Xn January and February 2015 by The Wokingham Paper

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Reading, Wokingham & SURROUNdING AREAS

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Still in print and packed with community news

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JAN/FEB 2015 ISSN 2049-4971

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From the heart: The Rt Revd Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading

‘ We have lost a genuine sense of community’ Funeral Directors A.B. Walker & Son are at the heart of their local community. In a series of interviews, they ask key people within their community about their lives and their beliefs

The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud

he Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, was in Ethiopia when his father died, and will always remember the support he received from the local community. He was then Bishop of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, and so far away from home he couldn’t make it back in time when he heard his father was in hospital. As the family gathered around the bedside his daughter put a mobile phone to her grandfather’s ear. “I was able to tell him how much I loved him,” he recalls. Later the same night Bishop Andrew received a text message saying he had died. The following day he was up early. The clergy were in a training programme 40 minutes’ walk away and he had to be there at 7am for morning worship. Normally they met under a tree but when he arrived they were sitting inside the grass church, and there was drumming and singing going on. “I was feeling rather sorry for myself and sat outside on the

log,” says Bishop Andrew. “Fifteen minutes went past, I didn’t go in and they didn’t stop drumming and singing. Eventually one of them came out and said: ‘Bishop you have to come in, this is for you. We heard your father had died.’ “They were sitting in a square and they wanted me to talk to them about him, they wanted to pray for me and to be a gathered community around me. “They said: ‘Bishop you are our father and your father is our grandfather.’ That was extraordinary. I felt so incredibly supported and loved in that moment.” Bishop Andrew spent nine years in Ethiopia. He says: “They take death and bereavement so seriously, I think probably in a way that we used to as a culture but have forgotten how to do.”

“The first week after the death there would be a tent outside the little house. People would come and sit with the grieving family; they didn’t have to say anything, they just sat with them as a sign of solidarity. The funeral was often very big and usually the same day as the death. “Then there were significant points marked 40 days afterwards, six months afterwards, a year afterwards. All these important moments were marked liturgically, the community came together in God’s presence to remember the person and help the family through the grieving process. I think we have lost much of that.” Bishop Andrew believes grieving people can often feel isolated, and that the church has an important role in keeping hope and memory alive.

“I think we have lost a genuine sense of community,” he says. “People are working longer hours, and families have had to move to find work. Often we don’t know our neighbours. “We are all created in the image and likeness of God and we are meant to be in community.” He believes it is important the church offers support after the funeral: “One of the things the church does really well is pastoral care,” he says. He also believes it is important to have messages of hope and comfort in the funeral service. Death is a reality facing all of us, he says. “I have just turned 60 and inevitably as we get older we all think more about our own mortality,” he explains. “As I approach my own death I want do so absolutely trusting in the promises of Christ.” In Ethiopia most of the Ethiopian clergy he worked with had been through difficult times. They had been refugees or they had lost children to malaria or waterborne disease or they had been caught up in violence. “Despite all of that they were able to hold onto and articulate a really powerful Christian hope that God is there despite it all,” he says. “However awful life seems to be and it can be at times, God is there and there is always hope.”

This month

From the editor

A This is your magazine Contact us with your stories, email editor@xnmedia.co.uk write to Xn Media, Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Richard McCoull 0118 328 3108 07916 588 390 richard@xnmedia.co.uk Xn is published by Xn Media. ISSN 2049-4971 c/o Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS www.xnmedia.co.uk Twitter: @xnmedia Editor & publisher Phil Creighton editor@xnmedia.co.uk

Love you 18

Journalist Vivienne Johnson vivienne@xnmedia.co.uk Photography Lynda Bowyer Website Peter Bowyer peter@xnmedia.co.uk Distribution Judith Creighton judith@xnmedia.co.uk Contributors Michael Penny, James Hern, Martin Ceaser, Chris Carter, Benjamin & Simeon Sharpe, Trevor Howell, Steve Prince Thanks to Alan Magness, Louise Cole, Mary Brockington, Andrew Taylor, Steve Curtis, Barry Kirk, Jeremy Sharpe, Sharon Elliott, Wendy Neale, Bishop Andrew, Annet Bay, Jane Clark Cover picture Lynda Bowyer Printed by Polestar Xn is an independent publication that aims to reflect community and Church life without bias. The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, investigate any written complaints. © Xn Media Ltd, 2015

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Royals 27 Toy run 15

VERY warm welcome to 2015 – I hope you have a happy year. Phil Creighton This issue we celebrate our third birthday – and we’re already making plans to make this year a very special one. A new year is always the time for new beginnings and we’re looking forward to doing just that. We’re refreshing our website to make it easier to use (and find older stories). You’ll love it – make sure you bookmark xnmedia.co.uk. Xntricity is our exciting new printing service, aimed at helping you find great quality printing at great prices. Follow the link on our website for more details. Finally, as you may have heard, the Reading Post and The Wokingham Times closed at the end of last year. We now become an even more important source for local news, so do make sure you share Xn with your friends and neighbours. Later in 2015, we’ll be launching a new newspaper for Wokingham – we’re very excited about the plans and we’ll tell you more about how you can support it and Xn in the next issue – which is out in March and will be our Easter special (yes, already). So, it’s a very happy Birthday for us, and we’re looking forward to the year ahead. This issue is the last to feature Lynda Bowyer’s amazing photography as she moves on to pastures news. We’re very grateful to her for her hard over over the past three years and will miss her. Thank you Lynda! Phil Creighton editor@xnmedia.co.uk

This issue

Mankind 9

Christmas 14

Martha 28

Hobbit 33

4 Introducing Xntricity Find out more about our great new printing service 6 Excellent news 18 Love the you Why Katy Hopkins has got it wrong on the size debate 20 Classified 22 Family Circle 23 Recruitment 24 What’s on Two pages of community events 26 Sport 29 Lifestyle Our brilliant new leisure guide including leisure ideas, film reviews and shopping 34 Puzzles

Get in touch! email stories to editor@xnmedia.co.uk Deadline for March issue Friday, Feb 13

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It’s our third birthday ... so !

HENLEY, READ

ING & WOKIN

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WALK ON BY

Torrential rain fails to stop fundraisin g hikers

SUMMER OF FU N

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HORSE POWER

Head to Hurst and enjoy a fun-filled fam ily weekend

REMEMBRANCE

Floral tribute plan ned for First World War com memoration

20 SIZZLING YE ARS

A beanfeast to mar of Reading’s bigg k two decades est breakfast

ZARA RIDES IN

Royal welcome for

GREAT

NEWS! the Queen’s gra nddaughter Xn’s editor up for an awa rd

It seems hard to believe, but this issue marks Xn’s third birthday. We launched in January 2012 and have been bringing you good news from across the community ever since. We’re not resting on our laurels either. Here are some of the ways we’re going to make 2015 our best year ever!

An all-new website Easier to use, smarter to look at and more mobile friendly, look out for our brand-new website

The way we were … Xn’s website when we launched (above) and our current look (right). A new website is coming very soon!

Xn has always been breaking news on our website – and this year we’re going to refresh xnmedia.co.uk to make it even better. Bookmark our website today and look out for some amazing new features!

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v Donate your Winter Fuel payment WOKINGHAM – AN APPEAL has gone out to wealthy pensioners to consider donating their Winter Fuel Payment to their local foodbank. The money would then be passed on to the foodbank’s clients specifically to help them pay their gas and electricity bills, ensuring they won’t get cut off during winter. The appeal is only being made to people who can afford it. David Atkinson, co-manager of the Wokingham Foodbank, said: “If you are comfortably off, consider donating your Winter Fuel Payment to help those who are struggling to provide food for themselves and their families and can’t heat and light their homes this winter.” All donations will only be used for fuel payments. Applicants will be vetted by the three care agencies who currently hold fuel vouchers – CAB, Wokingham Borough Council care services and Transform Housing – and the Foodbank. David added: “We will pay the money directly to the energy supplier, not to the client.” v For details, call 07926 524605 or visit wokingham.foodbank.org.uk.

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MP speaks at Feeding Britain BY PHIL CREIGHTON Reading East MP Rob Wilson responded on behalf of the Government at the launch of an all-party Parliamentary report into the rising use of Foodbanks. Feeding Britain was released on December 8, and is the result of an inquiry into food poverty. The committee was headed by Labour MP Frank Field and the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd Tim Thornton. The report says that 4 million people are at risk of going hungry, 3.5 million adults cannot afford to eat properly, and 500,000 children live in families that cannot afford to feed them. The aim now is to launch a separate Feeding Britain programme, with pilot schemes established in each region. Working with FareShare, FoodCycle and the Trussell Trust, the pilots will seek to help redistribute surplus food in a way that it can be used. In his response, Rob Wilson – who is a minister for Civil Society – opened by paying tribute to the “inspirational work of charities,

faith groups and communities who have given up their time and resources to help people in need”. He also reminded the audience that he had visited the recent food collection at Tesco’s Reading East store in Napier Road and met with local foodbank shoppers. “In the 21st century, people should not be going hungry at the same time as surplus food goes to waste,” he said. “A resilient supply chain will always have some surplus, and we welcome the redistribution of good

quality surplus food to charities that can ensure it goes to people in need.” He went on to refer to the Courtauld Commitment, which aims to reduce the levels of food waste: “We have prevented 2.9 million tonnes of food waste with a value of £4bn and UK annual household food waste has decreased by 15% (1.3 million tonnes) between 2007 and 2012. “This Government is determined to push this further.” Commenting on the preliminary recommendations, Frank Field and Tim Thornton said: “The poorest households have most felt the pinch over the past decade, meaning the last resort of turning to food banks has become a reality for an increasing number of people. There is a real need for help.”

10,000th food parcel to go out

GETTING MARRIED Spending hours & hours IN 2015? planning the wedding? Come and take time out and start preparing for married life after the big day. The Marriage Preparation Course is designed for couples wishing to build a strong and lasting relationship. While based on Christian principles, it is relevant and helpful for any couple with or without a Christian faith or church background. It is a 5 session course that involves listening to practical talks which are informative and fun, either given live or watched on DVD, and having the opportunity to talk to your partner. Your privacy is respected, there’s no group discussion and you will never be asked to share anything about your relationship with anyone other than your partner (you can talk to your course leaders if you wish).

The next Wycliffe course will take place on Saturday mornings from 28th February 2015. To find out more please email laura@wycliffe-church.org.uk or phone 0118 9299911. There is a small charge of £25 per couple to cover materials and breakfasts

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ReadiFood has prepared the order for the 10,000th food parcel in just two years Picture: Phil Creighton Reading’s foodbank passed a milestone moment early in December – it placed an order for its 10,000th emergency food parcel. It has taken less than two years to reach this figure. Like most foodbanks, ReadiFood provides emergency food parcels that contain enough food to feed the recipient for three days. Parcels are tailor made to suit the recipient, be they a family, couple or individual. Each person receiving the parcel has to be referred by a range of organisations. ReadiFood has seen demand soar over the past couple of years and is now averaging around 110 food parcels every week. In Feeding Britain, a

report published by an allparty Parliamentary inquiry, ReadiFood’s director Malcolm Peirce explained how demand has soared. He is quoted as saying: “We had 2,220 plus names on our old database, built up over more than 10 years. We had a new database designed for us in the spring of 2013. We have already added 2,200 names to that database in just one year.” Foodbanks rely on donations of food to keep going and ReadiFood has just received a top-up from collections held in Tesco stores, run in conjunction with FareShare and The Trussell Trust. v For more details, visit www. readifood.org.uk or 0118 987 2672.

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Opening a bed for the night BY PHIL CREIGHTON Plans are in place to ensure that during the cold months homeless and vulnerable people will be able to use emergency overnight accommodation. Churches belonging to Reading Christian Network (RCN) have signed up to Bed For The Night, a scheme that sees a different church in Reading open its doors one night a week during January. Over the past few weeks, camp beds and blankets have been bought and volunteers trained up ready for the cold weather. Seven churches are hosting beds in January: Salvation Army for Sundays, Providence Chapel for Mondays, Cirdic (St Giles and All Nations) on Tuesdays, The Pavilion (LifeSpring) on Wednesdays, St Laurence on Thursdays, Greyfriars on Fridays and Saturdays will see Wesley Methodist host. Venues will offer hospitality including friendship, food, games and washing facilities. Reading Borough Council is

Action for Children’s Byte Night event raised more than £1million to help homeless children and young people. Last October, more than 140 Thames Valley business professionals bedded down for the night at Reading’s Forbury Gardens, joining more than 1,300 across the UK for the challenge of sleeping rough to raise vital funds for the charity. also working to ensure that no one need be on the streets in the coldest weather. It has teamed up with St Mungo’s Broadway, Launchpad Reading, Riverside ECHG, the Salvation Army and CRI to help when the Severe Weather Emergency Provision (SWEP) is in place. It is activated whenever the Met Office forecasts three nights or more with a minimum temperature of 0°C or below.

The Council estimates that there are 12 people sleeping rough in Reading on any one night, an increase of eight from 2013. Cllr Richard Davies, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Housing, said: “The Council works year round to offer support and accommodation to people so that they do not have to sleep rough.” v For more on Bed For The Night visit fcg.org.uk/abedforthenight/main.htm

v Scarves appeal READING – An appeal has gone out for warm clothes during the cold spell. Faith Christian Group, which organises soup runs for Reading’s homeless and vulnerable as well as running Bed For The Night and ReadiFood, is asking for donations of cold weather gear, including hats, gloves, scarves, sleeping bags and thermal clothing. Donations can be given to the Faith Office in Silver Street, Reading, above the CCA Furniture showroom. v For more details, visit www. readifood.org.uk or 0118 987 2672.

v Cancer support WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – A Cancer Support Group, offering the chance to meet and chat to others who have faced the illness, meets every second Tuesday of the month, from 10am to noon at St Sebastian’s Church on Nine Mile Ride. v For details, call 01344 761050 or email office@stsebastians. org.uk.

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Fun day shows a real can-do attitude for fundraising BY LYNDA BOWYER A Christmas fun day with a difference was held in December – entry was one can of food. Organised by Reading volunteering group, Team v, the Family Fun Day at Argyle Community Church offered information on food poverty while collecting non-perishable food items to support the ReadiFood foodbank. Since 2011, the number of people using foodbanks has gone up 610%. Members of the public were invited to bring along a tin of

food to Argyle Church and enjoy indoor games, craft stalls, dance demonstrations and refreshments. Volunteers linked up with ReadiFood to collect and donate food, and promote their service. Sarah Leigh, Team v leader for Reading, said: “Working with ReadiFood has shown me how many people are affected in our area and how vital their services are. I hope that this event has encouraged people to support their local foodbank or even inspire those who might be in a difficult situation to seek help.” v For more details, log on to www.vinspired.com

Members of Team v with some of the cakes at its fun day Picture: Lynda Bowyer

Can you give a Home Start? BY VIVIENNE JOHNSON Local charity Home Start are on the lookout for people who know the value of a friend when times get hard. Home Start provides support and friendship for families going through tough times for any number of reasons. It is the Mayor of Reading’s charity of the year and a winner of the Pride of Reading awards. Marion Mortimer, HomeVisiting Co-ordinator of Home Start Reading said: “We are working to capacity. We have 39 active volunteers with the longest serving volunteer working for 14 years. We have 11 new volunteers who are just getting ready to be linked with their families.

“We need more people because we also have 32 families waiting for help.” Home Start needs people with parenting experience, be it a parent, child minder, aunt or uncle for instance. They will also need two to three hours a week to spare. “It is a fun course, not heavy and academic,” said Marion. “We now offer an accredited version of our training course, where you are able to study at a level 1 or level 2 qualification standard. “You will receive formal confirmation from CERTA that you have received 3 credits which can go towards accessing higher education or a qualification that relates to the Children’s Workforce Strategy such as a teaching assistant qualification.

