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MARCH 2013

Thames Valley edition ISSN 2049-4971

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Ideal Home Show for churches to welcome Campolo AN AMERICAN pastor who is appreciated for his wide-ranging and thought-provoking ministry will be making a trip over to this side of the pond to speak at the forthcoming Christian Resources Exhibition International.

The Revd Dr Tony Campolo is the author of more than 35 books, the founder of the Red Letter movement with its emphasis on Christian social justice and has a regular programme on Premier Christian Radio. He has also written numerous books over the years.

He will be one of the speakers at the exhibition, which will be held at Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey from May 14-17. It will be the legendary professor’s fourth visit to CRE, dubbed the Ideal Homes Show for churches.

“We are delighted to welcome Tony back to CRE,” said Paul Trott, head of marketing for CRE’s parent company, Bible Society.

“His perceptive contributions on a range of topical issues are always appreciated by thousands of CRE visitors.”

Dr Campolo, professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University in Pennsylvania, was spiritual adviser to former President Bill Clinton following the Lewinsky scandal. During his visit to the UK, he will speak at CRE and Portcullis House, Westminster, on behalf of Bible Society.

The next CRE International follows hard on the heels of another successful two-day regional show, at the University of West England (UWE) in January.

Clergy catwalk show is one of the fun events that take place at the forthcoming CRE exhibition in Esher, Surrey “In spite of difficult weather conditions we are delighted to report that visitors totalled 2,227,” said CRE sales and event director Bill Allen.

“The first day was particularly difficult, weather-wise and more than 700 visitors who had pre-booked failed to appear because of hazardous conditions on the road. In spite of this exhibitors reported real interest and we intend to return to Bristol in three years’ time.”

For the first time in its history the show will be held four times in 2013 with upcoming events at Esher (14-17 May), Birmingham (3-4 Oct) and Edinburgh (28-28 Nov).

For more details, or to book tickets, log on to www.creonline.co.uk or call 01793 418 218.

The Revd Dr Tony Campolo – a familiar voice on Premier Radio – will travel from the US to speak at CRE International in May

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ISSN 2049-4971 c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE www.xnmedia.co.uk Twitter: @xnmedia Editor & publisher Phil Creighton editor@xnmedia.co.uk Distribution Judith Creighton judith@xnmedia.co.uk Contributors Lynda Bowyer, Michael Penny, Steve Vaughan-Turner, Sally Hamblin, Steve Prince, James Hern, Chris Carter, Laura Bigoni, Thanks to Michael Penny, Alan Magness, Louise Cole, Mary Brockington, Sharon Elliott, Paul Burnish, Nick Crowder, Steve Curtis, Matt Rodda, Rob Wilson, Traidcraft, The Co-Operative Advertising Hinton Media Services Ltd 01932 888417 advertising@xnmedia.co.uk Printed by Polestar Xn is an independent publication that aims to reflect community and church life without bias.

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They will, however, investigate any written complaints. © Xn Media Ltd, 2013

Evelyn Glennie gets ready for Douai concert 28

Tasty Easter eggs Norse Clock’s saga gets Spring into ticking for a fresh summer quiz day retelling Contents From the editor 4 The main event Phil Creighton

WELL, this is different! If this is the first time you’ve picked up Xn, a big welcome to you. Our aim is to encourage, inform and inspire you with good news from our corner of the world. I hope you enjoy it.

Regular readers will probably have noticed this month’s Xn is very different to our January issue: it’s both bigger and smaller at the same time.

We’ve done the sums and worked out how we can be a glossy magazine with extra pages. There’s more space for local arts coverage and there are new sections, including business and ethical shopping. Oh, and there new puzzles for you to tackle.

So, while we were brilliant before we’re even better now – not bad for a publication that is completely free!

And this is only the start of our plans for this year. A bigger and better website is on the cards. We’ll have more news online, and we’ll be finding more ways of connecting our communities.

Make sure you let me know what you think – and what else you’d like to see. Until next month! editor@xnmedia.co.uk

6 News 14 Business 16 News focus 20 Family circle 21 Puzzles 22 Food Chocolate and fairtrade special 23 Ethical shopping 22 Trades directory 24 Sport 26 What’s on Our guide to community events 27 Your say 28 Arts New plays, new concerts and new films

Get in touch! email your stories to editor@xnmedia.co.uk Deadline for April issue noon, Friday, March 22

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Get down on the farm to fight MS F AMIILES are promised a baa-rilliant time when they take part a lambing event later this month.

And for every cute lamb they stroke, they’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that they’ll be helping the fight against Multiple Sclerosis at the same time.

Once again, Rushall Farm in Bradfield will be opening its doors for two spring weekends so that people can celebrate the return of spring and, with it, new life.

Visitors will be able to drink in the beautiful Pang Valley panorama while visiting the lambing sheds to see new lambs being born.

Elsewhere on the farm, they’ll be able to get up close and help feed the lambs with some milk.

The farm also has calves and piglets to feed too.

As well as the animals, the working farm – run by John Bishop OBE – will offer tractor rides, homemade refreshments and more.

Proceeds from the two weekends will be shared between the Reading, Wokingham and District MS Society and the John Simonds Trust, which helps children learn more about the countryside and agriculture.

This is the 30th year that the lambing weekends have been held and they will take place on Saturday, March 16-Sunday, March 17 and again on March 23-24, from 11am-5pm.

Entry is by a suggested donation of £5 for adults, £3 for children and OAPs. The farm is in Back Lane, Bradfield and is signposted from the A340.

The lambing shed is wheelchair friendly, with blue badge parking and disabled toilets available.

As a working farm, it’s likely to be muddy so guests should consider wearing wellies and old clothes.

Hand washing facilities are available and pregnant women are advised not to attend.

Visitors are reminded not to bring dogs into the lambing sheds. v For more, visit www.msreading. org.uk or www.rushallfarm.org.uk or call (0118) 961 6107.

the main event

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the way in which nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord communicate.

There is currently no known cure.

Reading, Wokingham and District MS Society has been providing support for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis for 50 years. It is run by volunteers.

Services include a minibus to help people no longer able to drive, grants

to help improve the quality of life for sufferers, and a weekly drop-in morning where visitors can take part in arts, crafts, IT and outings.

It also has a holiday chalet on the south coast which members can use and enjoy.

The charity provides much needed emotional support, including help for the newly diagnosed to come to terms with their illness. www.msreading.org.uk.

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Churches condemn child poverty measures Four major Churches have criticised the Government’s proposals for a new way of measuring child poverty in the UK. The Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church have accused the Government’s consultation on the proposals of being ‘confused’ and ‘surprisingly badly evidenced’.

“Child poverty is an unacceptable injustice,” said Paul Morrison, Public Issues Policy Adviser for the Methodist Church. “While we applaud the Government’s commitment to eradicating child poverty in the UK, the proposed new measure is fatally flawed.

“It is a confusion of targets, measures and … backed by very little solid evidence.”

The new ‘multi-dimensional’ poverty measure takes a variety of measures the Government believes are linked with poverty to create a single number.

The Churches say that it is concerning that, despite the majority of families in poverty being in employment, the Government wants to focus on worklessness as a measure of poverty.

“Excluding or diminishing the experience of low-paid families from any future measure of poverty would be a serious failing,” said Stephen Keyworth, Faith and Society Leader for the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

The four Churches will soon publish a major report entitled The Lies We Tell Ourselves: Ending Comfortable Myths About Poverty. It aims to confront myths about those on benefits in the UK. “Poverty is not just an issue facing the poor – it’s a societal problem and one that shames us all,” added Marie Trubic, United Reformed Church spokesperson on public issues.

“We must find new ways to build a fairer future for all.”

Alana House secure for another year after funding deal reached A REFUGE for vulnerable women is celebrating after receiving grants to secure its funding for another year.

Alana House in central Reading was at risk of having to reduce services after fears its funding would be slashed.

The centre, which is based in South Street, is run by family support charity Parents And Children Together and is a one-stop shop for vulnerable women with multiple social problems that put them at risk of offending.

