Congratulations to Queen Anne’s GCSE pupils

Liz Nicholls

Genre

Queen Anne’s School are delighted to be celebrating an excellent set of GCSE Results with 64% of grades at the coveted top grades 9-7 (A*-A).

Four students achieved an impressive total of seven grade 9s, along with eight students receiving a full set of 9-7 (A*-A) grades. Keira Barton, from Warfield, achieved an exceptional seven grade 9s and three grade 8s, giving her a superb springboard to her chosen A Levels in Psychology, Geography and History. Joanna Ayeni, a full boarder from Essex, received seven grade 9s, one grade 8 and one grade 7. Joanna will be studying Computer Science, Physics and Maths at A Level. Issy Kelly, from Reading, is celebrating a fantastic set of results with seven grade 9s, one grade 8 and one grade 7. Issy is a member of Queen Anne’s School Twilight Dance Company who participated in several dance competitions in her time at the school and recently returned from the Queen Anne’s Lacrosse Tour to the USA.

The English Department saw outstanding results with a superb 44% of English Language students and 43% of English Literature students achieving grade 9.

I am so proud of the students who have shown such commitment to English throughout their five years with us

“This year’s English Literature and English Language results are outstanding! I am so proud of the students who have shown such commitment to English throughout their five years with us. Their success today, despite the disruptions of the pandemic, is truly remarkable. I cannot thank our exceptional English teachers enough.” said Anna Spellman, Head of English.

Queen Anne’s students continue to deliver strong outcomes in STEM subjects with Maths results counting a total of ten students at grade 9 and sixteen at grade 8. Biology excelled with thirteen students achieving grade 9 and eleven achieving grade 8. The creative arts also saw a set of excellent grades with 79% of students studying Drama securing grade 9-8. Among them is Ella Barker, from Surrey, achieving grade 9 along with other grade 9s in Biology, Physics, English Literature and English Language.

Queen Anne’s School is known for its excellent music provision, with approximately two thirds of girls learning an instrument. The state-of-the-art Scott Music Centre with a professional recording studio, an ensemble space and two recital halls opened in 2019. Twins Jaey and Juny Suh’s GCSE results are one of their many incredible achievements since studying at the school, as both international boarders from South Korea were also awarded their post-grade 8 diploma (ARSM). Juny achieving her ARSM in violin and Jaey in flute; Jaey then went on to achieve her ATCL diploma, an achievement usually reached in the first year of an undergraduate degree. Jaey also accomplished a superb 98% in her Maths GCSE and Juny achieved 97%. They will be pursuing their talents in music and have received the Queen Anne’s Society Sixth Form scholarship. Lara Lancaster, from Wargrave, also received the Queen Anne’s Society Sixth Form Scholarship after achieving eight grade 9s and two grade 8s.

Linda McGrenary, Director of Middle School, said: “The students approached these exams with resilience and kept focused on the end goal. I am so proud of how hard they worked, and they are now in a great position as they move into Sixth Form”.

The students approached these exams with resilience and kept focused on the end goal

Many girls will be studying some of the six new A Level subjects at the school, now taking the total number of A Level choices to 29 plus the EPQ. Emily Day, from High Wycombe, who achieved a 9 in Biology, an 8 in Physics and a 7 in Chemistry, will be developing her scientific knowledge by studying Environmental Science at A Level. Lucy Triptree, from Lower Shiplake, achieved 100% 9-7 (A*-A) and will be one of the first to study A Level Media at Queen Anne’s.

“I am very proud of this year’s GCSE cohort, who have overcome challenging times to achieve an exceptional set of results that will propel them into their next step in education. They have shown dedication, determination and enthusiasm throughout their GCSEs and I look forward to seeing them flourish in their A Levels and beyond.” said Head of School, Elaine Purves.

Discover dog-friendly venues in Newbury

Round & About

Genre

Newbury Business Improvement District are launching a new Dog-Friendly Trail Map in time for National Dog Day

The handy pocket Dog-Friendly Trail Map has launched online in advance of National Dog Day on Friday, 26th August, to help raise awareness of Newbury’s dog-friendly venues in the town centre.

