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R O U N D & A B O U T Magazine

wallingford & villages MAY 2023

FEST friends A round-up of 2023’s summer festivals

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Contents MAY 2023 | Vol. 30 | No. 5

5 Community spotlight

25 Festival fun & frolics

6 Visit Sheila's Island

32 A safe & loving home

Local news and charity events

The Sinodun Players

Get out your wellies & rock

Foster Care Fortnight

8 Studios and exhibitions

36 Cock-a-hoop!

15 Love where you live

40 Older & wiser

20 Classic and custom cars

49 Classified

Oxfordshire Artweeks

Home is where the heart is

6

Blewbury Croquet Club

Noel Gallagher Q&A

Wallingford vehicle rally

40

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AB OUT US

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The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted without prior permission. The publishers cannot accept liability for loss or damage of material submitted to the magazine. LOOSE INSERTS delivered with your copy of Round & About have absolutely nothing to do with the magazine. Our inserts are secured into the magazine with staples. WE TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY OTHERS. Round & About Publications Ltd does not endorse any advertisements published in Round & About Magazine. Please note all phone calls to and from Round & About are recorded for training and monitoring purposes.

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Your Community events and activities

Far-flung holidays are fabulous, but a fine summer's day in an English country garden (well, field) will lift spirits even higher. Throw in beats, best buddies & beer and you're on to a winner. I was off to volunteer at Glastonbury next month before deciding the whole palaver was too overwhelming. This month brings Coronation parties, an extra bank holiday & the start of festival season. ome legends are set to dazzle, from Grace Jones at Hampton Court to Guns n’ Roses at Hyde Park and The Chemical Brothers on the Isle of Wight. But our festivals guide is also about celebrating the great & the good closer to home, such as FleurFest & Henley Festival (hello Nile!). See you there... ˜˜˜ May marks the anniversary of a well-loved family company: Jim Pink. Jim began selling and repairing motorcycles from a little shop in Wallingford's St Martin's Street in 1960, soon moving on to Robin Reliants two-wheelers and Scimitar sports cars. "We also raced motorcycles in the Isle Of Man and UK, helping the company to grow," says his granddaughter Tracey Wheeler. "Our first car franchise was Simca followed by Chrysler, Talbot and then Peugeot. The company has always traded in Wallingford and has always been run by the family. We pride ourselves on good personal service." Today the family can service most makes of vehicles and carry out class 4 MOTs. ˜˜˜ You’re cordially invited to join The Big Lunch on bank holiday Monday. 8th May,

˜˜˜ Would you like to help secure the future of leopards, rhinos and other regal endangered species while raising a toast to the king? Well you can thanks to a coronation celebration at SOX Brewery in Ipsden, OX10 6AS, 12-8pm on 6th May. This joint day with SOX Brewery, Friends of Woodcote Primary School and local charity AfriCat UK will feature live music, a reggae DJ, great beer selection, gin bar, pizza, barbecue, large TV screen to watch the action, games and loads for the children to do all day. Visit soxbrewery.co.uk

11.30am-2.30pm in the Bull Croft, Wallingford. This free, family-friendly event will have a street party fun, music and traditional games. ˜˜˜ Ewelme Horticultural Society's annual plant sale in Ewelme Village Hall on 13th May, 10am-1pm, will offer a huge selection of good quality bedding and perennial plants, vegetables, herbs and hanging baskets, at competitive prices, light refreshments and a raffle.

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Tell us about your group’s activities by 4th May. Email [email protected] Scan our QR code to download the new R&A App and connect with your community All information correct at time of going to press – check with event organisers before travelling.

R&A | 5

TH EAT RE

A comedy in thick fog

Join Sheila, Fay, Julie and Denise as they get to grips with being on Sheila’s Island at the Corn Exchange, Wallingford magine you are sitting at work and an email comes into your inbox: “You have been selected to take part in a team building exercise in the Lake District in November …” How might you react? “Oh bloody hell” or “what a lovely opportunity to get to know my colleagues”. The above would be the prelude to what takes place in Sheila’s Island. Four women are put in a team and they somehow end up on an island in the middle of Lake Windermere. The play shows us how these characters react to this less than ideal situation and what transpires is both funny and moving.

Saturday matinee. The opening night has a special offer ticket price of £9. Book now for this very human dark comedy set in a ground breaking atmospheric stage design with fog, water and projection design at Wallingford’s Corn Exchange and starring Rebecca Cleverley as Fay, Charlotte Lloyd as Julie, Rebecca Lee as Denise and Alex Reid as Sheila. Book online at cornexchange.org.uk

Tim Firth (author of Calendar Girls, Kinky Boots, Our House, The Flint Street Nativity) gives us a script full of dark humour and well-observed insights into how we all might react to impending disaster.

 Look out for Sinodun Players next show Ian Hislop’s play A Bunch of Amateurs in July and in October Lucy Kirkwood’s powerful drama The Welkin.

The Sinodun Players will be staging six performances including a

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ARTWE E KS

the heart

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This year, Oxfordshire Artweeks, the UK’s oldest and biggest artist open studios event bursts into life on 6th May with a festival that promises to be fit for a king cross the county you’ll find hundreds of open studios and pop-up exhibitions as artists and makers open their doors and welcome, for free, anyone who would like to see their art and chat about their materials, methods and inspiration. From the traditional to the contemporary and multidisciplinary, there’s something to delight, intrigue and inspire everyone. Explore painting, sculpture, ceramics and printmaking; look out for fashion and furniture; discover glass art, mosaics and other marvels; and perhaps choose a treasure or two to take home.

8 | MAY 2023

alongside elegant ceramics in muted tones and contemporary statement jewellery in silver. Take the road to Shillingford, and over the bridge and up the hill, you can also explore the garden studio of artist-illustrator and fabric designer Fay Ford with its open view to the Thames. Her joyful colourful illustrations celebrate the blooms and buzzing visitors to the garden.

This year, in and around Wallingford more than 60 artists welcome you to 20 venues from 6th-14th May. The town centre will become a showcase of local art, with taster displays in shop windows and a map to guide you. Artweeks is a chance to explore the intriguing Ayres House Studios, a wonderful old building where you see everything from mosaics and upholstery to art restoration and installations.

There are popular regular venues to visit too in Dorchester-on-Thames, Shillingford, Benson, Ewelme, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell and North Moreton where you’ll discover art from earrings to rocking horses and for a day trip into the countryside, we recommend visiting The Earth Trust for stunning drone shots of the local area by aerial photographer Hedley Thorne. Nearby at the Sylva Wood Centre, one of six venues to discover in the Wittenhams, 16 artists will be on hand to chat and show their methods and creations, much inspired by wood and woodland, from paintings to tables to take your breath away, micro-factories and even boats.