PACT announced in February that the future of the centre was secure for another 12 months thanks to funding provided by Thames Valley Probation and JP Getty Charitable Trust.

PACT chief executive Jan Fishwick is delighted that Alana House has received funding for the next year.

“We are very grateful to all involved in achieving this outcome which will mean we can continue to support the 300 vulnerable women that rely on this service,” she said.

“But our efforts will continue to find more funding to be able to reach out to even more vulnerable women and ensure Alana House can continue for many years.

“We are pleased that Rob Wilson, MP for Reading East, raised awareness of the need to continue funding Alana House services in Parliament, and arranged for Helen Grant, the Minister for Justice, to visit Alana House in order to see first hand the holistic approach we take in order to address a wide variety of complex issues in order to help transform the lives of hundreds of local women.”

“Alana House is the only service of its kind in the area, and brings a value of over £35.1m of economic or social benefit from a project which only costs £175,000 per annum to run (according to a report by Baker Tilly and the Cass Business School into the Social Return on Investment (SROI) for Alana House).”

And the centre will continue to receive support from the town – Matt Rodda,

Rob Wilson and Helen Grant (centre) with Alana House staff. The MP has pledged ongoing support to the centre a Katesgrove Councillor and Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Reading East, will be taking part in Reading’s Half Marathon to raise funds for Alana House.

Rob Wilson is delighted that Alana House has been granted the funding.

“This is good news,” he said. “I have fought extremely hard to continue funding for Alana House and we achieved a great result for the centre and for the women who turn to them in their time of need.”

Cllr Matt Rodda, a member of the Labour party, is also pleased that the centre’s work will continue.

“Alana House carries out vital work

v What is Alana House?

Alana House is a community project run by PACT (Parents and Children Together) that addresses the needs of women already involved, or at risk of becoming involved, with the criminal justice system.

It aims to address issues that lead to repeat offending by supporting women to identify and address their key areas of vulnerability.

stopping vulnerable women getting sucked into crime and I am delighted resources have been found to help it carry on for another year,” he said. “But I do think the onus is now on Rob Wilson and the Government to continue the funding into the future. It would be a tragedy if an important centre like this had to close after just one more year.

“Funding from charitable trusts and other bodies may help but ultimately the £170,000 a year cost of Alana House is too great for charities to cover on their own.”

Mr Wilson has pledged his support to ensure that Alana House is successful.

He said: “It’s time for someone to give it some honest advice. I suppose that, as a friend, it falls to me.”

“It is important that Alana House uses the time and space to increase its own funding streams.

“With the best will in the world public money is very tight and public money is unlikely to continue to cover the bulk of its costs.

“Now the issue for Alana House is to get out there and work with potential donors to give it a financially secure future.

“I am happy to assist it.”

Councillor votes with his feet to support refuge A READING Councillor is putting his shoe leather where his mouth is when he runs the Reading Half Marathon for Alana House.

Matt Rodda, who represents Katesgrove ward where Alana House is based, is also

Labour’s candidate for Reading East.

He has been a supporter of the charity for a long time and is combining his love for running with his love for the local community.

The race takes

place on Sunday, March 17 and Matt is can’t wait to get under starters orders.

“I’m a keen runner and the Half-Marathon is something I do every year,” he said.

“It seems like a good way to raise funds for Alana House.”

Although a regular in the popular event, this will only

be the third time that the councillor has run for charity.

“I’ve raised £180 each time,” he said of his previous runs.

“I’d like to raise more this time.”

He has set up a page so you can sponsor him: log on to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ MattRodda

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Take care!

Make the most of life with Philip Keohane

Have we become a neglectful society?

Tony Atkins appeared on Countdown in 2011. He loves the game so much, he’s hoping you’ll join him for a fundraising day for Reading Samaritans on March 30

Every letter counts in Countdown contest A COUNTDOWN contestant loves the show so much that he’s staging a special fundraising tournament later this month.

Tony Atkins, who won three games when he appeared in 2011, is organising COREA – Countdown in Reading – in aid of the Reading branch of the Samaritans and is expecting contestants from across the country to take part.

“There’s quite a big amateur Countdown scene,” said Tony, explaining why people will be travelling to Woodley for the contest.

The day, which will be held at Christ Church in Woodley, will see contestants take part in an epic 15 rounds of the popular numbers and letters games.

Everyone will be able to get a chance to pick their letters and there will be seeded rounds. Organisers will welcome everyone to take part.

At the end of five heats, the best two players – based on the number of wins and total score – will take part in a tense finale.

The overall winner won’t be the only

one who can take home a prize. Organisers will be offering spot prizes and Easter gifts throughout the contest.

Entry is a minimum donation of £10, and all ages are welcome, including youngsters as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Last year’s contest saw the group raise £350 for Tools For Self Reliance, the charity chosen by Christ Church.

The contest takes place at the Crockhamwell Road church from 10am on Saturday, March 30. It will be hosted by Tony and the church’s minister, the Revd Martyn Neads. It is hoped that the lovely Samantha will be keeping score.

A lunchtime quiz is also being organised and there will be a pre-match social taking place in a local pub on the Friday evening, as well as a meal after the contest on Saturday night. v For more details or to book a place, call Tony on (0118) 926 8143 or log on to www.kisekigo.com/corea13.

UKIP gains councillor in marriage row A COUNCILLOR has switched parties in protest at the Coalition Government’s plans to introduce same-sex marriages.

David Silvester, a Henley town councillor and a member of Henley Baptist Church, wrote an open letter to the Henley Standard outlining his opposition to the policy in December. He has now left the Conservative party to join UKIP. In his letter, he said that the policy was “the straw that broke the camel’s back”.

David added: “I am not prepared to continue with a local or national party which connives its leader acting in such

a way on such an important subject to a Bible-believing Christian.”

The Christian Institute has supported him in his stance, reporting on the issue on its website. The charity has also revealed that other councillors have also quit.

Pink News reported a statement from Downing Street that re-iterated David Cameron’s support for the policy.

“He does not think the State should stop people getting married unless there are very good reasons and he sincerely believes that being gay, lesbian or bisexual is not one of them,” it said.

Norman Lamb, the Minister of State for Care and Support, recently claimed that our nation’s older people are being let down by their friends and neighbours who should help them to live independently at home.

While I found myself not in total agreement with Mr Lamb’s sentiments, the article gave me pause for thought as I considered the work we do in our community and how this might change in the future.

The reality of life nowadays is that families are far more spread out so are not necessarily living close enough to lend regular support. With longer life expectancy younger family members now have far greater numbers of elderly relatives to cope with and we have to accept that families simply can’t deal with it all.

What was interesting about Mr Lamb’s comments is that he touches on some of the ways we can help to improve the lives of our elderly citizens so they don’t get ‘pushed into care homes’ when, with the right help and support, they could remain in their own homes for longer.

Mr Lamb says the current system unnecessarily pushes some people into residential care and doesn’t always encourage them to remain in their homes. It’s where the majority of older people want to be and the cost to the country is far less.

He adds: “Give people support, some companionship, and help them maintain activity in mind and body and everyone benefits.” I couldn’t agree more.

He is calling for councils to lead the way in encouraging people to help their neighbours stay out of care by giving guidance about how they can maintain their own resilience, using friends, neighbours and their community and in that way build resilience and reduce the burden on the state. The minister called this the ‘decent society’.

At Home Instead, we fully endorse this approach. Our staff work together with the families and neighbours of our clients. We help provide the stimulation and encouragement required to enable these clients to stay in their own homes enjoying an independent lifestyle. Through helping people to carry out the basic day-to-day activities that most of us take for granted we see the benefits that this brings.

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

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v Melvyn’s walk A PURLEY man is getting ready to soothe his blisters after he walks 14 miles for a cancer charity.

Melvyn Williamson will take part in The Marsden March on Sunday, March 17, in aid of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

The fundraising event sees participants walk between the Royal Marsden’s two hospitals in Chelsea and Sutton. Last year, 3,700 took part and raised more than £1.2million.

