Home Hub Academy to boost skills

Karen Neville

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A new training programme is helping to develop the skills of Bracknell tradespeople

A new learning academy has been launched to develop the skills of local people in the Bracknell area by independent window and door specialist, Home Hub.

The Home Hub Academy is an 18-month training programme which combines classroom learning, course work, and hands-on workshops in the company’s dedicated 2,000sqft facility in Bracknell. The programme aims to broaden the knowledge and skills of local installers from product knowledge to customer service, providing the recruits with the right skills to thrive within a growing local business and flourish in the construction industry.

There are currently nine people taking part, with the aim for 28 to be fully qualified each year. Curtis Lockyer, 24, who is currently taking part in the academy, said: “I’m excited to finish the Home Hub Academy and be a fully qualified installer. It’s a great opportunity to be part of a growing company, that wants to ensure they offer the best for their customers and employees because they care about the future.”

As well as being salaried, trainees taking part in the programme benefit from an energetic, fun learning environment where they build their skills under the wings of a team of fully qualified installers. Upon completion trainees will receive a fenestration apprenticeship qualification.

Laurence Tuck, Founder and Managing Director, at Home Hub Group, said: “We wanted to create our own training programme to ensure the windows and doors we supply, from award-winning brands like Origin, are installed the right way, every time and to broaden the opportunities available to those who want a career in construction. Our training programme is open to anyone, and we are really excited to have created a safe environment where people feel valued, learn a new skill, and will be financially rewarded from day one.”

Visit Home Hub’s website to find out more about its window and door installation academy.

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Help take authentic climate action

Karen Neville

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Mill House is working to support small businesses and are developing a programme to help improve sustainability

The Mill House Wooburn is all about support local businesses and one way in which they are doing this is through their passion for sustainability.

Working in partnership with Sustainability Consultancy – B Other Wise, they have developed a programme to run throughout 2023 to help businesses in the area be a Force for Good.

The programme will include:

• Expertise, helping businesses build sustainable practices
• Support creating a sustainability plan and creating a common understanding of what being a sustainable and regenerative business mean
• Qualified guidance through the B Crop Framework
• Monthly workshops at Mill House on specific sustainability topics
• The opportunity to build meaningful relationships with other, like-minded local founders and business owners
• Bespoke support on a 1:1 basis face to face at Mill House

We will be raising money for local environmental charity – Wild Cookham.

The event launches on February 23rd and offers small businesses the opportunity to find out more about the new Sustainability Workshop Programme.

Find out more at Mill House Wooburn.

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Zero Degrees at Winchester Science Centre

Karen Neville

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This February half term there’s some out of this world fun to enjoy without ever leaving Hampshire

The temperature may be dropping but things are heating up with the Science Centre’s first school holiday event, Zero Degrees. As well as all the usual Science Centre fun, there’ll be even more on offer to excite all ages.

Step inside a wintry wonderland and experience the breath-taking colours of the Northern Lights… without even leaving Hampshire until February 20th. For a limited time each day, the Planetarium will be opening up for free for the first time so that everyone can experience the mesmerising greens, blue and purples of the Northern Lights and get a sneak peek of the spectacular Planetarium.

In Extreme Weather, an exciting free science show, live experiments and fascinating facts will shed light on the unexpected, and often severe, weather we see around the world. This action-packed 20-minute show will take an in-depth look into some of our most crazy weather systems. Thankfully the weather in Hampshire isn’t usually that extreme, but the Science Centre needs the help of visitors to monitor it. In the Bio:Space weather station visitors can grab weather measuring tools and record how the weather is changing throughout the day. There’s even an opportunity to create their own weather in Science Live. Join the Inspirers and get hands-on with live science by create a cloud in a bottle.

And don’t forget all the other hands-on fun on offer! Visitors can discover more about sound, hearing and vibration on the upper floor. Climb inside a giant guitar. Explore the acoustic rocket. And even learn some British Sign Language. On the lower floor families can blast off on a journey through Explorer:Space and discover more about what it’s like to live and work in space in the interactive space zone.

