care home manager, home to the elderly, vulnerable adults and for many their final home. Share some of the tales she tells of horror and heartbreak but also many that will make you laugh and smile alongside many you will find unbelievable. Pigeons, relatives, a ‘lady of the night’ turned carer, incontinence pads and emotional farewells all form part of daily life in a care home. Susie started her nurse training in 1978, qualifying in the early 1980s. She has worked on general wards, as a GP nurse and a school nurse. She spent the last six years of her career as a care home manager, turning struggling homes around. “I knew I had stories and tales that happened in my time as a care home manager that just had to be written down,” she explains. “Nursing is a career that is so hard to walk away from, I missed 32 | FEBRUARY 2023

“My inspiration came from the care home staff, service users, families, owners and multidisciplinary teams and social services I worked with. Some characters I will never forget. “I wanted people to understand the life and responsibilities in the role of a registered care home manager. I wanted to give people a little peep at what happens through the front door of a care home.” A Most Precious Gift is a token of thanks to all staff who work in care homes and for those who showed their commitment and empathy working through the Covid pandemic. She adds: “This little book will touch hearts and give an understanding of what it means to work in care homes, the people we meet and those we care for, and those we work with.” Susie lives in a 17th century cottage in Oxfordshire with her husband, two whippets Albert and Annabelle and a very large British Shorthair cat called Eric and as she says in the author’s note for her book: “You will smile, be touched, be horrified and perhaps shed some tears.”  A Most Precious Gift is published by The Book Guild, ISBN 9781915352361, and is available now for £7.99.

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CARE

THAMES VALLEY BIcester

Witney

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CARE

d Service Providers 1.

The Homecare People, RG40 1XP, 0118 997 7499

2.

Countywide Caring, OX10 8HS, 01865 858895

3.

Signature at Caversham, RG4 6LB, 01189 111240

4.

Care UK Millers Grange, OX28 5HR, 01993 769127

www.thehomecarepeople.co.uk www.countywidecaringltd.co.uk www.signature-care-homes.co.uk (Shortened URL) https://rb.gy/zgbovn

5.

Care UK Newbury Grove, RG14 2QH, 0330 173 6823

6.

Care UK Winchcombe Place, RG14 1LN, 0330 173 6823

www.careuk.com/newbury-grove

7.

Care UK Parsons Grange, RG2 9AU, 0118 217 4816,

(Shortened URL) https://rb.gy/fugjeq

8.

Care UK Bickerton House, RG12 2JA, 01344 961249

www.careuk.com/bickerton-house

9.

McCarthy Stone Albert Court, RG9 4HE, 0800 201 4364

www.mccarthystone.co.uk/bills-offer

10.

McCarthy Stone William House, RG19 4AU, 0800 201 4775

www.mccarthystone.co.uk/bills-offer

11.

Slade Legal, OX14 3QP, 01235 521920

www.slade-legal.co.uk

12.

Slade Legal, OX11 8RQ, 01235 511211

www.slade-legal.co.uk

13.

Slade Legal, OX10 0AN, 01491 839346

14.

Cross Roads Care, OX3 0EA, 01865 260 280

www.careuk.com/winchcombe-place

www.slade-legal.co.uk www.oxfordshirecrossroads.org.uk

15.

Cross Roads Care, RG14 1BA, 01635 30008

16.

Q1 Care, RG30 6BU, 01189 323 865

www.q1care.co.uk

17.

Blandy & Blandy Solicitors, RG9 2LJ, 01491 572323

www.blandy.co.uk

18.

Mary Hare Hearing Centre, RG14 1AY, 01635 523343

19.