The walk is personal – Melvyn has been a patient of the hospital for 30 years.

He said on his JustGiving fundraising page: “I’m doing a 14 mile walk for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity because I’m still alive after 30 years.”

Melvyn is also a member of St Mary’s Church in Purley. v If you want to sponsor Melvyn, log on to www. justgiving.com/MelvynWilliamson

v Pilots’ quiz night PIT your wits against some Pilots and you could help beat cancer at the same time.

Trinity Church in Lower Earley is hosting the fun quiz night on Saturday, March 16.

Starting at 7pm, all money raised will go towards Macmillan Cancer Care.

The night has been organised by the church’s Pilots group and tickets cost £5, which includes a tasty buffet.

For details, call the church office on (0118) 931 3124.

v Call for new musicians MUSICIANS who are looking for a place to play are invited to give All Saints Wokingham a try.

The church’s new director of music is looking for people of all ages and any style and playing level to get in touch.

For more details, email Richard Smith at directorofmusic@ allsaintswokingham.org.uk or leave a message at the church office (0118) 979 2797.

v New coffee club to open in Reading’s town centre VISITORS to Reading town centre will soon be able to enjoy a cuppa with their shop.

Abbey Baptist Church, behind Reading Central Library,

will hold a coffee morning on Wednesdays from April 10.

Held every week from 11am12.30pm, drinks, snacks and chat are on the menu.

Everyone is welcome and organisers encourage you to bring a friend or neighbour. v For details, call (0118) 957 2197.

Rewarding way to support Sue Ryder’s Half Marathon THE Reading Half Marathon is a great opportunity for everyone to be a winner – but it’s not just those who cross the finish line that are heroes.

With thousands of people taking part in the race there are scores of volunteers working behind the scenes to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.

And with runners taking part to raise funds for charities, it should come as no surprise that they take their fundraising seriously.

As part of this, Sue Ryder in Nettlebed has teamed up with Reward Your World, a new initiative that combines serving the community with earning reward points.

The charity, which offers respite care, has more than 100 runners taking part in the half marathon and there are hopes that they will raise £35,000 in the process. To support them, it is seeking 50 volunteers to donate their time to do everything from offering sports massages, cheering on runners and staffing the kit tents.

They will receive lunch on the day and a parking permit for the Madejski Stadium and, thanks to generous support from Henley-based chartered accountants Kench, they will also be given 5,000 Better points, which can be spent in the community or on their own rewards Linda Manson, director of Kench, is delighted that the firm is able to partner with Reward Your

Reward Your World founders Nick Crowder, Dan Gipple and Dan Girdler are helping Sue Ryder find volunteers for Reading’s Half Marathon World and Sue Ryder in this way.

“I thought the whole idea of Reward Your World is fantastic and I’m all for supporting the local community,” she said. “Sue Ryder is such a great cause.” v If you can help out, you can sign up at www.rewardyourworld.com

v Knitters can help African hospital A STITCH in time will save lives in Africa – and you're invited to help out.

The Kamuli Mission Hospital in Uganda needs knitted blanket squares to help keep its patients warm and safe.

Kind-hearted knitters are busy preparing squares so they can be shipped out next month.

Members of the Peace and Social Justice Group of The Church of the Sacred Heart in Henley are creating the squares to ensure that there are enough to send out.

The pattern sees a cast on 40 stitches using 4 ply wool and size 8 needles.

The first row is knit 4, purl 4 to the end of the row, repeated

three times. From the fifth row, it's purl 4, knit 4, repeated for three more rows. This gives a basket weave effect.

Organisers say that square sizes can vary according to the wool and the knitter, but they should be able to match up different sizes for different blankets.

And if you'd like to see what the squares could look like, a display is being held after the 10.30am mass on Sunday, March 3. They'll even have spare wool and copies of the pattern available. v For more details, call Janet Banks on (01491) 410141 or log on to www.sacredhearthenley. co.uk.

Ark Royal boss shares life on board Commodore Adrian Nance, former Captain of HMS Ark Royal, shared his story at a packed breakfast recently.

More than 100 men gathered at Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning for the event organised

by Reading Churches Men’s Group.

Adrian shared the story of the Ark Royal from the first which defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588.

In 1974, Adrian served as midshipman on the Fourth Ark and commanded the fifth some 30 years later.

Adrian shared the highs and lows of his journey as a Christian in the Royal Navy.

He also hinted that being in charge of a complex fighting machine with a complement of over 1,000 men was an enormous responsibility.

Adrian is now chief executive of Wings Like Eagles a charity that provides helicopter support to other relief agencies in countries such as Mozambique.

The next breakfast will be held at Reading Blue Coat School at 8.15am on Saturday, May 11 May. Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading will speak on Ethiopia and Berkshire – An Ongoing Conversation. v For details, call John Broady, on (0118) 954 3879.

Nick Launders

v Weekend party for 140th birthday A BIRTHDAY cake is about to have 140 candles placed on it – and you’re invted to help blow them out.

St John the Evangelist Church in Woodley is marking its 140th anniversary with a weekend of special events including a visit from nationally renowned children’s entertainer Duggie Dug Dug and a musical concert featuring the Reading Community Gospel Choir.

On Friday, March 8, children aged 11 and under are invited to enjoy a Praise Party featuring Duggie and his puppet friends.

It starts at 5pm and continues until 6.30pm.

The following evening, families can enjoy a tricks and

Duggie Dug Dug and some of his puppet friends laughs event from 7.30pm.

On Sunday, March 10, there will be a Mothering Sunday service at 10am and a Songs of Praise-style service, featuring the Reading Community Gospel Choir, from 4pm. v For more details on these events, log on to www. stjohn-woodley.com.

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An arty oasis that’s more than just a café

A

N OASIS is open on a busy Reading road – and it’s more than just a café.

Arty Giraffe is one of those places that you read about in glossy magazines and think ‘Wow! That’s amazing, I wish we had something like that here.”

Well, we do.

It has been created by Karen Lewis and Britt Bjoro, two Reading giraffes who want to help unleash everyone’s creativity.

The unique pottery painting studio offers everything from personalised gifts to hand and foot prints for little ones, coupled the chance to enjoy a cuppa and homemade cake while doing so.

Situated on Oxford Road, the natty café also runs parties for everything from hens to Brownies, can come to your home, school or workplace for a mobile session and runs regular workshops in all forms of art so that everyone can unleash their inner Rolf Harris.

The duo want people to come in and try their hand at making their own beautiful and uniquely decorated pottery item or take part in workshops led by local artists in everything from learning to draw to making jewellery.

“We try and make everything accessible,” says Karen. “Everyone can come along and create something they can be proud of.

“It’s a completely unique and memorable piece they’re creating,” she adds. “You can come in and make it, add a customised message and there will never been anything else like it.”

If all you want is just some refreshment, then Arty Giraffe is the place for you too.

Karen explains: “We use Kingdom Coffee for our café. We’re supporting a local business and we love their coffee. Our cakes and biscuits are homemade too.”

Keeping it local matters to the Arty Giraffers and that even includes its Oxford Road location.

“We wanted to be part of the Oxford Road – we love the community feel of the area,” Karen says.

Arty Giraffe is a place where you can be creative – or enjoy a relaxing cuppa and homemade cake The community loves Arty Giraffe back.

Karen says that over its three years in existence, the duo have seen relationships built up.

“We enjoy working with lots of families,” she explains. “They’ll come in with babies for a hand or foot print, then we’ll see them again at Christmas and then a few years later for parties.

“It really is a long-term relationship.”