“The 10-week interactive course shows the needs of a family, looks at what it means to be a volunteer, how to safeguard children, communication skills and how to provide support to the family.” Training takes place in Whitley, from January 20 to March 31. “On completion of the course we match volunteers’ experience, interest and strengths with a family. There is ongoing training and supervision and volunteers are well supported. “Home Start is not a quick fix organisation, we have a longer term approach. We will stay with a family for as long as it takes.” v To find out more, call Sarah or Marion on 0118 956 0050 or email office@home-start-reading.org.uk or visit www.home-start-reading.org.uk.

v Come and ask a question of science A networking event in Reading later this year will ask if it’s possible to be a scientist and a Christian. Asking the question, and trying to shed light on it, will be Professor Keith Fox, Deputy Head of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton. This event is being jointly run by Reading at Work and Christians in Science and will be held on Monday, March 2 from 7.45pm at Bill’s Restaurant in Reading’s town centre – just behind Reading Minster church. Entry is free, and many people eat during the meeting. Booking is essential, so that Bill’s can put enough chairs out. v For more information or to book email dave@readingatwork.org or visit www.readingatwork.org.

Shadow minister to visit

A member of Labour’s Shadow Cabinet will be coming to Reading on Saturday, January 10 to learn more about the challenges that local charities and voluntary organisations face. Stephen Timms, the MP for East Ham, is also the chair of Christians On The Left and will be holding the meeting at Reading Community Church in Tilehurst. It starts with a light

breakfast at 9am and will end by 11am. It has been organised by Victoria Groulef, the Labour candidate for Reading West. She said: “I am keen for Stephen to meet local churches and Christian charities/voluntary organisations. “The aim is to celebrate the work you do as well as to have a frank discussion about the issues your organisations face.” v For more details, or to book a place call Victoria on 0118 923 9406 or email info@VictoriaGroulef.co.uk.

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A shark was cruising up and down Reading’s Broad Street last month but don’t worry, he wasn’t dangerous. A member of Reading’s Trading Standards team dressed up as a shark in a suit to grab people’s attention and advertise the fact that it is possible to break free of loan shark agreements “We’re here to tell everyone the dangers of using loan sharks.” said Paul Evans, Senior Consumer Protection Officer of Trading Standards, Reading. “It’s all about raising awareness and educating people.” The Trading Standards team are regularly out and about giving presentations and attending community events to make sure their message gets to as many people as possible.

“At the end of the day a loan shark agreement is an illegal agreement. It can be ripped up straight away. “A lender has to be licenced to be able to provide credit. If they’re not licenced then it’s illegal and the agreement does not exist. People can walk away from it without paying another penny. “If you have a problem be brave, pick up the phone and talk to someone. From that moment on there will be another way of dealing with it.” v If you are in trouble with a loan shark or know someone else who is you can call 0300 555 2222. An advisor will give confidential help.

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of civic society in our town.” Also speaking at the event was Richard Walker from Reading Family Church. Mireille Haviland, Community Relationship Manager and Fundraiser at Christian Community Action said: “CCA’s Warehouse provides our core service – it happens in the background and is so often unseen. That is why it is so exciting to gather here today to celebrate the launch of this new project and see it in action. “I am so excited by that fact that our clients can receive handcrafted items made by volunteers.”

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v Men’s night out WHITCHURCH – A man who lived and worked in the Gambia will be coming to the Ferryboat Inn in Whitchurch to talk about his experiences. David Fulton is the special guest at a men’s meal to be held at the pub on Friday, January 23. Starting at 7.30pm, the evening costs £15 for a two-course meal. v For details or a ticket, email krissthebiss@live.co.ukt.

v Strawberries safe WOKINGHAM – Gray’s Farm has been sold to Wokingham Borough Council, but the pick-your-own operation will continue for at least three years. The family-owned farm will be opening in May for the first of the season’s strawberries.

v Rogues in action READING – The Warehouse in Cumberland Road will host a Barn Dance on Saturday, January 24. Music will come from the Scamping Rogues and the event will raise funds for Reading Refugee Support Group. It starts at 7pm. v For details or to book tickets, email: ebailey101@btinternet.com

Keep yourself well this winter BY JOHN WAKEFIELD To help avoid adding to the strains on the NHS, local GPs are encouraging Berkshire people to treat themselves or seek help from a pharmacist for coughs and colds and minor illnesses. They are also reminding people about the range of health services available locally, and how to use them appropriately. • People should stock up their medicine cabinets with remedies for coughs and colds. • Older people can be vulnerable. They, their families, friends and carers should get early advice from a pharmacist. • Coughs and sneezes in children can also usually be treated with medicines from the pharmacist. • Accident and Emergency Departments are for life threatening conditions, not minor injuries and ailments which can be treated elsewhere. Clinical Commissioning Groups in Reading, Wokingham and Newbury are working together to spread the message. An App, My

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The NHS is asking people to stock up on supplies ready for the winter coughs and colds Picture: davidlat/ sxc.hu

Local NHS, is also available for people to download from either Google+ for Android phones or the App Store for iPhones. Emmer Green GP and Berkshire West CCG’s Urgent Care Lead, Dr Andy Ciecierski said: “At the moment the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s A&E Department is coping well and meeting its target of ensuring that 95% of patients are seen within four hours. “This is a great achievement and I hope shows that the messages about using the NHS responsibly are beginning to be heard.

“We are also working closely with hospital, community and social care colleagues to make sure services are in place for those who do need them over the winter period, with a focus of helping to keep people out of hospital.” Dr Andy added that the majority of people who get ill over winter shouldn’t need these services. “Often, with advice, people can effectively treat themselves or their families for a wide range of complaints from minor cuts and bruises through to headaches, stomach upsets and colds.”

Look out for your neighbour The Borough Mayor of Wokingham has issued a plea for people to become a Winter Friend and look after isolated and vulnerable people, combating loneliness. Cllr UllaKarin Clark was speaking at the Woodley Winter Extravaganza, held in the town centre on Sunday, December 8. Addressing the crowd during her opening remarks, Cllr Clark reminded people of the pledge made by participants of Wokingham’s Winter Friends scheme: “I will take time out this winter to look in on a family member, friend or neighbour to make sure they are keeping warm and well”. Every winter, 24,000 elderly people die in England and Wales. The Pledge website reveals that older people who live alone are more likely to

become isolated in the winter and particularly when the weather gets bad. It is difficult to get out and about during the cold weather and for friends and family members to get to them. In her speech she said: “I want to remind you of the Winter Pledge organised by Wokingham Borough Council, Optalis and The Link Visiting Scheme. “The Pledge is about taking responsibility for our elderly neighbours to make sure they have all their needs met. You can find the pledge on the website. Please sign the pledge.” Those signing the Pledge agree to look in on their friend, family member or neighbour this winter, especially during the cold spells. v To find out more about the Wokingham Winter Friends scheme and to sign the pledge, visit its website or call 0776 621 4886.

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Building a secure future BY VIVIENNE JOHNSON Seven years ago Crispin Fairbairn was working in Cambodia when he came across an orphanage that needed help. He decided to get involved and committed to sending money to them each month. The help he provided meant they were able to build a school and out of this work Hope Asia was born. In 2012, Hope Asia expanded in to Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). “I came across some children in a shack on the outskirts of Yangon,” said Crispin, a pastor of Grace Church in Caversham. “They were living in a little Burmese house and whenever the area flooded all the sewers came up and the flood waters washed under the shack they were living in; it was all very horrible. “I thought it would be good to raise money for them as well and build them a place. So we did that in 2012, we built a children’s home for 40 children.” Hope Asia raised the money by organising a sponsored cycle ride. He said: “I discovered that no-one had ever done a cycle ride in Burma before and so it took us quite a while to get it all sorted and set up.” The ride took place at the end of October when 20 people cycled 230 miles across Myanmar in 40ºC heat. It took five days and raised £30,000 to improve facilities at the home. There was even money left over which meant the team were able to fund a teacher for a year as well as buy a washing machine. “The cycle ride paid for a wall to go round the compound because they have rabid dogs all around the place there,” Crispin said. “I got nipped by one a couple of years ago so I was quite conscious of the need to make it secure.”

Come & find out about adoption and fostering in Reading – Saturday 31st Jan Home for Good: Reading is holding a drop in information event at Greyfriars Church on Saturday 31st January from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Come along to find out more about fostering and adoption. Some of the children helped by Hope Asia (above). Supporters took part in a sponsored bike ride to raise £30,000 to improve facilities at the orphanage in Myanmar Pictures: Hope Asia Children come to live in the orphanage from all over the country – those who are abandoned at the roadside can find a home at Yangon. “They’re safe there because they have brick walls, they’re not sleeping 2in or 3in above sewage and are protected from people who would do them harm. They are fed, given medical treatment when they need it and an education, so it changes their lives completely. “We send the children to local schools, their school tends to be half a day so they go to the morning school or an afternoon school. We have teachers coming in every day and teaching them extra things. We teach them English so they will have a skill that will help them to get jobs. “They are desperately keen to learn, they work very hard at school. If they can get a qualification it can change their life completely. “We are hoping to build a second dormitory building, we’ve

A souper way to prepare

To help people prepare for Easter, the Old Stables will be hosting two special events. On Tuesday lunchtimes, it will hold special Lent Lunches from 12.15pm. The simple soup lunches run every Tuesday From February 24 to March 24. A Lent course runs for fives weeks on Wednesday evenings at 8pm from February 25. The focus

will be Lord, Teach Us How To Pray and will be a ‘back-to-basics’ discussion course exploring all aspects of prayer and what it means to individuals. The lunches and talks are organised by St Mary’s Church in Whitchurch and St John’s Church in Whitchurch Hill. v For more details, visit whitchurchonthames.com.

For more information, find us on Facebook (search Home for Good Reading) or email heather@homeforgood.uk homeforgood.org.uk/reading

got lots of things we want to do to improve the children’s home. We’d like to build a clinic and a day centre for them. There’s no end of opportunities really.” v Find out more about Hope Asia from its website, www.hopeasia.org.

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New equality group to launch in Reading

v 600 not out! CAVERSHAM – A community newspaper is celebrating its 600th issue. Caversham Bridge has been published for more than 50 years and, with its January 2015 edition, it is marking its latest milestone. The newspaper is published by the village’s churches and contains a mixture of local news and features. A note of the front page of the issue says: “The longevity of this newspaper is entirely due to the work and dedication of many volunteers over the half century.”

A NEW group that says it aims to reduce the gap between rich and poor will launch in Reading at the end of January. The Reading Equality Group says it will fuse the latest and best available academic evidence to a growing social movement. It also aims to convince the public and policy-makers of the advantages of a fairer UK and, correspondingly, the need to reduce economic inequality in the UK.

The Trust says it has a growing number of supporters and affiliated local groups of volunteers across the country, an active campaign-focused research programme and a vigorous social media presence. It will launch at a meeting to be held on Wednesday, January 28, from 7.30pm at Reading Friends Meeting House, Church Street in Reading. Group Co-ordinator Salim Yakub

said: “I’m really excited about the launch of this group because I think it will help to educate, advise and inform our knowledge about the reality of inequality in the UK. This, in turn, will guide us in the grassroots level social action we decide to take to help make a difference in the lives of many people in our community.” v For details, visit www.equalitytrust. org.uk, call Salim on 07508 096998 or email salimyakub0203@gmail.com.

v Catch the haggis READING – An evening of food, poetry and music will be held at St Andrew’s URC later this month as the annual Burns Supper takes place. Traditional haggis, neeps and tatties will be served – and the haggis will be accompanied by a piper performing music on his bagpipes. It’s all in honour of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. The evening starts at 7pm on Saturday, January 24. St Andrew’s has many Scottish links – Reading Scottish Pipe Band rehearses there on Mondays, while Scottish Country Dancing classes are held on Tuesday evenings (starters) and Wednesdays (intermediate). v For more details, log on to the church’s website, www. standrewsurcreading.org.uk

Some of the delegates who attended the Windows of Opportunity workshop in Lower Earley Picture: Phil Creighton

Getting the windows open MORE than 30 people from a cross-section of local organisations attended a special day conference devoted to community engagement. The second annual Windows of Opportunity workshop was held on Tuesday, November 25 at Lower Earley Baptist Church. The event focused on ways in which churches and faith groups could work more closely and effectively with local statutory agencies, and was attended by church youth and children’s workers, family workers, church leaders, members of Wokingham Borough Council and town councils. The event included feedback and discussion about

the outcome of working groups that have been meeting to discuss youth work, family support work and fostering & adoption. There were workshops to discuss next steps and we also heard from Adam Dyer – leader of Yeovil Community Church – whose church has been delivering Yeovil4Family, an initiative to help troubled families in North Somerset. Jeremy Sharpe, one of the organisers, said: “Specific priorities were identified during the workshops and these are now being taken forward for further and specific action in early 2015. v For more, visit www.the-network.info

Be a brick and buy a brick CROWTHORNE – Plans to build a new community centre in the heart of the village will take a huge step forward if people buy a brick. Crowthorne Baptist Church has received planning permission for its exciting New Heart building project and now it needs to raise funds to do so. To help, it is asking people to buy bricks for a fiver, £50 for a hod of bricks. If they are being bought as an alternative gift for birthdays

and special occasions, the church has a card it can give you. Another way to help is to buy Claire Davies’ book covering the story of the foundation and life of Crowthorne Baptist Church, which marked its centenary last year. The book is available for a minimum donation of £2.50 and all proceeds go to the New Heart Project Fund. v For details, visit www. crowthornebaptist.org.uk or call the office on 01344 774085.

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Take part in a walk of faith

Loko Jarso lives in rural Ethiopia. She walks alone for eight hours a day, in shoes so thin that thorns repeatedly pierce through to her feet, to gather and sell firewood so she can feed her children. Loko refuses to give up hope and so she prays as she walks. Her faith pushes her on. During Lent, Christians remember Jesus’ walk in the wilderness at the start of his ministry, culminating in the walk to the cross and the transformational work of Easter. To mark this, Christian Aid is holding a Walking by Faith Lenten retreat in February. It says that it

will be a special day of reflection, learning, prayer and fellowship to consider the call to justice in this season of fasting. The day will include stories of women like Loko from rural Ethiopia who are walking in faith with hope for change. It will take place on Friday, February 20 from 10.30am to 4pm at St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue in Earley. Places cost £10 and includes an Ethiopian lunch; booking is essential. v For more details, or to book, call Jessica Hall on 01865 246818 or email jhall@christian-aid.org

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Happy New Year from the organisers of the Bastille Day French market Plans are afoot for a fourth Bastille Day market to be held again in Forbury Gardens, Reading on July 11 and 12. Old favourites such as the dancing French robot and Vincent Gaulthier of Chateau Pertignas, the Bordeaux wine producer, will return but this year’s market will see more variety of stalls and more family fun. Organiser Vincent Valere said: “We will be promoting French couture, and nationality with French flair but this year will be ‘Franglaise’. As well as French food and drink there will be amazing British food from local traders and farmers.” Helping out at the next Bastille Day will be students from the University of Reading. Pharmacy student Amelia Lee said: “Food, activities and entertainment will be provided by students. We will showcase the best of French and English food and art.” “It’s nice that everyone is trying to get involved,” said Vincent. “There will be food from local traders, farmers’

market type stuff. I want to go both sides; both French and English. “It will be a family affair. This is really important because last year a lot of people brought their family.” Bastille Day is run by volunteers. The team are looking for local food producers to sell their produce and anyone else who would like to join in the excitement of marketing and planning this important event. v If you are interested contact the Bastille Day team by emailing at vince@bastille2012.co.uk

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christmas 2014

January/February 2015 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

WOKINGHAM – School children helped Town Mayor, Cllr Martin Bishop, to decorate the Market Place Christmas tree on Tuesday, December 2. Picture: Lynda Bowyer Full story: http://goo.gl/xjsnJH

READING – A Victorian Christmas is one of the highlights of The Warehouse’s festive season. The Wycliffe Baptist Church-run event looked back at Christmas 100 years ago and was hugely popular. Full story: goo.gl/rDPQvc

READING – Just some of the hundreds of shoeboxes collected by Wesley Methodist Church during November and early December for Operation Christmas Child. Picture: Vivienne Johnson. Full story: goo.gl/rPcoE6

So here it is, our merry Christmas!

