Wallingford Corn Exchange has a varied programme of films and live screenings running through the month starting, November 1st. There’s sure to be something that appeals to you.
Cinema this month
Includes Nothing Compares (1st & 2nd), Amsterdam (4th, 6th & 7th), Doctor, Who Am I? (8th), My Neighbour, Adolf (9th & 10th), The Banshees of Inisheren (11th-13th), Love Around the World (17th), Triangle of Sadness (18th-20th), Hunt (21st-24th), Living (25th & 27th), Call Jane (28th & 29th).
There’s a live screening on Thursday, 3rd November as part of the NT Live series of Anton Chekov’s The Seagull recorded at the Harold Pinter Theatre, London. Starring Emilia Clarke, Tom Rhys Harries, Indira Varma, Daniel Monks and Sophie Wu. It tells of a young woman desperate for fame and a way out. A young man is pining after the woman of his dreams. A successful writer longs for a sense of achievement. An actress wants to fight the changing of the times. In an isolated home in the countryside, dreams lie in tatters, hopes are dashed, and hearts broken. With nowhere left to turn, the only option is to turn on each other.
A dazzling showcase marking 60 years of the Friends of the Royal Opera House, The Royal Ballet: A Diamond Celebration, comes live from Covent Garden on Wednesday, 16th November. The showcase will demonstrate the breadth and diversity of The Royal Ballet’s repertory in classical, contemporary and heritage works. It will include world premieres of short ballets by choreographers Pam Tanowitz, Joseph Toonga and Valentino Zucchetti. As well as The Royal Ballet’s first performance of ‘For Four’ by Artistic Associate, Christopher Wheeldon and a performance of George Balanchine’s ‘Diamonds’.
The end of the month brings Arthur Smith with his Edinburgh Fringe Show – about the Edinburgh Fringe. This is Smith’s love letter to the playground of the imagination that is the Edinburgh Fringe on its 75th birthday. Telling the story of this great city and its festivals and recalling some of the triumphs, disasters, love affairs and arrests of his many Augusts in Auld Reekie. Hamlet, Colditz, Leonard Cohen, Dante, dementia, Gary Lineker and the Leith Police all feature in this moving hour of revelations, songs, poems, and gags on Saturday, 26th November.
Date for your diaries
Thursday, 8th December will bring a live screening of the magical Christmas favourite The Nutcracker. Performed by The Royal Ballet live from Covent Garden.
Cathy Gayner’s Recipes from Le Rouzet – An English Cook in France, is out now, in aid of Age Unlimited. Here’s a taster…
Walnut tart
Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 30 mins
Serves: Four generously
Ingredients
For the pastry:
• 110g butter
• 140g flour
• 30g icing sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
For the filling:
• 20g butter
• 200g golden syrup
• 100g walnut halves
• A pinch of mixed spice
• 100g mixed peel
• Four madeleines (or soft amaretti), crumbled
• One egg, beaten
Method
This is very much part of Le Rouzet menus in the early autumn, when our walnuts are beginning to ripen and every tree seems to have a red squirrel perched in it, noisily eating our supply. It’s like a sophisticated treacle tart, but not heavy, and is really worth making, even if you don’t have large quantities of walnuts to use up.
Put all the ingredients for the pastry into a food processor and mix until the dough forms a ball. Press the dough into a 20cm tart tin with a removable base. Prick the pastry all over really thoroughly, even up the sides (this will prevent shrinkage), then chill in the fridge.
Cook in a preheated oven at 180C/ fan 160/ gas 4 until golden.
Melt the butter and syrup in a pan and stir in all the other ingredients. Pour into the pastry case and cook at 190C/fan 170C/gas 5 for 15 minutes.
Cool in the tin but as soon as you can, loosen the edges of the tart or it will get stuck. Serve with crème fraiche.
Cheese biscuits
Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 10 mins
Makes: 40
Ingredients:
• 250g extra-mature Cheddar, cut into chunks
• 250g salted butter, straight from the fridge, cut into chunks
• 250g plain flour
• Tabasco
• Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper
Method
I have dozens of recipes for cheese biscuits, but these are the ones the family insist on and I always have some in the freezer, ready to bake.
These amounts fit into my food processor perfectly; don’t be tempted to do more in one go, as it just won’t mix properly.
