Out & About Autumn 2018
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Autumn 2018
West Berkshire, Nor th Hampshire & East Wiltshire
A Newbury News Ltd publication
Greenham Cont rol Tower a public view across the common Tribal treasures what to look out for at auction plus First World War remembering local lives lost
Fashion Food Features Gardening Travel Competitions
“Thanks for your dinner invitation.
Unfortunately we have a prior engagement.” Stay at home and soak up the luxury of your Ripples bathroom.
Ripples Newbury, 51a London Road, Newbury RG14 1JN Tel: 01635 569900
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GERALDINE GARDNER
EDITOR
W hat an amazing summer. I do hope you were able to enjoy the fine weather. We stayed at home and my one indulgence was some new garden chairs – which were well used, I might add. As the autumn nights draw in, it is a time for reflection. They say you should never look back, but, while sighing over the long-gone balmy summer evenings is not particularly constructive, it does no harm to remember those whose lives were cut short by the First World War. Over the last four years there have been various commemorative events marking milestones of the Great War, which ended 100 years ago this November, and a couple of years ago the Newbury Weekly News ran a series of features on local lives lost and other contemporary stories that were reported in the paper between 1914-18. It is impossible to pay tribute to every one of those brave men and women, but John Herring has revisited some of those recollections from a couple of key conflicts and found out how local historian Phil Wood is progressing in his research on all the names on Newbury’s War Memorial and how
the Friends of Newtown Cemetery are working to find out as much as possible about the 16 First World War dead buried in Commonwealth War Graves in the cemetery, making sure those who lost their lives are suitably honoured (p24). Jonathan Hopson also remembers two of his relatives who fought in the two world wars – his great uncle Joseph Hopson, killed at Gallipoli, and his uncle Denis Robinson, a spitfire pilot who survived the Second World War (p7). September also sees the grand opening of the Greenham Control Tower, a relic of another part of military history, an important landmark in Newbury and now open to the public and run with the help of an army of volunteers (p29). We also asked readers to send in pictures of family weddings from days gone by and we had a great response, with one family’s archives going back to 1915 (p34). So, perhaps a somewhat nostalgic edition, but worth remembering that we are the privileged ones who are able to enjoy modern life and freedom because of the sacrifices of our forebears.
Editor’s picks
INSIDE THIS ISSUE COVER PICTURE
Remembrance
Nostalgia
29 A COMMON VIEW
24 WE WILL REMEMBER A tribute to the local people who lost their lives in the First World War
34
WEDDING DAYS A nostalgic look back at wedding celebrations from days gone by
Greenham Control Tower is open to the public, complete with an exhibition of mementoes from the Common’s rich history
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CONTENTS
7 Comment: Jonathan Hopson remembers two relatives who fought in each of the world wars 8 Fashion: check these out from the High Street plus some favourites from local independent boutiques FEATURES 24 We will remember them: a tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War and how their memories are being preserved 29 A common view: Greenham Control Tower is now open to the public 34 Wedding belles and beaus: A nostalgic look at wedding fashion WELLBEING 15 Fitness: Keep your mind and body in sync 18 Health & Beauty: holistic therapies and skin maintenance 21 Mental wellbeing: self-compassion is important FOOD & DRINK 38 Top tipples: The Vineyard’s sommelier Romain Bourger and some best buys 42 Restaurant review: The Chequers Hotel, Newbury 45 Fish news: sea bass is simply delicious 46 Café culture: healthy eating, a cup of tea and homemade cake
Autumn 2018
A Newbury News Ltd publication
LIFESTYLE
51 Antiques: what to look out for in tribal art 57 In the field: a round-up of what to expect from this year’s Berkshire show 61 Gardening: a quirky pick-me-up 64 Travel: African adventures 67 Motors: Subaru XV 69 Book review: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles 73 What’s on: a round-up of local autumn events 79 Outdoors: Little Apple Day and other events at the Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham 81 Star gazing: autumn night-skies LEISURE
COMPETITIONS
19 & 49 Win: a skincare treatment from Andresa; tea at Blandys
TO ADVERTISE IN OUT&ABOUT Abigail Reddin 01635 886612 abigail.reddin@newburynews.co.uk
General competition rules: The winner(s) will be the first entry(ies) drawn with the correct answer. In the event that a winner must be notified quickly and is unavailable on the daytime number provided, another winner may have to be chosen. Newbury News Limited employees, and employees
directly involved in the competition, and their families, are not eligible to enter. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Responsibility not accepted for entries lost or torn in the post. Postal entries must be on the original form. There are no cash alternatives to the prize.