A look back at how we celebrated the festive season across the region

WOKINGHAM – The town centre became a winter wonderland for its annual street fayre on Sunday, November 30. Thousands turned out for the movie-themed event which raised funds for local charities.

LOWER EARLEY – School choirs and Berkshire Maestros teamed up for a spectacular Christmas concert held at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on Sunday, December 7. Full story: goo.gl/KxETyv

WOODLEY – The town centre’s Christmas lights were switched on at a fun event on Saturday, November 29. It included singing led by the Revd Martyn Neads from Christ Church, Woodley. Full story: http://goo.gl/2Kq4aa

WOODLEY – A week later, the town was packed for its annual winter extravaganza where Father Christmas arrived by sleigh. Full story: goo.gl/gv68gL

WOKINGHAM – Commuters enjoyed some tasty mince pies on their way to work thanks to members of the town’s Methodist Church. The festive snacks were given away at Wokingham Station on December 17. Full story: goo.gl/SqKSTN

BINFIELD – Pupils from Newbold Primary School Choir flash mobbed Hamleys toy store – where they sang Sacred Night – before singing for Princess Alexandra in St George’s Chapel, London. Full story: goo.gl/usYwjD

christmas 2014

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Toy runners ride into the record books BY PHIL CREIGHTON Bikers are revved with success after riding their way into the record books and children’s good books thanks to the 29th Reading Toy Run. The toy run, held on Sunday, December 7, saw bikers from across the country converge on Wokingham to give thousands of presents to Barnardo’s children, via High Close School. The bikers decorated their bikes and some also dressed up for the event. This year’s run was a world record attempt in honour of Sandy, the principal of High Close School for many years. Writing in a blog post on the Toy Run’s website, organiser Ben Spiller noted: “This year’s world record-setting attempt was to honour his memory and show our appreciation to Sandy’s family. Quite simply the Reading Toy Run would not be what it is without Sandy’s openness and welcome.” Guinness World Record adjudicator Mark McKinley counted 1,735 participants who took part. There were an additional 592 people accompanying. v We have a massive picture gallery of the bikes. Visit http://goo.gl/BBNgKJ to see them.

Santa’s little helpers … scenes from the Toy Run on December 7

How Divorce Recovery Workshop can show the way forward

ome people will have made momentous New Year resolutions which knock losing half a stone or stopping smoking into the shade. New Year is a peak time for couples to decide their relationship has finally broken down. Those who are married can be summoning the resolve to get divorced. Many involved will be seeking courage to face an uncertain year. Fortunately there is an active branch of Divorce Recovery Workshop – offering help to heal the emotional pain of divorce and relationship collapse – in the Thames Valley. The charity, based in Wokingham, is run by volunteers who know that pain firsthand. These volunteers run DRW’s regular courses. The next local course is at Brookside Hall, Brookside Close, Earley, Reading on Friday evenings March 6 and 13 and Saturday March 7 and 14. Charity chair, Wokingham-based John Kemp (pictured below), said: “Christmas is not fun for everyone. For some couples it’s the final straw, being thrown together for a long period. “After the holiday is a peak time for seeing a solicitor about getting divorced. Solicitors tell us their clients need emotional support. DRW has a proven record of helping people through a very difficult time.” Anne of Reading, a DRW helper, said: “If you are now planning your life apart, your New Year’s resolution could well be to sort your life out. We are here to help. “After my divorce I struggled to come to terms with bewilderment, loss, anger, bitterness and betrayal. It’s a horrible, tough, awful time for you, your family and spouse.

“DRW showed me a way through. Now I am living life to the full: I never imagined it possible. It is never too late to come to DRW.” The sessions include: Is this really happening to me? Coping with your ex-spouse. Assuming new responsibilities. Letting go and forgiveness. Family matters. Thinking about new relationships. People attending are helped to: zz Build a new kind of relationship with their ex-partner, key if there are children zz Find a new way forward and accept some inevitable results like moving house zz Realise their role in the breakdown. This can help the healing process zz Unscramble emotions which may include loss of self esteem. They find they are not alone in their feelings zz Learn to be single again and believe in themselves zz Accept that divorce and separation are never fair zz Look forward to a rosy future. Though founded by a church, DRW in the UK is run on a secular basis. It is for people of any or no faith and of any age, gender, sexuality and background. There is a small course charge, with an early booking discount. For the March course details contact John on 0118 979 2770 or Kathy on 07785 223821 or 0118 978 5101. DRW’s website is www.drw.org.uk

Separated or Divorced? Are you asking yourself why it all happened? Asking why me? Struggling with the trauma? Feeling rejected? Feeling that nobody understands? At whatever stage of separation or divorce you find yourself, Divorce Recovery Workshop helps you make some sense of it all and helps you find ways of moving forward. The Workshop uses thought-provoking DVD material with small group discussions over 6 sessions

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can go through it or grow through it”

Next dates:

Fri/Sat 6th/7th March Fri/Sat 13th/14th March Local contacts: Kathy: 0118 978 5101 or 07785 223821 John: 0118 979 2770

www.drw.org.uk

0700 781889

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christmas 2014

WOKINGHAM – Hundreds of people turned out to see a live nativity organised by Bottle Top Theatre Community on Sunday, December 21. A procession from Market Place was led by Town Mayor, Cllr Martin Bishop Full story: goo.gl/Lvvrn5

READING – Wesley Methodist Church and St Andrew’s URC teamed up for a live nativity through the streets surrounding the Royal Berkshire Hospital on Sunday, December 21 Full story: goo.gl/Fo91uC

WOKINGHAM – On Tuesday, December 23, Wokingham Baptist organised a make-yourown Christingle event, which saw 100 people take part in the family-friendly service.

READING – To see in Christmas Day, Xn editor Phil Creighton joined the congregation of St Giles in Reading for its midnight mass – being a Baptist, what did he make of it? Full story: goo.gl/jLxQdl

CAVERSHAM – The streets around Star Road became Bethlehem for a Living Nativity on Christmas Eve, organised by Caversham Methodist Church and St John’s Church, Caversham Full story: goo.gl/W0ukwn

CAVERSHAM – A Christmas Eve Christingle service was so popular it had to be held twice. St Peter’s Church in The Warren welcomed hundreds of children to its lively service Full story: goo.gl/PNvDX4

TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church hosted a popular Victorian Christmas tree festival in early December, Hundreds came to see the trees, decorated and made by local groups. Full story: goo.gl/mnGFeI

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READING – Elvis is in the building! Paul Rouse, who is one of Europe’s leading Elvis impersonators, visited the Reading West Salvation Army on Christmas Day to donate chocolates to some of the more vulnerable members of society. The Army was the venue for a fab festive fun day. Full story: goo.gl/3ww0nL

READING – CIRDIC – the Churches in Reading Drop-in Centre – hosted a Christmas Day lunch for its regular clients. Full story: goo.gl/lNKw2q

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Inspectorate praises ‘exceptional’ Abbey School Independent Schools Inspectorate award The Abbey School highest ratings in all categories

he Abbey School fully meets its aims to empower girls to become confident, successful students, equipped to lead fulfilled and productive adult lives in a rapidly changing world according to the findings of the Independent Schools Inspectorate following a full inspection that took place in October 2014. Awarding ratings of exceptional or excellent in all categories, the report highlights The Abbey School’s outstanding provision in teaching and learning, pastoral care, pupils’ personal, social and cultural development and the strong governance of the School. The rigorous inspection (with a team of 16 Inspectors) happened during the first month of tenure for newly appointed Head of The Abbey School, Rachel Dent. Responding to their findings, she said, “The findings of this report place The Abbey in the highest rank of schools in the United Kingdom. More than that, however, they are a true reflection of the inspirational, aspirational, caring ethos of The Abbey School. As educators we are conscious that the way in which we teach our pupils today will have a direct impact on the world in which we live tomorrow – there is nothing more important. I am enormously proud that at The Abbey our committed, talented teachers are leading the way in providing an exceptional educational experience to our girls.”

Dr Debby Reynolds, Chair of Governors, said: “I’m delighted the Independent Schools Inspectorate has concluded, after intensive and wide-ranging scrutiny, that The Abbey is an excellent school. “The exceptional educational experience that the school provides has been achieved through the vision, leadership and continuous hard work of many people from The Abbey Community. “In coming years we will continue to develop The Abbey School as a leading place for girls’ education.” Inspectors praised the exceptional academic achievement of pupils throughout the school, noting that “pupils across the whole school ... exhibit outstanding attitudes to learning and show enjoyment and satisfaction in all they do.” Commenting on teaching at the school, the inspectors found that: “lessons are meticulously planned and very well taught ... Teachers are visibly ambitious for their pupils, and in lessons they share a mutual respect.” The breadth and quality of The Abbey’s extra-

curricular provision is praised as: “a comprehensive programme [that] challenges, inspires, supports and encourages pupils to aim high.” Inspectors also noted the opportunities provided for senior girls to lead extracurricular activities for their peers, thus developing key organisational and leadership skills. Inspectors found that provision for pupils’ personal development is a key strength of the School, commenting that: “pupils have extremely welldeveloped and distinct personalities for their age, and show themselves to be self-confident and independent young people.” Cultural awareness was a further strength, with inspectors finding that: “pupils have an excellent cultural awareness and appreciate the diversity within the school, which allows them to explore other traditions in an open and creative way.” Pastoral care at The Abbey was found to be exceptionally well-managed throughout the school, and inspectors remarked on the high levels of mutual care and respect between staff and pupils from Nursery to Sixth Form. Throughout the report inspectors noted the contribution made by The Abbey’s educational philosophy, The Abbey Learner Profile (ALP). This is the set of principles that guide the delivery of all aspects of an Abbey education from academic, personal, social and community perspectives. Inspectors noted that: “[The Abbey Learner Profile’s] positive impact is tangible throughout”. v For more on the School and its open days, log on to www.theabbey.co.uk

- A Centre of Excellence - A leader of independent education in the Wokingham area. - Inclusive, innovative, inspirational teaching. - Extensive activities & enrichment. - Building intellectual character. - Facilitating independent and collaborative learning. - Nurturing personal development, wonder, creativity and self-belief.

The independent day school in Reading for girls aged 3–18

Come to an open event where our girls will show you round and tell you why they love their school

Junior School and Nursery Open Morning Friday 6 February 9.15-11.00am

Places available for Year 3 September 2015 Visit our website for times of Head’s talks and further information. For enquiries please contact Admissions on 0118 987 2256 or admissions@theabbey.co.uk

www.theabbey.co.uk

Holme Grange unlocks your child’s potential. We inspire ambition and foster a passion for learning. With our proven track record to Key Stage 3 now extending to GCSE. Why not come and see for yourself at our Open Morning on

Friday 16th January 0930am -1200pm

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Body image – are you seeing the Is Katie Hopkins right and it’s easy to be thin? Is it even right to think like that? Susanne Courtney wants people to be happy with who they are. VIVIENNE JOHNSON finds out more. Pictures: LYNDA BOWYER

t would seem that it doesn’t matter who you are there is always something about your body that you would like to change. For some people body image has such a big influence on them that it affects how they go about their day to day lives. Even people we would think of as successful and confident struggle with how they feel about their bodies. In his autobiography Moab is My Washpot, Stephen Fry spoke about “heightened selfconsciousness, apartness, an inability to join in, physical shame and self-loathing”. Professor and author of the book Nothing to Lose, Cheri K Erdman said: “Even the models we see in magazines wish they could look like their own images.” Singer, songwriter and poet Fiona Apple has noted: “I’ve gone through stages where I hate my body so much that I won’t even wear shorts and a bra in my house because if I pass a mirror, that’s the end of my day.” How did we get to this state of affairs where 97% of people who responded to a recent women’s magazine survey admitted to

having at least one “I hate my body moment” every day? BBC journalist Susanne Courtney recently wrote an article, published in The Daily Telegraph that was titled ‘I’m a fat girl in a thin girl’s world’. “I had a mad moment,” she said, “and decided to write my perspective of someone being heavier and it seemed to strike a chord with quite a few people. A lot of people actually. “I work in the media and I do sometimes feel like the proverbial elephant in the room, in both senses of the word. When you are size 16 and you work in media you do feel like you don’t fit in sometimes.” The article that Courtney wrote obviously struck a chord with people as it was shared more than 8,000 times on different social media outlets. However, former Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins however disagreed strongly with the thoughts behind Courtney’s article and a very public argument ensued. Hopkins has been heard to say she would never employ an overweight person and “fat people need to look in the mirror, look at

themselves, and realise it’s their fault”. The difference of opinion carried on in print, on the radio and television when they both appeared on This Morning. In order to prove her point Hopkins has made a two-part documentary programme, Katie Hopkins: Journey to Fat and Back, which aired on digital TV channel TLC at the beginning of the 2015. For the show, Hopkins ate 6,500 calories a day for three months and put on three-and-ahalf stones in weight. She then set out to lose it all to show that fat people should: “stop blaming everyone else for problems they can control”. Susanne Courtney however doesn’t see the issue in the same black and white terms as Hopkins. “Some people seem genetically to be slimmer but for others it’s the result of a personal trainer, a stylist, a hair stylist and Photoshop. You know it’s not real this thing that we’re comparing ourselves to. “One thing that rarely comes up in this whole debate is that it’s a lot about vanity isn’t it?” muses Susanne. “There’s a lot of vanity in it. It’s such an old-fashioned word we don’t use it much anymore but a lot of people stay skinny because they want to look great and since when did that become the thing to be shouting about?” Why has it become so important to so many people that they look a certain ‘perfect’ way and who decides what those Being positive about your body image now will pay off in the future says Susanne Courtney

standards are anyway? Times have certainly changed: in the late 90s we had Arabella Weir’s famous book Does My Bum Look Big In This? It tells the story of an ordinary 30-year-old who thought life would be perfect if only she could have a perfect chest, a flat bottom and a Prada handbag. Now we have Rihanna, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, and actresses Christina Hendricks and Kelly Brook all stealing the red carpets with clinging dresses showing off their ample derrières. “We’ve got so mixed up with the thinking about our bodies,” says Susanne. “How we look, how we eat. It’s just a shame, I think it’s a real trap for people these days and it shouldn’t be. “And in that there is an implicit judgment on someone else isn’t there? Because you want to look better than someone else. People can get self-worth from that. It’s very dangerous. I don’t think we should be judging people full stop, really. I think we should just leave people alone.” “I talk to teenagers and all they want to do is look hot. And you see it sometimes with younger children. The pretty girls have more friends at seven. It has seeped into every area of our culture so we don’t even question it any more. “I did lose a lot of weight when I hit puberty and I’ve yo-yoed by about three stone. I find though that I’m not any happier thin or fat.” Susanne feels that society is standing on the brink of a dangerous precipice. “I think it’s quite a slippery slope,” she says. “What happens when you are old if all of your capital has been around being this person who is a stunner? What happens to you when you get grey hair, wrinkles and your middle thickens out a bit? “I don’t see any way back for us though at the moment.” But there may be a way back for us if we start refusing to buy into the judging and self-loathing that people such as Katie Hopkins promote. Don’t be afraid to look in the mirror and when you do remember you don’t have to look like somebody else. You are great just the way you are.