Royal Star & Garter, HP13 5GG, 01494 927555

20. Rhonda Hinson Holistic Therapist, OX11 7BU, 07949 888575 21.

www.oxfordshirecrossroads.org.uk

www.maryharehearingcentres.co.uk www.starandgarter.org www.rhondahinson.co.uk

Help in Hearing Henley RG9 2AR, 01491 577555

www.helpinhearing.co.uk

22. Berkshire Medical LLP, RG41 5RB, 01183 045920

www.theberkshireclinic.com

23. Visiting Angels, RG8 7JW, 0118 2145581 24. Lyndhurst Residential Care Home, RG8 9BL, 01491 736301 25.

The Grange Care Home, RG8 9EA, 01491 872853

26. Meadowside Residential Care Home, SL7 1HX, 01628 898068 27.

Elmbrook Court, OX12 7BY, 0300 303 5445

28. Right at Home Reading & Wokingham District, RG10 9TU, 0118 207 0600 29. The Old Vicarage Care Home -FOTE, OX10 9JB, 0203 8564 211 30. Lightfoots Solicitors, HP27 0AX, 01844 397020 31.

Henley Manor – Hallmark Care Homes, RG9 4HD, 01491 418000

32.

Valerian Court Care Home, OX11 8ET, 01235 616800

33. Redland Healthcare, RG30 1AP, 0118 956 0800 34. Maitland House AbbeyField, RG1 6NL, 01252 979111 35. Alexander Grange Care Home, RG41 2RU, 0118 427 0522 36. Blue Angel Care Ltd, OX11 0QG, 01235 242432 37.

Bellevie Care, OX14 1PL, 01235 355570

38. Style Acre, OX10 8BA, 01491 838760 39. Clark Care Services, RG4 9AQ, 07725 972580 40. Bluebird Care Oxford, OX4 6BZ, 01865 704036 41.

Bluebird Care South Oxfordshire, OX4 6BZ, 01491 225034

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R&A | 35

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Birds of the Russian Far East is the enticing topic Chris Collins will explore thanks to the RSPB Vale of White Horse group on Monday, 20th February, at 7.30pm via Zoom. Chris will offer a review of the birds and wildlife of this amazing, but rarely visited region. Visit rspb-vwh.org.uk or call 01235 818072. ˜˜˜

˜˜˜ After the Norman Conquest major bridges across the Thames were established at Oxford, Abingdon and Wallingford, initially as wooden structures and later as stone. Keith Parry will explore Thames Bridges Between Oxford & Abingdon on Monday, 13th February, 7.30-9pm at St James Church the Great Church in Radley. Keith, a trustee of The Historic Towns Trust, will focus on the older road bridges as the guest of Radley History Club. Non-members welcome; £2.50 donation appreciated. radleyhistoryclub.org.uk ˜˜˜ Hagbourne Amateur Dramatic Group, known as HAMS, will transform East Hagbourne Village Hall into a farm and venue for sheepdog trials next month for their annual theatrical production, Babe-the Sheep-Pig for adults and children at 7.30pm on Wednesday 22nd March; 7.30pm on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th March at 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets from East Hagbourne

Community Shop and Post Office, £10 for adults and £6 for children, or book at wegottickets.com ˜˜˜ Mockbeggars Hall in Blewbury is the atmospheric setting where jazz guitarist Hugh Turner and partner Izabela Borzymowska will dazzle. With a limit of 30 people, it’s an incredible opportunity to see world-class jazz artists up close and the venue has a grand piano. The next highlight is on Saturday, 25th February, when doors will open at 7.30pm so you can enjoy Nikki Iles on piano, Karen Sharp on tenor saxophone, Dave Green on acoustic bass, Steve Brown on drums. It’s £25-£30 a ticket and BYOB (glasses provided) and the concert will run 8-10.15pm (approx). On 25th March 25th pianist Joanna Eden will star with Hugh Turner on guitar & Raph Mizraki on acoustic bass. For more info please email [email protected]

Explore The Art of the Cartoonist with Harry Venning on Wednesday, 15th February, at Abingdon's Abbey Cinema at 10.30am & 2pm. Harry will trace the history of his profession with examples from early practitioners Cruickshank and Hogarth, to artists such as Giles & Schulz, bringing cartoons produced fresh on the page as he draws live. Prepare to hear some tricks

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d...Continued on page 40.