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Read our digital edition at
GROUP EDITOR ANDY MURRILL (01635) 886625 ANDY.MURRILL@NEWBURYNEWS.CO.UK OUT&ABOUT EDITOR GERALDINE GARDNER (01635) 886684 GERALDINE.GARDNER@NEWBURYNEWS.CO.UK ADVERTISING ABIGAIL REDDIN (01635) 886612 ABIGAIL.REDDIN@ NEWBURYNEWS.CO.UK PRODUCTION DESIGN CARRIE FAITHFULL, HELEN LAYTON, TIM SILVESTER PHOTOGRAPHY PHIL CANNINGS PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER, OUT&ABOUT IS A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, PUBLISHED BY NEWBURY NEWS LTD, NEWSPAPER HOUSE, FARADAY ROAD, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE RG14 2DW
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Flexible working hours and the desire to ‘be your own boss’ has bolstered the UK’s self-employment community to 4.77 million – nearly 15 percent of the workforce. However, the self-employed, contractors and freelancers, PD\ ¿QG LW KDUGHU WR JHW RQ WKH SURSHUW\ ODGGHU DV JHWWLQJ a mortgage can be challenging. It doesn’t need to be. With the right amount of preparation and planning, obtaining a mortgage can be easier than you think. Let’s start with step one: Getting your paperwork in order. It may sound like we’re teaching you to suck eggs, but ensuring you keep up-to-date records and accounts is vitally important - self-employed workers still need to prove income to any mortgage lender you apply to. Our top tip is to provide more information than you think necessary, for example: • Two to three years’ accounts prepared by a chartered or FHUWL¿HG DFFRXQWDQW • 7KH DYHUDJH RI \RXU ODVW WZR \HDUV¶ QHW SUR¿W RU • A track record of regular work. Accounts should be up-to-date and in order before you apply – otherwise the application will be delayed or declined. 6WHS WZR 8QGHUVWDQG \RXU RZQ ¿JXUHV Knowing your numbers and being able to talk the lender through them is equally as important as providing the paperwork. If you have a dip in your income at a certain point, you will need to be able to clarify what happened and ZK\ %\ SLQ SRLQWLQJ DQG H[SODLQLQJ DQ\ ÀXFWXDWLRQV \RX ZLOO seem more credible to the lender and therefore, increase your chances of getting your mortgage application approved. If you don’t have two years’ accounts, don’t panic. Some mortgage lenders will still consider your application, especially if you can prove a track record of regular work, you have left employment to work as a contractor in the same industry, or you have evidence of work lined up for the future. Step three: Consider if remortgaging is right for you If you already have a mortgage and want to re-mortgage to save money or move home, your existing lender may be able to help. If they have a history with you, they will be more likely to help than a lender who doesn’t know you. ,¶P D VHOI HPSOR\HG ÀRULVW DQG ZLVK WR JHW D PRUWJDJH +RZHYHU ,¶YH EHHQ WROG LW FDQ EH D YHU\ GLI¿FXOW DQG lengthy process. I’m worried I won’t be successful. Can you help? Mrs Michaels Being your own boss needn’t make it harder to get a mortgage
Are you a Director of a limited company? If so, the same rules apply. Some mortgage lenders will FRQVLGHU UHWDLQHG SUR¿WV ZKHQ DVVHVVLQJ DQ DSSOLFDWLRQ ,Q VRPH VLWXDWLRQV WKLV FDQ PHDQ FRPSDQ\ GLUHFWRUV ¿QG LW PRUH GLI¿FXOW WR JHW D PRUWJDJH WKDQ WKHLU HPSOR\HHV The key is to not assume it’s impossible to get a mortgage if you’re self-employed – it’s not. You just need a lender that understands the world of the self-employed. Good luck! If like Mrs Michaels, you are self-employed, a contractor or freelancer and would like to talk to us about a mortgage, please contact us and arrange an appointment in a branch local to you or by telephone. Newbury branch: 105b Northbrook Street, Newbury, RG14 1AA Call: 01635 522588 or email newbury@newbury.co.uk Thatcham branch: 4 High Street, Thatcham, RG19 3JD Call: 01635 864996 or email thatcham@newbury.co.uk Hungerford branch: 127 High Street, Hungerford, RG17 0DL Call: 01488 684705 or email hungerford@newbury.co.uk
-DQH %RVKHU 6HQLRU %UDQFK 0DQDJHU RI 1HZEXU\ Building Society’s Newbury, Thatcham and Hungerford branch.
YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPLAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). 6916
Newbury Building Society
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JONATHAN HOPSON
As the nation marks the centenary of the end of the First World War, following the celebrations for 100 years of the RAF, JONATHAN HOPSON remembers two family members who each played a part in the two world wars and died exactly 100 years apart
T his year’s centenaries of the formation of the RAF and the end of the First World War bring to mind two family relatives who served in the armed forces during both world wars and who died 100 years apart. My great uncle Joseph Alfred Hopson, (1888-1915), served with the 2nd Wellington Mounted Rifles and was killed in August 1915 at Gallipoli. Joseph (known as Seph) had chosen to emigrate to New Zealand as he had relatives there. When he enlisted in the Wellington Mounted Rifles, he gave his address as Bristol Road, Inglewood, and his employer as A Hopson – his father’s cousin, Arthur. Joseph’s father, Joseph Herbert, was a furniture dealer at 64 Northbrook Street and his mother, Edith Annie, was the daughter of another notable Newbury trader, Alfred Stradling, a watchmaker and jeweller. The Camp Hopson department store in Northbrook Street, Newbury, was formed when the furniture business of Joseph Hopson & Sons amalgamated with Alfred Camp’s Drapery Bazaar in 1921. The business merger took place the year after the marriage of Joseph’s brother, Paul, to Alfred Camp’s daughter Norah. Joseph is remembered on the Hill 60 New Zealand War Memorial in Turkey and on panel three of Newbury’s war memorial adjacent to St Nicolas Church. There is also a small plaque to Joseph on Alfred Stradling’s grave at Newtown Cemetery, Newbury.
My uncle, Denis Robinson (1918 – 2015), married my father’s sister Margaret, in 1953. He served with 152 squadron based at RAF Warmwell near Dorchester and was one of the ‘Few’, flying a Spitfire Mk.1 during the Battle of Britain in 1940. He shot down a Messerschmitt 109 on July 25 and another on August 5. He was shot down by Messerschmitt 109s of III/JG53 off Swanage on August 8 in Spitfire K9894 and, rather than baling-out, crash-landed in a field near Wareham (see photo). Incredibly, he was unhurt, but his aircraft was a write-off. On August 15, he claimed a Messerschmitt 109 destroyed, two days later, on August 17, a Junkers 87, and on September 4, a Junkers 88. He was released from the RAF as a Flight Lieutenant in 1946 and was seconded to BOAC. He went on to fly for British Caledonian, British United and British United Airways before retiring in 1978. Denis died on July 28, 2015.
1.
2.
1 . Joseph Hopson
2 . Spitfire Mk.1 in which Denis Robinson survived a wheels-up landing after being shot down by Me 109s on August 8, 1940
3.
3. Sergeant Denis Robinson
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FASHION
Independent boutiques
B the lifestyle shop
unit 2, Kendrick House,Wharf Street, Newbury, RG14 5AP – 01635 48235 www.bthelifestyleshop.com
Blue embroidered top – by Minimum £65
Dress – by Ichi £64.99
Mom jeans – by Selected Femme £60
The Clothes Shop
12 Pound Street, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 6AA - 01635 47832 www.theclothesshopnewbury.co.uk
Hats and fascinators: prices range from £29 up to £225 Hire range £15 – £65 with the vast majority of hire around £35 Handbags from £19
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22 nd Sept BDBC Green Week Find out all about recycling and green issues. 6 th Oct Guide Dogs for the Blind Meet Guide Dog “Upton” and learn how to handle him.
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FITNESS - VICKI BROWN
If you’re looking to lose weight, make the right choices for your mind and body, says VICKI BROWN, and make sure friends and family know so they can support you
tempting you with options that you want to avoid. Avoid those who you know are unsupportive until you are in a stronger position. Professionals Getting help from a professional can give you knowledge, direction and support. Guidance can help you stay on one path rather than moving from one
Body and Mind The link between looking after the body – via exercise and good nutrition – and looking after your mental wellbeing is vital. Even if you do everything ‘right’ in one area if the others are neglected you may find yourself getting nowhere. Paying attention to all of these elements can improve your overall wellbeing. Self Help This is the big one. Putting yourself first (even if it’s just sometimes!). Think about what is stopping you? What stops you achieving your
to another and back again. Remember consistency and
structure are important and there are many approaches which can work, but with scattered knowledge you can find yourself being inconsistent. A professional should be able to guide you along an appropriate path for your goals and the lifestyle that you want to have. Asking for help is a sign of strength, everyone can benefit from support. Tips to progress your workouts n Breathing: your breathing may be holding you back. Make sure you are not holding your breath while you work out. Meditation or yoga may also help you become more aware of your breathing, this will also help relaxation and mental wellbeing. n Technique: Check that you are using good technique during exercise, then try different training methods to make an exercise progressively harder as you find it easier. For example, the plank – if you start with a kneeling plank, move n Changing your nutrition: if you track what you are eating you can see what changes produce the best results. Generally, you want to lower calories to lose weight and increase calories to increase mass. Manipulation of calories can have a massive impact on energy levels, physically and mentally. n Weight Training: Change your weights – if you have been using the same weight for many sessions, completing the same number of reps, make a change. Increase the reps or the weight. n Classes: Try the harder progressions in a class you already do or try a new class. on to a full elbow-toes position, you can move on to your hands, then walking and alternating hand-to-elbow tap.
