CareHandle is an exciting new service supporting those exploring Care Homes for the first time
If you are over the threshold and paying privately you often explore care options alone which can be daunting and frustrating, especially when you need to focus on you or your loved one’s well-being.
Looking for care can be confusing, stressful and time-consuming, the team at Carehandle are on a mission to change this by offering advice, support and insight in a personal way.
We take care seekers through a 3-step process first to listen, understand and work through possible options. Next, we help Handle the search, find options and provide a free shortlist, we check availability, costs and quality. We are with you every step of the way to support better outcomes, we can book appointments and work with the provider for the best outcomes, a large number of those in care regret the initial decision so we can help to support and get it right first time.
Enjoy festive fun activities for the whole family at Bracknell’s leading shopping centre
Shoppers at The Lexicon will be greeted by glittering lights, a 10-metre Christmas Tree and festive market stalls, as part of an array of festive activities for all the family from Saturday, 26th November to December 24th.
One of the borough’s spectacular forest giants, Will Wildwood will return to Princess Square, dressed for the festive season complete with festive forest foliage and frost-tipped sparkling lights to help raise money for Bracknell Foodbank. Every time someone uses the Winter Will Wildwood slide, The Lexicon will donate 20 pence to the foodbank up to a maximum of £5,000.
There’s a Snowflake Trail for families to follow around the town centre, using spectacular artwork created by local children with a chance to win a fabulous family prize from Cineworld and Gymfinity.
But, the star of the show is a magical virtual sleigh ride. Families will be transported across the world as they give Santa’s brand-new sleigh a trial flight before Christmas Eve.
Begin your journey by being transported into a virtual bay using a VR headset with a fully immersive experience including 360-degree views and matching movements. Hold on to your hats everyone, this could be a bumpy ride!
Please contact us if you have information relating to burglary in your neighbourhood. Report online, call us on 101 and always dial 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.
Register for Thames Valley Alert at: www.thamesvalleyalert.co.uk to receive free crime updates and information from Thames Valley Police.
Consider joining a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, visit www.ourwatch.org.uk
Follow us on social media for regular crime updates and find out what your local policing teams are up to: Facebook: TVP Bracknell & Wokingham and Twitter: @TVP_Wokingham
Woodley-based hypnotherapist Sophie Price explains how this approach can help a frazzled mind
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a relatively modern approach, combining various forms of talking and brief therapies. With similarities to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) and other humanistic approaches, solution focused hypnotherapy combines the very best practice of other talking therapies with the added benefit of hypnosis.
The primary focus of this style of therapy is the importance of staying in the present. When we go over our problems in our mind, we’re reliving them and, because our brain can’t tell the difference between imagination and reality, we find ourselves right back there – in the problem. When we allow ourselves to focus on how we want things to be, instead of how we don’t want them to be, we’re giving our brain positive images which allows it to believe that we can achieve those things.
When we suffer with anxiety, depression, OCD, and other related issues, were spending too much time in the fight/flight part of our brain. This part of our brain is there for our survival and, while we absolutely need to have access to this mind, we don’t need to use it every day. When we just want to get to work without feeling angry in a traffic jam; or we just want to get a good night’s sleep without worrying about tomorrow’s meeting/appointment; or we just want to enjoy time with our children without feeling worried about the finances, we can sometimes find ourselves thinking of all the worst-case scenarios and therefore missing out on the present. The more anxious we are, the more we are encouraged to be anxious.
“The more anxious we are, the more we are encouraged to be anxious”
This is how hypnotherapy can help. It helps to create new neuropathways in the mind which can break old habits and help us to move forward with a new, positive attitude towards life.
The Importance of Sleep
One of the first things people recognise when they seek my help is that their sleep is affected by the issue they’re suffering with. Sleep deprivation will increase our anxiety and stress levels. It has been said that just a few minor reductions in your sleep pattern for just a week, can disrupt your blood sugar levels enough to classify you as a pre-diabetic. There are many, many health complications which can be brought on or worsened by a lack of sleep and we often find that when our mental health is suffering, we can’t get enough sleep.