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Take care! Make the most of life with Philip Keohane

Keep warm this winter

wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year. We at Home Instead are turning our minds to the challenges many older members of our community have with keeping warm. Sitting for long periods in temperatures which are below a comfortable level saps the body of strength and energy. It also saps your spirit, making you feel downright miserable. Here are a few common sense points to consider for you or possibly a neighbour who may be at risk. Keep you and your home warm The elderly, or those with a health condition such as heart or lung disease, should ideally heat their homes to at least 18ºC. Hot water bottles, microwavable heat pads, hot water bottles and electric blankets will also help to keep the body warmer. Eat well in winter Food is a vital source of energy, which helps keep our bodies warm. Make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly. A bowl of hot porridge can be a great warmer and give energy levels a much needed boost. Wear warm clothes Wrap up warm, inside and out, wearing if possible layers of clothing. Wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems. Neighbours Check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they’re safe and well. Make sure they’re warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during very cold weather. If you are worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66 is a good point of contact. Cold weather benefits You may also be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include the Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment. Winter Fuel Payments of between £100 and £300 are available if you were born on or before July 5th 1952. Cold Weather Payments could be available to you if you receive certain benefits. Payments are made when your local temperature is an average of 0ºC or below over seven consecutive days. You’ll get a payment of £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November 1 and March 31.

Philip Keohane is owner & director of Home Instead Senior Care in Reading

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Trades directory

House & home v Carpet cleaning Professional Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning. Trained and fully insured. Free, no obligation estimates. A.G Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning (0118) 3779149 or visit www.agcarpetandupholstery.co.uk Member of Trading Standards Buy with Confidence scheme www. buywithconfidence.gov.uk Mention Xn and 5% of total order goes to GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL

v Chartered Accountants

Accountancy and tax for • Businesses, partnerships and companies • Individuals • Charities (Independent Examiner), • Ministers of Religion Please contact Simon Porter, Chartered Accountant, on simon@porter-co.com or 0118 9478158. www.porter-co.com

All Trade Directory adverts receive a FREE advert on the Xn website.

v Plumbing Patterson Plumbers. Bathroom installations, heating installations, plumbing repairs, free quotes, no job too small, over 60’s discount. Professional, reliable & honest. www.pattersonplumbers.co.uk 07921 572652 info@pattersonplumbers.co.uk.

v Carpets

Financial

BRINGING COMMUNIT Y TOGETHER To advertise call 0118 328 3108

callaghan carpets and flooring. Home pattern service from a reliable family company. Carpets, vinyls & commercial flooring 40 years’ experience. www. callaghanflooringandcarpets.co.uk or (0118) 962 8527. Mention Xn & 5% of total order goes to YeLDALl manor

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We’re the perfect place to advertise your business has “Our recent advert been of great help – We have been blessed ct, with a church proje installing a corner fé kitchen area for a ca .” project in Southcote e Colman & Co – Trad s Directory advertiser

hard To advertise call Ric or email : on 0118 328 3108 uk richard@xnmedia .co.

To advertise email richard@xnmedia.co.uk v Carpentry & Property Maintenance Available for all your Carpentry, Kitchen and Property Maintenance requirements. Photos, previous work and price guide available online. Excellent quality at a reasonable price. 07903 254958 MichaelJFisher123@yahoo.com MichaelJFisher123.co.uk

v Alarms

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domestic alarm specialist

repairs-upgrades-servicing-Advice Just good old fashioned personal service

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v Plastering M & J Plastering. 25 years experience. All types of plastering undertaken. Repairs & Re-skim Experts. No job too small. For free advice and quote call Mark on 0777 550 9955 or 0777 082 9683 Mention Xn & 5% of total order goes to YeLDALl manor

v Window cleaning STANDARD AND BAPTIST WINDOW CLEANING. Windows, Frames, uPVC, Solar Panels, Conservatories, Conservatory Rooves. A one off or regular, town and country service for 20 Miles around Reading. (0118) 954 7238 paul@standardandbaptist.co.uk

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v Painting & decorating v Building solutions Colman and Co. Building Solutions. All aspects of building work undertaken: • Kitchens / Bathrooms • Loft Conversions / Extensions • Free Estimates and Planning www.colmanandco.com Telephone Darren on 07799 613892.

v Property services Chambers Property Services. Offering a wide range of building services including electrics, decorating, general repairs and renovations. Quality work, professional & value for money. Free quotes. www.chamberselectricalservices.co.uk 07760122129 chambersrg10@gmail.com

Superior Decor. Interior and exterior decorating. “A professional job at a realistic price”. For a free quote call Mick on freephone 0800 084 2501. Reading and South East covered. www.fine-painters-and-decorators.co.uk Email: info@fine-painters-anddecorators.co.uk

v Fitted bedrooms Andrew Laker – The Cabinetmaker. We specialise in made to measure wardrobes. Choice of many different designs and finishes. We are cheaper than larger bedroom installers. www. andrewlaker.co.uk 0118 948 2021

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Creative & craft v Resources Faith in the Community (Wokingham) – helping Christians work together to transform their local communities. Phone Sharon Elliott 07843 091950

Services v CV & Job Search Support Listening and coaching you to grasp your need for gainful and joyful employment! Corporate and personal referrals welcome Contact Gloria May 07939577266 nurturing.hope@yahoo.com We'd love to hear from you!

v Freelance hairdresser 19 years cutting and colouring experience. Up to date styles. Cuts, Colours and Perms Care Home visits on request. Family discounts Fully qualified NVQ Level 2 & 3 Fully insured by Freelance Hairdresser Association Contact Janine now for appointment Mobile 07973 960559 - Email: janinemccoull@yahoo.com

v Marketing

Creative communications

What a good idea Hyperbole

0118 966 6600

www.hyperbole.co.uk

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Music

Life events

v Piano tuning

v Funeral directors

Piano Tuning Specialist. Member of Pianoforte Tuners Association, City & Guilds Part 1 & 2, Family trade for over 110 years. Contact: Mr S Benham, 0118 969 3729

v Piano accompaniment EXPERIENCED PIANO ACCOMPANIST available for music exams and recitals. Judith Creighton www.judithcreighton.co.uk or 07957 193366.

A.B. Walker & Son – Berkshire’s leading family funeral and masonry service. www.abwalker.co.uk

v Counselling Philippi Trust Counselling and Training. Counselling offered for a variety of issues. Also Level 2 Introduction to Counselling courses starting in the Spring and Autumn. Contact 0118 966 7422 or email reading@philippi.co.uk

Advertise in our trade directory We’re a brilliant way to promote your business to thousands of readers every month. To advertise in our trade directory, call Richard on 0118 328 3108 email richard@xnmedia.co.uk, or use this form

Trade directory Write your advert in the box below, one word per box. Use another sheet if necessary.

v Picture framing

frame direct ltd • Picture framing • Canvas stretching • Memorabilia framed – medals, handbags, football shirts etc • Extensive range of more than 1000 top quality mouldings to choose from • 10% discount if you quote Xn at time of ordering framing 25 High Street, Theale, RG7 5AH Email: phil@framedirect.co.uk Tel: 0118 930 2100 www.framedirect.co.uk

v Computer services Super IT. Computer repairs and maintenance. IT support for the home and office. Days, evenings, weekends. Reading and surrounding areas. Call Jason 07879 476 399 or 0118 967 7378. www.computer-repair-in-reading.com Email: support@computer-repair-inreading.com

Category for advert: Your name: Phone number: Address:

Email:

Send your completed form, along with a cheque for £75 payable to Xn Media Ltd to: Trades Directory, Xn Media, Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS Adverts will appear for 6 months. Standard terms apply. No firearms or pets.

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January/February 2015 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

FAMILY CIRCLE v Auditing actions Reading and Wokingham Borough areas have been selected as part of a national survey to review community activities being carried out by faith groups across the country. Running in January and February, faith-based organisations running regular activities that are open to the wider community will be invited to provide information about these activities. The Faith Action Audit uses an online questionnaire to find out about community projects, involvement of volunteers and paid staff and details of partnerships with other organisations. The Audit is taking place in 70 areas across the country and is being coordinated nationally by Cinnamon Network with local ‘Champions’ coordinating the process in each area. Once the information has been gathered, 500 copies of a report will be produced summarising the results of each area. On a national level, a report of the findings from all of the 70 areas will be produced and will be presented to the new central Government in May 2015. Jeremy Sharpe explains: “This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the (often unrecognised) work being carried out as well as the impact being made by faith groups in many communities.” v The Faith Action Audit Champion for Wokingham Borough is Jeremy Sharpe: jsharpe.fitc@gmail.com or 07970 100131. The Reading Borough contact is John Hawkins: j.hawkinspjt@virginmedia.com or 07981 452533.

Keeping you in touch with each other Email your news to editor@xnmedia.co.uk

Goan community celebrates their patron saint

READING – Members of Reading’s Goan community held a special celebration to honour its patron saint, Francis Xavier. Held on Saturday, December 6, the feast started with a celebratory mass at St James Church on Abbot’s Walk in Reading, It was followed by music, dancing and food at Whitley Community Centre. St Francis Xavier was a Roman Catholic missionary who was influential in spreading the Catholic faith in India during the 16th century and was canonised in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV. The Reading celebrations were attended by Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West. He said: “Everyone at the event was extremely welcoming and it was a pleasure to join many of

READING – A special service to mark Christian unity will see churches come together. St Mary Magdalen in Tilehurst will be the venue for the event, which will be held at 6.30pm on Sunday, January 18. Organised by Churches Together in Reading, the service will be hosted by the Revd Adam Carlill, vicar of St Mary Magdalen and feature local church leaders leading short reflections, Bible readings and prayers. Music will be provided by the Salvation Army. A range of popular hymns and songs will be sung during the service, including At The Name of Jesus and The Lord’s My Shepherd. Everyone is welcome to come along to the service, which includes contributions from The Revd Andy Moffoot from Tilehurst Methodist Church, Fingland Dent

my friends from the Goan community at this celebration of St Francis Xavier’s feast day.” Matias Dias, President of the Goan Community of Reading said: “The

St Francis Xavier Feast provides an opportunity for us to demonstrate our traditions in this country and we are grateful for Alok’s wholehearted support.”

from Norcot Mission, and the Revd Beverly Sinclair from the Church of God of Prophecy. Other services will take place the same day, including St James Finchampstead and St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Sonning Common.

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church will host a thoughtprovoking exhibition in March. The F Word: Images of Forgiveness exhibition is a collection of arresting images and personal narratives exploring forgiveness in the face of atrocity. There will be opportunities for individuals and groups to visit and the display runs from March 23-29. v For more details call 0118 969 9956 or email office@woodleybc.org. v For more on the exhibition visit theforgivenessproject.com.

twitter: @ellbphotography tel: 0118 384 2129 web: www.lyndabowyerphotography.com

HENLEY – Equipping People to Heal is the title of a day conference taking place at the d:two centre on January. Organisers say it is to equip leaders and those wanting to move in Jesus’ healing ministry today. It will be led by Ian Andrews & Roger Cole, and take place on Saturday, January 10 from 9.30am4pm The conference costs £20 (£15 students and OAPs and includes lunch. v To book or for more details, log on to www.dtwo.co.uk or info@dtwo. co.uk.

NORCOT – Stephen Proctor is joining the congregation at Norcot Mission Church as Community Pastor from February 1.

OWLSMOOR – The Revd Roy Burgess held his final service at St George’s Owlsmoor on Sunday, December 28. He is retiring and has been minister of the church for the past 10 years.

READING – The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, is now on sabbatical.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – On Saturday, January 31, the Revd Andrew Marsden, vicar of St Sebastian’s in Wokingham Without will be installed as an Honorary Canon at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford. The service starts at 6.30pm.

BRADFIELD – The church of St Andrew’s in Bradfield held its final service on Sunday, November 30. Visitors explored a display showcasing the church’s history.

CAVERSHAM – On Sunday, March 1, St Andrew’s Church will welcome the Revd Stuart Windsor of Christian Solidarity Worldwide to give a talk about his work with the persecuted Church across the world. The Albert Road church will start the event with tea and cakes from 4.30pm. v For details, log on to www. standrewscaversham.org.

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Situations vacant L

Lower Earley Corps Central South Division Children and Family Worker

Salary - £21,000.00 per annum 2 years Fixed Term Contract, Minimum of 35 hours per week Location – The Salvation Army, Lower Earley Corps, Chalfont Close, RG6 5HZ This post at Lower Earley Corps has been created to develop and expand the work with Children and Families within the Corps and the local community. The successful candidate will plan, administrate and lead parent & toddler group sessions, liaise with local primary schools and develop new programmes for children and families, including children’s clubs and Messy Church. There will also be the requirement to assist with the management of Health & Safety, Safeguarding regulations, and developing new initiatives in response to community needs. The successful candidate will be able to work effectively with and relate to children of all ages, plan and lead various weekly programmes and accurately maintain records. Excellent communication skills are required (written and verbal), along with the ability to take initiative when required. The post holder will be required to manage and supervise volunteers. The post holder will be a practising Christian and willing to understand and be sympathetic to the Christian aims and ethos of The Salvation Army. For an application pack for this post, please contact: Captain Sue Betts at the Salvation Army, Lower Earley Corps, Chalfont Close, RG6 5HZ Tel – 0118 975 7427 susan.betts@salvationarmy.org.uk CVs will not be accepted. Closing date: Friday 16th January 2015 Interviews taking place: Thursday 29th January 2015

| www.xnmedia.co.uk | January/February 2015

Bringing Religious Education to life Could you be a Trustee From the Lost Sheep… ...to life after death forReligious REinspired? Bringing Education to life This vibrant friendly Christian From the Lostand Sheep… ...to life aftercharity death working ecumenically in Earley and East Reading is seeking one or two new Trustees to join our existing committed Trustee team.

Pupils and teachers say welocal are “inspirational” REinspired supports primary and andsecondary “amazing”. Head teachers appreciate that schools bywe delivering inspiring Pupils and teachers say are “inspirational” “and children have the opportunity to engage with Head teachersisappreciate RE“amazing”. sessions. Our approach now usedthat in adults whose is central to to their lives”. “children havefaith the opportunity engage with Oxford, Bristol and beyond.

adults whosetraining, faith is central to their lives”. We provide resources, and mentoring

We are particularly seeking Trustees who We training, resources, and mentoring forprovide people in churches like yours who have a would bring with them experience and a for people in churches like yours who have passion to help all children explore the big knowledge areas, including publicity, passion in toofspecific help all children explore the big questions life and bring RE to life through questions of and life and bring RE to life through ICT human resources. positive encounters with people of faith. positive encounters with people of faith. Interested and want to find out more? Find Find out out how how we we can can help help you you build build partnerships partnerships that that Contact Rob Weston: last with with local local schoolsRevd by supporting supporting RE and and collective collective last schools by RE minister@parkurc.org.uk worship give us us a a call call on on 0118 0118 966 966 3929 3929 worship give or email oroffice@re-inspired.org.uk 07982 622 949 www.re-inspired.net www.re-inspired.net

Churches Together in Earley and East Reading Schools Project Registered charity no 1109291

Promoting equality in the workplace The SA is a Church and registered Charity No. 214779 and in Scotland SC009359

We’re the perfect place to advertise your business en a “Xn Magazine has be ers & real hit with custom ise in staff alike. To advert rites a publication that w e for and is a part of th t ethos community is a grea s.” and fit to our busines Daniel Carr s Warings Master Baker

hard To advertise call Ric or email : on 0118 328 3108 uk richard@xnmedia .co.