health and fitness goals? It is probably you – you are the one who decides whether or not to workout, to run further, to choose what you eat. It’s easy to look to others and particular circumstances and blame that person or thing, but ultimately you have a choice. Sometimes, you may feel like you are being fussy, but if you have a goal that you want to achieve, put it first and see the effect it can have. Not everyone is supportive and this can make it harder to follow through. Stand strong. Put your health and wellbeing first, your personal goals shouldn’t be taken lightly and you should not be discouraged by others who don’t understand. How to make it easier? Make a plan and remove choice from the day to day. n If you have social events, take these into account. n If you need to complete a workout, find an alternative time to complete it. n If you have specific dietary requirements, check the menu before to see what you can eat – phone the restaurant and ask if they could do you something different. Or take your own food with you – this may seem over the top, but if your priority is making progress towards your goals, go for it. n If you want a more relaxed approach, you will find it is a more gradual process. It’s about changing your lifestyle. Whatever you choose it’s about you prioritising what you want. Friends and Family It is important to have the support of friends and family. Tell them what you are doing so they can encourage you. If they know what your goals are they can make sure they are not
Vicki Brown runs: LiveFitNow, Wash Common, Newbury. Telephone: 07879 447829. www.LifeFitNow.co.uk
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√ more than Get Fit - Get Your Life Back
How to balance motherhood, work, and keeping �it each week before work. She loved it but all this had to stop once baby Walter arrived - there was just not enough time!
ǡ ǡ ϐ ǡ ϐ Ǥ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ Ǧ Meet Janis. who has 2 children and 2 busy jobs, so you can understand it when she says Dz ǯ ǡ ǯ Ǥdz So in stead she does personal training at a local studio twice each week.
Ǥ ͳͳ ͳͷ ʹͲ ϐ Ǥ ϐ ǯ Ǩdz Janis read about the bene�its of strength training and in particular the Superslow Method so she was very pleased when she searched and found Abstract Bodyworks locally as it was just what she was looking for. Janis isn’t interested in a quick �ix but wanted a workout which would lay the foundations for a strong healthy body as she gets older so that she can keep up with her kids (and grandkids eventually!). She needs to have strength and energy to get on with her full and busy social and work lives. Now Janis says she feels strong, walks taller and she de�initely has toned up. And because of the con�idence she now has in her strength and looks Janis has taken on another challenge – she plans to walk the Great Wall of China in October to fund raise as much money as she possibly can for Naomi House and Jacksplace Childrens Hospices. Ǧ Let’s hear about Kim who has a 2 year old son and owns 2 Hair/Beauty Salons in Newbury. As you can imagine, her life is very full! Before she became pregnant Kim says that she was a proper gym bunny, attending �itness classes 3 times
When Walter had his �irst birthday Kim was fed up with being 3 stone overweight and un�it. Her husband, Andrew, encouraged her to give Abstract Bodyworks a try as he had been working out with them for some time and was convinced it was the right choice for Kim. Everyone gets their initial two sessions at Abstract for free, so Kim gave it a go as there was nothing to lose and no commitment.
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
For times to relax and unwind towards the end of the year, there are plenty of de-stressing techniques and classes available; and how to look after your skin after the long hot summer
Going, going, gong C harlotte Booth tried out a gong bath at Amethyst Yoga it brings the brain waves from alpha and beta to theta state – the state of deep relaxation.” What does a gong bath entail? The participants lie on a yoga mat in a comfortable position with a Studio, Newbury. The sessions are run by Alison Russell, who says: “Essentially a gong bath offers relaxation because
Each gong represents a planet, which is tuned to a specific frequency. Alison says: “The Mercury gong for example is specific for communication and the throat. “I choose on the day of the gong bath which gongs to use. I would have a look and see what was happening with the planets on that particular day.” Helen’s husband John has also felt
blanket and pillow, and Alison then asks you to concentrate on any injuries or illnesses. She starts to play the gongs, quietly at first, building to a crescendo. The gongs are complemented by rattles, rainsticks and koshi chimes. There is no melody or rhythm, just random sounds that come together into a pleasing mass.
