Reading resident joined Corby in SU2C Reader travel

HOLY ISLAND, DURHAM & Alnwick Castle

Despite inclement weather and protestations from a problem knee, Ms Rowden said she would “plod on.

“I’ve promised that I’ll post pictures of me looking probably mostly bedraggled and wet as I walk, just to make it that bit more fun.

“But Corby is completely crazy, and could quite happily do 10 miles a day, so he’ll be with me much of the way.”

Corby will also be taking part in some of the publicity work, she explained: “I’ve already ordered a bandana for Corby to wear while we’re out and about.” n More information about Sam Rowden and Corby’s progress and how to donate can be found at her fundraising page: fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/ samanthas-su2c-dog-walking-givingpage-90

Stand Up To Cancer and Cancer Research UK are inviting people and their pooches to take part in the SU2C Walkies Challenge to help fund cancer research.

It is open to teams and individuals, and provides a fundraising page for participants to update their progress.

VOCAL SUPPORT:

MOBO-awardwinning rapper Guvna B is among those lending their voices to new audio guides for Elizabeth Line stations. Picture: Transport for London

TWO care home workers hope their plan to raise money for breast cancer research will be an overnight success.

Sonia Da Silva and Tamena Seymour from the Abbeycrest Care Home in Reading are taking part in a marathon nighttime stroll through the streets of London. They aim to raise £400 while dressed in glitzy outfits for the breast cancer charity, Walk the Walk.

Sonia, the care home manager, said they were inspired to take up the challenge after supporting residents diagnosed with breast cancer.

“This is the first time either Tamena or myself have taken part in the MoonWalk so we are excited to be doing it together.

“We have recently been supporting residents living with breast cancer and so the MoonWalk is the perfect opportunity to not only represent them but also to raise awareness and some much

Poetry Corner

needed funds while supporting those living with breast cancer and other cancers.”

She added that last October the pair took part in the Windsor Memory Walk in aid of Alzheimer’s Society last October, and had been looking for a new challenge.

“The Memory Walk was the first charity walk we have ever done, but we thoroughly enjoyed it, not only for the personal physical challenge but also the opportunity to raise money for causes which are close to home for many of our staff and residents.” n To sponsor Sonia and Tamena, visit their fundraising page at https:// walkthewalk.enthuse.com/pf/ abbeycrest

Sonia and Tamena, a home coordinator, will walk 26.2 miles overnight on Saturday, May 20 across Clapham Common and the surrounding area for the MoonWalk, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Departing Thu 15 Jun ‘23

Northumberland is home to rugged scenery, iconic landmarks and unspoilt seascapes. From our base in Newcastle, we explore Alnwick Castle, one of Britain’s most impressive castles, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, and visit the famous Angel of the North.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 2 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast

 Excursions to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne & Alnwick Castle

 En-route visits to the Angel of the North & Durham

3 Days by Coach only £219

Single Supplement £40

Historic Durham

Beamish & Captain Cook’s Whitby

HistoricDurhamBeamish&CaptainCooksWhitby_D.pdf important part of my life.

“Not just the bear, but also the station which has great significance for our family.

“So I considered it a great honour to be asked to narrate the audio guide for the Paddington Elizabeth Line station.”

Emma Strain, customer director at Transport for London, said: “We are delighted that some incredible

Londoners have lent their voices to this series of free audio guides.

“The Elizabeth line has transformed travel in London and beyond, and these guides offer a great way to find out more about the central section stations’ art, design and much more.

“We hope that Londoners and tourists will visit all 10 stations and listen to the full set on their travels.”

A picture. The Mona Lisa Smile. A picture in my mind. Does She smile because she knows her value?

A picture held on a wall. Does she know She has been framed?

A picture, prisoner in a gallery.

Still, she smiles, just. Although she has been framed. Surrounded by her own security. Trapped by a crowd of admirers.

I can still picture your smile. It is held forever. Your empty smile,

Richard Stephenson

We love receiving your poetry, and print a selection every week. Verse can be sent to poems@wokingham.today

Departing Thu 29 Jun ‘23

Enjoy a host of historically-themed excursions on this wonderful trip to the North East. From the bustling port of Whitby, to the fascinating open-air living museum of Beamish and the beautiful city of Durham, we journey into the past on this captivating break.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 4 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Middlesbrough with dinner & breakfast

 Excursions to Durham, Beamish Living Museum & Whitby

5 Days by Coach only £349

Single Supplement £80

Helping you to choose your vote

LOCAL democracy is important.

Being able to choose which party shapes our borough’s future is a privilege which is denied to many.

That we can agree to disagree is one of the many benefits of living in a democracy.

We have a democratic right to vote, and on May 4 we are being encouraged to do just that.

It’s a chance to determine who should direct the future of our potholes, bin collections, and car parking charges, among many other issues.

But who should you vote for?

It can seem like a hard decision, especially when there are so many parties with so many voices.

Over the next few days, our website will have all the information you need.

We’re setting up pages for every ward that is being contested in this set of local elections.

Candidates have been asked to introduce themselves, and we have information such as polling stations and previous votes.

And next week, we’ll have interviews with political leaders.

It’s all about helping you, the voter, decide how to vote.

CHURCH NOTES Alleluia

THERE is nothing like going to the cinema to watch a good movie. Especially, if you get to sit in fancy, leather seats which recline so you gain the perfect viewing experience.

This was my experience recently when I went to watch the film Alleluia. It is a beautiful, emotional and sometimes funny film with a twist at the end.

Now, before I go any further, please be assured I will not be sharing any spoilers. I don’t want to spoil the experience for you.

Prior to seeing the movie, I had met at least three people who told me how good it was. “It’s great! Go and see it. It has a twist at the end...“ they said.

I usually quickly stepped in, “I will go and see it. But please don’t tell me what happens. “

And they didn’t. And I won’t.

The film Alleluia is a great story. However, the Gospel (meaning, good news) of Jesus Christ has been described as the greatest story ever told.

This good news can be summed up, quite simply, in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have Eternal life.”

Eternal life is ours because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Christians celebrate every Sunday, but especially on Easter Sunday.

In Matthew’s account of this key factual event (chapter 28), we are given an invitation to ‘come and see’ for ourselves. And once we have seen to ‘go and tell’ others the good news we have seen and heard.

If you have yet to experience and receive the good news of Jesus Christ for yourself, I encourage you to do so. And once received, share this wonderful news, the whole story (spoilers included) with others.

Rich blessings to you all

Major Adrian Maddern, Reading Central Salvation Army, writing on behalf of Church Together in Reading