Put the cheese, butter and flour into the food processor and add 12 shakes of Tobasco, a heaped tablespoon of mustard, 25 grinds of pepper and two teaspoons of salt. (This is just a guide!).
Whizz all this up in the food processor and, as soon as the mixture forms a ball, stop and divide it into three parts.
Lay out three large bits of cling film and put a ball of cheese mixture on to each. With damp hands, roughly shape each ball into a sausage. Then roll up each parcel in the cling film and holding one end tightly, with the other hand, the thumb and first finger forming a circle, ease the dough along
the cling film, so you have a long, even sausage measuring about 30cm long
and 5cm across.
Freeze these parcels until you’re ready to use them (don’t attempt to cut them unless they are very cold; they will end up squashy). When you’re ready to cook, take the parcels out of the freezer and heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. By the time they have reached the right temperature, the cheese sausages will have thawed enough to cut into 2cm slices.
Line a tray with baking parchment and arrange the slices on it. Cook for about 10 minutes until golden brown; you can move them on to a serving plate straight from the oven without them coming to any harm.
They are best eaten on the day they are cooked, but if you have any left over, they freeze beautifully.
Enjoy our recipes? Show us your creations on social media with the tag #RArecipes
Plant the equivalent of 136 trees and save up to £1,000 a year, with these essential energy saving tips from Worcester Bosch.
At this worrying time, when utility bills are set to hit many of us hardest, Worcester Bosch has shared its handy tips to help you save money and the planet.
Making changes to your heating set-up can help save you up to £1,000 throughout the year.
The carbon emission saving is the equivalent to planting 136 trees or driving a car 1,606 miles. The distance which is nearly a full trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back!
Making the planet a greener place to live for the next generation is at the heart of Worcester Bosch. By following these tips, you could play your part in reducing carbon emissions
There are several ways for homeowners to cut costs. Helping them save energy and to live more sustainably, several of which require minimal to zero cost or hassle.
Tip 1: Take control of your heating
– Annual saving = £105. – Equivalent to planting up to 11 trees, or driving 129 miles
By turning down the room thermostat just one degree, you will net up to a £105 saving per year. The 200kg CO2 of emissions saved is equivalent to a 129mile trip, or a further 11 trees planted. Aim for 17°C when you’re out and about, and a cosy 18-21°C when you’re at home.
Martyn Bridges, director of technical services at Worcester Bosch, says: “You cannot underestimate how important it is to take control of your home heating. These simple but effective changes, such as turning your radiator down by a single degree, could have a significant impact on the planet and your savings too.”
Tip 2: Shower Time
– Annual saving = up to £70. – Equivalent to planting up to 7 trees, or driving 86 miles
Nothing beats having a hot shower to ease the stresses of the day. But by following these simple tips, you can reduce your energy usage while still enjoying a relaxing early morning or late-night shower.
The biggest change you can make is cutting your shower time down, ideally to around four-minutes. A household could see up to £70 a year saved on their energy bill just from a speedy shower as well as significantly reducing the amount of water used.
Martyn gives the guidance: “We all love having a hot shower, but a significant amount of hot water is used, contributing to energy usage and your bills. Taking the steps to use showers instead of baths and using a timer to measure how long you are taking could be a simple step to lower your energy usage.”
Tip 3: Trap your heat
– Annual saving = up to £190. – Equivalent to planting up to 19 trees, or driving 234 miles
Making sure you keep the heat trapped inside of your home is an easy, yet effective tip that you could put into place this World Earth Day. One super simple tip is to draft proof your windows and doors. You would be surprised about how much heat escapes through those tiny gaps which are found around your window, in your keyhole, and in your letterbox. Covering those tiny gaps could save you around £45 and saves the same amount of energy as planting four trees.
To take this one step further, you could add an insulated jacket to an uninsulated hot water cylinder. Insulating your hot water cylinder will reduce the heat loss resulting in the water remaining hotter for longer. This tip is a huge energy saver, which is the equivalent of planting 15 trees! Insulating your hot water cylinder properly could save you up to £145 which could make a huge difference as energy prices increase.
Martyn explains: “Trapping the heat in your home should be a priority. These small gaps needlessly bring the cold air in. Reversing all the changes you have made to keep your home warm. From little tasks like closing those gaps to slightly bigger tasks such as getting an insulated jacket, you’re not only protecting the planet, but helping lower your energy bills too.”