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R&A | 37

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SPOTLIG HT

á ...Continued from page 36.

of his trade, learn where to put eyebrows for maximum effect and discover exactly what the eskimo brothers said in "The Funniest Joke Ever" (possibly). ˜˜˜ Head along to the annual big book sale and pancake day at Wallingford Methodist Church Centre on Saturday, 25th February, 10am-1pm. You're sure of a warm welcome, book bargains and tasty pancakes. ˜˜˜ The ladies of Harwell WI will meet on Wednesday, 8th February, at 7.30pm in Harwell Village Cherry Hall to enjoy a talk on Sustainable Harwell by Giles Barwell. Giles of Sustainable Harwell will describe how we can all do our bit to reduce waste and pollution as part of our effort to deal with climate change.

Jeanette Howse is the worthy recipient of a Lifetime Achievement award for 30 years organising events in Didcot. The Town Council Awards will take place on 20th March when she and many others will be presented with a variety of awards. Jeanette said: "Thank you to my nominee: I hope I can do you proud!" ˜˜˜

All parents have occasions when they need to go out without their child and call on the services of ˜˜˜

L CE Y LL ONA PLA U F ATI LS IN O ER TOC WINDOWS OP RO

a sitter – maybe a grandparent, a friend or perhaps a trusted teenager. For parents of a severely disabled child, it is not so straightforward. Flexicare is a local charity that provides a free sitting service for these families, which can be life-changing. Currently, more volunteers are needed; perhaps you could help? Please call 01865 321881 or email [email protected] ˜˜˜ Looking for a challenge? Train for the Treehouse School 5k or 10k run, in & around the village of Cholsey. The course is almost entirely off-road, there's chiptiming, and a handmade wooden medal and offer to plant a tree or a T-shirt to all pre-registered runners. Trophies are awarded to the first three male and female in the 10k, as well as the fastest male and female in the 5k. To book, or to volunteer, visit treehouse10k.org.uk ˜˜˜ Enjoy an afternoon concert (with tea and cake afterwards) by Ikuko and the shakuhachi player and flautist Jean Francois Lagrost at St Mary's Streatley on Sunday, 26th February, at 4pm. Tickets will be sold on the door £10/£9. Please email StMarysConcerts@ hotmail.co.uk or text 07762 339853 to reserve. ˜˜˜

The youth theatre company DIY Theatre invite

d...Continued on page 46.

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R&A | 41

S TAR Q&A

Queen

party

Best-selling author Kate Mosse OBE shares her thoughts ahead of her Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries tour at a theatre near you

Hello Kate! How are you? “Very well, thank you! I’ve just become a grandmother, so loving everything about that.” Q. Can you tell us a little about any of your favourite trailblazing women? “There are so many from every corner of the world, but I love the extraordinary footballer, Lily Parr, who scored more than 1,000 goals in her professional career in the early 1900s, and also the legendary 18th century pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Reid, who were fierce and uncompromising - my next novel, The Ghost Ship, is partly inspired by their story.” Q. What was your favourite book as a child? “So many, but certainly The katemosse. Golden Hamster, a beautiful story about being true to who you are. My beloved, co.uk/events and much missed Dad, used to read it to me at bedtime, and I still have that 1960s edition. I also loved The Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.” Q. And now – who’s your favourite author? “I try to avoid ever answering this question – too many of my friends are writers – but, going back in time, Emily Bronte, Adrienne Rich, Rider 42 | FEBRUARY 2023

Haggard and Agatha Christie would be top of the list.”