There are two new venues in town too: The Potter’s Wheel is a working pottery studio, teaching space and artisan shop showcasing local independent artists and The Coach House on Castle Street where newcomer Christine Bass is opening a studio packed with striking paintings of the Chilterns & the Ridgeway characterised by strong lines and shapes, flattened planes and saturated colour,

Whether you’re an enthusiastic day-tripper or an experienced art collector there’s plenty to catch your eye so get your hands on a copy of the festival guide from the library or other local information point or browse the full exhibition listings at artweeks.org and get out and explore. There’s a vast online showcase too – visit artweeks.org/latestshow to get you started.

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˜˜˜ John Kirkpatrick is one of the most enduring favourites of the folk music world, regularly wowing audiences with his consummate skill and verve as a squeezebox player, singer and composer. Whether he’s on concertina, melodeon or his huge button accordion, reports tell John is playing better than ever and you can see him at The Cholsey Pavilion on Saturday, 13th May, courtesy of Concerts@Cholsey (7pm for a 7.45pm start). There will be a moderately priced real-ale bar and support by the additional voices and squeezeboxes of Three Pressed Men. Tickets £10 in advance from [email protected] or 01491 652295, or £12 at the door (if not sold out as expected). ˜˜˜ May is such an arty month – we hope you enjoy our Artweeks article. Among them, Christine Bass is opening her Wallingford home and studio for Oxfordshire Art Weeks 6th to 14th May, joined by ceramicist Robyn Hardyman and the jeweller Kate Wilkinson. Christine lived over the border in Bucks until recently and is looking forward to being part of the Wallingford Area Art Trail which is organised by Emma Souter at Ayres House Studios. To find out more please visit christinebassart.com or follow @christinebass.art on Instagram.

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˜˜˜ The Wallingford Chamber Music team are back with a summer season of nine concerts between now and September, all in the congenial setting of St Mary's Church in Wallingford with an 8pm start. The first concert on 13th May welcomes back the ever-popular Sacconi Quartet & violist Philip Dukes for Mozart's Viola Quintet in G minor, and other works by Haydn and Caroline Shaw's Haydn minuet. The Mithras Piano Trio are next up on 3rd June, presenting works by Haydn, Tchaikovsky and the 20th century Armenian composer Arno Babadjanian. Pick up a brochure from the Town Information Centre Wallingford or your library. Buy tickets at wcm.org.uk or for any queries email tickets@ wcm.org.uk or phone 07551 482678. Tickets £20 or save £60 with a season for £120. There are benefits if you become a Friend, notably seat reservations; for this please call Roger Morgan on 01491 837494. ˜˜˜ The Hairy Legs Challenge at Sheepcot rec, 9am-1pm on Sunday, 14th May features races and games to raise funds for local primary schools. Look out for local heroes from The Hub who are raising funds; theHubBTG.org.uk/Help-the-Hub-Appeal. The team are also looking for people to take on the Great Riverside Ramble walk on 13th & 14th May.

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To improve or to move? Whatever the next step in your property journey, there are a wealth of experts and advisors who can guide you in the right direction from tradespeople to help you improve to estate agents and solicitors to support you move Garage conversion Be honest, how often do you actually park your car in the garage? If, like many, it just houses clutter, half used paint cans and all that ‘stuff’ you just don’t know what to do with, make it work for you by converting it. A home office, extra bedroom, living space or if it’s large enough how about a granny annexe could all be very worthwhile. In most cases you don’t need planning permission. Fresh bathroom As with the kitchen it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to breathe new life into your bathroom. Replacing the sink, toilet, bath or shower, a fresh coat of paint and new tiles and flooring can make all the difference. Try a vanity unit or shelving, new lights can also brighten up the overall look. New look windows & doors You see them everyday but are you really seeing your windows and doors to their best advantage? Homestyle Home improvements have been successfully improving homes in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties for over 25 years with over 70% of their business coming from previous customer referrals. R&A | 15

PROPE RTY

To move…

Whether you’re buying for the first time or could star on Homes Under the Hammer you have so much experience there are some essentials when it comes to selling. Find an agent The most important question is sure to be ‘which estate agent can get me the best price?’. You’ll want to opt for one with local experience who knows the area and can ensure prospective buyers are aware of all the benefits of not just your home but the area too, especially important if they’re new to the locale.

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“An absolute gem of an agent, going above and beyond to help us” is how one client recently described James Gesner, adding “...If you are looking for an agent that breaks the mould, go to James and his team!!!” They have been selling and renting properties in south Oxfordshire for 24 years and offer extensive local knowledge with a ‘hands on’ highly experienced approach. Get in touch on 01235 519888 / 01491 522222 and read more of their glowing testimonials at jamesgesner.co.uk Prepare for viewings Remember you are selling your home as much as the estate agent is so you’ll want to show it off to its full potential. Below par kitchens, shabby bathrooms and scruffy exteriors will all deter prospective buyers so do all you can to make sure they fall in love with it as you did. Find a solicitor The legal side of selling (and buying) a property can be a minefield, engage a reputable, reliable local solicitor for the conveyancing to help this next stage run as smoothly as possible. As with sourcing an estate agent, recommendations are invaluable. Equity release Homeowners over 55 can release tax-free cash from the value of their home to help you fulfil dreams such as that round the world trip you’ve always wanted to take, make improvements to your home or to support your children. Equity release is not right for everyone so talking to a financial advisor is essential to make sure it’s right for you.

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˜˜˜ Wallingford & District Art Club will hold an exhibition of paintings on May 13th & 14th at Centre 70 in Wallingford. Enjoy paintings of a range of subjects and in media and styles that reflect the individuality of the club's members, with many paintings for sale so do head along for a browse. On Tuesday 16th, the club has organised a live demo of the urban landscape in acrylic and ink by professional artist Cathy Read. A contemporary artist, Cathy creates paintings that reflect city life in all its glory, fuelled by a lifelong interest in buildings and architecture, both traditional and modern. Head to Centre 70 on the 16th at 7.30pm; free for members, £3 for visitors. For other upcoming club activities, from classes to workshops, please visit wallingfordartclub.org.uk or email admin@ wallingfordartclub.org.uk ˜˜˜ Enjoy the spring countryside with Henley and Goring Ramblers walks. On 6th May enjoy bluebell walks from Nettlebed, and on Wednesdays 10th & 17th May there are easy walks from Ewelme and Henley. Friday evening walks combine a walk and a meal at a pubs. There are many more on offer. Please see the programme at ramblers-oxon.org.uk/henley-goring or email [email protected]