The guide also supports the national and independently owned cafes, coffee shops, pubs, and eateries.

Copies of the map are due to be distributed in matching display boxes to all 20 independent businesses and some of the national brands featured, as well as at the 48 independent businesses included on the Independent Retail Map, launched in July.

There will be a further map in late summer / early autumn, this time sporting a vegan-friendly theme

The Dog-Friendly map includes a brief description of each venue and is set to become a useful resource for dog owners to discover the best dog-walking routes within walking distance of the town centre, while signposting to dog-waste bins in and around the area to encourage keeping Newbury clean and tidy. View the map online at: visitnewbury.org.uk/maps.

The themed maps produced by the BID are the second in a series of town centre maps for Newbury under the umbrella term ‘Newbury Town Trail Maps’.

Newbury BID, the not-for-profit organisation behind the Visit Newbury brand will also be releasing a further map in late summer / early autumn, this time sporting a vegan-friendly theme. This map will promote 59 vegan-friendly businesses extending from hospitality to retail and hair and beauty venues across the town centre.

The aim of our beautifully illustrated pocket guides and online interactive Town Trails is to help support our local businesses and raise the profile of our wonderful town centre

Kirsty Lemberger, Marketing Manager at Newbury BID, says: “We’re so pleased with our dog-friendly trail maps and hope the handy pocket-sized format will encourage dog-walkers to use the map on a regular basis to locate dog waste bins in the town centre and enjoy exploring new dog-walking routes in the area.

“The aim of our beautifully illustrated pocket guides and online interactive Town Trails is to help support our local businesses and raise the profile of our wonderful town centre. Launching our dog friendly map in line with the nationally recognised National Dog Day will help to increase awareness further while supporting a cause important to dog-lovers in West Berkshire and beyond!”

Maps are available to collect across the town centre at most businesses featured on the map, and from Newbury Library, West Berkshire Museum, and in the Old Town Hall.

If you run a business in Newbury Town Centre and would like to be included on an upcoming map, please email: [email protected].

To find out more about what’s happening in Newbury, please visit: visitnewbury.org.uk/newburys-calling.

David Wilson Homes gift of books

Karen Neville

Genre

Housebuilder donates We can Build books to school children to help learn about the built environment

David Wilson Homes is encouraging the next generation of builders to learn all about construction.

The housebuilder, who is behind its Kilners Grange development on Grange Road, Tongham has recently donated 33 copies of it’s We Can Build children’s books to St Michael’s CE Junior School, which were presented during a construction assembly for the children.

The books encourage young people to learn about the built environment. The book includes information about sustainability in housebuilding and the professions available in the industry, delivered through a range of diverse character profiles including Sofia the Site Manager and Ade the Architect.

The book includes information about sustainability in housebuilding and the professions available in the industry

The donation was accompanied by a 30-minute assembly delivered by Tom Purcell, Site Manager for David Wilson Southern Counties. The assembly focused on topics such as the importance of building sustainably, the different materials and tools used to build a home, the different jobs required on site, and the importance of staying safe near a construction site.

Kimberley Benson, Sales and Marketing Director for David Wilson Southern Counties, said: “We want to encourage STEM learning by teaching the children about the roles within the construction industry, in particular the value of housebuilding. The book is a wonderful way to bring our messages to life, as storytelling helps to engage us in different ways and encourage our imagination. The book and assembly offer an easy introduction to housebuilding, which we hope will inspire our next generation of builders!”

The book is a wonderful way to bring our messages to life, as storytelling helps to engage us in different ways and encourage our imagination.

Mrs Jones, Headteacher at St Michael’s CE Junior School, added: “It is encouraging to see David Wilson Southern Counties invest in the future generations through this assembly and book donation. So many of our children love to build and make things, so this is such a fun way for the children to think about the development on their doorsteps, and what different people do in the construction industry. Meeting someone who works in the industry may inspire some of our future architects and builders.”