Q. Do you enjoy touring? “I’m excited and nervous – what if nobody comes or my voice gives out – and it’s quite a challenge starting a new career as a performer at the age of 61! On the other hand, you have to keep having new challenges and pushing yourself. The tour is about starting a conversation, having a great night out in the theatre, and putting some incredible women back in to the history books.” Q. Can you tell us a bit about your first impressions of Carcasonne and how you fell in love with it, changing the course of your life? “We first bought a tiny house in the shadow of the medieval city walls of Carcassonne back in 1989 and, from the moment I first saw the extraordinary ‘crown of stone’ sitting on the hill above the river Aude, 52 towers and turrets, two rings of defensive walls, everything stepped in history, I fell in love. I didn’t intend to write about Carcassonne but, little by little as I read history about Languedoc and learnt about the people who had lived there in the 13th century, the ‘whispering in the landscape’ started… Those became my novel, Labyrinth, and since then, almost all of my fiction has been a kind of love letter to this beautiful corner of France.””

Q. What is your first memory of music? “My fabulous Ma had an LP of Nancy Sinatra’s Swinging Safari. I adored dancing along with her.” Q. Who would be your dream dinner party guests? “The composer Ethel Smyth; the extraordinary 13th century Mongolian wrester princess, Khutulan; Pauli Murray, one of the ‘freedom riders’ along with Rosa Parks; Josephine Cochrane who, in 1893, invented the dishwasher (yes, really!); perhaps Beatrix Potter and of course, my own great-grandmother, Lily Watson...” Q. What advice would you have for any aspiring writers? “Do it! A little writing every day, just so you start to get your muscles used to the process, that’s how a novel or biography takes shape. Don’t worry about how good it is, or quite where it’s going, just get some words down. Soon you’ll have a sentence, then a paragraph then, before you know it, a chapter.”

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SPOTLIG HT

á ...Continued from page 40.

you to enjoy their latest musical The Little Shop of Horrors at Amey Theatre (inside Abingdon School, Park Road, OX14 1DE) on the 17th, 18th & 19th February, starring a troupe aged between 8 and 20 with the help of a live band. Suitable for all ages. ameytheatre.co.uk ˜˜˜ South Oxon Free Nordic Walking Group is based in Sutton Courtenay, OX14 4AR, from 9.30am every Wednesday and Friday all year. Tuition & subsequent SOFNW walks are free with poles provided. You can buy new poles, adjustable to your height, for £25 too. Please email [email protected] ˜˜˜ Enjoy an afternoon concert (with tea and cake afterwards) performed by Ikuko and the shakuhachi player and flautist Jean Francois Lagrost at St Mary's Streatley on Sunday, 26th February. Tickets on the door £10/£9. Please email [email protected] or text 07762 339853 for advance reservations. ˜˜˜ On 16th February, at 6pm Abingdon Library will host local author Colin Wade for a talk about his crime and conspiracy thrillers. Tickets £2 including a free glass of wine or juice, from the library or call 01235 520374.

˜˜˜ On Monday, 20th March, at Long Furlong Community Centre in Abingdon, Catherine Sampson will give a talk on Royal Women. Doors at 7.15pm. Nonmembers welcome £5 (cash). berksfhs.org ˜˜˜ The OX5 Run returns to Blenheim Palace on 26th March. Visit hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run ˜˜˜ The team at The Treehouse School in Cholsey are looking for any donations for their Massive Secondhand Bike Sale on Sunday, 14th May, as part of Wallingford Car Rally. If you have a bike that you would like to donate then please contact Jo who will be happy to arrange collection. Children's and adult bikes, scooters, bike accessories and wheeled toys will all be gratefully accepted. If you are looking to buy a bike put the date in your diary! For more details please email joryman@ btinternet.com or call 07747 801264. ˜˜˜ The organ at St Thomas' Church in Goring has been undergoing a major rebuild. To celebrate its completion, Thomas Trotter will give the inaugural organ recital on Saturday, 11th February, at 7pm. Tickets are £12 at eventbrite.co.uk. For more about Thomas and to book for the recital visit thomandmary.org.uk

Sending lots of love for February & take care, LN

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The Window D ctor CARE & REPAIR FOR ALL YOUR UPVC & ALUMINIUM WINDOW & DOOR PROBLEMS • Replacement of broken down sealed units - misting up inside glass • Adjust front & back doors that do not shut • New handles, hinges and door locks • Replacement of patio door wheels • New security handles with keys • New door panels and cat fl aps • New Georgian style or leaded style sealed units • All insurance work • Burglary damage • Servicing PLUS INSTALLATIONS OF NEW UPVC WINDOWS & DOORS Call us for a FREE Survey and Quotation,

No call out charge Friendly Family Established Business

Cowling & Co.