˜˜˜ On Sunday, 14th May, local pianist Patrick Lillie returns to St Thomas' Church, Goring, to play Mozart's final sonata and a selection of highlights from the Romantic repertory. The music starts at 3pm, with light refreshments afterwards in the Canterbury Rooms. Entry free, with donations for Christian Aid. A civil servant by day, Patrick grew up in Goring after spending his early years in East Asia. He plays organ at the Church of Our Lady & St John and gave his last recital in September to raise funds for CAFOD’s Ukraine Appeal. ˜˜˜ Blewbury Pre-School is a small, non-profit making, early years education setting that's served the community for 50+ years. Help them keep up this good work by enjoying a quiz & curry fundraiser at the village hall on Saturday, 20th May, at 7pm. There will also be a cash and card bar with all proceeds to Blewbury Pre-School. Tickets £22 including an excellent curry, prepared by Creative Catering, glass of fizz and fun quiz. Buy yours at preschoolfundraising.co.uk or Blewbury Post Office so get a team together (up to eight people) and get revising! Raffle prizes include Cotswold Wildlife Park tickets, a round of golf for two at Hadden Hill and an annual family pass to Blenheim Palace. For more info please email [email protected]

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R&A | 19

DAY O UT

Rally round The streets of Wallingford are gearing up for one of the town’s best-loved events on May 14th undreds of cars are set to take to the streets of Wallingford in convoy this month as part of the town’s annual vehicle rally and parade. Open to all classic, custom and interesting vehicles from bicycles to tanks, the event on Sunday, 14th May has become a highlight in Wallingford’s calendar.

the garden furniture to the front of the house for a comfortable seat to enjoy the show. Tickets to take part in the parade sold out in less than 30 minutes when they were released in February. You can still enjoy these vehicles in person, with nothing stopping you coming along on foot.

The spectacle begins with the tour through the town in convoy. The streets are lined with spectators, drivers waving, a sea of shining chrome and an eclectic hue of colours glimmering as they drive by in the sun. Many households bring

Bringing the feel of a French brocante to the Oxfordshire countryside A decorative antiques fair now in its fourth year. A wide range of carefully selected stalls featuring furniture, garden items, interiors, linens and seasonal plantings. Dealers from across the country.

Friday 16th June 10.00am to 3.00pm Benson Parish Hall, Sunnyside, Benson, Nr. Wallingford, Oxon OX10 6LZ Pop-up cafe and free parking. Entry £7.00

Hundreds of cars attend, regardless of any sort of trend or following. If you want to see a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air parked behind a 2CV, this is the show. Big Americans, traditional Brit classics from Austin and Triumph et al, modern classics, super cars, a military tracked tank and even a car boot are part of the day. The Sporting Bears are also on hand, offering passenger rides in an array of classic metal in return for charity donations. This feel-good classic car show for all the family is a brilliant day out from start to finish, and all for a good cause!

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SPOTLIG HT

á ...Continued from page 18.

˜˜˜ The Friends of St Mary’s and St Leonard’s churches have arranged for Judy Dewey, the Curator of Wallingford Museum and local eminent historian, to give a talk about the history of churches in Wallingford. “Although today there are only two Anglican churches still in use, Discovering the History of Wallingford’s Churches will take us on a fascinating journey from Saxon times to the present day, revealing many secrets of churches through the centuries which lie hidden under, in and around the town. It will set our surviving churches in their historical context, where they remain as a vital and active part of Wallingford’s long and unusual heritage.” The talk at St Mary’s Church on 24th May will start at 7pm. Entry is free, but there will be a retiring collection, to help the PCC maintain both these important and historic buildings. ˜˜˜ The Wallingford Stroke Club, which is affiliated to the Stroke Association, held its first meeting in 1998. It is a social club which helps stroke survivors to “escape” from their homes for a few hours to enjoy talks, quizzes, games, lunches and outings. Recent examples include an illustrated talk about Basildon Park. For more about joining, or becoming a Helper, contact Norman Goodall on 01235 834503 or Nigel Hessey on 01491 651114.

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˜˜˜ A reminder about The Treehouse School in Cholsey's Massive Secondhand Bike Sale on Sunday, 14th May, part of Wallingford Car Rally. Have any bikes to donate? Please email Jo on joryman@btinternet. com or call 07747 801264 to arrange collection. ˜˜˜ To get this season’s planting off to a flying start, on Saturday 20th May head to Bob’s Corner for Benson Garden Club’s annual plant sale, 9am to noon. This sale is always very popular and there will be a wide selection of plants, with advice on how to grow them. ˜˜˜ Try your hand at watercolour painting by joining local artist Denny Webb at her watercolour taster 10am-1pm on Saturday, 27th May, at Ipsden village hall, OX10 6AH, with all materials supplied. It's an ideal time for beginners to see if they'd like to take watercolour up as a hobby. In this workshop students will paint beautiful magnolia flowers. The course is also suitable for students who have painted before and would like to learn new techniques and stay motivated with their painting. Refreshments supplied. If you’d like to see Denny's paintings you’re very welcome to arrange a visit to her studio. Contact Denny on 01491 680942 or [email protected] or visit dennywebb.com

d...Continued on page 30.

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Live

F E ST I VA L S

Summer is on its way which means festivals season! Here’s our guide to the best festivals near & far

& re you ready for the buzz of live music? Thousands of people are busy behind the scenes, preparing another summer of love, with something for everyone. Are You Listening? Black Honey, Thomas Headon & dozens more will rock Reading in aid of Mencap on 6th May; areyoulistening.org.uk Cookham Festival is a celebration of the arts by the village for the village, 6th to 22nd May. Enjoy music, spoken word, workshops, kids’ fun, sculpture & more; visit cookhamfestival.co.uk

Family & planet-friendly WOOD returns to Ipsden, 19th-21st May; woodfestival.com And Let’s Rock the Moor in Cookham on 21st May offers OMD, Roland Gift, Kim Wilde, Space, Soul II Soul & more; letsrockthemoor.com Classical music fans will love the 16th English Music Festival at Dorchester Abbey, 26th -29th May; englishmusicfestival.org.uk “Probably the finest free music and beer festival in the world...” Rokefest will rock its new home The Chequers, at Berrick Salome, near

And arrive thirsty for Twyford Beer Festival, raising money for male cancer charity Orchid, 9th & 10th June; twyfordbeerfest.co.uk Scouting For Girls, The Feeling and Barrioke, (with Shaun Williamson) will make for a great Fi.Fest in Maidenhead on 8th July; fifest.co.uk

direct

Join Tom Kerridge & foodie friends for Pub In The Park Marlow, 18th-21st May. The shindig also has a sizzling music line-up, too, including Sugababes, The Jacksons, Tinie Tempah, a Dick & Dom DJ set, Ministry Of Sound Disco and Bananarama. pubintheparkuk.com/marlow

Wallingford, 26th-28th May, with great bands & more, all for great causes; rokefest.com

Jungle Brothers, Professor Green, Sleeper, Roni Size & many more will dazzle at Readipop in Caversham, 14th-16th July. Established in 1998, the highlight helps vulnerable young people and older folk, plus aspiring artists; readipop.co.uk

Royal Blood, The Vaccines, alt-J, Shy FX & David Rodigan are among the delights Truck is packing, 21st-23rd July in Steventon; truckfestival.com Richard Ashcroft, plus Ocean Colour Scene & The Sherlocks, will star at Englefield House in Berkshire on Saturday, 22nd July. Hozier will star with Far From Saints on 23rd. Pre-register for tickets at arep.co/p/richard-ashcroft

R&A | 25

F ESTI VALS

WIN!