Tip 4: Small changes, big results
– Annual saving = up to £30. – Equivalent to planting up to three trees, or driving 37 miles
Sometimes it is the smallest changes that have the biggest impact. Technology is a core part of our life but remember to put your devices on standby when not using them. Net an extra £30 saving by being savvy with your device shuts down.
“Although they may seem like unimportant changes, they could make huge changes to your home, the planet, and your bills.”
Martyn explains: “Switching off appliances once you use them is a small way to ensure that you reduce your energy usage. Although they may seem like unimportant changes, they could make huge changes to your home, the planet, and your bills.”
Tip 5: Upgrade your boiler
– Annual saving = depending on technology – up to £910. – Equivalent to planting up to 96 trees, or driving 1,120 miles
A boiler replacement from an inefficient to a modern, more efficient model can be a major and immediate cost and environment saver. The EST figures show that making the switch could end up saving you almost four figures every year.
By upgrading from a G-rated boiler to a more sustainable A-rated model (including TRV’s and a smart controller) – working at 90% more efficiency and saving up to 1,630kg CO2 every year. You’re not only managing your energy usage more efficiently in the longer term, but also saving the equivalent carbon off-set as planting 61 trees would do. This upgrade could save you £580.
Heat pumps are a newer, efficient technology in the domestic heating industry. In simple terms they work by taking energy from outside and transferring it into heat for use in a heating and hot water system. The product and subsequent installation are more expensive than a boiler upgrade. But once you paid out the initial cost – a change from a G rated boiler to a heat pump can save you even more – up to £910, with a carbon saving equal to planting 96 trees.
Martyn adds: “Upgrading a G-rated boiler to one which is A-rated can make a significant in your home. The A-rated boilers are an efficient choice which could ultimately help you save money on your bills. Not to mention help us to protect the future.”
To find out more about Worcester Bosch award-winning home heating and hot water products, visit worcester-bosch.co.uk/ or head to the YouTube channel.
Mark Gregory returns to RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 with a “Plot To Plate” haven for Savills
“King of Chelsea”, Mark Gregory, is set to return to the RHS highlight for 2023 with a “plot to plate” garden for Savills.
The Savills Garden will be his 108th Chelsea show garden and marks his return to design in his 34th consecutive year. The Savills Garden is set within the grounds of a country hotel. Revealing an intimate walled seasonal potager, with the show’s first ever working kitchen at its heart.
“The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette”
Mark said: “I am incredibly proud to have designed this garden for Savills. I think it will speak to a lot of people and has, at its core, elements that are very close to my heart. A beautiful space, created considerately, that brings people together to enjoy fantastic food and great times. The garden will be a feast both for the eyes and for the palette, demonstrating that productive gardens can be both elegant and delightful.”
Designed to demonstrate an “edimental” planting theme, combining edibles and ornamental planting, the garden provides inspiration for a “plot-to-plate” alfresco dining experience. Ingredients will be foraged from the surrounding living larder and used to prepare delicious meals for the guests to enjoy in the adjoining dining area. Cementing the relationship between grower, guests and chef.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this tranquil retreat, resting beneath a mature tree, taking time to reconnect with nature, enjoying the formal planting, whilst anticipating the taste experience to come. The aim of the space is to help change the way we think about our gardens, the way we eat and source our food. And to share ideas and knowledge that can be introduced into even the smallest of plots.
This evocative and aromatic garden will capture the sights, smells and tastes of a productive garden while also delivering a beautiful, elegant space and a haven for wildlife.
Following the show, in keeping with its sustainability commitment, Savills will work with the Shaw Trust, a national charity running employability programmes and complementary services for people with complex needs, to relocate the garden. It will be replanted at Meadow View House in Nottinghamshire for their residents to enjoy.
Additionally, Savills will work with existing charity partner Rethink Food, an organisation focused on educating school children on food security, to share learnings from the garden.
Richard Rees, Savills MD, said: “We are excited to be returning to Chelsea with a garden design that touches on so many themes that are core to the future success of our industry and gives us the opportunity to bring to life our commitment to promoting sustainable development. It’s impossible to overstate the importance of nature in our lived environment. Whether in an urban or rural setting, and Mark Gregory, five times Chelsea Gold Medal winner, has designed a garden that will be both stunning to the eye and packed full of learnings for us all.