Karen and Britt are also members of Reading Community Church. v For more details or to browse its online store, log on to www.artygiraffe.com, call (0118) 941 8683 or visit 850 Oxford Road, Reading RG30 1EL. v The café is open from Tuesday-Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.

v What’s on offer at Arty Giraffe v Pottery painting – suitable for all ages v Decopatch – a funky papercraft that’s a modern twist on traditional decoupage v Hand and footprints – perfect for capturing your baby. Chose from plaster, clay, ceramic and silver prints v Gifts – including mugs, plaques, plates and jewellery suitable for all occasions v Mother and Baby group – every

Wednesday from 11am-1pm v Workshops – Learning to draw Fridays from 1pm-5pm and Mixed Media on the first Thursday of the month from 12.30pm-2.30pm v Parties – Have a creative party at Arty Giraffe including hen, vintage tea party, baby showers, groups and children’s parties.

Arty Giraffe can come to you and take away party pack options are also available.

A place to be creative!

Pottery & Decopatch Make something unique at Arty Giraffe

Hand & Footprints Prints in plaster, clay, silver or ceramic

Parties Book a party for children or adults

For unique gifts visit us online shop.artygiraffe.co.uk 850 Oxford Road, Reading, RG30 1EL (Parking between us & The Ironing Lady) Tel: 0118 9418683 e-mail: enquiries@artygiraffe.com

www.artygiraffe.com

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v Mum’s treat GO ON, make Mum’s day – by giving her breakfast.

With Mothering Sunday falling on March 10, three Whitley churches are marking the occasion by inviting families to come together for a community breakfast.

There will be children’s activities and lots of fun.

The churches hosting the breakfasts are St Agnes, St Paul and St Barnabus and they are open to everyone. v For more details, log on to www.saintapb.org.uk.

v Make friends A COMMUNITY club meets on Fridays to help provide friendship and fellowship for people in Tilehurst.

Friday Friends offers a range of activities including dancing, film shows, craft activities, table top games, singing and tea and cakes.

It costs £3.50 each afternoon and sessions run from 2pm-4pm.

It takes place at St Catherine of Siena church in Wittenham Avenue. v For details, log on to www. stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk.

Her Majesty to present Maundy Money at Christ Church, Oxford IT WILL be a very happy and memorable Easter for almost 200 pensioners from across the region – they will be receiving Maundy Money.

Her Majesty the Queen will be heading to Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford to take part in the annual presentation, which this year sees 87 men and 87 women receive Maundy coins.

Each is an elderly person who will be recognised for their service to the community and church, and are residents of Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire.

The service takes place on Maundy Thursday – March 28 – and is an institution that dates back centuries. Since the 15th Century, the number of coins handed out and the number of recipients has been related to the Sovereign’s age.

An annual tradition, the service begins with a reading of John 13:34: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Anthems are also sung, concluding with Handel’s coronation anthem Zadok the Priest.

Two purses are given to each recipient – a white purse containing 87p in Maundy coins and a red purse containing a £5 coin and a 50pence piece.

Traditionally struck from sterling silver, the coins still bear the original portrait of Her Majesty created by Mary Gillick for her Coronation in 1953.

This will be the first time that the ceremony has been held in Oxford and the Cathedral’s staff are looking forward to their extra special Easter guest.

The Dean of Christ Church the Very Revd Christopher Lewis, says: "It is great news that Her Majesty is coming to Oxford's Cathedral for this profound service is recognised. Maundy Thursday is the day when we remember Jesus washing his disciples' feet and sharing his last meal with them, so the Queen’s visit will be a central part of the way in which we mark the day.”

ROUND-UP

More ways to make it a Happy Easter v Churches Together in Reading is holding its usual Easter Sunday morning service

at the bandstand in the Forbury Gardens at 8am on Sunday, March 31.

It will be led by Michael Penny, chair of Churches Together in Reading, and the hymns and songs will be accompanied by Reading Central Salvation Army Band.

Graeme Fairbairn of Wycliffe Baptist Church will be offering the prayers and the Revd Paul Burnish of Abbey Baptist Church will deliver a short sermon.

Abbey will be the venue if wet and also, rain or shine, will provide refreshments after the service.

“It is always a fantastic time,” said Michael Penny.

“This is high spot in the Christian calendar and everyone is so upbeat and the singing is terrific.

“Everyone is welcome to join us – the more the merrier.” v IF YOU have a head for heights and like towering over everyone, then a Sonning fun day should be marked in your diary now.

St Andrew’s Church in Sonning is holding its annual

Easter Saturday event, which includes the opportunity to climb the church tower and see the spectacular view of the Thames Valley countryside.

The afternoon of fun will also include an Easter egg hunt, a free community barbecue, family games to enjoy and a parish walk.

For more details, log on to www.sonningparish.org.uk. v A DONKEY will take to the streets of Reading for a Palm Sunday procession.

The traditional walk from St Bartholomew’s Church to St Luke’s Church in Erleigh Road will start at 10am and end at 10.30am.

All are welcome to join in the event, which recreates the moment when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.

The churches will also hold a series of special events in the run up to Easter Sunday.

On Maundy Thursday St Luke’s will hold a mass followed by a prayer vigil from 8pm to midnight. On Good Friday, it will hold a devotional service from 2pm.

St Bart’s will hold an Easter Fire service from 8pm on Holy Saturday.

For more details, log on to www.lukeandbart.org.uk. v Abbey Baptist Church is planning a Tenebrae Service to mark Good Friday.

It will be held at the church in Reading town centre.

A tenebrae service focuses on the events of the first Easter and sees candles being extinguished while Psalms and reflective readings are made.

All are welcome to the service, which starts at 7.30pm. v A similar service will take place at St Barnabus Church in Emmer Green from 8pm on Maunday Thursday, March 28. v AN EASTER vigil will take place at a Reading town centre church later this month.

St Giles-in-Reading in Southampton Street is hosting several special services starting with a Gethsemane Watch service on Maundy Thursday. Starting with a mass at 8pm, the service recollects the events of the

Maundy coin picture: Wehwalt/Wikipedia

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EASTER

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11

Good deeds build up The Happiness Tree HAPPINESS is said to be the greatest gift that we possess and Wokingham people are looking forward to proving it this Easter.

However, they won’t be wielding tickling sticks to spread joy. Instead, they’ve got batons. And come Good Friday, the well-travelled wooden batons will be brought to the Market Place to form The Happiness Tree, an integral part of a new community play.

Seventy batons were given out on Valentine’s Day. Recipients were challenged to do a good deed, record it on the baton and then pass it on.

It is hoped that by Good Friday, 700 good deeds will have been carried out throughout Wokingham.

The tree’s creation – a bit like the creation of the Olympic Flame in last year’s Opening Ceremony – will be just part of a special community play that’s been concocted by Stage-Fright’s artistic director Michael Johnson.

Titled HeartBeat – The Rhythm of Love, the play features actors drawn

night before Jesus died. After the 90-minute mass, the church will hold the watch until midnight.

On Good Friday, it will hold a service at 3pm that marks the day when Jesus died on the Cross.

A vigil will be held from 9pm on Holy Saturday. This service starts by celebrating new life by kindling a new fire, symbolising the Light that Christ brought to the world.

Then, on Easter Sunday, it will welcome you to a parish mass at 10.30am and 6pm. v BURGHFIELD residents can mark Easter at St Mary’s Church. Throughout Holy Week, it will hold a worship service at 8pm. At 2pm on Good Friday it will hold An Hour At The Cross.

A Messy Church for families will be held on Holy Saturday at 3.30pm, while on Easter Sunday, it holds an Easter Vigil at 6.30am, followed by communion at 7am and a celebration at 10am.

For more details, log on to www.stmarysburghfield.org. v CHILDREN are invited to come and learn more about making the Easter Garden at a special Easter service at an Earley church.

from all parts of the community, including schools and churches. And there’s even a place for you if you want to get involved as Stage-Fright will be holding a number of workshops for aspiring actors – with or without any previous acting experience.

Michael is keen to stress that everyone is welcome.

“It’s important that it’s a community play,” he said. “We’ve had support from several churches. Some have given

St Nicolas, in Sutcliffe Avenue, is holding the service at noon on Good Friday.