The recommended 7-9 hours per night is something that we should all strive for – for the sake of our physical and mental health.
Hypnotherapy helps to regulate sleep and once your stress levels come down, your sleep will improve.
Please do get in touch to find out more about how hypnotherapy can help you.
Reading homelessness prevention charity is holding a fantastically festive evening of Carols by Candlelight
Candle by Candlelight is set to be a fantastically festive evening on Wednesday, 14th December in aid of Reading charity Launchpad.
Featuring the joyful Reading Community Gospel Choir and held at the magnificent Concert Hall in Reading Town Hall from 6pm, the much-loved event will be hosted by Launchpad patrons, Matt Allwright and Danyl Jonhson, and will also include performances by Bulmershe School Choir, readings by special guests, a raffle, and inspiring stories about Launchpad’s work with people in housing crisis – all against the backdrop of magical candlelight.
Every ticket sale for this unmissable evening will help Launchpad provide homes for Reading’s most vulnerable this winter. Launchpad’s supported housing offers warm, clean and safe accommodation for up to 104 people in need – which will be a lifeline to the many individuals, couples and families due to be made homeless by the rise in the cost of living over the coming months.
Vicki Lewis, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said, “We’re often told the Carols by Candlelight is a real highlight of the festive season, so we are incredibly excited to be able to bring the event back indoors after we were forced to cancel it two years running during COVID. This year is going to be a truly special event at a brand-new venue for Launchpad! The Concert Hall at Reading Town Hall will look simply beautiful bathed in twinkly lights and will be the perfect setting for some stunning sing-along performances by Reading Community Gospel Choir and Bulmershe School Choir.
“On the night, we’ll also hear about our client’s experience of homelessness at Christmas and how Launchpad provided them with supported housing to help turn their life around. This year we are fundraising to support the many local people who will be left without a place to call home this winter and by coming along to Carols by Candlelight, Launchpad can continue providing warm, clean and safe accommodation for Reading’s most vulnerable people.”
Tickets are £10 per person and under 3’s can attend for free. There is unreserved seating but accessible seating can be requested at the point of booking.
If people are unable to attend, Launchpad are kindly asking for a donation this Christmas so they can continue ensuring local people have a roof over their head and a place to call home.
Professional arranger, composer, songwriter and saxophonist Al Lloyd set to release EP – A Moment In Time
Biography of Al Lloyd
Al Lloyd is a composer, arranger, and saxophonist based in Devon – originally from Reading. 27 years old and a die-hard soul and jazz fan, Al has written arrangements for such iconic soul artists as the Chairmen of the Board and the Drifters. As a saxophone player some of his credits include British Jazz composer Mike Westbrook and members of the legendary Motown studio band the Funk Brothers. He studied with the Motown arranger and former Marvin Gaye musical director McKinley Jackson and studied with long standing O’Jay’s musical director Dennis ‘Doc’ Williams.
Al has written and produced for several top vocalists. Including former Drifters lead singer Steve V.King (‘Nothing Could Stop Me Loving You’) and former UB40 and Drifters member Michael Williams (‘Do We Have To Go’) and has been featured on BBC Introducing. Recent productions include hits for Hayley-Ria Christian and Dayton Grey which include two number 1 R&B hits on the Amazon R&B chart, as well as top 20 UK Soul Chart Hit.
About ‘A Moment In Time’ EP
The EP ‘A Moment In Time’ draws on influences from across the musical spectrum including Thom Bell, Burt Bacharach, Duke Ellington, Quincy Jones and Henry Mancini. All major influences on Al Lloyd. Featuring full orchestral strings, horns and percussion alongside contemporary rhythm section and vocalists, the EP is sure to have something for everyone. Released by SoulMusic Records in Association with Warner X5, ‘A Moment In Time’ will be on general release on all major music platforms and CD from 18th November.
Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, is launching a luxury Beef Wellington box this Christmas, so why not treat yourself to something special?
The Tom Kerridge Beef Wellington Box is available to pre-order now at www.fromtomkerridge.com for £195 and will be delivered nationwide on December 23rd.