“I look forward to seeing the garden relocated post show in conjunction with the Shaw Trust. An organisation committed to challenging inequality and breaking down barriers to enable social mobility. We also welcome the opportunity to further develop our employee engagement with Rethink Food, and to exploring with them issues around food production and food miles, sustainability and the learning and sharing of knowledge.”
There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang
Friday, 28th October
Chobham Rugby Fireworks, GU24 8LD: Bars, food outlets, hot drinks, candy floss, a sweet shop, glow toys and more are all part of the fun at Chobham Rugby Fireworks. Gates open at 6pm. Before the bonfire is lit at 7pm and then the fireworks take off at 8pm. Tickets must be pre-paid, so make sure you take a copy of your QR code ticket email with you. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. As it’s Halloween weekend there’s also a fancy dress competition with prizes for the scariest outfit. chobhamrugby.co.uk/event/chobham-rugby-fireworks-2022
Saturday, 29th October
Pine Ridge Golf Club, Camberley GU16 9NX: Embrace the theme and dress to impress – whatever your age – at the spooky Halloween themed fireworks night. The spectacular display will last around 18 minutes and be accompanied by music. Bonfire lighting at 6.30pm before the display an hour later and music to dance to all night. Why not make a really big night of it and book a table in the premiere area? Food on the night too. Card payments only. pineridgegolf.co.uk/fireworks
Ripley Bonfire, High Street, Ripley GU23 6BB: There’s a full day of family fun at the Ripley Bonfire which starts at 1pm with Benson’s family fun fair. Brian’s bar opens at 4pm on the green serving the cheapest beer in the village (proceeds to the event and the community). The torchlit procession at 7.10pm, led by the Ripley Bonfire Queen and her attendants and the band, leads to the lighting of the bonfire at 7.30pm with the fireworks soaring into the skies at 8pm. Live music by Sultana carries on into the night. ripleybonfire.co.uk
Ascot Round Table Charity Fireworks Event, Ascot Racecourse: This year viewing of the fabulous fireworks set to music will take place from the Grandstand of Ascot Racecourse from 6.30pm. This will provide the best view of the largest show ever to be held by the organisers. Enjoy a fun fair, food, drinks and licensed bars on the night as well while raising funds for this wonderful organisation. www.ascotfireworks.org.uk
Saturday, 5th November
Guildford Firework Fiesta, Stoke Park GU1 1ER: Fireworks and more will light up Guildford with live music from 6pm from Mumford & Sons tribute act Chasing Mumford as well as local band 21st Century Riot with Kings of Leon and Arctic Monkeys covers. There’ll be a children’s entertainment area too with a fairground, face painting, glow toys and more, all before the display at 8.30pm. Not forgetting multiple food and drink outlets. Tickets in advance only, www.guildfordlions.com/firework-fiesta
Bramley Bonfire & Fireworks, Bramley Field GU5 0AX: The Bramley Bonfire is always a spectacular event with a torchlit parade, raging bonfire and magical fireworks. Guys will be lining up from 6pm in the library car park, procession at 6.40pm, bonfire lighting at 7.10pm before fireworks around half an hour later.
Chiddingfold Bonfire & Fireworks, Chiddingfold Green GU8 4TX: The historic Chiddingfold bonfire features a procession of 400 torches from St Mary’s School heading to light the bonfire at 7.15pm before the fireworks at 8pm. This fabulous community event also features a grand draw and park and ride shuttle buses to the green. chiddingfoldbonfire.org.uk
Cranleigh Bonfire & Fireworks, Cranleigh Common GU6 8LU: Cranleigh’s annual Bonfire & Fireworks celebrations, which sees thousands of people flock to the village and has been described as one of the best fireworks events in the South of England, started just after the Second World War. Bensons Fun Fair are on hand with rides. Celebrations start around 6pm with the procession along the High Street holding lighted torches. Free.