Mob: 07860 435742 Tel: 01865 891776

email: [email protected]

www.windowdoctor.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01491 822758 BLOCKED DRAINS? Sewers, sinks, toilets, baths unblocked. Emergency plumbing. Call GB DRAINAGE 07850 624997

ces ces ces ces

Tel: Tel:07904987857 07904987857 Tel: 07904987857 07904987857 Tel: gmail.com www.stellascleaningservices.co.uk gmail.com www.stellascleaningservices.co.uk gmail.com www.stellascleaningservices.co.uk gmail.com www.stellascleaningservices.co.uk Tel: 07904987857

gmail.com

www.stellascleaningservices.co.uk

WATER SOFTENER OWNER? Call Softener Surgeons for sales, service and repair. Over 25 years industry experience. Drinking water systems and salt also supplied. Tablet and Block salt available. Call 07939 204455 R&A | 51

CLAS SIFIE D

M.J. Talbot established 1990

Complete fencing and landscaping services. PatiosGatesFencingPatios & PathsDrivewaysTurfing DeckingAll types of GardeningAll Materials Supplied Call Michael for a free Estimate & friendly

Domestic Appliance Services

CARPET / UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Low moisture specialists. Competitive rates. Trading Standards approved. GRIMEBUSTERS (01865) 726983 / (01235) 555533 / (01993) 868924

TIME TO CLEAN YOUR OVEN? LET US DO THE JOB YOU HATE

Repairs and Servicing to all Major Brands of Domestic Appliances Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Dishwashers, Cookers, Ovens, Hobs, Cooker Hoods, NOT Refrigeration Fast and friendly service

Email: [email protected]

P.M WILLOUGHBY PROPERTY & GARDEN MAINTENANCE Small extensions, external and internal work all aspects of work undertaken. Tel: 01235 550204 mob 07970723407.

ALL DIGITAL TV I provide a friendly, reliable service specialising in Digital Aerials, Satellite, Telephone, TV wall mounting, Network Solutions, Wifi network distribution services and home entertainment systems

FREE QUOTATION & ADVICE CALL PAUL PARNELL ON: TEL 01491

0750 008 1505

520217

[email protected] • www.alldigitaltv.co.uk

10% Discount when you mention Round&About

Affordable Building Plans

Creative Planning Drawings Structural Calculations Building Control Compliance Estimating & Project Management Free initial site visit Boyes Building & Dev. Ltd Est 1995

07711 943135 [email protected] 52 | FEBRUARY 2023

AFTER

Ovens Grills l Extractors

Phone: 01235 426234 Mobile: 07555 124355

MOB

BEFORE

N EE S T V A SO N

advice:

01235 835 582 07831 550 433 www.mjtalbot.co.uk

OXPRO WINDOW AND CARPET CLEANING, Professional Service, NCCA qualified. Contact on 07889413128, [email protected], www.oxprocarpetcleaning.co.uk

Filters BBQs l Microwaves

Hobs Ranges l AGAs

l

l

l

l

l

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I’m simply delighted at how sparkly clean my oven and hob look now! It really does look like the cooker is brand new again!

Call Helen or go online today for your FREE quote!