The February events mark the start of a year of explosive fun at Winchester Science Centre in 2023. Daytimes will be action-packed with six brand-new seasonal events, one for every school holiday. Experience all the thrills of the Science Centre’s awesome hands-on exhibits, live shows and demos plus extra activities – including free entry to the Planetarium this February half term. And when the doors close, the fun doesn’t stop with four brand-new family and adult-only evening events. Tickets are on sale for the first daytime event, Zero Degrees, with events and other seasons set to go on sale very soon.

For more information about the 2023 season at Winchester Science Centre and to book visit Winchester Science Centre.

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Celebrate Valentine’s in Whitehill & Bordon

Karen Neville

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Funfair, future skills and a Valentine’s film this February at the Parade Square

A week-long funfair, an interactive skills workshop for young people and a drive-in film screening for those who forget Valentine’s Day can all be enjoyed at Parade Square at Bordon & Whitehill this month.

On Friday, 24th February, enjoy a showing of 50 First Dates with Ticket Cinema either cuddled up in your car or on one of the deckchairs with blankets lined up under a cosy marquee in front of the state-of-the-art 50 square metre, 2K-quality screen.

Movie-goers can also order meals from the comfort of their seats from The Shed’s 350 Burger, who are offering free delivery to those who order using the code displayed on the big screen on the day. Run by Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, Ticket Cinema launched in summer 2022 and is one of the few unique, independent drive-in cinemas in the region.

Ticket Cinema doesn’t just inspire through films, it also wants to inspire future generations through a Skills Workshop on Sunday 26th from 10am-4pm, to engage with young people and inspire their future careers by showcasing what local businesses can offer. It will give young adults the chance to get hands-on and try some new skills across a range of areas from the music industry to graphic design, even first aid to firefighting. This event is targeted predominantly at 16-23 year olds, encouraging them to remain in the area to be a part of the future of their town as a great place to live, work and develop.

Kids (and big kids) will also be thrilled to hear that the Funfair is back at the Parade Square over February half-term, from Friday 10th until Sunday 19th between 1pm-8pm. The Funfair boasts a wide range of attractions, from classic dodgems and bungee trampolines to games stalls and much more. Guests won’t go hungry either with the full menu of fun fair favourites; think burgers, hotdogs, candyfloss and donuts plus lots more.

So bring your friends and family and enjoy a February of fun in Whitehall & Bordon.

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Half term fun at Squire’s

Karen Neville

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Keep the little ones entertained this February with a visit to Squire’s to paint a bird flowerpot

Squire’s Garden Centres are hosting February half term with a ‘Create & Grow’ ‘Paint a Bird Flowerpot’ activity (booking essential for ‘Paint a Bird’) as well as ‘Bird Treasure Hunt’ (no need to book).

Young visitors will have the opportunity to get artistic, using their painting skills to create a unique bird-shaped ceramic flowerpot (plant not included), to take home and put on the windowsill – and bring colour to their bedroom. Sessions may be booked online and in-store.

The Bird Treasure Hunt is free and there is no need to book, simply turn up on the day. Children will follow a paper trail of birds around the centre to help find the magic word, with five images to find, to receive a free sticker.

Squire’s ‘Create & Glow’ activities are on from 9.30am-1pm, Monday, 13th to Friday, 17th February at centres in Surrey and Berkshire including at Wokingham, Woking, Milford, Frensham and Cobham.

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Book your place in vintage parade

Karen Neville

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Wallingford Vehicle Rally and Parade is back this May and tickets go on sale on Friday 3rd February

Wallingford’s hugely popular vehicle rally and parade is back on Sunday, 14th May showcasing classic, custom and unusual vehicles from bicycles to tanks.

Tickets to take part in the 300 vehicle parade around Wallingford and park on the Kinecroft go on sale at 8pm on Friday 3rd February.

Organisers say: “On the 3rd February at 8pm we will share the GiveTap link via our website, email and on social media to enable you to purchase your ticket.

“All tickets are £20 plus a booking fee, like last year all profits raised are going to local charitable causes.

“We are also offering 30 PARADE ONLY tickets for any vehicle. These go on sale in a few weeks time (date tbc); this is to avoid confusion with the main ticket sales.”

Vehicles of all shapes and sizes take part in the parade through town in convoy – quite a sight – if you’re lucky enough to be on the parade route, pull up a chair and take a front row seat and watch the impressive sight. Where else can you see a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air parked behind a 2CV or a big American classic alongside a super car?