Farnham Fireworks, Farnham Park GU9 0AU: A torchlit procession led by the Mayor and the Reading Pipers will process through town and up Castle Street to the park. Enjoy a bonfire, food village, entertainment and a spectacular fireworks display with the back drop of the castle. farnhamroundtable.org.uk/events/fireworktickets
Woking Fireworks, Woking Park, Kingfield Road, GU22 9BA: Woking’s biggest and best fireworks display is back with a huge bang after a two-year gap with the theme A Night at the Movies. The display will be set to a soundtrack made up of the most memorable theme tunes from some huge movies. Gates open at 5.30pm with a fun fair. The display starts at 7.30pm. Food and drink stalls will be available for all. Further information and tickets at www.wokingfireworks.org
There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang
Friday, 4th November
Four Marks Bonfire and Fireworks, Four Marks C of E primary School, Kitwood Road GU34 5AS: Enjoy a dazzling display, live music, BBQ, bar, refreshments and stalls at this hugely popular event. Tickets sold out last year and are selling fast this year too, adult £8, child £5, under 3 free, family £20. Book yours at fofmpta.co.uk The organisers would like to thank sponsors H W Autos, Hamptons Estate Agents, Coop Four Marks.
Saturday, 5th November
Fleet Lions Firework Fiesta, Calthorpe Park GU51 4AD: Come and enjoy the fabulous fireworks display starting at around 6.30pm. At the Lions marquee you can buy burgers and hotdogs, get fibre optic and LED toys for the kiddies while the grown ups can sample our tasty Lions Glühwein (mulled wine). Fleet Phoenix are serving hot and cold drinks, The Hot Oven Bakers Corner will serve samosas, pasties and sausage rolls and The 29th Odiham Scouts will provide toffee apples, churros sparklers, sweet fountains rocket biscuits and chocolate mines and there’ll be pulled pork from Muncheon Luncheon. Caleb’s coffee and hot drinks will be served at the old Pavilion. www.fleetlions.org.uk/fundraising/fireworkfiesta.html
The Shed, Bordon GU35 0DJ: Remember, remember the 5th of November, because The Shed is hosting its second Community Fireworks Night! This free event will have food and drinks stalls open from 5pm across the Parade Square and Town Park with the big fireworks display starting from 7.30pm. And the night doesn’t end there – visitors can warm up with a drink and a dance to live music at The Tap at The Shed directly afterwards.
Hatch Warren Fireworks Display, Longcross Lane, Basingstoke GU22 4XF: Expect an outstanding display, starting promptly at 7.30pm with lively music, food and drink stalls and a licensed bar, along with light up novelty toys and children’s funfair rides to keep everyone of all ages entertained. www.hatchwarren.org/events-1/fireworks-spectacular-1
There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang.
Saturday, 29th October
Twyford & District Round Table charity bonfire & fireworks night is celebrating 80’s & Disney movies at King George V Recreation ground Twyford. This year there is a Facebook poll to pick a Disney villain effigy to be lit atop the bonfire so get voting! Sponsored by Grapevine Estate Agents, you will not want to miss this fantastic mid-winter community festival complete with BBQ, a contactless and cash bar stocked with real local ales, traditional mulled wines, plus hot chocolate and coffee. Our stalls, and fairground rides for the young and young at heart, will blur the night sky and bring the night to life. Buy discounted tickets online in advance and save.
The UK’s largest low noise firework display choreographed to music more than makes up for the drama in visual impression at the Halloween Spooktacular Bonfire and Fireworks at Henley Showground. Without the huge explosions more families will be able to enjoy the dazzling displays without upsetting the children (or four-legged friends) in the local community. https://henleyspooktacular.eventbrite.co.uk
Friday, 4th November
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort – November 4th -6th: Enjoy an awesome day with all your favourite rides, live shows and attractions followed by some of the best fireworks in the country! Plus, you can transform our incredible fireworks display into exploding LEGO® bricks with our magic Brick glasses* that put the ‘spec’ into spectacular. * Paid for separately. www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/fireworks-spectacular
Reading Lions Fireworks Spectacular, Scours Lane is the setting for Reading Lions Fireworks Spectacular where there’s also a small fairground with children’s rides, hot food and drink stalls and a licensed bar, more fun with face painting and other activities and children dressed in the best Halloween outfits will win prizes! Book tickets at https://www.readinglionsfireworks.org.uk/#tickets
Saturday, 5th November