the benefits: “When I first went to a gong session with Alison I was suffering from painful gout in one of my finger joints. I focused on this and the pain in my joint eased a few days after the first session and I noticed a marked improvement in its mobility. By the second session the gout had gone and to date, cross fingers – which I
can do again now – it has not reoccurred.” Alison is aware that gong baths may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but says: “I would say come and try it. The sceptics that have been gonging have been converted with a physical revelation. There are also people who try it and don’t come back, and those who come back a year later.” The Amethyst Studio is owned by Camilla Cordle, and holds five yoga classes each week, plus guest teachers, like Alison and the gong baths. www.amethyststudio.co.uk To book a gong bath session visit https://bit.ly/2KQenT2
The premise is that the resonance and vibrations from the gongs work in harmony with the vibrations of our own bodies and relax and heal – even if the participant is a sceptic. Helen Hampson from Newbury, who attends regularly, says: “I now know what total relaxation is – Alison’s gong baths are divine. I love the deepest- sounding gong best – the soundwaves reverberate through the stillness of the room and I am transported to … I don’t know where, but I always feel a sense of calm and peace and am totally at ease. Afterwards I have the best night’s sleep, sleeping deeply and soundly.” A nne Skelton of Serenity Holistic Therapies, Newbury, believes that to obtain optimal health and wellness, body, mind, spirit and emotions all need to be treated together. An imbalance in any one of these areas can have a negative effect on overall health. Holistic therapy
hearted and fun – we want you to enjoy your treatments.” Stress-busting treatments include Indian head massage, which also improves circulation and helps induce sleep. Although only around the neck, shoulders, head and face, it boosts the whole body, leaving a feeling of complete relaxation. It also stimulates the scalp and improves the condition of hair.
Anne had suffered many years of back pain, muscle tension and stress and, having searched for a cure, she discovered the only source of lasting relief was back massage. She studied massage therapy, anatomy and physiology and set up Serenity Holistic Therapies in 2005. She says: “Having seen the benefits and results of holistic treatments, especially massage, including Indian head massage, hot stone massage and colon massage, I set up Serenity to share relief with other sufferers.” Anne has also studied further holistic treatments
Reflexology relates to areas in the feet that mirror the organs, glands and other parts of the body. By working on the energy pathways that begin in the feet, any blockages which cause ill-health can be removed. It improves circulation and revitalises the body’s energy, clearing out toxins and encouraging the release of endorphins. Anne finds that many clients fall asleep during a reflexology treatment and that this nap can be more beneficial than having a full night’s sleep. O&A EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Until the end of September, Serenity Holistic Therapies is delighted to offer readers
and now offers a diverse range from hot stone massages and Hopi ear candling to reflexology. She says: “We take the time to get a full understanding of your needs in order to treat you as a whole person. We understand how extreme stress, back pain and muscle pain affect wellbeing. We are always kind, professional, warm-
of Out & About 10 per cent off any holistic treatment. To book an appointment visit www.serenityholistictherapies.co.uk or call 07919 522020. Mention the code OUTANDABOUT18 to claim your discount at the time of booking.
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Indian head massage workshop
T here are few things more relaxing than a massage. But for people with mobility problems or the elderly, lying on a couch isn’t always possible or easy. Nicki Lee is a Kingsclere-based sports therapist who has specialised in massage since 1999.
“A regular short massage can have a very good effect on lowering blood pressure. The routines I teach could help someone to massage a family member or friend two or three times a week for a few minutes.”
Indian head massages are given over the clothing while your partner or family member sits in a regular chair –
Nicki now runs teaching workshops for anyone over the age of 18 to learn massage and she’s inviting people to come and learn how to give Indian head and shoulder massage. She said: “Indian head massage is great for relaxation – particularly for people who lack mobility or may not be in the best of health. Developed in India, this treatment has been expanded to include working on the upper back, shoulders, neck, arms and head.
so no special equipment or undressing is needed. She said: “Helping people lead more comfortable and therefore more enjoyable lives is at the heart of what I do and I’m delighted to share my knowledge of Indian head massage. Most of this workshop is spent actually giving or receiving massages, but you will also observe demonstrations, have the opportunity for questions, and learn how to prepare yourself and your partner for a safe, relaxing and fun treatment.” Nicki runs regular workshops at the Village Club, Kingsclere and the next session is on Saturday, October 6 and includes tea and cake. Price £45 per person. For more information, visit www.nickileemassage.co.uk
“This is now one of the most popular therapies in the UK and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is it a real treat for your family and friends, but there are substantial health benefits including relieving stress, general tension, depression and anxiety.