Church based – Community Worker Church based – Community Worker

We are an evangelical church with a membership of 60 Wepeople are an evangelical church with a in membership of 60 based in a housing development the centre of people based We in have a housing development in the of Wokingham. been here for over 70 years and centre have Wokingham. have been hererelationship for over 70with years in that timeWe established a good our and localhave in community. that time established a good relationship with our local We have a range of activities that cover all ages.

community. We have a range of activities that cover all ages. The local mission of our church is to take Jesus into the community and to this end we wish to recruit a “Community

The local mission of our church is to take Jesus into the Worker”. community and to this end we wish to recruit a “Community Worker”. We are looking for someone with experience in this ﬁeld. It is a genuine occupational requirement to be a Christian for

Wethis arerole. looking for someone with experience in this field and who has a close relationship with Jesus as their Saviour and wants others share that relationship. We anticipate a 3to year appointment, subject to funding and to review after an initial period of 6 months.

WeSalary, anticipate a 3 year appointment, subject to funding including contribution to a pension scheme to be and to agreed. review after an initial period of 6 months. Salary, contribution a 4pension scheme to be Hours including 20 to 25 hours per week to with weeks paid holiday agreed. plus statutory holidays. Hours 20 to 25 hours per week with 4 weeks paid holiday plus statutory holidays. For more information about Norreys Church see, www.norreyschurch.org.uk

For more information about Norreys Church see, or email - contact@norreyschurch.org.uk www.norreyschurch.org.uk Please respond by 31st January 2015 or email - contact@norreyschurch.org.uk Please respond by 31st January 2015

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January/February 2015 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

WHAT’S ON

Keeping you in touch with each other

THERE’S MORE ONLINE! We can’t fit everything into the print edition, so log on to xnmedia.co.uk for more events Saturday, Jan 10 BINFIELD – Car park by the village shops. Men’s monthly country walk, duration of around an hour. Be ready for the weather. 7.45am. Details: binfieldchurches.org.uk. BINFIELD – Newbold School Hall. Newbold Sisterhood meeting: for ages 15 upwards. Tea party for the New Year. Details: www.facebook.com/ TheNewboldSisterhood BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Parish Centre. Singalong Frozen event. 4pm. Details: www.stmarysburghfield.org. HENLEY – d:two, Market Place. Equipping People to Heal: a day conference for those wanting to move in Jesus’ healing ministry today, led by Ian Andrews and Roger Cole. 9.30am4pm. £20, £15 students and retired, includes lunch. Details and booking: www.dtwo.co.uk. CROWTHORNE – Woodmancote, Pinewood Avenue RG45 6RQ. Out To Tea: a tea party for older members of the community. 2.30pm-4.30pm. Transport available. Details: 01344 780087 or wokinghamvineyard.org. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Church ramble – all welcome, come dressed for the weather. Meet in car park. 10am. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk.

Sunday, January 11 CROWTHORNE – St John’s Church,

Waterloo Road. Christingle Epiphany Toy Service: bring toys to go to Berkshire Women’s Aid. Collection for The Children’s Society. 10am. Children come dressed as Wise Men. Details: www.crowthorneparishchurch.org.uk WOODCOTE – Village Green. Charity Road Run 10k. 10.30am. In aid of Hope For Tomorrow, a cancer charity. Organised by Rotary Club of Pangbourne and Woodcote Lions. Details: http:// woodcote10k.org.uk

Monday, January 12 BRACKNELL – Holy Trinity Church, The Ring. Uncover Course; three weeks to study the life of Jesus as seen in Luke’s Gospel. No prior knowledge needed. 8pm. Details: btm-admin@ tiscali.co.uk or 01344 867383. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue. Noah’s Ark toddler group. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 9080 or www.stnicolas.org.uk. EASTHAMPSTEAD – St Michael and St Mary Magdalene. Pilgrim: a six-week course to explore the Christian faith. 7pm-9pm. All welcome. Details: www. stmichaelseasthampstead. org.uk.

Tuesday, Jan 13 BINFIELD – Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road RG42 4JZ. After-school crafts. 3.30pm-4.15pm. Details: 01344 30666. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe

Avenue. St Nicolas Mothers’ Union with speaker Christopher Morris from Wokingham Information Network. All welcome. 2.15pm. Details: 0118 966 9080 or www.stnicolas.org.uk. READING – St Andrew’s URC, London Road. Blood transfusion service. From 8.30am. Details: blood.co.uk.

Wednesday, Jan 14 BINFIELD – Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road RG42 4JZ. Afternoon book group. 2.15pm-3pm. Details: 01344 30666. BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church, Church Road. CAP volunteering information and awareness evening. 7pm. Details: www.kerith.co.uk.

Thursday, Jan 15 BINFIELD – Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road RG42 4JZ. Pre-school bounce and rhyme. 9am-10am. Details: 01344 30666. GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury Church. Pick-A-Flick club presents Belle. Aimed at retired people and includes a light lunch. 10.30am-2pm. Transport available. Details: www.thomandmary. org.uk. HURST – Village Hall, School Road. Hurst Panto Group: Cinderella. 7.30pm. Details: www.hurstpanto.org.uk. SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 8BT. Coffee morning. 10am-noon. Details: www.shinfieldbaptist.org.uk.

Friday, January 16 HURST – Village Hall, School Road. Hurst Panto Group: Cinderella. 7.30pm. Details: www.hurstpanto.org.uk. SONNING COMMON – St Michael’s Church, Peppard Road. Quiz and curry evening. 7.30pm. Details:www. saintmichaelsonningcommon.org.uk

Saturday, January 17 BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church, Church Road. Free To Be Women’s Event: empowering women to take hold of the life they were created for with Helen Cottee. 7pm-10pm. Details: www. kerith.co.uk. CAVERSHAM – St Peter’s Church, The Warren. Reading Male Voice Choir in Concert with special guest Pam Asbury. In aid of church organ appeal. £10 in advance, £12 on door. Details: 0118 947 1703. HURST – Village Hall, School Road. Hurst Panto Group: Cinderella. 2pm, 7.30pm. Details: www.hurstpanto.org.uk. SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church Hall. Bell Ringers quiz night. 7.15pm. Bring your own drinks. £10, £6 under 18s, includes raffle and two-course supper. Details/ booking: 0118 988 2158.

Sunday, January 18 BURGHFIELD COMMON – St Oswald’s Church. Churches Together in Burghfield service for Week of Prayer of Christian

Unity. 6.30pm. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue. Mairi Johnstone, CEO of A Rocha speaks at 10am service, followed by In Conversation with coffee and cake 11.30am. Details: 0118 966 9080 or www.stnicolas. org.uk. FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church. Churches Together in Crowthorne present a special service for the Week of Prayer For Christian Unity. All welcome. 6pm. SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yateley Methodist Church, Scotland Hill. Sunday Soup Kitchen after morning service. Details: www. sandhurstmethodist.org.uk. SONNING COMMON – St Michael’s RC Church. Cross-denominational service for the Week of Prayer For Christian Unity, followed by refreshments. 6.30pm. TILEHURST – St Mary Magdelan Church, Rodway Road. Churches Together Reading service for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. 6.30pm. Details: 01491 671357.

Monday, January 19 BRACKNELL – Holy Trinity Church, The Ring. Uncover Course; three weeks to study the life of Jesus as seen in Luke’s Gospel. No prior knowledge needed. 8pm. Details: btm-admin@ tiscali.co.uk or 01344 867383. BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church, Church Road. Parenting Children Course, suitable for parents and carers of under 10s. 7.30pm. £10, to cover costs. Details: www.kerith.co.uk. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue. Noah’s Ark toddler group. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 9080 or www.stnicolas.org.uk. READING – Reading Family Church, London Street. Bible school: Approaching The Bible – what do we need to know about this book before we open it? 7pm. Includes pizza. £70 for year, bursaries available. Details: http://rfcbibleschool.eventbrite.com SOUTHCOTE – Southcote Christian Mission, RG30 3BL. Reading Aglow meeting with Karen Allen: the direction for 2015. 7.30pm. £5 on the door, includes refreshments (free for first-timers). Details: www.facebook. com/readingaglow or 07747 636832.

Tuesday, Jan 20 BINFIELD – Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road RG42 4JZ. After-school craft

session. 3.30pm-4.15pm. Details: 01344 30666. BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church, Church Road. CAP Money Course: get help with managing your finances. 8pm. Free. Details: www.kerith.co.uk. YATELEY – St Peter’s Church. Desserts in the Desert with Chloe Reynolds. £7. 7.30pm. Details: www.stpetersyateley. info.

Wednesday, January 21 EMMER GREEN – St Barnabas, St Barnabas Road RG4 8RA. Alpha Course launch night. 7pm-9.30pm, includes food. Details: www. saintbarnabas.org.uk. SANDHURST – St Michael’s Church, Lower Church Road. Winter Talks: The Revd John Castle: Where was God in all this… an exploration of the book of Judges. 8pm. Details: 01252 873030 or www.stmichaels-sandhurst.org.uk.

Thursday, Jan 22 WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Monthly quiz afternoon. 2pm. Details: www.christ-church-woodley. org.uk.

Friday, January 23 ALDERMASTON – The Old Mill RG7 4LB. Burns Supper organised by Aldermaston and Wasing churches. £35, includes five-course meal. Details: 0118 981 3371. TILEHURST – St Catherine of Siena, Wittenham Avenue. Ra Ra Theatre Company presents Jack and Beanstalk. 2pm-4pm. WHITCHURCH – The Ferryboat Inn. Men’s Evening with guest speaker David Fulton from CVM, speaking about his time in Gambia. 7.30pm. £15 for twocourse meal. Details: krissthebiss@ live.co.uk.

Saturday, Jan 24 BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Road RG42 4AN. Men’s Breakfast: If Charity begins at home, where does it end? 7.30am-8.45am. Details: binfieldchurches.org.uk. CHARVIL – Village Hall. Quiz night. £6£7. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 934 5524. CROWTHORNE – Our Lady’s School, The Avenue. Roman Catholic Parish of Crowthorne & Sandhurst quiz night with fish and chip supper. Details: 01252 876820. FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church

tune in ON sundayS!

Hear Xn editor Phil Creighton at 8.20am every Sunday on BBC Radio Berkshire Find out what’s happening in the week ahead by switching on Paul Coia’s show on BBC Radio Berkshire every Sunday morning from 7am. Phil presents his pick of the week around 8.20am.

calendar Centre. Ladies’ Breakfast. 9am-10am. Details: 0118 973 0133 or parish. finchampstead.co.uk. READING – The Oasis, Baker Street. Music evening. 7.30pm. Details: standrewsurcreading.org.uk. READING – St Andrew’s URC, London Road. Burns Night Supper. 7pm. Tickets in advance. Details: www. standrewsurcreading.org.uk. READING – The Warehouse, Cumberland Road. Barn Dance with the Scamping Rogues in aid of Reading Refugee Support Group. 7pm. Details: ebailey101@btinternet.com . SONNING – St Andrew’s Church.Concert by pianist Dominic John on the grand piano. Programme includes Mozart, Chopin and Gershwin. 7.30pm. £10. Details: www.sonningparish.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Barn dance with live band in aid of Latin Link. Details TBC. Details: www.wokinghambaptist.org.uk.

Sunday, January 25 READING – The Madjeski Stadium. Reading Family Church meeting with special guest speaker David Devenish, leader of Catalyst Network of Churches. 10.30am-12.30pm. Details: www.readingfamilychurch.org.uk. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Monthly games afternoon. All welcome. Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk.

Monday, Jan 26 BRACKNELL – Holy Trinity Church, The Ring. Uncover Course; three weeks to study the life of Jesus as seen in Luke’s Gospel. No prior knowledge needed. 8pm. Details: btm-admin@ tiscali.co.uk or 01344 867383. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue. Noah’s Ark toddler group. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 9080 or www.stnicolas.org.uk. GORING – 18 Wallingford Road. St Thomas of Canterbury Church presents Mum’s Out Tonight: for mums with young children. Cheese and wine evening. 8pm-9.30pm. Details: www. thomandmary.org.uk. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Network Fellowship group: Suzanna Mitchell from Christians Against Poverty. 2pm. Details: www. christ-church-woodley.org.uk.

Tuesday, Jan 27 BINFIELD – Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road RG42 4JZ. After-school craft session. 3.30pm-4.15pm. Details: 01344 30666. BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church, St Mark’s Road RG42 4AN. The Silver Service: a short service followed by a hot lunch. Noon. Open Door: informal service followed by refreshments. 7.30pm. Details: binfieldchurches.org.uk. READING – Reading Family Church, London Street. CAP Budgeting Skills course – get help managing your money. First week of three. 7.45pm. Details: karen@readingfamilychurch. org.uk. READING – St Andrew’s URC, London Road. Bladder Cancer Support Group. 2pm. Details: www. standrewsurcreading.org.uk.

Wednesday, Jan 28 BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church, Church Road. Alpha Course: 10 week exploration of Christianity. Free. all

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welcome. 7.30pm. Details: www. kerith.co.uk. READING – Friends Meeting House, Church Street. Reading Equality Group meeting. 7.30pm. All welcome. Details: 07508 096998 or salimyakub0203@ gmail.com. SANDHURST – Sandhurst School. Kerith Sandhurst presents an Alpha Course: 10 week exploration of Christianity. Free. all welcome. 7.30pm. Details: www.kerith.co.uk. SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael & All Angels. A worship evening combining both new and older songs/hymns to suit all, musicians from various local churches, everyone welcome. Refreshments. 7.45pm. Details: Phil 0118 988 2804 (evenings).

Thursday, Jan 29 BINFIELD – Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road RG42 4JZ. Pre-school bounce and rhyme session. 9am-10am. Coffee morning: Books That Can Help You. 11am. Details: 01344 30666. READING – Reading Family Church, London Street. Alpha Course launch night: explore Christian faith over 10 weeks. 8pm, includes refreshments and cake. Details: scott@ readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

Friday, January 30 BINFIELD – Binfield Library, Benetfeld Road RG42 4JZ. Games afternoon. 2pm. Details: 01344 30666. READING – Park URC, Palmer Park Avenue. Scout Panto. 7pm. Details: www.andersonbaptistchurch.org.uk. READING – Reading Family Church, London Street. Marriage Course: build strong foundations for your marriage. Evening Friday, all-day Saturday. £40.93, covers course costs. Details: http://rfcmarriage.eventbrite.com SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall. The Russell Players present Robin Hood, a pantomime. £8, £5 under 16s. Details: 0118 988 4920.

Saturday, Jan 31 BASINGSTOKE – St Bede’s RC Primary School. Cafod Portsmouth supporters day: guest speakers Mark Chamberlain and Tom O’Connor. 10am-1.30pm. Booking essential, by January 26. Details: 01252 329385. CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road. Quiz evening with fish and chip supper. 7pm. Details: www. standrewscaversham.org. MAPLEDURHAM – Trench Green Village Hall. Burns’ Night Dinner and Dance. 6.30pm. Suggested donation £18. Bring your own drinks. Details: www. stmargaretmapledurham.org.uk or READING – Park URC, Palmer Park Avenue. Scout Panto. 7pm. Details: www.andersonbaptistchurch.org.uk.

READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street. Home For Good information morning for people considering adoption and foster care. 10.30am-12.30pm. Details: homeforgood.org.uk/reading. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall. The Russell Players present Robin Hood, a pantomime. £8, £5 under 16s. Details: 0118 988 4920. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone. Quiz with fish and chip supper in aid of the Children’s Society. 7.30pm. £12. Details: 0118 978 1044.

Sunday, February 1 BEARWOOD – St Catherine’s. Christingle Eucharist. 11am. Details: www. winnershparish.org or 0118 977 6221. READING – Park URC, Palmer Park Avenue RG6 1DN. Messy Church. 3pm5pm. Details: www.parkurc.org.uk. READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road. West Forest Sinfonia in concert: Sibelius: The Wood Nymph, Ravel: Piano Concert in G Major, Tchaikovsky: Symphony No 5. 4.30pm. £15, £13 concessions, £1 students, under 18s. Details: tickets@ westforestsinfonia.org or 0118 978 6189.

Monday, Feb 2 CROWTHORNE – St John’s Church, Waterloo Road. Climate Change, God and Us: two talks by The Revd Dr Darrell D Hannah. 1: The Bible and the Environment. 8pm. Free entry, donations welcomed. Details: www. crowthorneparishchurch.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue. Noah’s Ark toddler group. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 9080 or www.stnicolas.org.uk.

Tuesday, Feb 3 READING – Reading Family Church, London Street. CAP Budgeting Skills course – get help managing your money. 2/3. 7.45pm. Details: karen@ readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

Wednesday, Feb 4 SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane RG2 8BT. Senior Citizens Tea Party. 3pm-5pm. Details: www. shinfieldbaptist.org.uk.

Friday, February 6 SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall. The Russell Players present Robin Hood, a pantomime. £8, £5 under 16s. Details: 0118 988 4920. TILEHURST – St Catherine of Siena, Wittenham Avenue, RG31 5LN. Vivace Voices Concert of old and new songs, an instrumental piece and readings, followed by refreshments. 2.30pm. Free entry, donations to church building fund welcomed.

| www.xnmedia.co.uk | January/February 2015

Saturday, Feb 7

Thursday, Feb 12

BINFIELD – Terrace Road North RG42 5HX. Sonning Parish skittles night. Details: 0118 961 1188. CROWTHORNE – St John’s Church, Waterloo Road. Children’s Chocolate Bingo: play bingo and enjoy chocolate treats. 2.30pm-4pm. £2. Details: www. crowthorneparishchurch.org.uk READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Reading Phoenix Choir in concert. 7pm. £10, under 16s £7. In aid of church project. Details: 0118 958 0991, 0118 959 5383 or www. readingphoenixchoir.com. READING – Reading Family Church, London Road. Rainbows: Just 4 Dads: a morning gathering for Dads and pre-school children. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: www.readingfamilychurch. org.uk. READING – Reading Family Church, London Road. Quiz night in aid of ReadiFood. Details TBC. Details: www. readingfamilychurch.org.uk. READING – Hilton Hotel, Kennet Island. Riseley, Swallowfield and Farley Hill Charitable Trust present a Casino Royal Ball. Three-course meal, coffee, charity auction, casino, disco. £45. 7pm-12.45am. Details: tesseagles@ hotmail.com. READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road RG1 4LS. Creative Café – a chance to share your talents among an appreciative audience. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 929 9911. SWALLOWFIELD – Parish Hall. The Russell Players present Robin Hood, a pantomime. £8, £5 under 16s. Details: 0118 988 4920. TILEHURST – Tilehurst URC, Armour Road. Coffee morning: come in for a chat and refreshments. 10.30am. Details: http://tilehursturcreading. moonfruit.com. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road. Quiz night with fish/ chicken and chip supper. £10, £5 under 12s. 7.30pm. Bring your own drinks. Details: www.stpaulswokingham.org.uk.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Mothers Union AGM and the Revd Hannah Higginson speaking on prayer. 2pm, followed by afternoon tea. All welcome (including men). Details: 0118 973 0133 or parish. finchampstead.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – Kings Church, Station Road RG40 2AD. Wokingham Cake Club: share your love for baking. No muffins, cupcakes, cookies, biscuits or pies. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 961 6876 or admin@kingschurch.org.uk.

Sunday, February 8 GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury Church. Christingle Service. 3.15pm. In aid of Children’s Society. Details: www.thomandmary.org.uk.

Monday, Feb 9 CROWTHORNE – St John’s Church, Waterloo Road. Climate Change, God and Us: two talks by The Revd Dr Darrell D Hannah. 2: The Challenge of Climate Change. 8pm. Free entry, donations welcomed. Details: www. crowthorneparishchurch.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue. Noah’s Ark toddler group. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 9080 or www.stnicolas.org.uk.

Wednesday, Feb 11 SANDHURST – St Michael’s Church, Lower Church Road. Winter Talks: The Revd Alison Webster: Called to make a difference – exploring social action as Good News. 8pm. Details: 01252 873030 or www.stmichaels-sandhurst. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Keenan Rooms, Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, Sturges Road RG40 2HE. Sing A New Song To The Lord: an ecumenical praise and prayer evening. 7.45pm for 8pm. All welcome.

Saturday, Feb 14 CROWTHORNE – Woodmancote, Pinewood Avenue RG45 6RQ. Out To Tea: a tea party for older members of the community. 2.30pm-4.30pm. Transport available. Details: 01344 780087 or www.wokinghamvineyard. org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall RG40 4JU. Corpus Christi Church Parish Pantomime: Puss In Boots. 2pm, 6pm. £5. In aid of Comic Relief. Details: parishpantocc@gmail.com WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Church ramble. Come dressed for the weather. 10am. Monthly quiz. 7.30pm. Details: www.christ-churchwoodley.org.uk.

Sunday, Feb 15 BRACKNELL – South Hill Park RG12 7PA. West Forest Sinfonia in concert: Shostakovich: Piano Quintet in G minor: Op. 57, Dvorak: Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major. 3pm. £10. Details: 01344 484123. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall RG40 4JU. Corpus Christi Church Parish Pantomime: Puss In Boots. 2.30pm. £5. In aid of Comic Relief. Details: parishpantocc@gmail.com

Monday, Feb 16 EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue. Noah’s Ark toddler group. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 9080 or www.stnicolas.org.uk. READING – Reading Family Church, London Street. Bible school: What’s the point of the Bible? 7pm. Includes pizza. £70 for year, bursaries available. Details: http://rfcbibleschool. eventbrite.com READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Shrove Monday Fish and Chip Supper with Beetle Drive. 6.30pm.

Tuesday, Feb 17 Shrove Tuesday READING – Reading Family Church, London Street. CAP Budgeting Skills course – get help managing your money. 3/3. 7.45pm. Details: karen@ readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

Ash Wednesday, February 18 CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road. Ash Wednesday Eucharist with imposition of ashes. 9.30am and 7.30pm. Details: www. standrewscaversham.org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Lent Lectures. Time TBC. Details: 0118 973 0133 or parish. finchampstead.co.uk.

Continued on p27

SPORT.

January/February 2015 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

Thames Valley Churches Football League

For more on the league, log on to tvcfl.footify.com or Twitter @TVCFL

Bethel dash Albion’s Christmas dreams By James Hern

ecember proved to be a more dramatic month than expected for Thames Valley Churches Football League players and supporters. In November, we thought that Tilehurst Albion and West Reading CFC were the only realistic contenders for the 2014/15 league title. With both sides due to play each other for the first time in early December, it was thought that this game could be the title decider. By the end of 2014, Tilehurst Albion were in fourth place, two points behind surprise leaders Bethel United and one behind West Reading and Kerith FC. Even Brookside St Laurence will now believe that they are back in with a chance of a first-ever league title as they find themselves only six points behind the leaders.

So what did happen in December? Albion’s first match of the month was their game against West Reading CFC. Having not played for three weeks due to poor weather, Albion started slowly but after West Reading missed an early opportunity, they took the lead after Steve Daley’s low cross sneaked in at the far post. Shortly afterwards, prolific goal scorer Jamie Carstairs equalised after converting a corner from Chris Gibby. Albion retook the lead on the stroke of half-time when Jack Nicholls found himself unmarked in the West Reading penalty area, calmly sliding the ball past the onrushing keeper. In the second half, West Reading equalised again through Carstairs after good work from Dan Vaccaro-Senna and they soon found themselves in the lead when Chris Thorngate fired in from close range. With the game poised at 3-2, Albion pushed hard for an equaliser and were rewarded with a penalty, which Steve Hannah converted to secure a 3-3 draw. Two weeks later, Albion suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 4-0 to Bethel United who went top of the league as a result. Paul Alexander produced a man-of-thematch performance, scoring two goals in the process with Dominic Atherley Smith and Sean

FIXTURES v January 17 Greyfriars FC v Norreys FC W Rdg Reserves v W Rdg CFC Newbury YMCA v B’side St Laurence Kerith FC v Reading Saints T’hurst Albion v Wycliffe Wanderers

v January 24 Tilehurst Albion v Newbury YMCA Wycliffe Wanderers v Norreys FC Reading Saints v B’side Saint Laurence Bethel United v Greyfriars FC Kerith FC v West Reading CFC

v January 31 Tilehurst Albion v W Rdg Reserves Wycliffe Wanderers v Kerith FC

Brookside Saint Laurence's Steve Magness fires wide in their 6-1 victory against West Reading Reserves De’olivera also chipping in. Bethel have found themselves in similar positions in previous years, only to fade away as the season comes to an end. They’ll hope that this victory will give them the confidence to win their first ever league title having finished as runners-up on four occasions. West Reading CFC played once more in December after their draw against Albion, winning 4-2 against Norreys FC, ensuring they keep themselves in with a shot of a second title win in three years. Kerith FC are another team who have been able to take advantage of Albion dropping points. West Reading Reserves have enjoyed a resurgence of form over the last two months, which saw them pick up their first win in two seasons with a 2-1 victory against Wycliffe Wanderers just before Christmas. Only two weeks before, they led Kerith 3-1 with 10 minutes to play after goals from Alex Ray, Gareth Sims and Richard Mariott. Digging deep, Kerith managed to salvage an important point with goals from Craig Jennings and a second from last season’s top goal scorer Will Day. Kerith followed up the draw with an emphatic 4-1 win against Newbury YMCA, to whom they drew 1-1 in the Philmar Cup in late November, and a hard fought 1-0 victory against a spirited

KICK OFF 10.30am on Saturdays West Reading CFC v Newbury YMCA Brookside St Laurence v Greyfriars Norreys FC v Bethel United

v February 14 Reading Saints v Wycliffe Wanderers Greyfriars FC v West Reading CFC Norreys FC v Kerith FC T’hurst Albion v B’side St Laurence W Rdg Reserves v Bethel United

v February 28 N’bury YMCA v Wycliffe Wanderers W Rdg Reserves v Reading Saints West Reading CFC v Bethel United Tilehurst Albion v Greyfriars FC Kerith FC v B’side St Laurence FC

Greyfriars FC who remain rooted to the bottom of the table. Greyfriars were involved in perhaps the match of the month against Newbury YMCA. On a crisp sunny winter morning, Newbury finally overcame Friars 6-4 after an end-to-end game. Elsewhere, other sides experienced mixed success. Brookside St Laurence had an up and down month. Despite having been 2-0 up against Bethel United, they eventually found themselves on the wrong end of 4-2 scoreline. A week later they beat West Reading Reserves 6-1, notability with six different goal scorers, before finishing 2014 with a hard fought 2-1 against guest side Brentford in the Philmar Cup group stages, a victory that sees them qualify in top spot from their group. Having lost to West Reading CFC, Norreys FC overcame Reading Saints 4-2 but were unable to secure back-to-back victories, losing to Newbury YMCA 1-0. Paul Hurst scored the only goal of the game, his ninth of the season. The victory pulled Newbury level on points with Norreys. We hope that all our players, supporters and readers had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year, and that you’re all eagerly awaiting 2015 and the conclusion of another exciting TVCFL season as much as we are!

league TABLE

top SCORERS

P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS Bethel United 9 6 0 0 24 4 1 0 2 10 8 22 21 Kerith FC 9 3 0 1 17 8 3 2 0 13 6 16 20 West Reading CFC 9 5 2 0 26 12 1 0 1 4 5 13 20 Tilehurst Albion 8 1 0 0 1 0 5 1 1 27 16 12 19 B’side St Laurence 9 3 0 2 15 15 2 0 2 14 12 2 15 Wycliffe Wanderers 10 2 1 3 11 10 2 0 2 10 11 0 13 Norreys FC 8 3 0 2 14 9 0 0 3 4 12 -3 9 Newbury YMCA 9 2 0 2 15 16 1 0 4 7 23 -17 9 Reading Saints 7 0 1 1 3 5 2 0 3 10 10 -2 7 W Rdg Reserves 10 0 2 2 13 19 1 1 4 9 26 -23 6 Greyfriars FC 10 0 0 5 6 21 0 2 3 11 16 -20 2 Table correct as of January 2, 2015

Jamie Carstairs West Reading CFC 20 Paul Hirst Newbury YMCA 9 Alex Ray W Reading Reserves 8 Tom Wilson Kerith FC 7 Toby Briggs Tilehurst Albion 7 Shane Newton Bethel United 7 Neil Healy Wycliffe Wanderers 6 Courtenay Isaacs B’side St Laurence 6 Daniel Priest Bethel United 5 Kingsley Goodridge Bethel United 5 Dan Hare Reading Saints 5 Jack Perrett B’side St Laurence 4 James Hern Greyfriars FC 4

SPORT/CALENDAR

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The Royals’ Prince

At Reading FC with Steve Prince

| www.xnmedia.co.uk | January/February 2015

From page 25 Thursday, February 19 GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury Church. PickA-Flick club presents Saving Mr Banks. Aimed at retired people and includes a light lunch. 10.30am-2pm. Transport available. Details: www. thomandmary.org.uk.

Friday, February 20 ALDERMASTON – Parish Hall. Aldermaston Players present dinner and theatre nights: The Shakespeare Revue. 7pm for 7.30pm. £22.50. Details: www.aldermastonplayers.co.uk or 0118 981 5815. UPPER BUCKLEBURY – Memorial Hall. Bucklebury & Marlston Horticultural Society meeing: How Plants Solve Crimes, a talk by Michael Keith. 8pm. Details: 01635 863429.

Saturday, February 21 ALDERMASTON – Parish Hall. Aldermaston Players present dinner and theatre nights: The Shakespeare Revue. 7pm for 7.30pm. £22.50. Details: www.aldermastonplayers.co.uk or 0118 981 5815. CHARVIL – Village Hall. Skittles Night. £5-6. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 934 1582.

Happy New Year for the Royals?

014 was a difficult year of transition for everyone associated with Reading FC, culminating in the sacking of Nigel Adkins, Andy Crosby and Dean Wilkins. I got on really well with Nigel and he was always very affirming of my role as chaplain around the club. I wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next. We have also seen Sir John Madejski finally relinquish ownership of the club and should celebrate the achievements we have made with him at the helm. We are now truly in a new footballing era at the Mad Stad, and on the field of play we are to be led by Steve Clarke, who comes to us with some great experience having assisted Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool. He has also managed in the Premier League with West Brom. So we welcome Steve, and assistant manager Kevin Keen. At time of writing we have just beaten Norwich 2-1 at home and as far as I can tell from fans who were at the game, we played with a much higher level of passion and commitment. Could it be that once again our form takes us on to a roller-coster ride with a much improved second half of the season?