Witches and Wizards Fireworks, Windsor Racecourse, SL4 5JJ: It’s a wicked night of Wizards and Witches at the racecourse. Grab your broomsticks, dust off your pointy hat and cloak and see the Grand Hall, Platform 9¾ and special Wizard’s Show at this fabulous spooky night for all the family. With a huge bonfire, yummy treats – food and drink outlets will be card only – and a funfair (please bring cash for this) with the highlight the spectacular display to music featuring the 15-minute firework fiesta with a dazzling display of rockets, Catherine wheels, fountains and more. www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/fireworks-saturday-5th-november
Cantley Field Fireworks, Wokingham RG41 1BQ: A funfair with many rides for young children, as well as scary rides for the older ones kicks off proceedings at 5.30pm with a torchlit procession from 6pm in Market Place led by St Sebastian’s band and local dignitaries. The fireworks start at 7.30pm on Cantley Field and the display will be bigger and better than ever complete with drinks and snacks from vendors. All proceeds to local charities. www.wokingham-fireworks.co.uk/fireworks.html
Newbury Lions Club are presenting their spectacular charity fireworks extravaganza at Newbury Racecourse. Gates open at 5pm when you can enjoy music and children’s entertainment alongside food and drink outlets before the display to music starts at 7.30pm. Pre bought tickets only, there will not be any available on the gate. Buy yours from various outlets in Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford and online at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/newbury-lions-fabulous-fireworks-2022-tickets-412396257307?aff=eand
The Friends of Pangbourne Primary School are holding a thrilling 20-minute display at the school in Kennedy Drive, complete with bonfire, hot food and drinks, a bar with beer and mulled wine, coffee and cakes, tombola, glow toys and amusement stalls. Get your tickets at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/foppsfireworkfiesta/771019#
Cookham Scouts Bonfire and Fireworks will be lighting up the night skies opposite the Village Hall on the Old Cricket Common from 5-8pm where you can enjoy a bonfire and fabulous fireworks display with warming food and drinks. A lantern procession will herald the start of the evening’s proceedings. Donations on the night will be welcome.
There are plenty of displays to choose from, big and small, to make your fireworks night go with a bang
Saturday, 29th October
Weston on the Green will be lighting the bonfire at 6.30pm before its display goes up around 7pm. It costs just £1 with profits going towards the cost of the 2023 event.
Friday, 4th November
Fizz, whizz, pop! The awe-inspiring Fireworks Display at Witney Lakes is back with a bang with food stalls, entertainment and more, our firework display will be a night to remember for the whole family. Wrap up warm and come for a night of entertainment at Witney Lakes Resort’s annual firework display.
Ridgeway Beer, mulled wine, hot dogs, doughnuts and cakes as well as homemade soup to warm you up are all available at South Stoke bonfire and fireworks night in the Recreation Ground. Go along and enjoy the fireworks display choreographed to music by double British firework champions Illusion Fireworks Ltd. All money raised goes to South Stoke School.
Didcot Football Club’s fireworks spectacular is kicking off with fairground rides from 4pm, keep warm next to the bonfire from 6pm and watch the colourful show from 7.30pm. Hot food and drink, a bar, stalls and glows and sparklers will all add to the fun for the price of just £5 per person on the gate.
Expect low noise and more environmentally friendly whizzes and bangs at Strathfield Brake Rec, Kidlington along with all the fun of the fair, stalls, a BBQ and bar. Tickets can be bought in advance from Exeter Hall with a £1 discount.
Hanborough Musical Fireworks promises to be a colourful sight with gates opening at 6opm before the main event at 7.15pm. Fairgrounds rides, candyfloss, a BBQ, mulled wine and hot chocolate will all help to keep you warm while you enjoy the show. Cash only event.
Saturday, 5th November
Thame Fireworks is raising funds for the 3 Thame Primary Schools at Chinnor RFC in Kingsey Road, come along and enjoy a colourful display. E-tickets available now at http://www.thameschoolsfireworks.co.uk/
Oxford Round Table are holding their 54th charity fireworks display on the main day at South Park where you’ll find so much more to enjoy in addition to the traditional display. There’ll be an enormous bonfire built by Round Table members and volunteers, a fully licensed bar, Hebborn’s funfair and a super family tent with dedicated enclosure and viewing area. For tickets visit https://oxfordfireworks.co.uk/the-event
Wallingford Bonfire and Fireworks has become known for the huge pallet bonfire and effigy which is burnt courtesy of the work put in by all the helpful folks at Wallingford 1155 who take great pride in organising the celebrations. Every hot dog, mulled wine, glow stick or sparkler you buy will help fund future events. The event is free but donations are invited on the gate. Look out for the Loose Cannon tents selling ale and Pilsner lager.