Look after your skin
Vikki’s sun-damaged skin was transformed with a combination of in-clinic treatments, including IPL and ClearLift 4D Laser, and skincare product recommendations. Read the full story at www.andresa. co.uk/news-1/vikki-skin- success
week too. If you have sensitive skin try Dr Babor A16 Booster Concentrate. To find out more about Andresa’s corrective skin rejuvenation treatment programmes please call to book a complimentary consultation on 01635 800183. Andresa Aesthetics Exclusive Skin Health & Laser Clinic, Lower Wasing Barn, Wasing Lane, Nr Woolhampton. RG7 4LY info@andresa.co.uk | www.andresa.co.uk Competition: To win a free 3D digital skin consultation with a 60-minute skin analysis facial, worth a total of £200, answer the
T heresa Fleetwood of Andresa skincare clinic advises on how to recover your post-summer skin Following such a beautiful summer, you may have noticed some changes to your skin, brought about by hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is an overproduction of the skin’s pigment, melanin, in specific patches. It is triggered by a variety of factors, but the primary cause is sunlight, which causes the production of melanin, producing freckles and a sun tan, which acts as your skin’s natural sunscreen by protecting you from harmful UV rays. Excessive sun exposure can disrupt this process, leading to hyperpigmentation. If your skin is sun-damaged, we recommend that you first have a consultation with a skin health practitioner who has experience in treating this condition. In-clinic: intense pulsed light (IPL) and mild skin-brightening peels are the most commonly used, and are effective at lifting deep and superficial pigment Andresa offers these therapies as well as enzyme skin revision (ESR) and collagen and skin remodelling (CSR), a micro-needling technique for lines and wrinkles associated with sun damage; and ClearLift 4D laser facelift to help break down deep pigment and rebuild the skin support structure. At home: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, such as oil-free SPF from the Heliocare 360 range. UVA radiation and high-energy visible light cause the skin to prematurely age, as well as induce additional skin health problems – all year round. Incorporate a retinol product, such as DermaQuest Retinol Brightening Serum, into your skincare routine several times a
following question: What is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation? a) Sunscreen b) Sun Exposure c) Age
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Whilst you may know us for our work in furniture and electrical reuse, you may not know about our other work in helping local people. We help many people with disabilities to take an active part in their community as volunteers. In addition we also provide a wide range of activities and training opportunities to help support local people into employment. We are always happy to receive visitors to our projects. If you would like a guided tour of training facilities at our Bone Lane site, learn more about the work of our charity and how you can become involved please email enquiries@cfpnewbury.org to arrange a time for you to visit.
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DR JANA JENKINS - MENTAL HEALTH
What is self-compassion and why is it important for our well-being?
DR JANA JENKINS explains
S elf-compassion can be defined as self-kindness or having an ability to be warm towards oneself, especially at times of adversity. In addition, another important facet of self-compassion is recognising that life is challenging. Learning how to take a balanced approach to experiencing negative emotions and how to observe them with openness can be helpful. Research shows that developing self-compassion increases our sense of well-being and general health. You may be wondering why self-compassion can help your mental and physical health. Perhaps you are someone who tends to be hard on yourself and very self-critical. You may feel exhausted from being always on the go, judging yourself and being unable to switch off. From my clinical experience, it is not uncommon that people struggle to identify their needs and recognise when they are not met. Another tendency is to find it much easier to be kinder to others rather than to ourselves and adopt ‘double standards’ when it comes to kindness. For example, we are less likely to think of someone else as ‘useless’ when they make a mistake as opposed to judging ourselves when the same occurs. The key aspect of self-compassion is learning how to tolerate, accept and become less frightened of our feelings. It is helpful to know that our experiences of emotions emerge from the patterns created in our brains and bodies. It is useful to think about operating within three different systems; threat, incentive and soothing system. Let me explain their different functions. The function of the threat system is to pick up on threats quickly Let’s talk The Key to Hope. Change. Empowerment The good news is that self-compassion can be learnt. You can master how to become more sensitive to your needs (e.g. the need for recognition and respect from others, the need for confidence, independence etc).