07542 833120

ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS Design/Planning/ Building Regulations - Extensions, Garage/Loft Conversions, Garden Buildings, New Builds. FREE Initial Site Consultation. Tel: 01865 244178 www.otprojects.co.uk

M.J. Talbot established 1990

All work undertaken will be of a high standard. PatiosDeckingFacia BoardsSoffitsDecoratingFencing GutteringInsurance workRoofingGardeningCarpentry ST

01235 835 582 07831 550 433 www.mjtalbot.co.uk

A MU SATISFACTIONNDE D BY Ring Michael on AS RECOMME WHICH MAGAZINE: or mobile HIP 5★ FOR WORKMG.ANS 5★ FOR PRICIN

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01491 822758

C L A SSI F I E D

INTERIOR DESIGN & UPHOLSTERY

PAINTING & DECORATING

CURTAINS BY KAREN Made to measure Curtains/Roman Blinds. You supply the fabric, I do the making! Free estimates and measuring Tel: 01235 200832 METAYER DESIGNS Upholstery services, for traditional and modern furniture recover and re shaping. Handmade soft furnishings. Fabrics available Tel; 01491 839991 [email protected] www.metayerdesigns.com

IT & TELECOMS

Experienced professional decorators

Interior work including paper hanging & exterior Fully insured For quick, free quotations call: David on 01491 836796 or Alistair on 07745 906998

Chris Dawson & Son Painting, Decorating and Plastering Property Maintenance

Professional service using quality materials Fully insured - endorsements available

Contract IT support for SME's • Business support only • Laptops, computers and Server repair • Antivirus • Backup solutions

• Internet and New Equipment setup • In-House Training • Web Design • Phone and Tablet Repairs now available

 Local, Friendly and reliable Full-time service Call us on: 01491 712344 or Email on [email protected] Website: www.ask4support.co.uk

LOCAL EX BT / OPENREACH TELEPHONE & BROADBAND ENGINEER FROM £35. 25 Years’ Experience, phone line faults, extensions and sockets, successful wireless networking in all types of properties, broadband speed issues resolved, master telephone sockets, all materials are BT approved, half the cost of all leading service providers, 7 days a week. Rapid Service. Tel: 01189 845184 mobile 07787 934883 [email protected]

PC Repairs

CATERING, EVENTS & VENUES CREATIVE CATERING, Blewbury Flexible, affordable menus for all catering requirements. Short notice bookings welcome Tel: 01235 850342 mobile 07743368373 [email protected] or visit www.creative-caterer.co.uk

book your

lineage advertising online

MOTORING

Computer Specialist

//HUDSON Automotive

Virus Removal Email problems Internet Recovery Wireless Set-up

No Fix! No Fee! Anything PC That's Me. Now Includes AppleMacs. Covid Vaccinated.

For friendly advice and a FREE quote Phone 01235 817957 Mobile 0774 8601471 email: [email protected]

Bitcoin consultan cy & advice available

Call Mark 07985 149612 [email protected]

Servicing and repairs on all makes and models Vehicle diagnostics and fault finding Clutches, Brakes, Tyres and Exhausts Air conditioning and 4 wheel alignment MOT’S (arranged) and MOT Repairs Welding and Bespoke Fabrications Projects and classic car restorations welcome Courtesy car and vehicle collection available

Tel: 01491 613398

[email protected] • www.hudson-automotive.co.uk Units 1 & 2, Woods Farm, Britwell Hill, Watlington, OX49 5HD

R&A | 53

CLAS SIFIE D

PETS CORNER Award Winning Puppy & Dog Training 1 to 1 Training in your own home Classes & Workshops

J+J SERVICES Fencing, patios, pathways, new drives, block paving, gravel, new lawns, shed re-felting, high pressure jet washing, mini digger hire (with operator), land clearance and a whole lot more! For more info plus free quotes Tel: 01235-519245 mob 07864833290 or e-mail [email protected]

Contact: Sandra Emmons www.happipup.co.uk Telephone 07973272911 A R B O R I S T S