Adapt and change Footballers gave to adapt to change quickly as the next game is always just around the corner. Having implemented a pattern of play with one manager, they have to quickly adjust to the plans and technics of another. Thankfully at Reading we haven’t been through as many managers as we might have. Since becoming chaplain nearly 11 years ago, we have had five managers. Given that the average managerial life-span in the Championship is 18 months we are, at least, more stable than the average. May you have a special 2015, and knowing the grace and love of God in your heart and mind, may He give you the strength and wisdom to deal with all of life’s twists and turns. Also, how about coming to the Madejski to watch a game of football sometime soon!?

Come on URZ!!

Steve Prince is Reading FC Chaplain AND THE Pastor of Brookside Church

night. Time TBC. Details: www.stjohnandstephen. co.uk. WOODLEY – St James’ Church, Kingfisher Way. Caribbean Evening. Time tbc. Details: 0118 966 2568.

Sunday, March 1 CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road. Talk by the Revd Stuart Windsor of Christian Solidarity Worldwide with tea and cakes. 4.30pm. Details: www.standrewscaversham.org. READING – Park URC, Palmer Park Avenue RG6 1DN. Messy Church. 3pm-5pm. Details: www.parkurc. org.uk.

Monday, March 2 READING – Bill’s Restaurant, Chain Street. Reading at Work and Christians in Science present Can a Christian be a Scientist? a talk by Professor Keith Fox. 7.45pm. Details or booking: dave@ readingatwork.org.

Tuesday, March 3

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Monthly games afternoon. All welcome. Details: www.christ-church-woodley.org.uk.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Lent Lectures. Time TBC. Details: 0118 973 0133 or parish.finchampstead.co.uk. WHITCHURCH – The Old Stables, High Street. Community coffee morning from 10.30am. Followed by lent lunches from 12.15pm-2pm. Details: 0118 984 5702. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Network Fellowship Daffodill Day at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk.

Monday, February 23

Wednesday, March 4

Sunday, February 22

Steve Clarke, the new manager of Reading FC Picture: Lynda Bowyer Photography

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue. Noah’s Ark toddler group. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 9080 or www.stnicolas.org.uk. GORING – 18 Wallingford Road. St Thomas of Canterbury Church presents Mum’s Out Tonight: for mums with young children. Life In The Vicrage with Joan Downham. 8pm-9.30pm. Details: www. thomandmary.org.uk. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Network Fellowship meeting: Jill Draper explores The Pilgrim’s Way. 2pm. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk.

Tuesday, February 24 WHITCHURCH – The Old Stables, High Street. Community coffee morning from 10.30am. Followed by lent lunches from 12.15pm-2pm. Details: 0118 984 5702.

Wednesday, February 25 WHITCHURCH – The Old Stables, High Street. Lent group: Lord, teach us how to pray. 8pm. Details: 0118 984 5702.

Friday, February 27 ALDERMASTON – Parish Hall. Aldermaston Players present dinner and theatre nights: The Shakespeare Revue. 7pm for 7.30pm. £22.50. Details: www.aldermastonplayers.co.uk or 0118 981 5815.

Saturday, February 28 ALDERMASTON – Parish Hall. Aldermaston Players present dinner and theatre nights: The Shakespeare Revue. 7pm for 7.30pm. £22.50. Details: www.aldermastonplayers.co.uk or 0118 981 5815. BRACKNELL – Holy Trinity Church Halls, The Ring. Quiz night. Details TBC. Details: btm-admin@ tiscali.co.uk or 01344 867383. CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church, Gosbrook Road. Annual quiz night. Time TBC. Details: www.cavhmc.org.uk. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall. St James Church musical concert: All At Sea. Time TBC. Details: 0118 973 0133 or parish.finchampstead.co.uk. READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Quiz night. 7.30pm. READING – St John’s School, Orts Road. Cabaret

WHITCHURCH – The Old Stables, High Street. Lent group: Lord, teach us how to pray. 8pm. Details: 0118 984 5702.

Friday, March 6 CAVERSHAM – St John’s Church, Gosbrook Road. Women’s World Day of Prayer service: Do You Know What I Have Done For You? 8pm. All weclome.

Saturday, March 7 READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Jumble Sale. 1.30pm. READING – The Warehouse, Cumberland Road RG1 3LB. Barn Dance in aid of Amnesty International. Music by the Scamping Rogues. 7pm. Details: amnesty.reading@googlemail.com.

Monday, March 9 WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Network Fellowship and Wesley Guild meeting: The Mayfield Singers. 2pm. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk.

Tuesday, March 10 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Lent Lectures. Time TBC. Details: 0118 973 0133 or parish.finchampstead.co.uk. WHITCHURCH – The Old Stables, High Street. Community coffee morning from 10.30am. Followed by lent lunches from 12.15pm-2pm. Details: 0118 984 5702.

Wednesday, March 11 WHITCHURCH – The Old Stables, High Street. Lent group: Lord, teach us how to pray. 8pm. Details: 0118 984 5702. WOKINGHAM – Keenan Rooms, Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, Sturges Road RG40 2HE. Sing A New Song To The Lord: an ecumenical praise and prayer evening. 7.45pm for 8pm. All welcome.

Thursday, March 12 WOKINGHAM – Kings Church, Station Road RG40 2AD. Wokingham Cake Club: share your love for baking. No muffins, cupcakes, cookies, biscuits or pies. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 961 6876 or admin@ kingschurch.org.uk.

January/February 2015 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

FREETIME

leisure

Arts, leisure and hobbies – with a local perspective

cakes

Bake Off Martha praises Addington’s cakes BY LYNDA BOWYER Wokingham Borough Council is running a pilot project to re-open its staff restaurant as a work experience and training facility for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people (including those children with additional needs and young people who have been in care). Six Addington School students, currently studying for the City and Guilds hospitality qualification, will work in the new Shuters café situated in the basement of Wokingham Borough Council's Shute End offices, and on certain dates each week will be serving up some tasty homebaked treats and hot drinks. Sunninghill’s Martha Collison, The Great British Bake Off quarter-finalist, was on hand to officially cut the ribbon and declare the café open. She said later: "It's lovely to be here and participate. The cakes are delicious!" For the past couple of months, the students have been busy behind the scenes setting up the business including market research, developing their menus and interviewing young people to work in the café, and the skills and knowledge they attain in running the café will complement essential class-based skills and learning.

Martha Collison and pupils from Addington School make the first slice into a cake Picture: Lynda Bowyer

bakery

Warings in seventh heaven with new store BY LYNDA BOWYER

ocal artisan bakery Warings opened a new store in Thatcham just before Advent began. From the moment the doors opened at 10am on Friday, November 28, a steady stream of curious customers filed into the new premises, eager to sample the new bakes, cakes and pastries. Situated in the heart of the market town, Warings “The Indulgent Baker” is in a unique position both geographically and economically. “Locals have been crying out for a local bakery,” said Daniel Carr, Public Relations Manager at Warings who himself is also a fourth generation baker from his family. “The support from the locals has been absolutely amazing. Here in Thatcham we are really championing the traditional role of the local British baker, bringing to this new market our wonderful

The Warings team (left) and some of their bakes Pictures: Lynda Bowyer

Lardy Cakes, Eccles Cakes and Gypsy Tarts, and also some of the more continental style bakes and breads too, to add a bit of variety. “There is a real resurgence of people wanting a local bakery selling local British classics – and that’s what we’re here to do.” Warings have been craft bakers in the region since 1932, from humble origins of having

a cornershop-style bakery on Armour Road in Tilehurst, a store which is still open to this day. The Thatcham store marks the seventh store for the unique bakery brand. When asked if there are plans for more ‘buns in the oven’ in terms of more new stores, Daniel said: “We have been looking at other locations. There are places that we have our eye on, and if

this format works then we might be taking this forward to other locations – who knows!” v Warings, The Indulgent Baker, can be found at 10 Kingsland Centre, Thatcham. The new store is open six days a week and you can keep up with the crafty cake makers online via Twitter @waringsbakery or by visiting their website at www.waringsbakery. co.uk.

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shop local

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fairtrade

Making it easy to shop local

This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight runs from February 23-March 8 and will celebrate the power of buying Fairtrade. Cheryl McGechie, Director of Public Engagement at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “Fairtrade has paved the way for ethical trading but we shoppers need to keep driving the benefits for the smallholder farmers.” Mario Mantagna, Sri Lankan tea farmer said: “When you buy Fairtrade tea, I notice. Thanks to the premium price I get, we’ve been able to build a school in my village.” Reading will have a series of special events to mark the fortnight – keep an eye on www.readingfairtrade. org.uk for the details.

Sam Moore with some of the tasty treats on sale at the Beech Hill Village Shop. Much of it is locally sourced By Phil Creighton

Beech Hill store celebrated its local producers and craftspeople at a special shopping evening in the run-up to Christmas. The Village Shop at Beech Hill is unique in many ways: it operates six days a week from the church of St Mary’s, is staffed by a team of volunteers and aims to help people to shop local wherever possible. It stocks fresh food from a range of producers including chocolatier Tilly’s Treats, Tilehurst Butchers, Loddon Brewery and Pangbourne’s Bon Appetite bakery. Local jams and preserves are also on sale. A price comparison on its website reveals that prices at the Village Shop at Beech Hill are on a par with Waitrose and Tesco, showing that it makes sense for villagers to shop local. The Christmas craft evening held on Friday, November 28 celebrated these suppliers and other local craftspeople with a mixture of stalls, present ideas and food samples. It was packed with visitors and many bargains, including festive gift baskets, were bought.

Sam Moore, who helps run the shop, was delighted with the turnout. She said: “Tonight has been about bringing the community together in a social environment and letting them know what’s out there in terms of local producers. “There’s been lots of engagement with the shop – people really appreciate what we’re doing.” The evening had been a success for Sam Slater, who supplies the village shop with her hand-made chocolates under the Tilly’s Treats brand. “I make it all myself,” she explained. “I supply to the shop and it’s nice to meet the customers. It’s been a great evening and it’s great to see people support local businesses.” Being a chocolatier is something that Sam says is “the best job in the world” and she is appreciative that Beech Hill’s Village Shop stocks her wares. “To have the support of Beech Hill is amazing,” she added. v The store is open from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 1pm. For more details visit www. thevillageshopatbeechhill.co.uk.

Ethical artisan spice company has put together this authentic indian spice tin (aka a Masala Dabba) containing 10 home-roasted, hand-ground spices and blends. They lovingly pack each tin and wrap it in a unique, handmade silk cover made from upcycled saris, barely containing the bursting aromas. For details, visit www.spicekitchenuk.com

Family-run artisan spice company Steenbergs specialises in ethically sourced spices, teas and home baking ingredients. For 2015, its popular sugars are getting a makeover. The flavours are Rose, Lavender, Vanilla, Lemon, Spiced Chai, Cinnamon & Mulled Spice and cost £2 for a 120g jar or £3.25 for a 200g jar. Available online at: www. steenbergs.co.uk and selected independent retailers.

Take time out and enjoy a cuppa and a chat or soup and a roll! Coffee & Chat Wednesdays 10-11.30am

You can’t beat a good cup of coffee and a chance to chat – and that’s what you can enjoy at Coffee & Chat, a brilliant new coffee morning in Reading’s town centre! • Meet old friends and make new ones • Everyone is welcome • Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits • Delicious home-made soups • Every Wednesday • Coffee: 10am-11.30am Soup: 12.30pm-2pm Abbey Baptist Church Abbey Square, Reading (behind Reading Central Library) (0118) 957 2197 www.abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk

New friendship group CAMEO meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 2.15pm

Soup & a Roll Wednesdays 12.30pm-2pm

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v Train exhibition READING – Be on the right tracks with a family-friendly model railway exhibition. The Kenavon Railway Society will return to the Warehouse in Cumberland Road, Reading on Saturday, February 21 for its annual show. There will be displays of trains and track layouts, trains for people to play with and merchandise to buy. Aspiring modellers will be able to get tips from stallholders and get some bargains too. The exhibition runs from 10am to 5pm and is being held in aid of the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway. Entry is £3.50, £2 for concessions and £9 for families.

v Thinking caps on WOKINGHAM – There’s nothing fishy about a quiz night taking place at the end of January. Members of All Saints Church are organising a puzzling night out with a fish and chip supper at The Cornerstone. It will be held on Saturday, January 31 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12, with proceeds going to The Children’s Society. v To book, call 0118 978 1044.

leisure

live music

A night of brass to help Brass in Africa The Chiltern Brass Quintet will be returning to Earley St Peter’s Church on Saturday, January 31 for a charity concert. Based in Reading, the quintet has been playing for a number of years, including an appearance at the Henley Festival in 2012. The concert will be full of energetic music including original pieces, lighter jazz influenced numbers and arrangements of well-known melodies. It will be held in aid of Brass For Africa, which supports lifechanging music projects for the children of Uganda and Liberia. Chiltern Brass has strong links with the charity, having visited Kampala last year to teach a Foundation in Brass Teaching course. The aim was to give some of the older students a good base knowledge and enabling them to go and teach new students. The concert starts at 7.30pm and everyone is welcome. v For details, visit www.facebook. com/ChilternBrass and www. brassforafrica.com,

Paul Speed & Maddie Cottam, trumpets - Elin Davies, French horn - Ross Anderson, trombone - John Watts, tuba, together with Jim Trott from Brass for Africa.

concert

Hear it all again with Trinity Band Trinity Concert Band’s first performance of 2015 will be a selection box of the year gone by. Taking place on Saturday, February 7 at Trinity Church in Lower Earley, it includes music from Wicked! The Musical, My Fair Lady, West Side Story and Walton’s rousing Spitfire Prelude.

Tickets are £10 up to 24 hours before the concert and £12 on the door. Accompanied children under 16 years are free. The show starts at 7.30pm. v For tickets, call 0845 226 3047 or log on to Trinity Concert Band’s website, www.trinityband.co.uk.

workshop

Come & sing Tavener with Bach John Tavener died just over a year ago and to commemorate, Reading’s Bach Choir will honour him with a come and sing day which is open to all. At the day, participants will be able to sing two of his most familiar works – The Lamb and Song for Athene, as well as music by other modern composers. It will be held on Saturday, January 17 at Caversham Heights Methodist Church. Also on the programme is Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium, Gabriel Jackson’s To Morning and Sisask’s Benedictio. Morten Lauridsen is an American composer who in 2007 received the National Medal of Arts from the President in a White House ceremony, “for his composition of radiant choral works combining musical beauty, power and spiritual depth that have thrilled audiences worldwide”. Gabriel Jackson’s music means a lot to Reading Bach Choir – last July it gave the first performance of his Ave Gloriosa Mater which was

Reading Bach Choir performing at Whitley Arts Festival written especially for the group. Estonian composer Urmas Sisask wrote Benedictio in 1991 and Reading Bach Choir enjoyed singing it a couple of years ago. The day will see participants work with Matthew Hamilton, the Reading Bach Choir’s dynamic conductor. It starts at 10.30am and ends with an informal concert at 4.30pm, which is open to the public. The day costs £20 and includes tea and coffee and music. v For details, or a booking form, log on to www.readingbachchoir.org.uk or call Barbara Morris on 0118 987 1452.

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am dram

It’s panto time again – oh yes it is! Tickets are on sale for a village panto which has built a sparkling reputation for fun, invention and tradition in its 12-year history. Hurst Panto Group is staging Cinderella, its seventh panto, at Hurst Village Hall, School Road, Hurst, RG10 0DR from January 15 to 17. Co-producer Franny Lawrence says: “It’s Cinderella with a modern twist. We’ve moved a little from the classic tale of girl meets Prince Charming, they fall in love, there’s a few hiccoughs, they live happily ever after. “Our Cinderella, Olivia Arnold, has a beautiful voice, more backbone and brain. She is a genuinely nice girl who really falls in love with a Prince, Clare Bray. They have to work for their happy ending. There’s nothing shallow about them. “The ugly sisters are played by men, Philip Payne and John Lawrence. They’re brilliantly funny. We’ve got a cheeky fairy godmother, me, and a cackling stepmother, Sarah-Jane Briggs.”