In addition to watching them drive past, visitors on the day will also get the chance to ride in a classic or supercar courtesy of The Sporting Bears Motor Club. Ride in the car of your dreams in exchange for a donation to charity, another great reason to attend the fun event.

There are stalls and food vendors for everyone to enjoy alongside an incredible selection of classic motors. Something for everyone and what’s more, it’s all in a good cause with a variety of local causes benefitting from funds raised on the day.

Find out more and to get those precious tickets visit at www.wallingfordcarrally.org.uk

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s in town

Karen Neville

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Here’s your chance to make like a caterpillar in an interactive trail at The Lexicon this half term

Young visitors to The Lexicon can wriggle their way through a fabulous interactive trail, based on Eric Carle’s best-selling children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Following the same journey of the caterpillar from egg to butterfly, visitors will wind their way through an assortment of larger-than-life fruit sculptures (starting at Waitrose and finishing in Princess Square), a cosy chrysalis and a beautiful butterfly, all based on artwork from the famous book.

From February 11-19, pick up a trail leaflet and free piece of fruit (while stocks last) at Waitrose to start your adventure and pop the completed leaflet into The Lexicon post box to be in with a chance of winning some fabulous prizes.

The interactive mini adventure, will help to teach children about the close relationship between plants and insects as they search for items such as apples and pears to complete the trial.

Feeling hungry? Then make sure to check out the various kids eat free offers at Fuego (Fenwick), Las Iguanas, Marks & Spencer Café, Tangs, The Real Greek, Wagamama and Waitrose Restaurant.

You won’t want to miss this fun event so pop the dates in your diary now.

Find out more and for details of the kids eat free offer, visit The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

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On your yolks for pancake race

Karen Neville

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Launchpad’s annual Pancake Race, Reading’s most egg-citing event is back, on Shrove Tuesday

Launchpad is inviting local businesses and organisations to compete for the coveted frying-pan trophy – and entertain Reading shoppers and workers as they do so in this year’s Pancake Race.

Teams of four are asked to do their best fancy dress and flip pancakes as they race the route on Broad Street on Tuesday, 21st February at 12.30pm. Registration is now open for the event.

Launchpad’s Pancake Race is now in its 26th year. All the money raised from this event funds the charity’s essential services for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home in Reading.

These include supported housing; a free drop-in service for anyone in housing crisis; and a work and life skills centre so clients can build confidence, learn new skills and get back into work.

As well as the coveted frying pan trophy and the adoration of the people of Reading for the winners, there are also prizes for second and third place, best team spirit, best fancy dress and best fundraising team.

Last year’s cracking winners, local accountancy firm, Crowe UK, took their bird-themed fancy dress to the top spot. But what will this year’s winners be wearing? Whether you rock up as dinosaurs, chickens, fast food or astronauts – (almost) anything goes at Launchpad’s Pancake Race when it comes to fancy dress. There have been clowns, bananas, the Spice Girls, crows, barristers and Morph suits scrambling for first place.

Vicki Lewis, Launchpad’s fundraising manager, said: “The annual Pancake Race is a really popular event and is thoroughly enjoyed by all, whether you are taking part or spectating, it is a sight to behold! The costumes and Olympic-standard competition make it quite eggs-traordinary!

“Launchpad is very much a local charity working in close partnership with the Reading community. The ongoing support we receive from local businesses is greatly appreciated. The event is a really fun way for people to get involved and join in with this incredible sense of community spirit. And in such uncertain times, the money raised by our wonderful teams is more important than ever.”

To take part email [email protected] by Monday, 13th February with your name and contact details.

Race registration is £99. There are 34 places up for grabs for teams of four. Places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Launchpad are also asking for volunteers to help with team registration, bucket collections and monitoring participating team’s pancake flips! To get involved, please email [email protected] for details.

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Chris Kamara to open Ninja Warrior

Karen Neville

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Football pundit and presenter of Ninja Warrior UK launches the new Guildford attraction on February 2nd

In perfect time for the February half term holidays, the inspirational co-presenter of the TV show, legendary pundit, Chris Kamara MBE, will launch Guildford’s Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park.

He will be at the venue to welcome the guests alongside a number of professional Ninjas who people may recognise from the TV series. Amongst them will be first-time women’s champion Beth Lodge, who took the title during the grand finale of Ninja Warrior UK Series 6 in October 2022.