For tickets & full festivals guide, visit roundandabout. co.uk

Live

August will star Soft Cell, The Boomtown Rats, and many more; south.rewindfestival.com Boomtown will boom on the theme of The Gathering, 9th-13th August in Hampshire’s Matterley Estate; boomtownfair.co.uk

& Our fave bash (and that of our cover star Noel) PennFest is back in Bucks on 21st & 22nd July. As well as Mr G’s High Flying Birds, Johnny Marr will star, along with Gaz Coombes, Bad Manners, DJ Fresh & many more. pennfest.co.uk Marvellous will offer mighty tribute acts including T*Rextasy and Coldplace & fun, 22nd & 23rd July in Hurst; marvellousfestivals.com

direct

Fairport Convention will star at the Fleur De Lys in East Hagbourne on 23rd July ahead of FleurFest, the community institution, 28th30th July, along with Scott Doonican, Gregg Cave & more; thefleurdelyspub.co.uk

26 | MAY 2023

Wilderness, at Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park, 3rd-6th August, offers The Chemical Brothers, Christine & The Queens, Fatboy Slim, feasting, mindblowing boutique camping options, theatre & more; visit wildernessfestival.com Fancy a trip to the past, maybe with a hair do to match? Enjoy vintage steam at Retrofestival in Newbury, 11th-13th August; retrofestival.co.uk Towersey Festival will impress with comedy, music & fun, 25th-28th August near Buckingham, including The Proclaimers, Frank Turner & The Divine Comedy; towerseyfestival.com Reading (& Leeds) is back to rock the August bank holiday weekend, 25th-27th August. Sam Fender, FOALS, Loyle Carner, Billie Eilish & The Killers are on the line-up; readingfestival.com Love cars, love music? Then you’ll love CarFest, the family music & motoring festival founded by Chris Evans in 2011, at Laverstoke Park, 27th-29th August; carfest.org

Rag’n’Bone Man, Westlife, Nile Rodgers, Ministry of Sound Classical, the Kanneh-Mason Trio and Jack Dee, as well as an Aretha Franklin celebration will make for another great Henley Festival, 6th-10th July; henley-festival.co.uk

Big Feastival on Alex James’ Cotswolds farm will serve family fun, food and frolics, 25th27th August. Justin Fletcher will delight along with Sigrid, Rick Astley, Blossoms, Melanie C & a DJ set from Hot Chip. at thebigfeastival.com

Stowaway near Buckingham will stimulate all the senses, starring David Rodigan, Irvine Welsh, Little Dragon, with feasting, revelry & more, 18th-20th August; stowawayfestival.co.uk

Wallingford’s BunkFest is in its 21st year. The free-access community festival returns with its winning brew of beer, music and dance, 1st-3rd September; bunkfest.co.uk

Retro fave Rewind South in Henley 18th-20th

Check out our app guide too & see you there!

Summer's Blooming

With summer on the way, now is the time to brighten up your garden. Our expert plant team are always happy to give advice choosing the flowers, fragrances and colours to suit every taste, from bedding plants and herbaceous through to roses and climbers, we’ve got you covered. You can mix your choices with garden ornaments and statues to really make your garden beautiful. And don’t forget our selection of garden furniture, just right for relaxing on in the evening sun and enjoying that well earned G&T once the gardens finished. Root One – The Gardeners Garden Centre (with a great café too!)

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ART

Landscape love letter Cholsey local Josie Clouting is exhibiting at her own studio for Oxfordshire Artweeks and with two other local artists in Blewbury The light-filled and welcoming space in the village, promises to be an exciting and vibrant exhibition.

holsey artist Josie Clouting’s studio on Papist Way is open to the public this month, offering the opportunity to see a working artist’s space, as well as purchase original paintings and prints. Josie is a professional landscape painter who has exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the Mall galleries among others. Her work is she says “a love letter to feeling overwhelmed and humbled by a space in nature”. Her painting style has an emphasis on colour and mark making to create vibrant and intuitive artworks. The studio is at venue 242 on

the Artweeks website, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th, and from Thursday 19th to Sunday, 22nd May. For more details please visit artweeks.org/v/josie-clouting Josie is also joining two other artists at The Clubhouse, Boham’s Road, Blewbury from May 6th to 14th.

Yvette Phillips works with textiles combining vintage fabric with hand embroidery to create bold coloured works of art, all inspired by a love of nature and natural forms. For more info visit yvettephillipsart.com and follow @yvettephillips_art Valentina Gonzalez is an architect and artist working intuitively with collage to create well balanced abstract compositions inspired by construction sites, the sunny south of Spain and simplicity. Visit valentinagonzalezart.com and follow @valentina.gonzalez.art

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R&A | 29

SPOTLIG HT

á ...Continued from page 22.

˜˜˜ Howbery Business Park, in Crowmarsh, will welcome you for another free family-friendly tree trail during the May-June half term holidays. A free tree trail pack with map will be available from the Manor Café from Tuesday 30th May to Friday 2nd June, 9am-4pm. The trail takes in eleven notable trees, crayons and paper for tree rubbings, and mini hole punchers by each tree to stamp the map. At the end of the trail, children can collect a small reward. Young children will need to be accompanied on the trail, as there are some roads and slow moving vehicles on the park, and beehives on one edge of the lawn. howberypark.com

The Friends of Ewelme Church have organised a talk in the church at 7.30pm on Thursday, 1st June, entitled Katherine Swynford: John of Gaunt and his Scandalous Mistress. The illustrated talk will be given by Alison Weir, who wrote the book of the same name, and her talk will focus on a fascinating period of history particularly significant to Ewelme. The Wallingford Bookshop will have a pop-up shop in the church and will be selling copies of some of Alison's many other books. Tickets are available from ticketsource.co.uk/friendsof-ewelme-church ˜˜˜

˜˜˜ Do you care about the way health and social care services are run in Oxfordshire? Would you like to play a part in making these services better? If so, Healthwatch Oxfordshire needs you to become a trustee! Healthwatch Oxfordshire is the county’s independent health and social care watchdog. If you want to make a difference and can spare around 20 hours of your time a year please consider joining Healthwatch Oxfordshire as a trustee. Applications are welcomed from people of all ages and backgrounds and no previous trustee experience is needed. Visit healthwatchoxfordshire. co.uk/news/becomeatrustee or call 01865 520520. ˜˜˜ The Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS) is a national charity with an Oxfordshire support group. The ROS is a charitable organisation raising awareness about bone health and aiming at eradicating the many negative impacts of the condition, such as disability following fractures. Over the age of 50, osteoporosis affects half of women and one in five men. It also affects younger people. The local volunteers offer information about treatment and care, so you can get support and meet others with osteoporosis. To find out more, call 07900 303510, email oxfordvolunteers@ theros.org.uk or visit theros.org.uk

d...Continued on page 38.