The Beef Wellington Box generously serves four and includes a luxury 1.2kg, 30-day aged fillet of organic British beef, from family-owned Stokes Marsh Farm. With black truffle Duxelle and herb crepe, wrapped in an all-butter puff pastry, alongside a rich red wine sauce and Cumberland pigs in blankets. All you need to do is add your own vegetables. For dessert, enjoy a traditional sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and Christmas spiced brandy butter alongside cubes of salted caramel fudge for the perfect sweet finish.
Delivery is included and there are even a couple of recipes for suggested veggie side dishes. For those who are super organised, early bird orders will receive a free foodie gift from Marks & Spencer with any orders placed before November 18th.
A limited number of Tom Kerridge’s Beef Wellingtons will be available to collect from The Butcher’s Tap and Grill in Marlow, pop in to complete a pre-order form. Prices for Beef Wellington collection at The Butcher’s Tap and Grill are £95 (1.2kg beef Wellington and red wine sauce). Beef Wellington orders at The Butcher’s Tap and Grill must be taken before December 18th and the last collection date is December 24th.
Tom says: “Christmas is a time for coming together and sharing food. There is no better luxury dish than a beautifully cooked beef Wellington to celebrate the festive period. Perfect for Christmas Eve or as an alternative to turkey on Christmas Day. Our beef wellington box is designed to take the stress out of Christmas.”
Cathie Welch explains how to distinguish between the types of Cyclamens available
It’s that time of year again when the garden centres are bombarding us with a beautiful array of houseplants for the festive season. Every year it’s the same and I find myself having to clarify to students and clients how to distinguish between the types of Cyclamens available, so here goes…
Cyclamen hederifolium
These little beauties are 100% hardy and tolerate our climate outside. They’re fabulous for colonising shady areas particularly under trees. They grow from corms and ants help to disperse the seeds. Coming in various shades of pink and white and the leaves vary their variegation between plants. This species is fairly vigorous if it likes its location and flowers in late Summer and Autumn. Ivy is Hedera and these Cyclamen have leaves like ivy forming a beautiful green carpet once the flowers have finished.
Cyclamen coum
These are another species of hardy Cyclamen although a little less vigorous than hederifolium. They flower in the Spring followed by little round leaves, also varying slightly between plants. Shades of pink and white too and similar in their cultivation requirements. Grow the two species in separate swathes or you’ll find that the C. hederifoium takes over. You can see both types growing successfully in many public gardens.
Cyclamen persicum
These are the ones that are in the houseplant section. They can be grown outside briefly but aren’t frost hardy and don’t like our wet winters. Very rarely will they survive outside. I’m tempted by the gorgeous array of colours on offer but that can only be grown in cool conditions inside. A porch or protected area outside is perfect but water carefully!
It’s in the name!
I hope this helps to unravel the confusion. The clue is in the name. They are all in the Cyclamen genus, but the species differ.
Points of sale aren’t always specific but if you’re buying something from a greenhouse or polytunnel at this time of year, check before you plant it in the garden. The hardy Cyclamen will be outside with the perennials whatever the weather. They’re all gorgeous but like I say to my students, you need to do your homework! Happy shopping!
Cathie’s Gardening School Services
Pruning is the skill I am asked most about so I will be running pruning courses and master classes throughout the Summer and Autumn next year. Please come and meet me at Ashdene to discuss your gardening requirements and join in the learning, it’s addictive!
Matt Allwright, one of the stars whose recipes are featured in Food & Wellness: The Sobell House Vegetarian Cook Book, shares his thoughts about local life, good causes and consumer rights…
Q. Hi Matt. It’s great that you’ve been involved in the new Sobell House cookbook. What’s your recipe? “It’s the chilli jam I make every year. I grow my own chillis and I never know quite how hot it’s going to be until its done. Last year it was so hot that you just had to show the jar to a piece of cheese, and that was enough, even with the lid on…”
Q. Is there anything you eat or don’t eat? “I eat everything. Not a massive fan of avocado, but I’ll cope. I’m a grateful diner, and I eat with gusto. I had a real problem with beetroot for years, and now it’s one of my favourite things, so it just goes to show nothing’s really off-limits. Christmas is traditional. There is too much at stake to mess with the formula.”