Philip Payne and John Lawrence are Ugly Sisters in the Hurst pantomime The songs range from Pharrell Williams’s Happy and Love is an Open Door from the film Frozen to rock and roll. “There’s classic audience participation and lots of clever special effects,” added Franny. “A talented writer created this panto especially for us. The 40-strong cast is backed by dozens

Prepare for Puss in Boots! Saturday’s shows are at 2pm and 6pm, Sunday’s is at 2.30pm. All tickets cost £5 and proceeds raised will go towards this year’s Comic Relief appeal. Tickets are available from the Sturges Road church, and can be reserved in advance by emailing parishpantocc@gmail.com. v www.corpuschristi-wokingham.org

live music

Virtuoso piano programme An internationally acclaimed pianist will help a Sonning church to christen its new grand piano. Dominic John will perform at St Andrew’s Church on Saturday, January 24 on the instrument, which has been generously given by Daphne Glynn, a resident of the parish. The concert will see Dominic perform a virtuoso programme of music by Mozart, Schumann, Chopin and Gershwin to demonstrate the full expressive range and power of the new piano.

v Afternoon concert TILEHURST – Vivace Voices will perform old and new songs, an instrumental piece and readings at an afternoon concert on Friday, February 6. Held from 2.30pm at St Catherine of Siena in Wittenham Avenue, entry is free but donations to the church’s building fund are welcomed.

v A night of the Bard

local theatre

Tickets are now on sale for a tale about a tail. The tail in question belongs to Puss In Boots and the show is being produced by members of Corpus Christi Church in Wokingham. The show will be performed at Finchampstead Memorial Hall over the weekend of Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15.

Dominic has been hailed by The Times for his ‘outstanding panache, musicality and technical finesse’, and won first prize at the 22nd Brant International Piano Competition and was winner of the 2004 British Music Society Award. He was awarded the Chappell Gold Medal from the Royal College of Music on completion of his studies there. The concert starts at 7.30pm and £10 tickets include an interval drink. They can be bought on the door. v For more, visit sonningparish.org.uk.

of helpers.” Joe de Mounteney is directing following his Peter Pan success at Hurst two years ago. Performances are on January 15, 16 and 17 at 7.30pm and a matine on January 17 at 2pm. Prices range from £7-£9 for seniors and under 16s and £10-£13 for others. v Tickets can be bought online at www.hurstpanto.org.uk.

ALDERMASTON –The Aldermaston Players will be in the parish hall for its annual dinner and theatre nights. This year, it’s the Shakespeare Revue, a collection of songs and sketches about the Bard and comic material inspired by Shakespeare. It runs on Friday, February 20, Saturday 21, Friday 27 and Saturday 28 from 7pm. Tickets are £22.50. v To book call 0118 981 5815 or visit www.aldermastonplayers.co.uk.

v Go under the sea FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James Church is holding a musical evening on Saturday, February 28 at Finchampstead Memorial Hall. The theme is All At Sea. v For more details call 0118 973 0133 or email: office@stjames. finchampstead.co.uk

Dominic John, the highly-acclaimed international concert pianist, presents a virtuoso programme of music by Mozart, Schumann, Chopin and Gershwin The Inaugural Concert on the St Andrew’s Church New Kawai Grand Piano St Andrew’s Church, Sonning 7.30pm on Saturday 24 January Tickets: £10 on the door includes an interval drink

t h e ch u rch of s t a n dr e w, SERV I NG CH A RV I L , SON N I NG a n d son n i ng e y e

reviews

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v Great new start for South Chiltern Choral Society South Chiltern Choral Society, December 20, Chiltern Edge School, Sonning Common This Christmas concert was a milestone in South Chiltern Choral Society’s history, as youthful Paul Burke took the conducting reins, following Gwyn Arch’s eminent long service and retirement. Judging from this well-received performance Burke has lost no time in imposing his own style. He was helped by an attractive programme, starting with A Hymn to the Virgin by Benjamin Britten and followed by Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols and Alan Bullard’s A Light in the Stable, all opportunities for the choir to demonstrate their versatility and range. The discipline was tight throughout, all eyes on the conductor’s baton, and Ian Westley was, as always, the securest of keyboard accompanists. The opening A Hymn to the Virgin was well-crafted antiphonal writing, involving a voice quartet at the back of the hall alternating with full choir at the front. It was nicely performed. The choral entries in A Ceremony of Carols were crisp and confident and the balance was excellent throughout. Of particular note were: This little Babe, despatched with pulsating energy and a great climax; As dew in Aprille, its challenging bustle and contrapuntal writing handled effortlessly; and In Freezing Winter Night, where solo soprano Taya Smith sang beautifully with excellent chorus support. A Light in the Stable, a collection of 19 short musical descriptions of the Christmas Story, proved to be an appealing work of great variety, thanks to its different permutations of chorus, soloists and audience participation. While Paul Burke brings his fresh approach, the choir is clearly gearing up for new challenges; a combination that made for an excellent début for the new conductor. Their next concert is a mouthwatering spring 2015 programme in Reading University’s Great Hall on March 29 includes Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Handel’s Zadok the Priest. v To join or find out more visit www. southchilternchoralsociety.org.uk. Trevor Howell

Jr Moviewatch

Cinema with Benjamin & Simeon Sharpe

High one!

v Penguins of Madagascar (U) Voices Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, John Malkovich, Benedict Cumberbatch

hink about when you go to an aquarium. Did you see the penguins? They may look innocent but really they have their own secret life. The elite-est of the elite the cream of the crop – Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private are our favourite penguins from the film Madagascar. Then in an aquarium there are the octopuses. The penguins might look cuter which really upsets Dr Octavious Brine (Dave the octopus) and he plots his revenge…

Dave makes something called the Medusa Serum to make the penguins look ugly so he would be adored once more.

Skipper ’s Log:

Just when we had the entire mission under control a group of bozos showed up that appear to be called The North Wind. The name of the annoying leader of The North Wind is Classified, then there is Corporal the polar bear, Eva (who Kowalski seems to like) and then there is Short Fuse, the demolition expert.

The best bits in the film

zz When Rico fires a Cheesy dibble to hit a button. zz When Classified is explaining what The North Wind is and Skipper is rudely shoving a Cheesy dibble in his mouth.

zz When the penguins are doing a silly dance to distract some octopuses. zz After a victory the penguins like to do a flipper slap, also known as a high one.

Here are some of the not so good parts zz When the Penguins go ugly. zz When Private goes missing. zz The makers could have added more characters in it. zz The characters from the original Madagascar film aren’t in it. We have only seen the first two films of Madagascar but the Penguins of Madagascar beats them both! We would rate this film four out of five. Benjamin (8) & Simeon (6) Sharpe

live music

v Dynamic conducting and inspired playing Henley Symphony Orchestra, Christchurch Centre, Henley, December 14, 2014 Henley Symphony Orchestra’s two Christmas concerts will be remembered for their charismatic direction. First came the afternoon’s Children’s concert, where compère Andy Baker had the children eating out of his hand, supported ably by guest conductor Alexander Walker. Russian-trained Walker then took the main evening concert by storm, his strong presence and energy level galvanising orchestra and audience.

Russian musical tradition makes much use of imagery, which Walker fully exemplified, not only in his descriptions of the programme but also in his graphic, communicative style of conducting. The Colas Breugnon overture by Dmitry Kabalevsky and Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite were grist to his mill. The strings dug in in true Russian style, every bow hair exploited. The overture, strange and dramatic, was technically and rhythmically challenging and tightly controlled by Walker. The orchestra responded well, with the trumpets

making a strong contribution. Ravel’s Mother Goose provided further programmatic content for Walker’s pictorial instincts. The Princess’s slow breathing in the opening Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty was palpable and one could visualise the woodland scenes in Little Tom Thumb’s walk through the forest, the birdsong mimicked by the violins. Two lively Sleigh Rides by Delius and Leroy Anderson and Anderson’s Christmas Festival brought Christmas percussively to the fore, while the customary audience participation in the carols enhanced the festive spirit. Trevor Howell

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Moviewatch

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Cinema with Martin Ceaser

Bilbo’s journey finally comes to an end v The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (12a) Stars Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Luke Evans

Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) finds his adventure is coming to its conclusion with the release of the Battle Of The Five Armies

ilbo and the gang return to our screens in the final instalment of The Hobbit franchise. The dwarves have finally reclaimed the kingdom of Erebor from the Dragon Smaug, only to find themselves assailed on all sides by the people of Laketown, now led by Bard “The DragonSlayer” (played brilliantly by Evans); an army of Elves come to reclaim what had been stolen by them, and two armies of Orcs. The title is a little disingenuous as Thorin Oakenshield (Armitage) only has 14 in his “army”. The film covers just 50 pages in Tolkein’s book yet manages to move at quite a pace, more like the Lord of The Rings films than its two predecessors. Some filling is still needed of course, so we are “treated” to more of the love story between the Elf Tauriel and the Dwarf Kili (played by Evangeline Lily and Aidan Turner respectively) which provides some touching, and tragic moments, leading to a great quote from Tauriel: “If this is love, I don’t want it. Take it away, please! Why does it hurt so much?” The reply she gets from her king, Thranduil? “Because it was real.”

The film deals, of course, with the age-old story of the battle of good and evil, dramatically portrayed in an encounter between Sauron ( Benedict Cumberbatch) and Galadriel (Blanchett); and the destructive nature of greed which leads Thorn into “dragon sickness”. It ultimately causes the titular battle, reminding us of the proper quote from 1 Timothy 6 that “the love of money is the root of all evil;” The power of personal and individual courage, the desire for vengeance, the blessings of redemption, loyalty and brotherhood are all covered and given a fair and honest treatment. Add to that mix a guest appearance by Billy Connelly as Thorin’s cousin Dain – Gandalf says, “I’ve always thought Thorin

READING

v E be the future for Reading Libraries E Books are now available to borrow from Reading Libraries. The launch catalogue includes fiction and children’s books available with non-fiction titles on their way. The collection features bestselling titles and authors such as Lee Child, John Grisham and George R. R. Martin, all available to download to a smartphone, tablet or to read online. You can borrow up to four e books and place up to two reservations, all for free and fines

will be a thing of the past – the book simply disappears from a device once the loan period is over. To access, log on to the e library website at www.reading. libraryebooks.co.uk or follow the link from website www.reading. gov.uk/libraries and click on ‘Library Information’. You will need your library barcode and pin number to log in. The site also lists compatible devices and explains how to start downloading to your device.

was the more reasonable of the two” – and you have a rip-roaring, adventure-filled, excellent movie that rounds off the Hobbit Trilogy and neatly prepares us for The Lord Of The Rings films. Legolas (who is not in the book) declares he cannot go back home. His father, King Thranduil, says: “Go to the North. There is

a member of the Dunedain you should meet and stay with… he is known as Strider. His true name, you must discover for yourself.” A stirring musical score, some fabulous scenery and some very clever CGI make this a great film to watch.

The Revd Martin Ceaser is minister of Crowthorne Baptist Church

PUZZLES

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BREAK TIME

Pit your wits against our brainteasers

Codeword

Kakuro

Place 1 to 9 in each white cell. To choose the right number you need to work from the clues in around the edge. The numbers below the diagonal lines are the sums of the solutions in the white cells immediately beneath. The numbers above the divide are the sums of the solutions immediately to the right. Rows and columns do NOT have to be unique. Thus, if a 3 is shown as a clue there will be two cells waiting for you to put the digits 1 and 2 in them – the only possible sum that will equal 3. The final rule is that no number may be repeated in any block. For example, if the clue is 4, the only possible solution will be 1 and 3 (or 3 and 1), never 2 and 2.

Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Below is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

STR8TS

Str8ts 8 6

Sudoku

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS Kakuro

Codeword

3 8 7 4 5 2 5 7 8 2 4 3

9 7

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. 2 1 4 Each compartment must form a straight 6 4 5 a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be 4 5 in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells 4 3 6 2 remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. 3 5 2 1 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ 2 1 3 are formed.

5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

8 7

4 2

8 6 7 5 9 1 8

4 3

Easy

4 1

3 1 5

We’ll print the answers next month

SUDOKU

Tough

Are you stuck?

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely. For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts. If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Str8ts Solution Str8ts

1 9 8 7

7 8 9 6 5

5 6 6 7 1 5 7 5 2 4 8 4 3 4 3 7 2 3 4 5 4 3 6 7 5 4 1 2 3 6 3 2 1 8

Sudoku Solution Suduku

2 4 3 3 2 4 1 3 1 2 6 1 7 8 6 5 9 8 8 7 9 9

2 4 7 6 5 3 1 8 9

6 1 9 2 8 7 3 4 5

8 3 5 9 1 4 6 7 2

4 8 6 5 3 9 2 1 7

7 9 2 8 4 1 5 3 6

3 5 1 7 2 6 4 9 8

1 6 8 3 7 5 9 2 4

9 2 3 4 6 8 7 5 1

5 7 4 1 9 2 8 6 3

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Have a butchers at Tilehurst Village Butchers

f you’ve resolved to get better in the kitchen this year then a Monday masterclass will be the way to ensure your good intentions lead to great expectations. Tilehurst Village Butchers is launching a brand-new course that gives everyone the opportunity to learn more about meat and how to get the most out of every cut. Over three hours, the expert team at Tilehurst Village Butchers will share their insiders’ knowledge in small, intimate groups so that everyone can learn. The butchers are members of the Q Guild – a seal of excellence that only 120 butchers across the country can use. The course offers terrific value: as well as three hours’ worth of tuition from the team, the package includes a professional Swiss boning knife, a Masterclass apron and a generous £50 worth of meat that you will have butchered yourself. At just £120, it really is excellent evening at an excellent price. Classes run on selected Mondays from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and booking is essential. Tilehurst Village Butchers celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015 and the family friendly butchers is passionate about demystifying the meat buying process. This course is just one way in which it can share its passion for meat with shoppers. All the store’s beef and lamb comes from local farm-assured suppliers, with traditionally farmed and grass-fed cattle. All pork is free range and outdoor reared where possible and supplied by local farms. Chickens are supplied by Banham Poultry, which has the highest standards of safety and quality. There are also fruit and vegetables available to buy and there is a free delivery service within a 20-mile radius for orders over £20. The store is a family-run business, making pies and sausages on site. Director Chris Watts said: “[My wife Jane] makes steak and kidney, chicken and mushroom,

steak and ale, pasties – all the favourites, with specials every other week. “We also have a wide range of home-made sausages – the

classics plus some which are a little bit different, like wild boar and apple or pork and marmite – either you love it or you hate it! We do stock exotic stuff too like zebra, bison, wild boar, alpaca – sometimes people like something a bit unusual.” Chris is also delighted that Tilehurst Village Butchers has been inducted into the

Q Guild. He said: “With the Q Guild membership we’re now recognised as being a top quality butchers. It’s a real achievement to be accepted by them.” Tilehurst Village Butchers is based in The Triangle, Tilehurst and is open from 7am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. You can also order online from www. villagebutchers.co.uk.

Perfect Gift

Want to Learn More about Meat? Enroll in our Masterclass

What you get: • 3 hours of tuition, in small groups • Professional Swiss Boning Knife • Masterclass Apron • £50 of Meat, you have butchered

£120

Classes Run on Mondays 18:30–21:30 Bookings being taken NOW For course dates and bookings call:

0118 942 3738 www.villagebutchers.co.uk

ALL for