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CARE

a life-changing difference

“Fostering is incredibly rewarding” is the message from Oxfordshire County Council ahead of Foster Care Fortnight, May 15th-28th

here are so many benefits of fostering, it can be positive for everyone involved, here a few reasons that may help you to take the first steps on your fostering journey. You’ll be giving a child a safe and loving home and keeping a child local. Our children may have experienced trauma and instability in their lives and being provided with a loving home can be a life-changing experience for them. As a foster carer, you can reassure them that they are now safe, and this will help them to thrive and grow. By fostering with Oxfordshire County Council, you will help more children stay in Oxfordshire, so they remain close to the things that are important to them, their friends, family and remain in their education setting. Fostering makes a life changing difference to the foster child as well as the carer and birth children. Fostering can also provide you and your family with a real sense of purpose. You have the opportunity to make a positive impact to the child and help them reach their full potential. Seeing the children grow into strong confident little people is a joy. When caring for a child who has faced trauma, you will be faced with challenges that help 32 | MAY 2023

you develop new strengths and broaden your mind. You will have access loads of training and information. And you will be working with a team of professionals who will provide you with valuable experience and knowledge that helps to you grow as a foster carer. You’ll be helping the community. By providing a stable and loving home for a child, you are making a real difference. You change the future for a child, which changes the future for us all. Michelle and Will from Oxford are new to fostering. They told us: “Our experience of fostering so far has been exciting and joyful. There has been lots to get our heads around, but we have been so well supported by our amazing social worker. The children who we have had the privilege of fostering so far have brought so much fun, laughter and purpose into our, we have absolutely no regrets. “Our advice to anyone thinking of fostering is to take your time to research and really think about it. Be reassured that there is lots of support out there for foster carers should you choose to take the plunge like we did. We’ve never looked back.” If you think fostering maybe for you, then we are here to help you get started. You will see such a positive difference to both you and your family.Get in touch on 0800 783 5724, email [email protected] and visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering

Fostering is rewarding Seeing children grow into strong confident little people is a joy.

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ANTI QUES

French flair

Lovers of vintage style will want to put a date in their diary for the White Door Brocante in Benson on Friday, 16th June ounded in 2019 by Pangbourne antiques dealer Elise Harris of White Door Antiques, the idea of White Door Brocante is to bring the affordable style of a French brocante to the Thames Valley. This event is sure to attract shoppers who want a great day out while snapping up vintage style for their homes. Organised with more than 25 stalls drawn from across the country, the event features an array of furniture, homeware, artwork, gardenalia, seasonal plants and textiles with prices on stalls starting from under £10 with many items costing less than £100. The day also brings together and supports

independent businesses to show their creativity in the pretty and relaxed South Oxfordshire setting.

to balance elegance with comfort, using rustic finishes, authentic materials and items that tell a story.

Along with the antique and vintage sellers the event hosts a carefully selected number of artisans and makers of handmade treasures. What they all have in common is the love of old things and the desire

Doors open from 10am to 3pm with 10% of the £7 ticket price (available on the door and from www.whitedoorantiques.co.uk) donated to the dyslexia charity Helen Arkell.org.uk

Visit us at Timbers Farm, Henley-on-Thames RG9 5SY Call us on 01491 641024 www.countryroofingsupplies.co.uk

Included in the ticket price will be a talk from BBC1 Bidding Room personality and White Door Brocante stall holder Jo Roberts, pictured, on her love of art and antiques and how lockdown created a new later life career in antiques. Fair goers can also enjoy drinks, snacks and cakes at a pop-up cafe.

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R&A | 35

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n the last summer before the pandemic, the Uffington Three went to Blewbury Croquet Club to sip Prosecco and give the game a try. Four years later, we’re all addicted to a sport that encourages newcomers like no other I’ve known, writes Minty Clinch. Forget putting feet on balls to whack them into the bushes, as widely practised on childhood lawns. Modern croquet comes in two forms, Association and Golf. AC is closest to the game’s Victorian roots, a mental battle requiring tactical precision and considerable patience. GC is quicker to learn and to play, one day cricket as opposed to a test match. The wise play both. In harsh times, croquet is economical and practical. Annual membership for unlimited play at Blewbury is £180 which covers courts, balls and hoops, plus a range of mallets to try. Like most good clubs, they offer free taster sessions, followed by complimentary coaching for beginners and improvers. Twice weekly roll ups in both disciplines year-round ensure friendly competition with more experienced members. All you need is a pair of soft soled shoes - the turf is sacred - and casual clothes. Like all sports, the game is best played - and much enjoyed - by the young. Samir Patel, who captained the England team that won the MacRobertson Shield four yearly test series in Australia last November, took it up at Oxford. Likewise his youngest team mate, Harry Fisher; was a Blewbury member, Harry brought his 36 | MAY 2023

fellow travellers down for their final practice weekend before they flew to Melbourne. The courts really are that good…. As soon as you’ve grasped the basics, you can enter internal competitions and widen your horizons in friendly matches against local clubs. Cue the purchase of a white shirt, trousers and trainers. Fleece lined white bowling waterproofs cost under £30 online. Sophisticated handicapping allows the less experienced to take on experts on allegedly level terms. In GC, newcomers have to make fewer hoops than their opponents. In AC, free turns - known as bisques - are courteously offered to the unskilled by the skilled. Victorian etiquette is not entirely dead. As a perennial optimist, I armed myself with a handicap that invites forests of these wooden pegs and set out to conquer the world. Post Covid, I travelled from York to Brighton to Budleigh Salterton to take Academy training courses and play in tournaments. Most welcoming of all was Cheltenham, England’s croquet HQ. Camaraderie, banter and encouragement led by the irrepressible force of nature that is Sarah Hayes ensure that the gain exceeds the pain. As for the cake…. As I prepare for the new season, the world remains unconquered, but my spirits are undimmed. Fancy joining me? Please contact [email protected]. Mention my name, I’ll meet you there and find someone qualified to show you how it’s done…

R&A | 37

SPOTLIG HT

á ...Continued from page 30.