We Can Build was designed by recent graduates from David Wilson Southern Counties ASPIRE graduate programme. A number of books were purchased by the housebuilder, and donated to schools and organisations across the South, with all funds raised to be donated to the Prince’s Trust.

Appeal to help Sunny the dog

Liz Nicholls

Genre

We’ve teamed up with The National Animal Welfare Trust Berkshire to see if you could help Sunny, the dog who can’t be touched…

Her tail wags with excitement but there is a fear that lurks behind her eyes. Her want for love and affection, outweighed by the overpowering sense of anxiety and terror that clouds the sunshine within.

Sunny, a small Jack Russell cross born and raised in the Berkshire area, came to National Animal Welfare Trust Berkshire, better known as Trindledown Farm, due to behavioural issues, derived from her fear of being touched.

At first, the staff suspected her fear came as a response to pain, an affectionate pat being a lethal touch. The team ran numerous investigations with the help of their veterinary practice. Scans and blood work all coming back to say how healthy the little dog is.

But as staff made attempts to touch her, it was clear Sunny did not like this. Attempts to put a harness on, or check her paws were futile, as each time Sunny gave warning to the team. Instead of growling, Sunny goes stock-still, her body tensing as she prepares to fight in defence of herself.

I am incredibly proud of all the hard work my staff have put in, to help reassure Sunny, that there are brighter days ahead

Feeling there was more to Sunny’s story, than her history of not being walked, Centre Supervisor, Taryn Beaumont, enlisted the help of a local dog trainer who volunteered regularly for the centre. “It was clear to us, from staff interactions, that Sunny was completely terrified of being touched. Although my team had worked up to being able to get a harness on Sunny, she still wasn’t keen to let the team near her. After an initial assessment, our wonderful dog trainer concluded that it is likely Sunny has PTSD, and, it is suspected her terror at being touched comes from the worst reason of all; that she may have been beaten in her past.

It breaks our hearts as a team to think that she could have such a tragic back story. But, at the same time, I am incredibly proud of all the hard work my staff have put in, to help reassure Sunny, that there are brighter days ahead.”

According to Trindledown Farm, Sunny has managed to progress to allowing staff to touch her occasionally, but they have found her greatest joy, is just having the company in her room.

Dogs are just so compassionate and loving, even after everything they may have gone through. We hope we can find her an amazing home!

“Though she is frightened of being touched, the second anyone walks into the room, she breaks out into the most excited wiggle, which will just make your heart burst of happiness. Just having your company is everything to her,” continues Taryn. “She loves when staff go in and sit on the sofa and watch her as she plays with her toys. She’s even jumped onto some of the team members laps, just to show off her fancy rope toy and how she plays with it! She has an incredibly long journey ahead of her, but we know there is a perfect home out there for her!

You may not be able to give her all the pets she deserves, but just by earning her trust, you mean the world to her, and your company gives her all the love and attention she could ever want. She’s such a special, lovely girl and we adore her so much. Dogs are just so compassionate and loving, even after everything they may have gone through. We hope we can find her an amazing home!”

Sunny has been at the centre for over two months now and has been through multiple vet checks to ensure her health. If you would like to contribute to the centre and the cost of their animal care, you can donate directly to the centre via post, phone or their website. Alternatively, you can visit them during their opening hours Tuesday – Sunday, between 10am to 4pm and see all the wonderful work and effort that goes into everything they do.

Find out more

The staff are appealing to help find Sunny the perfect home she deserves. If you know of anyone that may be interested in a loving, little companion, they can find out more about her here.

Happy 5th birthday to The Lexicon

Karen Neville

Genre

Bracknell’s fabulous shopping centre is celebrating and you’re invited to join them

Celebrate The Lexicon’s fifth birthday with forest giants, seedling sprites, night forest theatre and a special birthday proms taking place in the town centre from August 24th to September 4th.

The Bracknell Giants, so popular last year, will return with two new friends. Bracknell Forest Guardian Elderma and the adventurous Will Wildwood, boasting an integral slide.