Sunday, 6th November
If noisy fireworks are not for you then how about the Festival of Fire and Light at Barracks Lane Community Garden. Join the procession with lanterns and make a head dress to wear. Make your own pizza to tuck into and enjoy warming pumpkin soup over the fire. Cornerstonemusik’s DJ BAPS will be adding to the festival vibes providing some conscious and loving ‘outanational’ selections. The garden is located in a new Resident Parking Zone so please come by bike, on foot or use public transport.
Saturday, 12th November
The week after there are still fireworks to entertain you when Illusion Fireworks return to Abingdon Airfield for the sixth year with a 30-minute display choreographed to music. A massive bonfire will form the centrepiece with fiery fireballs, a huge fairground, entertainers and fire breathers, a high powered light display and children’s firework display all part of the attractions. Book tickets at https://www.xplosiveevents.com/events/abingdon-bonfire-fireworks
Well done to all the wildlife lovers who took part in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) competition who snapped some beautiful sights at local nature reserves and green spaces and showed how nature can help our mental health
Winning entries include this stunning shot of a buzzard in flight, this pin-sharp picture of a tiny shield bug emerging from a garden flower and a portrait of a pensive kingfisher.
The winner of this year’s children’s category was eight-year-old Roly Lewis from Oxford. The North Hinksey Primary School pupil took his fantastic photo of a shield bug, poking its head out of a flower in his own front garden.
Roly said: “I wanted to enter the competition, so I took lots of wildlife pictures all spring and summer. I thought this photo was my best one because the blossom was a nice background, and the shield bug had an amazing colour and pattern. This made me look closely at shield bugs which are really amazing. My mum told me I had won when I came out of school, and I was so excited I jumped up and down. I really wanted to win but I thought there would be so many good photos that I wouldn’t.”
Children Winner – Roly Lewis (8) (Sheildbug)Children Runner Up – Hayden Denham (7) (Hummingbird Hawkmoth)
The Wildlife Trust restarted its popular photo competition this summer after a three-year break because of the pandemic. The charity, which manages more than 80 nature reserves across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, challenged everyone aged six and over to take fantastic photos of plants, animals and fungi at its sites, or to capture action for wildlife in their local area.
Roy McDonald took first place with his crystal-clear shot of a buzzard in mid-air at the Trust’s College Lake reserve near Tring. The 45-year-old former courier driver from Berkhamstead revealed after winning the contest that he has struggled with his mental health for some years, and that wildlife photography had helped. He said: “Nature helps me so much, it’s honest and calming and it doesn’t judge you, and just sometimes, if you are calm and patient, it will allow you to get up close into their world. I always take great pleasure when a creature trusts you enough to not scurry or fly away. But you don’t have to take photos: just being in nature and observing it can give you something to focus on.
“I had my encounter with a majestic buzzard on a cold and beautiful winter day. I had seconds to react once I spotted it, and just as my focus locked on, it spotted me and flew directly across my path. So close to me. I chose the first image of the sequence because it had the most amount of action and sense of place. It is by far and away the best shot of a buzzard I have ever managed. They have eluded me for years. I’m quite stunned and delighted to have won.”
Flora and fauna Winner (and overall winner) – Ray McDonald (buzzard in flight) taken at College LakeFlora and fauna Runner Up – Adrianna Bielobradek (Poppy seedhead) taken at Buckleberry Common)
As overall winner, Mr McDonald won a top-of-the-range Panasonic Lumix digital camera and a wildlife photography masterclass. As well as receiving a printed canvas of his picture and having it appear in BBOWT’s 2023 calendar.
This year’s contest had six new categories: flora and fauna; nature reserve landscapes; people in nature; children’s category (ages 6-12), teenagers (ages 13-19) and Team Wilder, for shots of action for nature in the community. Helen Touchard-Paxton, a mum who lives Buckinghamshire, won the Team Wilder category with a snap of a frog in a garden pond that she and her family dug during the coronavirus lockdown.
She said: “I believe this photo shows that you don’t need acres of land to create a successful wildlife area: if you are interested – no matter how small your space – just have a go and see what works. I don’t have high-end expensive equipment, and I have no idea how to use photo editing software – the photo is very much ‘as taken’. I was absolutely amazed to have won the Team Wilder category.”
Team Wilder Winner – Helen Touchard-Paxton (frog)Team Wilder Runner Up – Peter Massam (bug hotel)
The Trust received hundreds of entries, creating an extremely difficult job for this year’s judges. BBOWT communications officer Kate Titford, Trust magazine editor Ben Vanheems and professional photographer Steve Gozdz, who runs local nature safaris in Berkshire through his business GG Wildlife Experiences.