The Friends of Ewelme Church have organised a talk in the church at 7.30pm on Thursday, 1st June, entitled Katherine Swynford: John of Gaunt and his Scandalous Mistress. The illustrated talk will be given by Alison Weir, who wrote the book of the same name, and her talk will focus on a fascinating period of history particularly significant to Ewelme. The Wallingford Bookshop will have a pop-up shop in the church and will be selling copies of some of Alison's many other books. Tickets available from March from ticketsource.co.uk/ friends-of-ewelme-church ˜˜˜

˜˜˜ Ladies! How would you like a Mindful Maharani Meander in Stoke Row? This walk for women is one of the many delights organised by the Chilterns Walking festival from 20th May to 4th June. Hear the story of how the Maharajah’s Well ended up in this quaint English village, with a stroll through the cherry orchard and take a picnic lunch to enjoy under a canopy of majestic beech trees, before heading back. For this and more visit chilternsaonb.org/whats-on/walkingfest/ ˜˜˜ There will be two Astons Online events in May. The monthly Zoom meeting on 9th, 10.30- 11.15am is about making the best use of ICT when on holiday;

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

to book your place email theastonsonline@gmail. com. On 16th May, 10am-noon will be Astons Online’s monthly event in Astons Village Hall, OX11 9DQ. Please tell the team, if you can, that you’re going and wear a mask. Visit astonsonline.uk and email is [email protected] ˜˜˜ Pretty Ridgeway village North Stoke is home to about 75 houses in the village and a number of locals have kindly offered to open their gardens, 2-6pm on Sunday, 11th June, with all proceeds to the upkeep of the beautiful, historic village hall. Several are particularly large gardens with river frontages, two other gardens border the spring-fed lake and others are interesting cottage gardens. You can meet the garden owners, relax with tea and cake (£3), buy plants and, if time permits, visit the historic village church. Entry £6 on the day cash or card (under-14s free). ˜˜˜ The RSPB Vale of White Horse Local Group will meet on Monday 15th May at 7.30pm in the River Room, 4 Church Street, Sutton Courtenay, OX14 4NJ for a members’ evening preceded by a short AGM. It will not be Zoomed. Visitors welcome; £5pp. For more info call 01235 818072 or visit rspb-vwh.org.uk

d...Continued on page 46.

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A police ride along, a ukelele band, Grove station campaign and an apprenticeship fair all in a month’s work for David Johnston MP

epending on when you read this, you may still have time to complete my Health Services Survey. It’s eight short questions about your experience of accessing services like GP and Dentist appointments and should take 5-10 minutes. You can complete it here: www.david-johnston.org. uk/health Although I live in Didcot, I saw it, Wantage and elsewhere in the constituency in a different light last month: from the back of a police car! No, I hadn’t done anything wrong, I’d asked to go on a ‘ride along’ with the local force to get a better insight into the demands on the police as they respond to the calls they receive at the station. It turned out to be a relatively quiet four or so hours, but it was nonetheless fascinating to talk to PCs David and Alex about their experience in the force, the things they’ve had to respond to, how they’re treated by the public and the things they’d like to see change. They perform a very difficult and vital role and I’m very grateful to them for letting me accompany them. I must give credit to OX10 Community Centre, Wild About Wallingford, the Town Council and Incredible Edible for keeping their Public Living Room going at the Bull Croft through a miserable afternoon of rain. It was designed to bring the community together and it did – at least some of them, and a great ukulele band. I had a good catch up with GWR about where next to take my campaign for reopening Grove Station – watch this space. Hot on the heels of my Apprenticeship Fair on 24th April at Didcot Civic Hall I’m now planning this year’s Wantage and Didcot Climate Summit – the date will be 13th June. If I can help with anything then please email me via [email protected]

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R&A | 39

S TAR Q&A

Rock music legend & dad Noel Gallagher, 55, shares his thoughts ahead of his star turn at PennFest in Buckinghamshire this summer

Noel in one

Hello! You must be excited about playing songs from the new album Council Skies at PennFest. Any songs standing out as potential live favourites? “Well, I haven’t started rehearsing yet! I’d be amazed if Easy Now and Pretty Boy aren’t great live but, as of yet, we just don’t know.” Q. “Johnny Marr will be on stage just before you at PennFest. You’ve collaborated previously many times and he also plays on your new album. What was it about The Smiths you particularly loved..? And how does Johnny continue to inspire you? “Like all the great bands they had an undefinable thing. Yes, the tunes were undeniably great – and they were amazing live – but there was ‘something’ else. As for what that ‘something’ was? I still don’t know.” 40 | MAY 2023

Q. Apart from Johnny, who are you always happy to see backstage at a festival? “The Invisible Man.” Q. Council Skies is your first studio album in five years and the first you recorded at your own studio, Lone Star Sound. Has it always been an ambition to have your own studio and were you involved in kitting it out? “Yes and no. it was born out of necessity really. Luckily it sounds and feels and looks amazing.” Q. On Council Skies you write about themes of youthful yearning and unbridled ambition – can you reveal more? “It’s going back to the beginning. Daydreaming, looking up at the sky and wondering about what life could be… That’s as true to me now as it was in the early ‘90s. When I was growing up in poverty and unemployment, music took me out of that. Top of the Pops on TV transformed your Thursday night into this fantasy world – and that’s what I think music should be. I want my music to be elevating and transforming in some way.” Q. How did the remix of recent single Pretty Boy by Robert Smith come about? Are you a fan of The Cure? “Well, I just asked him. I never thought he’d even listen to it, far less actually agree to do it. A lovely man. He’s from The north-west so I should have known he’d be cool as! I do love The Cure – one of THE great British guitar bands.” Q. Do you think you appreciate making music and touring more now than you did in the early days? “100%. Like life itself, one tends to appreciate things more the older and more handsome one gets.”  PennFest takes place on Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd July. To find out more and win tickets, please visit roundandabout.co.uk

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Artists have been encouraged to commemorate the Coronation with their work embers of Wallingford and District Art Club have been encouraged to submit works representing the theme CELEBRATE, to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. Its annual Summer Exhibition on May 13th and 14th at Centre 70, Wallingford will include a review and appreciation of these works by local artist and tutor, Anthony Wilder, at a preview event on the evening of May 12th. The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday at 10am. There will be a range of art for sale outside of the CELEBRATE theme, and visitors can view more than 80 works using all

painting media, plus cards and gifts, created by local artists. The image featured is by Ana Allen, a well-known local artist and club member, who specialises in painting delightful, gentle acrylics of landmark local and far-flung landscapes.

since 1979. The club meets every Tuesday evening at Centre 70, 7-9pm for self-guided work, and hosts two separate tutored sessions every Tuesday (10am-1pm for beginners/improvers and 2pm-5pm for improvers/advanced).

The exhibition is free to enter and open each day from 10am to 5pm. Head along and celebrate the joy of making and giving original art. WADAC has been encouraging artists in and around Wallingford

The team also hold tutored workshops, demonstrations by professional artists, Plein-air painting days, exhibitions, and social events. New members are welcome and you can come along free for a taster session. Visit wallingfordartclub. org.uk for more info.