It is also holding a Watchnight Service on Maundy Thursday from 8pm and a Great Easter Liturgy service on Holy Saturday from 8.30pm.

us free rehearsal space, some have given us financial support, some are volunteering as stewards, some arrive at dawn on the day to build the stage.

“Some local businesses want to support it in one way or another and local schools are coming along too.

“There’s still time for you to get involved.”

Michael says that because it is a real community effort, the play is evolving into something very special.

“The theme is developing,” he said. “We’re tweaking the traditional Good Friday story to incorporate The Happiness Tree.”

The batons have been created by local woodworker Nigel Griffiths and the idea came from Gwynneth Hewetson of More Arts Wokingham.

Events on Good Friday start with hot cross buns at the Baptist Church in Milton Road at 11am, before a procession will go from the church to the open-air stage.

The play starts at noon and the

The cost is £2 per child and refreshments provided.

Tickets will available in advance or on the day. For details, log on to www. greyfriars.org.uk.

v CHURCHES in Tilehurst will be making a point of converging on The Triangle for an annual Good Friday service.

Starting at noon, many churches will make their way to the public space with a walk of witness from 11.30am.

In the afternoon, the churches will hold a joint service at Tilehurst’s United Reformed Church from 3pm.

v CAVERSHAM HEIGHTS Methodist Church is planning to open its doors during Holy Week for those who wish to reflect and pray.

It will be creating meditation stations in the building so that visitors can come in and spend time in quiet contemplation.

It will be open from 10am on Wednesday, March 27 and Thursday, March 28, and from 2pm-5pm on Good Friday.

v Greyfriars in Reading town centre will hold a special Good Friday family event at 10am.

It will be an interactive time to reflect on the final days of Jesus. Activities will include storytelling, crafts and refreshments.

Earlier in the week, it will be holding an Easter egg hunt for under fives.

Starting at 2pm on Saturday, March 23, it will take place in its Day Nursery Garden.

There will lots of fun and a chance to win chocolate or non-chocolate prizes.

v MEMBERS of churches in Kidmore End and Sonning Common will mark Easter with a series of special events.

On Maundy Thursday, a sung eucharist at St John The Baptist, Kidmore End will commemorate the Last Supper. The service, which includes incense, starts at 8pm.

The two churches will hold a Good Friday Procession of Witness from the car park of Christ The King from 10am.

Then, at 2pm, a service will be held at St John’s.

experience will be finished by 1pm.

Regardless of the weather, the show must go on, as Michael promised: “Rain or shine, we’ll be celebrating Good Friday in the Market Place.” v For more details, log on to stagefright.org.uk or www.morearts.org.uk

v Get involved

Stage-Fright are holding a number of one-day workshops so everyone has a chance to get involved. All venues are in Wokingham. v Saturday, March 16 – Baptist Church, 11am-5pm v Sunday, March 17 – Salvation Army Hall, 2.30pm-5.30pm v Saturday, March 23 – JAC PAD, 11am-5pm vS unday, March 24 – Methodist Church, 2.30pm-5.30pm vM onday, March 25 – Community choir event. Woosehill Community Church, 7pm-9pm

For more details, call the church on (0118) 972 3987. v CHURCHES in the Theale area will be teaming up for a Good Friday procession of Witness.

St Mark’s Englefield, St Luke’s and Holy Trinity in Theale will take part in the procession.

It leaves Holy Trinity at noon and proceeds along the High Street and then towards

St Luke’s Church where refreshments will be served.

Holy Trinity Church will also host An Hour at the Cross from 2pm on Good Friday.

The night before, the Long Gallery in Englefield will be the venue for a joint churches celebration of the Maundy Thursday Passover meal followed by communion.

For more details, log on to www.stmarksenglefield.org.uk.

The Will of God Past and Present Michael Penny & William Henry This book follows The Will of God from Genesis to Revelation, paying special attention to where it changes.

In the New Testament it £8.75 from carefully distinguishes between Greyfriars Bookshop God’s will for Jews and God’s will and from for Gentiles. Often it is the same; but not always.

The Open Bible Trust, Having done this, what has Fordland Mount, been discovered is then applied to Upper Basildon, the issues of the 21st Century.

Reading, RG8 8LU

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Cheques payable to ‘The Open Bible Trust’

12

News

March 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

v Voting intention

Pampering fun marks International Women’s Day

HOW would Jesus vote?

That’s the hot potato that will be asked by a church in Caversham later this month.

It will be tackled at a special Enhancing Evensong event which will be held at St Peter’s Church on Sunday, March 17. The rector, the Revd Dan Tyndall, will share his thoughts on the matter which has been suggested by members of the public.

Everyone is welcome and it starts at 6.30pm. v For details, visit www. stpetercaversham.org.uk.

PAMPERING, Bollywood dancing, sugar craft and fun will be on the agenda for a special celebration of women later this month.

East Reading Children’s Centre, Reading College and Berkshire Women’s Aid are teaming up for the day-long party which marks International Women’s Day.

v Tikka to raise A CHICKEN tikka from Shinfield will help disadvantaged children in India.

Kind-hearted curry eaters will be gathering on Saturday, March 9 to raise funds for CHIT (Children’s Homes In India). The charity, based in Bapatia, has been supported by members of St Mary’s Church in Shinfield for the past six years and there have been regular visits to see the work first hand.

The curry night will be held in the church hall from 6.30pm and tickets cost £5.

There will also be some nonspicy dishes to enjoy. v For more details, call Pauline Stanton-Saringer on (0118) 988 3363.

v Music marafun NON-STOP music is on the scales when a marathon with a difference returns to Woodley.

Held in support of the Rebuild South Africa charity, Woodley Baptist Church’s 24 hour Music Marathon aims to showcase a wide variety of music over a single day.

As well as the tunes, there will also be an art gallery featuring work created by local artists, some of which will be available to purchase.

Refreshments will be served and there will be other surprises to enjoy too.

It will take place from Friday, April 26 to Saturday, April 27. v For more details, log on to www.woodleybc.org.

Starting at 10am on Monday, March 11, entry is free. There will be the opportunity for guests to get some make-up advice, enjoy some manicures, henna and shoulder and head massages and take part in workshops in sugar crafting and Bollywood dance.

Children are also welcome and the

Play Rangers will be in attendance from 10am-11.30am.

Pampering sessions cost £1.50 each and lunch is £2.50 or £1.50 for children.

The event is being held at The Warehouse in East Reading.

For more details, call Nusrat on (0118) 929 9911.

Early Years off to a great start as Mayor opens new building YOUNGSTERS at a Reading school are being given the best possible start to their education thanks to a new purpose-built Early Years Centre.

The new building, in the grounds of St Joseph’s College, was officially opened by Reading’s Mayor, Cllr Jenny Rynn, at a special ceremony on Wednesday, February 13.

The whole school braved the wintry weather to attend the ceremony and hear addresses from Grace Hope, Head of Preparatory School, Cllr Rynn and Tom Nickson, Chair of Governors.

The Mayor said she was pleased to be able to cut the ribbon to the centre, officially opening it – and for the opportunities that the centre presents to its pupils.

“I am delighted to be here at the opening of the Early Years Centre,” she said.

“The children can enjoy a healthy environment with their own enclosed garden in which to play. Everything has been thought out to teach our young people – from creative play,

Grace Hope, Reading Mayor Cllr Jenny Rynn and Tom Nickson open the new Early Years centre at St Joseph’s College in Reading

artwork, music and singing.”

Cllr Ryan cut the ribbon and officially opened the Centre to applause from the school’s community of pupils, staff, parents, governors and representatives Alan Heywood and Neil Blow from the Centre’s contractors, Builtoffsite, along with Neil Hollings of Howdens and Philip Voke from Voke Interiors.

Cllr Rynn was presented with a basket of flowers by two Early Years pupils, Cooper White and Ysabelle Lim, and

a watercolour print of the College’s historic building, Broad Oak by Year 5 pupils Niamh Whitby and Shivank Khare.

Mrs Hope explained how the Centre has fulfilled her aspirations for a new, dedicated facility to accommodate the school’s three- to five-year-olds.