Due to the demand for launch-day tickets, three sessions will now be available to the public at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Chris Kamara said: “I am really excited about the opening of Guildford’s Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park; the reaction I see from guests who experience these venues for the very first time is just unbelievable! Ninja Warrior UK is a great family show and it is brilliant to be able to give families in Surrey the opportunity to come and try an adventure park. And, I still get to do the best bit of the job, which is to watch on – it’s equally as entertaining, trust me!”

The new Guildford venue, which opens on Thornbury Way in Slyfield on February 2nd, will feature a mix of adrenalin-fuelled TV show-style courses and inflatable runs inspired by the family favourite programme, and promises to combine fun, fitness and fire imaginations, with many discovering their inner Ninja in no time.

Visitors aged 5+ can choose from a range of amazing obstacles that will test their climbing, balancing and swinging skills to the max, and of course, try to beat the infamous Warped Wall. The Mount Sasuke climbing feature is an additional challenge for wannabe Ninjas, and the enormous inflatable course with its tunnels, battle towers and assault course, promises even more fun, before a visit to the Ninja Café for a well-earned rest. For the under 5s, there is a dedicated Mini Ninjas soft play area as well.

Tim Morrison, Co-Founder of Prime Leisure Group, operator of the Ninja Warrior UK Guildford venue, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to our Guildford opening next month, and now our Surrey visitors will have the added bonus of meeting Chris Kamara MBE at the launch event! We are very much looking forward to opening our doors and welcoming everyone from across the region to come and enjoy an adrenalin-fuelled, fitness-focussed visit.”

Admission starts from £13.95 per person and £6.95 for Mini Ninjas soft play (under 5s). Book your space at Ninja Warrior UK Guildford.

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Extinct bat making a comeback?

Karen Neville

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New resident greater mouse eared bat 14.1.23 © Martyn Phillis Sussex Bat group

The Sussex Bat Group reveal their excitement at the discovery of a greater mouse-eared bat

In 1992 greater mouse-eared bats (Myotis myotis) were declared extinct from the UK, but since 2002 a single male has been recorded hibernating in disused railway tunnels in West Sussex. It has been officially known as ‘Britain’s rarest mammal’ and speculation was that he was a vagrant that had crossed the channel from France where there is an established population and took up residence in Britain.

A ringed greater horseshoe bat from the pioneer breeding colony in West Sussex © Ryan Greaves Sussex Bat group

However, during this year’s National Bat Monitoring Programme (NBMP surveys) on 14th January 2023, members of Sussex Bat Group were astonished to find a second greater mouse-eared bat hibernating in this important network of tunnels, in addition to the single existing known male, who has been hibernating in the area for the past 20 years.

Sheila Wright, contact for the Sussex Bat Group, said: “This is a hugely important discovery for the Sussex Bat Group and demonstrates the importance of regular monitoring of bat colonies – we could have missed this highly significant find of the second greater mouse-eared bat in Britain. It also shows how important it is to safeguard these hibernation sites for bats.”

Species recovery programmes are vital to mammal conservation efforts, required due to the threat from anthropological pressures in the 21st century such as roost loss, habitat loss and fragmentation. The Sussex Bat Group is working in partnership with Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) to restore the greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) range in Sussex, where it had been absent for more than 100 years. Like the greater mouse-eared bat, records of hibernating greater horseshoes were found in the network of disused railway tunnels, and eventually in 2019 a small pioneer breeding colony was identified in a stable block in West Sussex. VWT and Sussex Bat Group are working hard to raise funds to purchase the building, which was at risk of collapse, and rebuilding works are now underway to save the breeding roost whilst the bats are away hibernating. To find out more about this project please visit: https://www.vwt.org.uk/news/sussex-bat-appeal-we-need-your-help.

Dr Stephanie Murphy of the Sussex Bat Group added: “There are now many questions for us to answer: is there already a small pioneer population of greater mouse-eared bats recolonising Sussex and we just don’t know where they are breeding, as in the case of the greater horseshoe bat, or, as a result of climate change and the hottest summers on record in the UK, are we getting greater mouse-eared bats just beginning to move over from mainland Europe to settle in the UK?

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