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FOOD & DRINK

Big Beer Bash Calling all real ale lovers! Make a date at the distillery to enjoy some tasty local brews op – on a bus – to TOAD (The Oxford Artisan Distillery) on Saturday, 20th May, to enjoy the best local brews in and around Oxford at the Big Oxford Beer Bash. The one-day festival celebrates the very best of local independent craft beers alongside food and festival vibes to ensure it’s a day you won’t want to miss. Take a walk along Beer Street packed full with brewery bars run by the brewers themselves and meet the artisans who lovingly craft the brews for you to sample as you interact and learn about the art of brewing. And “you’re not just here for the

beer”, along with the ales, there are a whole range of local food producers in the food market as well as a day of great live music from local bands. The Beer Bash is set in the beautiful grounds of the TOAD distillery in South Park. You can take a tour and meet Nautilus and Nemo and enjoy

a local gin in the historic Barn Bar. The Big Oxford Beer Bash is organised by the Oxford Brewers Alliance (oxfordbrewers.org), a co-operative of local breweries supplying beer into the city, all promoting quality real ale. Among its members are Abingdon-based Loose Cannon and White Horse Brewery at Stanford in the Vale. Doors open at TOAD from midday until 8pm, admission is just £12 and includes a special tasting glass. Be aware there is no parking so you’re advised to walk, use Thornhill Park and Ride or take the bus. Buy tickets from tickettailor.com/ events/bigoxfordbeerbash

R&A | 43

MUS I C

English ensemble Dorchester Abbey will again be alive with the sound of musical masterpieces as the 16th annual English Music Festival takes centre stage highly anticipated visit by the BBC Concert Orchestra to perform major works by E. J. Moeran and Ralph Vaughan Williams, as well as world premières by William Lloyd Webber, William Alwyn and Paul Lewis are among the highlights of the English Music Festival.

A vibrant and varied programme for flute, oboe and piano comes from the French-Italian ensemble of Nicolas Vallette, Marika Lombardi and Agnès Bonjean on 28th; while a particular highlight of the Festival’s atmospheric lateevening concerts will be the superb young Portuguese guitarist Fábio Fernandes.

The festival from 23th to 26th May celebrates the brilliance, innovation, beauty and rich musical heritage of Britain with a strong focus on unearthing overlooked or forgotten masterpieces of the late-19th to mid-20th century.

Well-known to Oxfordshire audiences, and following their well-received recital at the EMF last year, tenor Daniel Norman and pianist Sholto Kynoch will present two of the most distinctive song cycles by British composers.

For the Festival’s opening concert in addition to three premières, EMF patrons will be making a special pilgrimage to Dorchester Abbey to hear a rare live performance of E.J. Moeran’s glorious Cello Concerto when soloist Raphael Wallfisch joins the BBC Concert Orchestra with conductor Martin Yates. Enjoy a pre-concert talk too.

Soprano Sara Stowe and pianist Charles Wiffen provide an opportunity to hear songs by Walter Leigh, amongst others, in their showcase of song; and a different tradition is celebrated by the British folk band Moonrakers, who will perform ancient mystical ballads.

Live choral music is to feature in two major programmes with The Godwine Choir and The Holst Orchestra bringing a programme of popular favourites. Vocal ensemble The Strand Consort end the Festival in style by celebrating the Coronation of Charles III with works including Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Mass in G minor, Hubert Parry’s I was Glad, and John Ireland’s The Hills. The Festival’s increasing international activity will be recognised by the presence of artists from across the world in Oxfordshire in May, including the brilliant South African pianist Peter Cartwright who will join the violinist Rupert Marshall-Luck in a showcase of music. 44 | MAY 2023

The EMF’s late-evening concerts are a very special feature of the Festival, the intimate warmth of Dorchester Abbey providing the perfect setting for audiences to relax and enjoy the lighter side of British composers. This year, seven-piece dance band The New Foxtrot Serenaders make a welcome return to showcase the golden age of dance-band music. The Guards Association Band will perform some much-loved favorites such as Malcolm Arnold’s vigorous English Dances, the imposing Suite from Things to Come by Arthur Bliss, Edward Elgar’s much-loved Salut d’Amour and Eric Coates’s bustling Knightsbridge. Further information, tickets and full programme please visit englishmusicfestival.org.uk

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SPOTLIG HT

á ...Continued from page 38.

Flexicare is a great local charity that has provided a specialised sitting service for registered families with a severely disabled child (and their siblings) for more than 38 years. Help this great work continue from 9am on Sunday, 14th May, at Snells Hall in East Hendred, OX12 8LA, with a fundraising walk. Routes of varying lengths (including two wheelchair/buggy accessible options) are available to walk, run or cycle, some taking in the glorious views from the Ridgeway. Dogs on a lead welcome. Refreshments available en route and at the hall. Visit flexicare.org/events. Donations welcome. ˜˜˜

˜˜˜ Hello to The Goring Gap Probus Club (GGPC) which is welcoming new members. Probus is an association of autonomous clubs throughout the UK and internationally, for retired or semi-retired professionals, business persons and people of similar standing from all backgrounds. GGPC is for men. The club meets monthly with expert speakers, offering ample opportunity for interaction and organises enjoyable social activities. Most members relax with a coffee on arrival and partake of drinks from the bar before a tasty two-course lunch following the presentations. A summer garden party and gala Christmas lunch, both with members’ partners,

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complete a rewarding mix of activities. Membership fees are modest. GGPC meets at the Goring and Streatley Golf Club every third Tuesday at 10.30am with easy access and free parking. If you're interested please email [email protected] Do you care about the way health and social care services are run in Oxfordshire? Would you like to play a part in making these services better for all? If so, Healthwatch Oxfordshire needs you to become a trustee! Healthwatch Oxfordshire is the county’s independent health and social care watchdog. If you want to make a difference locally and can spare around 20 hours of your time a year please consider joining. Applications are welcomed from people of all ages and backgrounds and no previous trustee experience is needed. Visit healthwatchoxfordshire.co.uk/news/ becomeatrustee or call 01865 520520.

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We’re excited to announce the launch of our app, a community space for our readers. The Round & About platform is all about bringing local and like-minded people together online. We’ll focus on community enthusiasts who have a shared passion for local events, organisations, groups, hobbies and news.

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C L A SSI F I E D

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

ASK

ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS

Call Alan Knight

07792 230789

[email protected]

• Small jobs to full bespoke rewires • Fuseboard/Consumer Unit upgrades

SELF DEVELOPMENT & COUNSELLING

Counselling Services Therapeutic counselling and psychotherapy Providing help with: • Bereavement • Relationship issues • Eating issues

• Life & career change • Depression • Anxiety

• Family problems • Couple counselling • Children & young people

Patricia Talmage MBACP Psychotherapist T: 01491 651262 M: 07747 733318 E: [email protected] www.patriciatalmage.co.uk

Online Psychological Therapy for • Eating Disorders • Post Traumatic Disorder • Anxiety and Depression • Couple and Relationship Issues Specialist in EMDR and Cognitive Analytical Therapy If you would like to talk over what you are struggling with please book an initial free appointment.