Also new for this year is The Night Forest theatre show, where younger visitors and their families will meet five fabulous forest creatures. Using holographic technology, these characters will appear to come to life as part of this interactive show. Places to attend The Night Forest Show can be pre-booked, with all proceeds going to The Lexicon Charity Fund.

Younger visitors and their families will meet five fabulous forest creatures

There’s also a Seedling Sprite Trail to follow, pick up a trail sheet and unlock the secrets for the chance to win some wonderful prizes, a host of fun entertainers, giveaways, a special birthday Proms taking place on Saturday, 3rd September and much much more.

The birthday proms will feature performers giving away birthday badges, tote bags and cupcakes.

From Monday, 5th September The Lexicon will be giving away five fabulous prizes donated by Beaverbrooks, Pandora, Marks & Spencer, Wagamma and Primark so keep your eyes on their Facebook page!

They will also reveal which local community groups have been awarded £5,000 each from The Lexicon Charity Fund.

Bracknell Forest Council and The Lexicon have teamed up to create the Bracknell Forest Festival so make sure that you put a note in your diary now.

Find out more

Find out more by visiting www.bracknellforestfestival.com

Summer dining at The Oarsman, Marlow

Karen Neville

Genre

The perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner in the sunshine

The Oarsman, the recently-opened Bistro-pub situated in the riverside town of Marlow is looking forward to welcoming you to enjoy its new outdoor terrace and summer menu.

The Oarsman is a contemporary Bistro Pub & Wine Bar on Spittal Street which serves bistro-style seasonal dishes from the open kitchen and small plates from the charcuterie and larder counter for lunch and dinner.

The stunning new  terrace is now open for drinks, small plates and dining every day which you should be able to enjoy now enveloped in sunshine.

A strong environmental ethos and pledge to support local suppliers where possible will ensure The Oarsman will serve the finest, seasonal produce.

Heading up the kitchen is chef Scott Smith (previously Head Chef at Sugar Boat, Scotland) who has created a menu which honours the very best of British, giving the occasional nod to Scottish and Mediterranean influences and using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that champion small producers.

Smith’s menu brings his Michelin-starred training to bear – diners can expect elevated bistro-classics such as Potted shrimp, crumpet & pickled cucumber, Trotters, bacon & beef dripping or Moules marinere with fries.

If you like your wine, there’s an extensive list of fine & rare wines, as well as a wide range of wines by the glass.

A strong environmental ethos and pledge to support local suppliers where possible will ensure The Oarsman will serve the finest, seasonal produce.

Find out more

Visit The Oarsman’s website (theoarsman.co.uk) for more details.

John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett

Round & About

Genre

John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett bring their hugely entertaining, funny show to The Crooked Billet, Stoke Row on Wednesday 7th September.

John and Willy’s roots were originally in acoustic, roots and folk. Otway was hugely influenced by early Bob Dylan, Otway’s early gigs were on the folk circuit. In the early 70’s Willy Barrett enjoyed an enviable reputation on the folk scene. Willy features on The Contemporary Folk Guitar album with Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Gordon Giltrap and Ralph McTell. He performed numerous times at the Cambridge Folk Festival. Willy also spent time as guitarist with George Hamilton IV.

Otway & Barrett’s grungy fast and furious fiddle, banjo and guitar with sweet and sour harmonies became pigeon-holed by the punk rock/new wave genre.

The duo have split and reunited umpteen times since their first gigs in 1971. The Who’s Pete Townshend produced and performed on their legendary self-titled debut album “John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett.

Otway has headlined Reading Rock Festival and played Glastonbury dozens of times

A legendary Old Grey Whistle Test performance where Otway’s failed amplifier leap saw him straddling the speaker, crashing on his most delicate bodily parts. The painful landing led to “Really Free” being a Top 20 hit and Top of the Pops appearances.

Over the years Otway & Barrett have headlined numerous festivals. Over 10,000 attended Otway’s home turf Aylesbury Market Square gig – filmed for the ITV documentary “Stardust Man” (Otway was originally a dustbin man).