and generate feelings such as anxiety which then alerts and urges us to act against the threat and to self-protect. Our brains can over-estimate threats because that’s how they are designed to work. The incentive system is important to give us positive feelings that guide, motivate and encourage us to seek out things and resources in order to survive and prosper. We are motivated and pleased by seeking out, consuming and achieving nice things (e.g. food, places to live, comforts, friendships, etc). It will not surprise you that in modern societies this system becomes overstimulated and can lead to feeling overwhelmed. Operating in the soothing system on the other hand results in feelings of contentment, social affiliation and peacefulness. Many people struggle with self- compassion because cultivating self-compassion is not easy and we need to practice it and prioritise it. We all need time to stop, reflect, process our feelings, be with loved ones, have a cuddle and sometimes just simply ‘be’ rather than always ‘do’. Noticing when we are harsh on ourselves and judging our feelings can be helpful. Noticing when we are not kind to ourselves is also beneficial; perhaps we are overworking, not sleeping enough, pleasing others but not recognising our needs. When we practice meditation, mindfulness and ‘slowing down’, we are not concerned with wanting or striving, we tend to feel more connected with others and contented. Many people I see are striving to achieve this sense of contentment and it is their lifelong ambition to achieve this state. Do you think that you may be someone who can benefit from self-compassion? What is the one thing that you can change to become kinder to yourself? Stress • Depression • Self-esteem • Trauma • Anxiety • Bereavement Divorce • Suicidal thoughts • Relationships • Gender & Sexuality Addiction • Anger management • OCD • Phobias • Panic attacks Family issues • Eating disorders • Emotional & physical abuse Career • Low mood • Self harm • Infertility
The key aspect of self-compassion is learning how to tolerate, accept and become less frightened of our feelings
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Seeking professional advice from a lawyer puts you in a better position to work towards a fair and amicable settlement. It’s natural to worry about legal costs but you can work with your lawyer to keep costs down whilst working towards maximising your financial settlement. You might be entitled to 50%, but what if you’re entitled to a lot more? Or a lot less? It depends on your personal circumstances.
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We will remember them... Armistice Day on November 11 will mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and every town and village across the country has its own stories to tell of loved ones lost. JOHN HERRING has extracted a few of the stories reported by the Newbury Weekly News at the time, with help of local historian Phil Wood, who runs the West Berkshire War Memorials project
L ocal historian Phil Wood has left no stone unturned in his quest to ensure Newbury’s war dead are not forgotten. He has been researching all 339 First World War names on Newbury’s War Memorial – and even some who have been overlooked. His mission, to uncover the people behind the carved names, stems from Mr Wood’s West Berkshire War Memorials project, which contains information about all war memorials in the district. He has covered 285 names and the majority of memorials in the area, but there are some still to be researched. When asked which of the personalities was the most interesting, Mr Wood said: “There are so many. It is often the most recently researched that sticks in the mind when asked this question.
World War.” Mr Wood also used the Newbury Weekly News archives to help fill some of the gaps in his research. The newspaper ran a Local War Notes section throughout the four-year conflict, reporting on events, deaths and awards. The fascinating and extensive project started on a whim, after Mr Wood put together a slide show of local memorials for West Berkshire Heritage Forum. “As a family historian, I recognised the value of a site that would enable commemorations of relatives to be tracked down – hence the site is searchable by name. “A few months after creating the site I found myself bedridden for a couple of weeks. I spent the time cross-referencing the
N ewbury’s first casualty of the First World War was Private William John ‘Jack’ Himmons who was killed in the first major British engagement, 20 days after war was declared. Private Himmons was born in 1887 in Thatcham, the son of John and Ellen Himmons. He married Florence Gore in October 1912 and their son, Frederick John was born in April, 1914. He was recalled for duty, having previously served in the Dorsetshire Regiment, the day after war was declared. His regiment formed part of the British Expeditionary Force and was involved in the first battles on the Western Front. Himmons was wounded in battle at Mons and was taken to a German hopsital where he died on September 3 – although it was not until 10 months later that his widow received official “Today I finished (until something else crops up) writing the story of Frederick Sainsbury, son of a grocer who had a small shop in Russell Road. He went to South Africa in the Boer War, got the Africa bug and lived a life in the true Boys’ Own style – went gold mining, served in the Cape police, guided big game hunts, started a rubber plantation in German East Africa, was interned when war broke out, escaped, joined the East Africa Labour Corps and rose to the rank of Captain, was seriously gored by a wild buffalo and then died from influenza on board a ship taking him back to Dar-es-Salaam after convalescent leave. “There are, of course, many stories of men dying in the trenches, but one of the nicest things about Frederick’s story is that it is so atypical, so unlike what one expects from the First 1914
names on all the memorials with the casualty entries on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website. This work is far from complete as it can take a lot of research to be sure the entries match. “I am extremely pleased to have uncovered a number of casualties who had been overlooked by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and who, as a result, have now been properly recognised on the national roll of honour.” For those wanting to trace their own ancestry or just looking to delve into the past Mr Wood’s advice is “Leave no stone unturned, never give up looking … and don’t expect it all to be online.” www.westberkshirewarmemorials.org.uk
confirmation of his death. Pte Himmons is buried in Hautrage Military Cemetery, Belgium. His name appears on panel one of Newbury’s war memorial and on the roll of honour in St Nicolas’ Church.