She said: “We are delighted to be able to provide an Early Years Centre of such high quality to our youngest children.

“The focus of Early Years teaching is on active learning and play, encouraging the children to work and play together as they are gently incorporated into school life, and the new Centre is thoughtfully equipped to provide the very best introduction to a lifetime love of learning.” v St Joseph’s is an independent Catholic school for boys and girls aged three to 18. For more details, log on to www. st-josephs.reading.sch.uk.

Home side scoops trophy at tasty Tool Supper THE look of a winner! Peter Siggery from Crowthorne Baptist Church collects a trophy from Tools With A Mission’s Martin Humphries.

It was given by the Thames Valley Baptist Men’s Movement at its annual Tools Supper, held at the Crowthorne church on Tuesday, February 19.

More than 50 people from a range of churches came along for the meal, bringing with them tools and other donations for the charity. They will be refurbished and sent out to countries that need them.

The supper was also a chance to

celebrate the official opening of the Donald Gray Training Centre/Workshop in Kampala, Uganda. It was funded by a legacy from the well-known owner of Gray’s Farm, who passed away two years ago.

Organiser David Garrod – a member of Wokingham Baptist Chuch – said: “Several members of Donald’s family were with us for the evening and [son] Peter presented a cheque for over £380 from collections at Gray’s Farm. It is great that Donald’s vision and inspiration live on!

“Several other cheques for the work of TWAM were also presented.”

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Wokingham celebrates Xn’s first year CHURCHES in Wokingham helped Xn celebrate its first birthday at a special Faith In The Community evening last month.

Church leaders, projects and community groups gathered at the Cantley Lodge Hotel in Wokingham on Thursday, February 21 for the special networking event.

After a meal, Faith In The Community invited projects to give updates on their work.

Taking part where the Wokingham Area Schools Work Trust, JAC, The Link visiting scheme and Early Days, a new organisation that aims to help recycle baby clothes and equipment.

A birthday cake was also presented to Xn’s editor, Phil Creighton and his wife Judith.

Phil took the opportunity to thank those gathered for

Members of Faith In The Community with Xn editor, Phil Creighton and his wife Judith, as they celebrate the magazine’s first birthday

the support they had given Xn over the past year, helping to share the magazine and support it as it moves to selffinancing.

Speaking afterwards, Phil added: “We’re thrilled at how

communities have responded to having their own magazine,” Phil said.

“We’re looking forward to doing more of the same this year.

“But we would really value

Tilly gets ready to climb a mountain A YOUNGSTER from Pangbourne is looking forward to hanging around in the Easter holidays.

But don’t worry, it’s all for a very good cause.

Twelve-year-old Tilly Beckett, who attends St Andrew’s School in Pangbourne, will climb the height of Mount Kilimanjaro without leaving Berkshire.

The mountain is 5,895m high and to recreate the distance, Tilly will have to visit Reading Climbing Centre and go up and down the walls 120 times every day for a week.

“That’s gotta hurt,” said an excited Tilly, who will be undertaking the epic climb to raise funds for Grace Christian School in South Africa.

And to help get Tilly started, she’s already raised £350 in sponsorship.

your support now to help secure our future.

“We welcome more advertising and are very grateful for the gifts to enable Xn to help connect communities.”

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v Xn helps you raise funds

YOU have helped raise another fantastic donation for Yeldall Manor.

For every job booked through his advert in Xn, carpetman Ted Callaghan donates 5% to Yeldall Manor.

He is about to write out another cheque for £258.10, thanks to recent completed jobs, including a refurbishment of the CCA shop in Reading (see page 16).

“They had several quotes of which I was most competitive so people are getting a good deal as well as Yeldall benefitting,” said Ted. And now, another advertiser is matching the offer.

Carpet cleaner Antony George will donate 5% to Great Ormond Street Hospital if you book a job through his Xn advert. v Trades directory page 24

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Saxons calling SAXONS resulted in all kinds of funny angles as they entertained at a barn dance.

Live music from Saxon Drain helped more than 60 people master intricate dance patterns within circle, square or long sets for barn dancing.

And, at half-time, all the happy dancers were able to get some energy back by tucking into a fish and chip supper.

The fun was organised by the two Parish Churches of Finchampstead and California and took place on Saturday,

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February 9 at California’s Ratepayers Hall.

The annual barn dance is a popular feature in the Parish’s social calendar, and Saxon Drain have been providing music at event over a number of years.

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BUSINESS

March 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

BUSINESS

Supporting the local economy together

It’s tins and hymns as store opens in church MELINDA MESSENGER swapped dodgy building work for quality building work so she could officially open a new village store.

The Beech Hill Shop, which specialises in local goods where possible, was opened by the star on Saturday, February 16.

As well as a visit by Melinda, the opening day included the opportunity to meet local food suppliers and sample some of the shop’s produce. Daily papers are on sale too.

The shop’s owners want to ensure that it is modelled on a traditional village store, packed not just with great fresh produce, but friendly, smiling faces too.

Local businesses will benefit from the store’s philosophy of serving fresh and local goods and shoppers win too as they are promised competitive pricing with some products being even cheaper than a supermarket and most goods being cheaper than the average convenience store.

Even more surprising is the store’s location: it’s in Beech Hill’s St Mary The Virgin Church.

The church is still functioning as a normal church: thanks to a clever design created by local company Kingsmen Builders, the store can be quickly packed away to re-open the church as a worship space.

The store is staffed by volunteers led by full-time manager Sam Moore.

Volunteers are always welcome to take part in short shifts to ensure the shop can stay open.

It is open from 7.30am to 6pm weekdays and from 8am to 12.30pm on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.

Funding for the start-up phase of the store has come from grants and the National Lottery.

The Plunkett Foundation has also provided support. v The store’s website has more details about its suppliers, www.thevillage shopatbeechhill.co.uk

Earley Town Mayor, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, cuts the ribbon of the new Earley True Food Co-Op market, held at Trinity Church on Saturdays

Tasty, true and local food WITH ingredients in the news due to the horsemeat crisis, a local organic superstore opening in Earley could be the answer.

The TrueFood Co-operative is a travelling market that has opened a new branch at Trinity Church in Earley. Run by volunteers, the not-forprofit organisation offers a complete range of groceries including organic wholefoods, local fresh fruit and vegetables and organic meat and dairy products.

Held on Saturdays from noon to 3pm, the market’s official opening was conducted by Earley Town Mayor, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen.

The Revd Jon Salmon said: “The market organisers really like Trinity as a venue and it’s been great to welcome Chris and his team from TrueFood.

“Please do come and see the market in action, and there is plenty of scope to volunteer too.”

Jon is one of the volunteers who help with the checkout process and setting the market up.

“It is fun – though I was a bit nervous dealing with the few customers’ bank cards,” he added.

The aim of the co-op is to provide the community with ready access to good, organic, ethical food through a volunteering system that involves many people in the community.

As well as the Trinity market, there are markets at Wesley Methodist on Wednesdays, Wycliffe Baptist Church on Thursdays and the Silverdale Centre in Earley on Fridays, all from 5pm-8.15pm. It also has a store in Grove Road, Emmer Green. v www.truefood.coop or (0118) 946 1188.

Take time out to listen AN OPPORTUNITY to take some time out to just listen is up for grabs later this month.

St John the Baptist Church in Crowthorne is hosting a Spiritual Direction course that aims to help people support and encourage others to attend to and respond to God. It does this through a number of methods, including encouraging us to become aware of the sacred within the ordinary events of life, have an opportunity to share with God doubts, feelings and questions and also look to experience a grace-full life.

During the day, people will have a chance to talk with someone else who will be

able to listen to participants impartially and nonjudgmentally.

Two sessions will be held on Tuesday, March 12.

The first takes place from 9.45am to noon, the second from 7.45pm-10pm. Both sessions start with coffee and include a mixture of talks, discussions and sessions.

The day has been organised by members of the Spiritual Direction Network for Oxford, Berks and Bucks (SPI-DIR) and everyone is welcome.