Berkshire Puppy Training Service of The Year 2022

DOG AND CAT GROOMING All dogs / cats presented to very high standard. H/strip, clipped, bathed nails. Collection Service 21 yrs experience. Call Gavin 01491 836103 or 07787526576. Off-lead fun with your dog(s) Exclusive use of equipped and scenic secure dog field in South Oxfordshire

 Manor Farm, Drayton St Leonard OX10 7BE  www.paws-paddock.co.uk

FIND us on

instagram

d@roundandaboutmag

All Aspects of Tree care Reductions / Thinning Tree Removal Specialists Hedge Trimming / Reductions Dangerous Work Undertaken Site Clearance All work Carried out to BS:3998 2010

Fully Qualified and Insured For a Free Quotation Call Today

07740 103483 01235 810808 Or Email [email protected]

S.R.CLARK & SONS Tree Surgeon & Landscape Gardener, All kinds of work undertaken : Garden Clearance, Grass Cutting, Hedge Trimming, Pruning, Shaping, Fencing, Garden Walls & Patios, Turfing, Decking, Fruit Trees Treated, Stumps Removed, Shed Repairs, All drive work, Rubbish Cleared, Pressure Cleaning. Free Estimates Telephone 07810 892051

Oxford Ground Designs We are a small, friendly, family run business

WILL WRITERS & LEGAL NEW YEARS RESOLUTION! GET YOUR LATER LIFE DUCKS IN A ROW NOW! BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! WILLS, POWERS OF ATTORNEY, TRUSTS, EQUITY RELEASE & PROBATE AT HARD TO BEAT PRICES. CALL LIONHEART TODAY FOR A NO OBLIGATION DISCUSSION. 01993 220281 - 07769 730616

GARDENING SERVICES A&J GARDENING & PROPERTY SERVICES New lawns, Patios, Fences, Driveways (Block/Gravel & more), Tree Surgeon, One Off Clearance, Footings, Drainage, Brick & Block work (New & Old), Land Clearances, Hedge Cutting, High Power Pressure Wash & many more services available. All work carried out to the highest standard. For a FREE quote call/text 07368 654811 or 01235 414405 [email protected] 54 | FEBRUARY 2023

ALL TYPES OF TREE SERVICES & LANDSCAPING • Tree pruning & thinning • Hedge trimming • Turfing and new lawns • Garden clearance • Artificial grass • Patios laid & Cleaned

• Shrub shaping • Driveways • Decking • Fencing • Tree felling • Gravelling

Competitive rates, free estimates and advice 01865 986549 | 07551 840317 [email protected] www.oxfordgrounddesigns.co.uk 14 day cooling off period applies

ABLE GARDEN SERVICES All Types of tree felling, shaping, pruning and spraying.Fruit tree pruning and stump grinding. Hedge cutting, shrub pruning, Block Paving, tarmacing, all types of landscape work undertaken. Fencing, Gates, Decking, Turfing, Patios, Sheds, Jet Washing. All drive work. All Green and garden waste removed. General garden tidy-ups and makeovers. Please call: 01865 475223 / 07391204145 QUOTE R&A FOR 10% OFF.

C L A SSI F I E D

ROD STUART A TRIBUTE TO SIR ROD STEWART *Maggie May * Sailing * Reason to Believe * Handbags and Gladrags * * Baby Jane * Have I Told You Lately * * And many more! * 8pm - Late Limited Spaces As seen on NOT TO BE MISSED

Saturday 18th March 2023 Tickets £7

6 Milton Gate I Abingdon I OX14 4FP 01865 671480 I Marriott.co.uk/courtyard/Abingdon

R&A | 55

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Founded in 1907 and situated in Abingdon, The Manor Preparatory School is an outstanding independent co-educational day school that welcomes boys and girls aged 2-11.

Open Mornings

Wednesday 8 February, 10:00am – 12:00pm Thursday 23 March, 10:00am – 12:00pm 56 | FEBRUARY 2023

Book your visit now at www.manorprep.org or email [email protected]