Otway has headlined Reading Rock Festival and played Glastonbury dozens of times. Wild Willy Barrett is a regular at the Cambridge Folk Festival. The duo have performed main stage at Cropredy, and performed to 150,000 supporting The Police in Toronto.

Chart success has been sketchy. In 1980 the BBC cameraman’s dispute cancelled Otway & Barrett’s Top of the Pops performance of their single DK50/80 which consequently dropped out of the charts. The BBC banned their single “Headbutts”. Otway enjoyed a Top 10 hit in 2002 with “Bunsen Burner”, performed on one of the last ever Top of The Pops.

Otway clocked up his 5000th gig recently. The secret to John and Wild Willy’s huge cult following and popularity of their stage shows is down to an enduring, hilarious and utterly entertaining live performance and presence. Barrett is an incredibly talented musician and very funny, with the ability to swap from Django Reinhardt to punk rock in a blink. The ability to play blues slide guitar with an egg, play classical guitar (usually Otway’s) with a hacksaw and claw hammer. Otway is a brilliant songwriter, their set bounces from beautiful ballad to grunge-folk-punk to their hits: “Bunsen Burner”, “Really Free”, “Geneva” and the seminal “Beware of the Flowers (’Cos I’m Sure They’re Going To Get You Yeah!)”

Incidentally, in 2000 “Beware of the Flowers” was voted in at Number 7 by the BBC National Poetry Day poll to find the nation’s favourite lyric. The Beatle’s Yesterday comes in at Number 6.

Otway, Otway & Barrett have sold out the London Palladium, The Astoria, Hammersmith Odeon and the Royal Albert Hall (more people went to see Otway at the Royal Albert Hall than went to see Tom Jones at this year’s Henley Festival).

Hogs Back Brewery opened in August 1992 in Tongham, near Farnham, in 18th century farm buildings that at various times had stored wheat and housed cattle and, appropriately, hogs. The first casks to roll out of the original brewhouse – now the site of the Brewery Shop – and into local pubs were TEA – which was renamed Tongham TEA earlier this year.

Catch John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett at The Crooked Billet

Catch John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett at The Crooked Billet, Stoke Row on Wednesday 7th September. Pub chef and landlord Paul Clerehugh promoted many of Otway & Barrett’s big London shows. Paul played guitar on the original “Bunsen Burner” hit recording and took a choir of 1000 Otway fans to Abbey Road Studios to record the B side of the 2002 hit.

Otway & Barrett. National Treasures.

For tickets and further details contact the Crooked Billet on 01491681048 / 01491682304.

The Crooked Billet, Stoke Row, Henley on Thames, RG9 5PU

Hogs Back’s ’30 at 30’

Karen Neville

Genre

Your chance to join the celebrations for three decades of Tongham TEA

If you live in or around Farnham, the chances are that one of your first pints of beer was Hogs Back’s Tongham TEA (Traditional English Ale). The ale was the first beer brewed at Hogs Back Brewery when it opened 30 years ago, and it enjoyed almost instant success, with the hog icon becoming a familiar sight in pubs across Surrey.

To celebrate its 30th birthday this year, Hogs Back is inviting 30 local drinkers who’ve been enjoying their beers for a while to join them – and bring a younger drinker with them, for a toast to the past, present and future success of the brewery, on Thursday, 18th August.

We remain an independent brewer, committed to our Surrey roots

To join the party just let them know where you drank your first pint of TEA, by visiting the website page.  We’ll invite 30 people to our special birthday drinks at the brewery, with a son, daughter or other younger relative or friend – aged 18+ – to pass the love of TEA down the generations!

Managing director Rupert Thompson said: “We’re delighted to be reaching our 30th birthday with plenty to be proud of.  Much has changed since the brewery opened its doors in 1992, but we remain an independent brewer, committed to our Surrey roots – as demonstrated by our continued investment in our site here at Tongham, including the hop garden.