For more information, or to book a place, contact Hazel Berry on (01344) 772578 or email hazelaberry@btinternet. com.

n ts ct oi p! lle erP n u A’ Co tt ig 03 Be u s ‘XN 00 yo e 10 hen cod w e Us

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News

March 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

We all want to live better, do better and make a difference in our communities and beyond. Reward Your World is a new community reward programme designed to help us all do better together. Sign up now to collect 1000 BetterPoints to help you get started.

How it works You already shop, you give, you care about your community and the world you live in ...

Reward Your World brings it all together!

We enable you to earn BetterPoints for doing what you already do. You can reward yourself with your BetterPoints, or donate to local, community organisations as well as national and international charities.

You can receive BetterPoints by volunteering for local projects and causes you care about. From redecorating the youth centre, to planting trees - your time can make all the difference in the world.

Another way you can earn BetterPoints is to go shopping, just like you normally do, at all your favourite places - online and soon even offline in the high street.

Well, there’s nothing wrong with a little ‘metime’ and this is where you get to spend your BetterPoints on things for you and your family.

Feature Project Reading Half Marathon 17th March 2013

Sue Ryder is proud to be an official charity again for the Reading Half Marathon.

Volunteer now by going to www.rewardyourworld.com!

From the local school building fund, to new equipment for the sports centre, you can spend your BetterPoints to support a host of local causes and organisations.

We all know there are people and places, near and far which need a helping hand. This is where your BetterPoints can be donated to registered charities.

Contact us

www.rewaryourworld.com Tel: 01491 845435

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NEWS

March 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

Volunteers give CCA a makeover IN A makeover that would make Changing Rooms’ Carol Smilie smile, a charity store now has a bold new look.

More than 30 volunteers, many from local churches, got their hands dirty to refurbish CCA’s charity shop in Oxford Road, Reading.

“It was in need of a face lift,” explained CCA’s Mireille Haviland. “The volunteers cleared and packed away stock, prepared, plastered and painted walls, put up new shop fittings and gave the shop a new image.

“We now have a seating area for customers so they can come in and chat to us or each other and the shop is much more open, brighter and it smells wonderful.”

The carpets were fitted by Xn advertiser Ted Callaghan and, due to his offer to donate 5% of every job booked through Xn to Yeldall Manor, his work has helped two local charities.

“We would like to thank all the volunteers who gave their time so generously,” Mireille added.

Thames Valley Housing provided CCA with a grant of £500 to help fund the refurbishment and Reading Family

Church paid £800 for the new counter.

There will be an official re-opening ceremony on Friday, March 8 at 10am, where Reading West MP Alok Sharma will cut the ribbon and the shop will have a half-price sale and refreshments.

The Oxford Road store is one of four shops that provide clothing and household goods at affordable prices.

There is also a pre-used furniture store on Silver Street. v From 10am on Tuesday March 5, Local Giving.com have released a new pot of matched funding. When a new supporter signs up to giving monthly to CCA through the Local Giving Website, they will match donations up to £10 per month for a whole year.

For details, contact Mireille Haviland by calling (0118) 951 2336 or email mireille@ccam.org.uk.

MPs back bid to end A NEW campaign to reduce global poverty has been launched and it has been given a thumbs up by people from across the Thames Valley.

The IF Campaign aims to tackle the issue that, across the world, 1 in 8 people go to bed hungry. Around 100 leading charities, including Christian Aid, Oxfam and Tearfund plus churches including The Church of England, The Methodist Church and The Salvation Army, are organising the campaign.

A local launch took place in Reading, where local MPs Rob Wilson and Alok Sharma joined the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, to sign up and share stories about the campaign.

Held outside St Laurence Church in Reading’s town centre on Friday, January 25, it saw Bishop Andrew, who spent nine years of his ministry working in Ethiopia, share some of his experiences of what life can be like for people living in poverty.

Bishop Andrew encouraged the crowd outside the church, saying that together we can make a difference and build on the success of the Make Poverty History campaign.

Rob and Alok are supporting the campaign. Rob wanted to draw attention to the scandal of food waste, a contributing factor to the global problem of food shortage. He spoke briefly about his involvement with an innovative local project to use the fruit gown in local gardens, parks and allotments to produce fruit juice, jams and other projects.

“The IF campaign is a very important and meaningful campaign,” the Reading East MP added afterwards.

“I understand that hunger kills more people than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined and that one in eight people in the world go to bed hungry each night, these are shocking facts and change is needed.

“I will be keeping an eye on the progress

of the IF campaign and paying special attention to this year’s G8 summit in Britain’.

Alok said: “There is enough food in the world to feed everyone, yet nearly one billion people go to bed hungry every night. It is right that we act to change this and the Prime Minister reconfirmed in Parliament that the UK will be meeting the commitment we made to spend 0.7% of our gross national income on aid.

“Assisting countries to help them become self-sufficient and grow their economies is ultimately in our interest as this will lead to new markets for British companies in emerging countries.”

Plans are being made for a major rally

Get ready to celebrate Fairtrade GLOBAL food issues are on the agenda thanks to Fairtrade Fortnight.

Organised by the Fairtrade Foundation, it encouarages people to enjoy a fairer way of shopping by buying products with the Fairtade mark.

The mark ensures that developingworld producers receive a fair and stable price for their produce, which covers their production costs and includes a premium to be reinvested either in the business or in social and environmental schemes.

Many groups in the area are organising events during the fortnight, which runs until March 10.

A Big Brew was hosted by St Barnabus Church in Whitley on Saturday, March 2.

As well as the refreshments, the church welcomed Jackie Oversby, the Reading co-ordinator of the World Development Movement.

On Sunday, March 3, many churches will hold fair-trade stalls, offering everything from breakfast cereal to beautiful necklaces. Taking part are St John’s Church in Caversham and Park URC, East Reading.

A tea tasting session will be held at RISC, London Street, Reading on

NEWS

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | March 2013

world food poverty IF supporters (from left) Alok Sharma, MP for Reading West, Bishop Andrew, Mayor Reading Cllr Jenny Rynn and Rob Wilson, MP for Reading East at the launch of the IF campaign.

The two MPs signed up to support the campaign (below)

Send for the Church Inspector!

HAVE you ever watched The Hotel Inspector and wondered what would happened if she checked in to your church?

An exciting new project aims to do just that – but making it a positive experience that will benefit not just the church, but also the wider community.

Bricks and Mortals has just been launched by Catherine Matthews, a member of Argyle Community Church in West Reading.

The service, which starts with a free consultation, aims to take churches on a journey of discovery that will help them focus more on their local communities and make their buildings more accessible to outsiders.

“It’s a way of leading churches to focus on their mission in the community, and how best to serve them,” she said.

“I’ll start by looking at what a church is already doing in terms of outreach in the community and whether it’s working for them.

“We’ll then investigate what the community actually needs. That varies for every church.

“We’re finding out about what the community’s needs are and then turn it into things that the church can help with.”

But there’s no chance that Catherine

will turn into a spiky host just like the Hotel Inspector or Mary, Queen of Shops.

“My role is to facilitate things so that the churches can see the benefits for themselves. It’s a very positive experience.”

Catherine set up Bricks and Mortals after helping out with the redevelopment work of Argyle Community Church – which has seen the fellowship link up with the local pub to host communityminded events.

“I think churches are a bit behind the curve about how they present themselves to the outside world,” she said, adding that she hopes Bricks and Mortals will help change that.

“The service will have real, positive benefits to churches that use it,” she said. “It will help churches have a more usable environment that will benefit the community.”

And with that free initial consultation, there’s clearly nothing to lose by getting in touch with Catherine and seeing how Bricks and Mortals can help your church be a vital part of the local community. v For more details, call Catherine on (0118) 962 3726 or email bricksandmortals@virginmedia.com.

Is your Church building a

Millstone or a

Springboard? in London in June and churches are encouraging readers to contact their local MP to encourage them to support the campaign. A draft letter is available

from www.enoughfoodif.org.