Q. Why is Sobell House a great charity, deserving of support, including yours? “My good friend Tom is the music therapist at Sobell House. They don’t see our last days and weeks as a waiting game. They see it as an opportunity to help find meaning, to tell a story to heal the spirit and calm the mind. I would love to think that when the time comes, we could all have someone to help us write songs, to tend gardens, to do whatever we think is significant, and to give us the chance to share important ideas and feelings with our loved ones. That’s proper work.”
Q. You’re familiar to millions as a defender of consumer rights… Do rogue traders really make your blood boil? “We always start the process by meeting someone who has been affected by the actions of the trader. You can’t ignore that face-to-face experience. From that point the whole team knows it’s their job to confront the rogue to get answers. I don’t’ feel anger, more a sense of duty to hold to account and bring change. I don’t like letting people down, especially when they’ve taken a risk to talk to us. Also: if you are born with the annoying ability to ask questions when running backwards or being jet washed, you’d better use that power for good.”
Q. Do you feel that as a nation we’re bad at fighting for our rights or complaining? “Not everyone feels they can speak out enough when things aren’t right. When someone tries to impose a way of life on us, or harms with their actions, we can be submissive, or worry about the consequences of standing up for ourselves or others. That’s how bullies get their way, and I’ve always grown up hating bullying. Sometimes you need someone to point out what’s wrong, even if they risk being unpopular by doing so. I try to make my point firmly but politely, bearing in mind that my view is not the only one. You’re much better off if you can find middle ground, but with some people that’s just not possible.”
Growing up
Q. How was your experience of growing up in Berkshire? “Berkshire was always good to me. I was lucky to have a comfortable home in a fun town full of music and friends supported by parents who loved me. I met my wife on the streets of Reading when we were both at school. That’s the most important thing that’s ever happened to me, so thank you, Berkshire.”
Q. What are your favourite aspects of life in Berkshire, and where are your favourite haunts? “I’m lucky that I meet a lot of volunteers through the Pride of Reading Awards and the other organisations I work with. There are so many people who help others because it’s right – not seeking recognition or advancement. These people see the instinctively try to fill the gaps left by society, and they far outweigh the rogues and bullies. Haunts? I love the river. The slipway at Aston near Henley on a spring morning is hard to beat.”
Q. Your dog Ozzy looks cute! Is he? What’s been the most rewarding, and most frustrating, aspect of being a dog owner? “Ozzy is my first dog, and I could never have imagined how wonderful he’d be. He’s transformed family life. Dogs are the greatest gift, like someone decided to parcel up the best bits of humans: loyalty, playfulness and enthusiasm, and then cover them in fur. He barks far too much, eats anything and smells dreadful.”
Q. We’re also supporting Launchpad Reading this month. Why do local heroes working to prevent homelessness also deserve our support, especially at this time of year? “I’ve been a patron of Launchpad for years. The work they do, to help people find homes, and then support them in those homes, is incredible. All charities, particularly local ones, are struggling right now, due to the cost of living crisis. Anything we can do to help Launchpad and others continue and extend their work, will have a huge effect on someone, somewhere, who doesn’t live that far away, and has had some bad luck. So please, donate, volunteer and spread the word.”
Q. Who is your favourite author? “George Orwell. Most people think of the darkness and dystopia of 1984. They don’t always see the humour or the love of nature in his writing which stems from his childhood in Henley and Shiplake. Everywhere tries to lay claim to Orwell, but from clues in his writing it seems to me that Berkshire was where he was happiest, fishing in the river, walking alone through the woods and fields, identifying birds and plants.”
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your love for Bracknell Bees? “The day the ice rink closed was terrible for the community. We loved watching the team play, and being part of the wonderful world of hockey. The players were rough and tough on the ice, but patient and thoughtful with the kids who were learning the game. I imagine they’ll build flats on the site at some point, but the families that live in them won’t have anything as great as the rink to keep them happy.”
Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be? “Just tolerance, really. Understanding that just because someone doesn’t think, sound or look like you, or come from where you do, it doesn’t make them some sort of threat. We might have lost a bit of that.”
The Sobell House Vegetarian Cook Book is out on 8th November. To buy a copy of this 128-page paperback for £17.50 visitSobell House or buy from Waterstones and Amazon.
A fabulous mix of music from DJ Huey Morgan and The Amazons headline beside some straight talking from former Reading FC manager Brian McDermott in Reading this month
Local independent street food specialist Blue Collar, are bringing big names to Blue Collar Corner for their extensive November events schedule.
What’s on
On Saturday 19th November, Fun Lovin’ Criminals frontman and Radio 6 Music DJ Huey Morgan brings his NYC Block Party to Blue Collar Corner. Running from midday until midnight and with free entry throughout, Huey Morgan’s NYC Block Party will be a riotous celebration of the Good Times feature the sound of funk, soul, disco and hip hop jams. Huey will be playing a special early evening set, ensuring younger fans also get to enjoy his set, under 18s are welcome until 8pm.
Former Reading FC manager, Brian McDermott, who famously lead the Royals to promotion into the Premier League in 2012, hosts a presentation entitled Winning, Losing, Mental Health & Finding Balance followed by an audience Q&A. Brian will share his story of dealing with the highs and lows of football including feelings of not being ‘good enough’ and having to cope with anxiety, depression and an alcohol addiction. Two sessions of the presentation, on Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th are sold out. The third and final evening with Brian is on Wednesday 23rd and tickets are available now from www.linktr.ee/blue.collar.
Fresh from reaching number five in the UK Official Albums Chart with their third album How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me, local indie rockers The Amazons head to Blue Collar Corner for a special hometown DJ set on Thursday 17th Noember. The band will be celebrating the end of their current album tour which has taken them across Europe and the UK, including a packed-out show at Roundhouse, London. The Amazons’ DJ set will be part of the Indie Thursdays night, Blue Collar Corner’s weekly free entry night of indie anthems and alternative favourites.
“We could not be more excited about this month at Blue Collar Corner”, says Blue Collar’s Glen Dinning. “Brian McDermott is my hero and having him agree to tell his story at Blue Collar Corner is very special to me. I’ve also always loved watching England’s World Cup games with friends so I can’t wait for the moment when we kick off our first game and cheer on the lads.”
He continues: “October’s guest and resident DJ sets at Blue Collar Corner were a big hit, so we’re really happy to have a strong mixture of both again in November, keeping up the great vibes into the evening to fit with our later opening hours. The Amazons’ latest album is probably my favourite of the year so I’m really looking forward to hearing what they play when they join us for their DJ set on Thursday 17th.”
Blue Collar Event manager Pete Wheeler adds: “We’re also thrilled to have a rare free entry DJ set from Huey Morgan when he plays an early evening set for us on Saturday 19th. His Saturday lunchtime shows on BBC 6 Music are always full of great funk, soul, disco and hip hop selections so we’re definitely in for a treat when he brings his NYC Block Party to Reading.”
Also at Blue Collar Corner this month, Reading’s Indie Market bring their popular local art, craft and produce stalls to the venue on Sunday 6th. Music lovers get to dig the crates for bargains and rarities at Blue Collar Record Fair & Social on Sunday 20th. On the same date (20th November), the venue begins its screenings of selected World Cup 2022 football games, showing the opening ceremony and opening game. England kick off their campaign the following day (Monday 21st) against Iran at 1pm, tables can be reserved now for this and England’s other group games at www.linktr.ee/blue.collar.
Then on Saturday 26th November, Blue Collar Corner present their first R’n’B Brunch. Cheekily entitled Pop Ya Collar, expect three hours of nothing but solid gold 90s & 00s R’n’B jams. Pop ya collar while they pop the cork on your bottle of Prosecco or serve you up a gin n’ juice. No diggity, no doubt.