We are both thanking the local people who’ve made Hogs Back the successful brewery it is today, and doing our best to make sure it’s still alive and kicking in 30 years’ time!

“Clearly, without people drinking our beers, we would have no success to celebrate today! So, we’d like to reward anyone who’s been enjoying our TEA for a while with a pint or two on us, and at the same time introduce our beers to younger drinkers. This way, we are both thanking the local people who’ve made Hogs Back the successful brewery it is today, and doing our best to make sure it’s still alive and kicking in 30 years’ time!”

Hogs Back Brewery opened in August 1992 in Tongham, near Farnham, in 18th century farm buildings that at various times had stored wheat and housed cattle and, appropriately, hogs. The first casks to roll out of the original brewhouse – now the site of the Brewery Shop – and into local pubs were TEA – which was renamed Tongham TEA earlier this year.

Tongham TEA remains the brewery’s best-seller, winning numerous awards over the years, and gathering a loyal customer following in Surrey and across the south. Hogs Back’s reputation as a brewer of exceptionally fine ales was bolstered by subsequent launches such as Hop Garden Gold and RipSnorter and in recent years the brewery has broadened its range, launching new beers such as Hogstar Lager, Surrey Nirvana Session IPA and A over T (Aromas over Tongham) which won CAMRA’s Champion Bottled Beer of Britain in 2020.

HOGS BACK BREWERY – 30 YEARS OF BREWING EXCELLENCE

1992:    First barrels of TEA produced at the Manor Farm site in Tongham, where the brewery remains today. One of the first pubs to stock it is the White Hart in Tongham, where it sells at £1.30 a pint.

1995:    TEA named as runner up in Best Bitter category at the Great British Beer Festival, run by CAMRA.

2000:    TEA named as winner in Best Bitter category and then overall runner up Champion Beer of Britain at the Great British Beer Festival

2006:    A over T (Aromas over Tongham) named Supreme Champion Winter Ale of Britain at the CAMRA Winter Beer Festival.

2012:    Business bought by Rupert Thompson, who had worked in the brewing industry for many years on brands including Carling (Britain’s biggest beer brand), Old Speckled Hen and Hobgoblin.

2013:    Launch of Hogstar Lager, a 4.5% ABV lager brewed with five different hops and selected herb extracts and matured for over a month.

2013:    Launch of Hazy Hog, a cloudy cider

2014:    Planting of hop garden adjacent to the brewery, making Hogs Back the largest brewer with a hop garden in the UK. In 2015, Hogs Back harvest three hop varieties: Fuggles – used in Tongham TEA; Cascade – used in Hogstar lager; and Farnham White Bine.

2015:    Hogstar wins Gold in the Premium Pale & Golden Lagers in the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) National Awards. It also wins Gold in the SIBA South East Region Awards in 2018

2019:    Relocation of the hop garden to an 8.5 acre site next to the brewery.

2020:    A over T, a 9% ABV bottle conditioned barley wine, wins CAMRA’s Champion Bottled Beer of Britain

2021:    Hogs Back harvests its largest ever hop crop, and 2,500 people enjoy Hop Harvest celebrations over a weekend in September.

2022:    Hogs Back’s flagship ale, TEA, is renamed as Tongham TEA and given a new design. The traditional, graphic style shows an illustration of the familiar Hog mascot in front of the brewery, farm buildings and fields.

Contact Hogs Back Brewery

Visit their website

Socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Wild Watlington

Liz Nicholls

Genre

Nicola Shafer tells us how her love of the natural world led her to the publication of her new book

We are lucky to have beautiful natural local habitats. From our precious chalk grasslands to our rare chalk streams, from the beech woods filled with bluebells and wild garlic, to our ancient hedgerows rich with native species, to old oak trees and meadows, to the gardens and green spaces in the town.