Email: [email protected] Phone: 07946400257 Look up: www.wingscounselling.com

RESOLVED! HYPNOTHERAPY Offers warm, effective and professional solutions in Reading, Oxford, Wallingford, Call Paul on 07786123736 or please visit www.resolvedhypnotherapy.co.uk

PLUMBING, HEATING & ELECTRICAL LB PLUMBING Toilets, taps, showers, immersions, leaks, all general repairs. Free estimates. Fully insured. No callout charge. Call Lee 01491 834484 mob 07981642688

• LED lighting - Downlights, Outside Lights, Striplights, Feature lights etc • Security - CCTV, Motion Detector Lighting etc • Electrical Installation Condition Reports for Landlords and Homebuyers • EV Chargers (City and Guilds Qualified) • Smart Electrical Devices

MIA PLUMBING AND HEATING 24 hrs service. free call out (8 am to 6 pm) Approved gas engineer Gas safe registered. All domestic plumbing and heating work are undertaken. Gas Boiler Replacements / Installations. Complete bathroom kitchen design and installation Fully trained and approved water softer engineer. Email address: [email protected] Call Ben on 07775 556512 Landline: 01491 825633  Gas, OiI and LPG boiler servicing, repairs & replacements  Gas appliance instillation, servicing and repairs. Established family run business founded in Brightwell

01491 839675

FREE ESTIMATES FINANCE AVAILABLE

eandwplumbingandheating.com [email protected]

 Smart control instillation, reducing energy usage and improving performance of new and existing heating and hot water systems  Emergency plumbing and heating repairs

BOYES HEATING & PLUMBING SERVICES General Plumbing, Emergency Callout, Leaky Taps, Central Heating Systems, Gas Boilers and Servicing, all works considered. Tel: 07399930877 Email: [email protected]. R&A | 51

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PETER the HEATER LTD KEEPING OXFORDSHIRE WARM

Heating and plumbing installations and repairs | Boiler service and replacement | Fair pricing | Free estimates | Fast Friendly service

01235 527716/07525 449180

Architectural Design

Planning & Building Regulations drawings for new build and home extensions. Hard landscape design [email protected] 07905 697279 www.perspekt.co.uk

MB MARINE & DOMESTIC GAS SERVICES LPG & Domestic Gas. Boilers / Cookers / Landlord Certificates / Caravans / Motorhomes / Boats / Fridges Wras Approved. Qualified Legionella testing, risk assessments and water hygiene, Gas Safe Register Number 216545. Please contact 01491 651672 Or 07872486117 Email: [email protected] Website: www.mbmarineandgas.co.uk (Now Accepting Debit/Credit card payments) ADAM DIDCOT PLUMBER Small and emergency work. Any plumbing replace or repair. Boiler installations, bathroom installations. Fully insured. Free estimates. Most parts in stock. Over 20 years’ experience. If you don’t ask you don’t get. We can beat most quotations. Please call or text Adam on 01235 812971 mob 07763 221257 or Email: [email protected] www.aadplumbing.co.uk

BUILDING SECTIONAL EX-DISPLAY SHEDS Stables/field shelters, summer houses, garden rooms, offices, workshops and agricultural 01935 891195 www.customtimberbuildingsltd.co.uk

GENERAL SERVICES 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 CARPET / UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Low moisture specialists. Competitive rates. Trading Standards approved. GRIMEBUSTERS (01865) 726983 / (01235) 555533 / (01993) 868924 BLOCKED DRAINS? Sewers, sinks, toilets, baths unblocked. Emergency plumbing. Call GB DRAINAGE 07850 624997 52 | MAY 2023

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

C L A SSI F I E D

M.J. Talbot

established 1990

All work undertaken will be of a high standard.

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

ALL DIGITAL TV

PatiosDeckingFacia BoardsSoffitsDecoratingFencing GutteringInsurance workRoofingGardeningCarpentry A MUST SATISFACTIONNDE D BY AS RECOMME ZINE: AGA M H HIC W HIP 5★ FOR WORKMG.ANS 5★ FOR PRICIN

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

Ring Michael on

or mobile

Affordable Building Plans

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

MOB

CALL PAUL PARNELL ON: TEL 01491

0750 008 1505

520217

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

10% Discount when you mention Round&About

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

M.J. Talbot

established 1990

Complete fencing and landscaping services.

07711 943135 [email protected]

PatiosGatesFencingPatios & PathsDrivewaysTurfing DeckingAll types of GardeningAll Materials Supplied

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

BEFORE

Ovens Grills l Extractors

N EE S T V A SO N

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

AFTER

Filters BBQs l Microwaves

Hobs Ranges l AGAs

l

l

l

l

l

l

Call Michael for a free Estimate & friendly advice:

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

Domestic Appliance Services 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

Phone: 01235 426234 Mobile: 07555 124355

Email: [email protected] Steluta Franguta

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

STELLA’S CLEANING SERVICES Rosebank Roke Benson Wallingford OX10 6JD [email protected] Tel: 07904 987 857 R&A | 53

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P.M WILLOUGHBY PROPERTY & GARDEN MAINTENANCE Small extensions, external and internal work all aspects of work undertaken. Tel: 01235 550204 mob 07970723407. LOCKSMITH SERVICE Door & window locks fitted, repaired & opened. UPVC door locks repaired & replaced. Checkatrade member. Which? Trusted Trader. Free quotes. Over 35 years’ of experience. For reliable service call Richard Homden on 07710 409216 www.acgservices.co.uk

WANTED DO YOU HAVE A CLASSIC CAR / VAN / TRUCK FOR SALE? Looking to enlarge my collection of classic cars, any make or condition considered Call Ian on 07748158325 or email me at [email protected]

cash paid for quality hi-fi Call, text or WhatsApp us on 07726321618 (with makes and model numbers of equipment)

[email protected]

GARDENING SERVICES 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

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01491 822758 ABLE GARDEN SERVICES all types of trees/fruit trees felling, shaping, pruning & spraying. Stump grinding, hedge cutting, shrub pruning. Drive work - block paving, decking, tarmacking & all types of landscape work undertaken. Fencing, gates, turfing, patios, sheds & jet washing, Green & garden waste removed. General garden tidy-ups & makeovers. Please call 01865 475223 or 07391 204145. QUOTE R&A FOR A 10% DISCOUNT. E. SMITH TREE CARE & FENCING ALL TYPES OF TREE SURGERY INCLUDING FRUIT TREES. SHRUB, TREE & FRIUT TREE PRUNING, HEDGE CUTTING. GARDEN TIDY-UPS, TURFING, GRAVELLING & PRESSURE CLEANING. ALL GREEN WASTE REMOVED. Tel: EDWARD 01865 770528 OR MOBILE 07867 910670

PETS CORNER Award Winning Puppy & Dog Training 1 to 1 Training in your own home Classes & Workshops Contact: Sandra Emmons www.happipup.co.uk Telephone 07973272911 Berkshire Puppy Training Service of The Year 2022

A R B O R I S T S 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

54 | MAY 2023

Fully Qualified and Insured For a Free Quotation Call Today

07740 103483 01235 810808 Or Email [email protected]

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

R&A | 55

RIVERSIDE PARK & POOLS

OPENING SATURDAY 27th MAY

We can’t wait to welcome you back this summer! Discover more at better.org.uk/riverside

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398