Teenagers Winner – Zachary Osbourne (14) Kingfisher Teenagers Runner Up – Lucy Colston (17) (marbled white on scabious)
Mr Vanheems said: “It’s been a really laborious process with lots of debate going on because we want to get it right, but the competition entrants haven’t exactly made it easy for us.”
People in Nature Winner – Petra Mohr (girl on decking) taken at Weston Turville ReserviorPeople in Nature Runner Up – Lorraine Clarke (man in hide) taken at College Lake
Mr Gozdz added: “What I was looking for was composition, good use of light – an action shot would have been fantastic. What we’ve found is something quite stunning. A real in-the-moment shot with perfect angles and perfect light, and actually something I would have been very happy to have taken myself. In fact, when I first saw it I was quite jealous.”
Landscape Winner – Charlotte Day (sunrise landscape) taken at Cholsey MarshLandscape Runner Up – John Kearns (Warburg trees) taken at Warburg
The trust is grateful to GG Wildlife Experiences, Panasonic and Chroma for sponsoring this year’s competition.
Dr Marion Gluck, Hormone Expert, and Founder of The Marion Gluck Clinic explores the different treatment options available for anyone experiencing menopause or perimenopause symptoms.
With October being Menopause Awareness Month, and many women experiencing debilitating symptoms that make carrying out everyday tasks difficult, it’s important that women know there are treatment options available, and they needn’t suffer in silence.
Synthetic HRTs made from estrogens derived from horse urine, or synthetic oral estrogens are still available on the NHS but are not the optimal choices. The British Menopause Society recognises that bioidentical HRT is the gold standard form of HRT, which is derived from plant sterols such as beta-sitosterol and diosgenin from Mexican yams. Bioidentical and body identical hormones are exactly the same but body identical refers to the regulated standard dose treatments available on the NHS, and bioidentical refers to the personalised HRT from a compounding pharmacy.
As a menopause doctor, I prefer to prescribe compounded Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and regulated body identical HRT where appropriate, depending on each individual client. BHRT differs from synthetic HRT as bioidentical hormones have an identical molecular structure to the naturally occurring hormones which are produced in the body. Whereas synthetic hormones are structurally different and do not have the same physiological reaction.
Comparing body identical and bioidentical hormones
Although body identical and bioidentical hormones are made with similar ‘ingredients’ there are differences between the two. Including the manufacturing process, dosage, delivery, and which hormones are available in terms of estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone. For example, body identical progesterone is only available as utrogestan which is an oral capsule rather than a cream. The availability of suitable testosterone preparations for women is also limited.
Body identical hormones are produced by large pharmaceutical companies in regulated, set doses and application methods, and while this one-size-fits-all approach works for some patients, the dosage and application of body identical hormones cannot be altered to cater to those with more specific needs.
On the other hand, BHRT can be compounded into a personalised dosage and in different application methods, creating a better solution, with fewer side effects, for many women. Women can choose to have their medication as a cream, sublingual drop, or lozenge, making the treatment fit with their lifestyle and preferences. BHRT is also usually prescribed in much lower dosages than regulated hormones, meaning women experience fewer side effects and can enjoy feeling themselves again in a much shorter timeframe. With BHRT, shortages are rarely faced as individual prescriptions are made in the compounding pharmacy.
BHRT is prescribed in personalised dosages, based on thorough testing, and produced to order. This means that the pharmacy (which must meet industry standards for purity of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Good Manufacturing Practice) is able to prepare custom doses and application methods to address the individual needs of a patient.
“Women around the world face an ongoing needless struggle with hormonal issues. I have made it my life’s work to raise awareness about the treatment and holistic changes that can help them feel themselves again”
As we’re living longer and working later in life, menopause is something that needs to be discussed and women need to feel they have choices in their treatment plans and control of their wellbeing. For too long we have suffered in silence, and it doesn’t need to be this way. There are effective and safe treatments available to women who are experiencing debilitating symptoms such as brain fog, palpitations, anxiety, and sleep deprivation. Whether a woman chooses HRT, body identical HRT or my pioneering method of BHRT, I am on a mission to raise awareness, champion getting life-changing treatment, and offering women choice.