Madam: It is my painful duty to inform you that an unofficial report has this day been received from the War Office notifying the death of 7990 Pte. W. Himmons, Dorset Regiment, which occurred at Wasmes, near Mons, on the 24th of August, 1914, and I am to express to you the sympathy and regret of the Army Council at your loss. The death was from wounds received in action.
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1915
1916
Lorna Ferris is the only woman to appear on Newbury’s war memorial. She was born in Newbury in late 1887 or early 1888, the second child of Henry and Amelia Ferris. Lorna trained as a nurse at the Dreadnought Seaman’s Hospital, Greenwich, and it is known that in April 1915 she set off for Serbia to a tented hospital camp outside the small village of Kragujevac, about 73 miles south of Belgrade. While providing care for the sick and wounded,
The Battle of Jutland T he largest naval engagement of the war fought between the British Grand Fleet and the German High Sea Fleet off Denmark from May 31 to June 1, 1916. Among the dead was Acting Leading Stoker William Cornelius Bellinger aboard HMS Queen Mary . William was born in 1891 and lived at the family home in Adey’s Buildings, Newbury, along with 11 members of the family. He worked as a fishmonger before joining the Navy as a stoker in 1910. He was on board when the Queen Mary was torn apart by a shell from the SMS Derfflinger , which detonated the forward magazines. There were 1,266 casualties, with only 20 rescued. William is remembered on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Newbury War Memorial and the town’s United Reformed Church. Other West Berkshire seamen killed on the Queen Mary were Ernest Buckell , born in 1896, Hungerford; George Southey , 28, from Thatcham and Harry Stanley Knapp , 23, of Vine Farm, Penwood. Other naval casualties included Cmdr Coplestone-Boughey , from Speen, who went down on HMS Defence , which was struck by two salvoes from the German fleet and there were no survivors. Another casualty was 1st class boy onboard HMS Defence , William Henry Palmer , of Hill Farm, Shaw. First Class Stoker John Tomas Owen , 22, of Marsh Street, Newbury went down with HMS Tipperary and S H Taylor of Hamstead Marshall and Captain Hyde Park of Ivory Farm, Burghclere went down on the HMS Superb .
Lorna caught typoid and died on July 4, 1915. Her funeral took place at Kragujevac Cathedral with full military honours and the Crown Prince of Serbia sent a represenative. She was buried alongside two other women – Dr Elizabeth Ross and Mabel Dearmer – and the three women are remembered at an annual ceremony held at their graves every February 14. Gallipoli M en from the Berkshire Yeomanry left their homes and travelled to another continent to fight in the Great War. The landings at Gallipoli were designed to relieve pressure on Russia and put Constantinople at risk. Sgt William John Horne was the only son of Mr and Mrs John Horne of Hungerford. After enlisting with the Berkshire Yeomanry in 1914, he trained at Churn on the Berkshire Downs at Compton before moving to the east coast to guard against a possible German invasion. The regiment sailed to Egypt in April 1915 and then shipped, without their horses, to Gallipoli, where they saw their first action. The regiment arrived in Turkey on August 18, 1915, landing at ‘A’ beach on Suvla Bay in preparation for a major assault on the peninsula. William was among the 312 men killed during the battle for Scimitar Hill, on August 21, 1915. William has no known grave and is remembered on the Helles Memorial to the missing in Turkey, the Hungerford war memorial, a roll of honour in the town hall and on the roll of honour in St Lawrence Church. “I think the most impressive sight I have ever seen or attended, was last Sunday night, when we had a church service outside the dug out conducted by out chaplain, the Rev WV Jephson, of Hampshire....The minister read the prayers and lessons and spoke a few kindly and appropriate words to us... I shall never forget it... Our chaplain, the Rev Jephson, is a ripping fellow, and is out all hours of the day and night to speak a few comforting words to some poor chap whose days are numbered –never weary, always unselfish and thoughtful... I often go into his dug out and have a talk of cricket – the Oval, Lords, and good old England. He is a ripping man to talk to, and we get on well when we are on the cricket subject. May we both live to play it again in our native land.
William Cornelius Bellinger
Ernest Buckell
“To the end, to the end, they remain”
Left: Extract from a letter written by a driver in the RAMC, who came into personal contact with the rector of Highclere, on service in Gallipoli
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