My love of wildlife started as a child, encouraged by my parents and grandparents and a small flowerpress. However it is only since I got involved with the Green Plan, a collaboration between Watlington Climate Action Group and other local groups interested in conservation that I realised how much I didn’t know about ecology. I joined Watlington Environment Group and started to learn the names of flowers, the types of insects, the song of our birds and the importance of our chalk stream. Last year, I acquired a macro lens with which to take better photographs of our local wildflowers, and a whole new world of beauty opened up in front of my eyes. Previously on walks I might notice the flowers in passing but now, stopping to take a closer look the variety, colour, and structure of these wildflowers astounds me. Looking closer you often see that a single flower can be home to various small insects, and a food source or a resting place for a bee or a butterfly.

Thank you to Watlington Library for displaying Eleanor’s artwork from the book in July, and to The Granary Café for hosting an exhibition last month.

Wild Watlington, The Creatures of Watlington Parish is a tour of just some of what can be found on our doorstep. Written as a story book, it is full of information that will be appreciated by young and old alike, as we find out about the habitats that make up our landscape, and the creatures that share it. The book was illustrated by young artist Eleanor Short, who is a Year 8 student at Icknield Community College. Thank you to Watlington Library for displaying Eleanor’s artwork from the book in July, and to The Granary Café for hosting an exhibition last month.

In the last year, with the aid of apps, my grandmother’s guide to wild flowers, and patient friends with more knowledge than me, I’ve been able to learn a fair proportion of the flowers I find on the local hills and verges. In times gone past, we were intimately acquainted with the plants around us – what was edible, what was not, what could be used for a medical treatment, what could be used for warding off evil spirits, and what smelt good when added to bedding. Now most of us don’t even know the names! As a society we have lost so much of this knowledge, but it is worth the effort to reclaim it. Looking closer and recognising the flowers and plants around us bring a greater understanding and connection to our natural world and with it a greater desire to protect and restore it.

Around Watlington my favourite places for wildlife spotting are:

1. The Chilterns way through Greenfield and College Woods is beautiful and I often see deer there

2. Incredible wild flowers can be seen on the chalk grass of the Aston Rowant Nature Reserves

3. The Chalk Pits at the bottom of Watlington Hill is a quiet retreat to listen to birdsong

4. The Paddock behind Watlington Library is beautifully planted with pollinator friendly plants, a great place to spot different types of bees and butterflies

5. Watlington’s historical chalk streams and spring fed ponds such as the Willow Pond and Horse Pond host amphibians, invertebrates, ducks, and occasionally a water vole.

Get your copy

The book is on sale at So Sustainable on Watlington High Street, priced at £5, and limited edition prints are available at wildwatlington.uk

Music to pianists’ ears

Karen Neville

Genre

Pianoz.com opens a new flagship store on Maidenhead High Street

High-end piano store Pianoz.com has opened its flagship store on Maidenhead High Street. The new shop in the Old Post Office will add to the extensive retail offering in the area.

Spread across two floors, this new location offers one of the largest displays of high-end pianos in the country. Pianoz.com has around 300 pianos on display, from Steinway, Bosendorfer, and Yamaha to a selection of new digital instruments. Locals can ‘tinkle the ivories’ of exceptional antique and bespoke pianos, instruments of historical significance, and even some from blockbuster films.

Even if you are not buying a piano, you can still visit and make use of these interactive spaces

The flagship store also features a flexible performance space with two Steinway concert grands, practice rooms, a YouTube recording studio and teaching facilities – which are already being used by local community groups. Pianoz.com has plans to host events and masterclasses for local schools, with some of the top concert pianists and pop musicians who have purchased pianos from the brand, as well as lunchtime recitals and other events further down the line.

Pianoz.com owner, Adam Harper said: “We are thrilled to have opened our flagship store on Maidenhead High Street in this wonderful location. For us, this space is more than just a store, the outstanding facilities we have incorporated, such as the practice rooms, YouTube recording studio and teaching facilities mean that even if you are not buying a piano, you can still visit and make use of these interactive spaces.”

Book your visit

Pianoz at the Old Post Office is currently open on an appointment-only basis to give customers one-to-one attention and the opportunity to play the instruments without distraction. Appointments available on 0203 888 0880 or [email protected]