For more information or to get involved with the IF campaign visit www. enoughfoodif.org

with a fortnight of great events Tuesday, March 5. It’s a chance to taste unusual teas with tangerine and spices, cinnamon and orange, caramel and cocoa. Just turn up between noon and 2.30pm.

In the evening, students at Reading University will hold a Fairtrade bake-off in the chaplaincy.

On Friday, March 8, another Big Brew will be held at St John Bosco Church in Woodley from 10am-noon.

The following day sees a tasting session of Fairtrade products at Oxfam in Market Place, Reading from 10amnoon. Comics, including Red Dwarf’s

Hattie Hayridge, will give a comedy night at RISC from 7pm.

Trinity Church in Chalfont Close, Earley, will host a Mothering Sunday Big Brew from 11am on Sunday, March 10, while on Friday, March 15, students at the universary can enjoy an ice cream night at Café Mondial in the Students Union.

Throughout the fortnight there is an exhibition of Ethiopian Artefacts at RISC and the Civic Offices in Reading hosts a taster of goods from RISC’s World Shop. v For more details, log on to www. readingfairtrade.org.uk.

17

Church mission is all about people, yet your building has a huge impact on your ministry, for better or worse For a free Church building health check Contact Bricks and Mortals 0118 9623726 bricksandmortals@virginmedia.com

18

News

March 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

v Newbold’s bold new look

Newbold College in Binfield has refreshed its visual identity, and has a new name – Newbold College of Higher Education.

It is supported by a new strapline: Life Changing – Faith Affirming.

The changes don’t stop there: it has launched a new, more flexible and futurestudent oriented website.

“We are passionate about energising the identity of Newbold with our Church stakeholders and communities throughout Europe and beyond,” said Dr Philip Brown, Principal of the College said.

“Our new strapline articulates what our alumni and students repeatedly say, for them, captures the essence of their Newbold experience.”

Newbold College of Higher Education attracts students from over 60 countries.

v Tidy Tilehurst A CORNER of Tilehurst will be given a spring spruce-up later this month.

The Neighbourhood Wardens and members of Cornwell Community Church will be taking part in a litter pick on Saturday, March 23.

Starting at 10am and running until noon, organisers are hoping you’ll join them to keep Tilehurst tidy. To take part, simply turn up at The Cornwell Centre, Home Croft. v For more details, log on to cornwellcommunitychurch. blogspot.co.uk

v Lovely night out VALENTINE’S DAY was the perfect opportunity for an evening with a heart.

Christ Church URC in Henley-on-Thames hosted a special music night to raise funds for its ongoing redevelopment fund.

It featured dancing to music from jazz musician Ken Fitt, some tasty refreshments and a raffle.

v Make friends with Stoke Row WEDNESDAY night is friendship night – and you’re invited to join in.

Stoke Row Independent Chapel hosts a monthly social evening during the winter months.

Each evening features guest speakers who can share their knowledge about a variety of topics.

Called Wednesday Night @ Eight, the evening starts at 8pm and is held in the Chapel.

v Walking boots welcomed

The next event takes place on March 13, where the guest speaker will be Withymead Nature Reserve’s expert Keith Tomey. The beauty spot is situated between Goring-onThames and South Stoke and home to much wildlife.

On April 10, the Newlands Lane chapel will hold a quiz night with a fish and chip supper. v For more details, log on to www.stokerowchapel.org.uk.

IF YOUR boots are made for walking, you’re invited to join a monthly group that likes going at the gentle pace.

The Reading Central Salvation Army walking group will be launching its 2013 programme with a walk on Thursday, March 21, and welcomes newcomers.

Each walk, held on alternate third Thursdays and Saturdays until November, starts at 10.15am and will finish by 1pm.

April’s walk takes place on Saturday, April 20, May’s walk will be on Thursday, May 23.

The group publishes details of its walks in advance and are planned to avoid long and steep climbs and take in good paths. Each walk is around 4½ miles long. v For more details, log on to www.readingcentral.org.uk or call Michael Bennett on (0118) 984 4818.

The Links effect is a good one!

A small churchbased befriending project which started in Woodley in 1998, is beginning to have a national impact as a means of addressing social isolation among older people.

The Link Visiting Scheme has been operating as a partnership between 30 churches and other agencies across Wokingham Borough since 2007 when the Council also began funding the initiative.

The scheme has since registered as a charity and there are now 140 people receiving weekly visits from a volunteer visitor.

The charity also runs a variety of other projects such as Understanding Computers courses, Pie and Pint Clubs (mainly for isolated older men), Singing Groups and Bowls Clubs.

Over recent years, others have been inspired to establish similar projects in other areas through their experience of The Link Visiting Scheme, and projects have now been set up in Henley (Henley

v Tilehurst youngsters enjoy a sleepover Very happy customers … young children who took part in a Big Sleepover event A REQUEST to do this every week came from one very satisfied participant of The Big Sleepover.

Young members of Tilehurst Methodist Church took part in the national initiative that aims to provide a space for children and young people to improve their life satisfaction and wellbeing, to feel fully part of the church and community.

During the event, held at the church over the weekend of February 16-17, children took part in baking, finger puppet making, played games and discussed The Big Puzzle of God. They even had a midnight feast.

Organiser Abi Uzzell said: “It went really well.”

Good Neighbours), Sunderland and Reading (Engage Befriending).

More coordinated efforts are now being made to develop partnerships with other churches around the UK that may be interested in setting up a befriending project in their community and the model of The Link Visiting Scheme is being made available through training and use of resources initiated in the Wokingham area.

A further 15 churches in Essex, London, Kent and Berkshire are currently proceeding towards setting up projects in their areas including partnerships in Burghfield/Mortimer and Theale. v For further details about the charity’s work in Wokingham area, contact Marjie Walker by calling 07513 020784 or emailing marjie@linkvisiting.org. v For information about national developments, contact Jeremy Sharpe on 07970 100131 or Jeremy@linkvisiting.org.

v Focus on peace and reconciliation A MESSANIC Jewish believer who is passionate about reconciliation across the Middle East will be sharing his experiences at a special oneday celebration held later this month.

At The Crossroads of The Middle East is being organised

by CMJ, the Church’s Minstry Among Jewish People and will see Michel Kerem and his son Josef share stories of how they have been working across Israel and the Middle East.

As well as serving Messianic congregations in Irsael, he helped organise At The Crossroads, a meeting of pastors from Jewish and Palestinian backgrounds and countries all around Israel, including Turkey, Kurdistan and

North Africa.

During the day, there will be workshops, seminars and family sessions. A special stream for children and teenagers will be organised – places should be booked in advance.

It takes place at Christ Church in Virginia Water on Saturday, March 16. The day event starts at 10.30am and runs to 4.30pm. An evening celebration will be held from 7.30pm.

CMJ is one of the nine Anglican Missionary Societies.

It works across denominations and works in both the UK and Israel. v For more details, call the organiser Jane Moxon on 01623 883690 or email janem@cmh.org.uk.

community

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From small mustard seeds ...

Over the past eight years, TIM CLEWER has been helping others through tough moments in life. As he moves on, he reflects on his achievements

A

s I prepare to move to Devon I find myself wondering what has been achieved during my eight years with The Mustard Tree Foundation (MTF) in Reading.

At the beginning a lot of our activity was focused around a cafe we ran on the Dee Park housing estate in the Tilehurst area of Reading.

This enabled us to get to know quite a number of the people who lived there and to appreciate just how tough life can be.

Among other things we learnt what it was like to be unemployed, to have your kids refusing school, to be trapped in debt and to still be able to have a good laugh. Their resilience is amazing.

We learnt about care and compassion, success and failure; that life is not simple and doesn’t always work out, but out of brokenness good things seem to emerge.

MTF is a charity with Christian foundations. To us that means that everything we do should make real the love and acceptance that Jesus has for all people. We know we are not the only ones doing that.

There are probably another 30 or so Christian charities and many more church groups serving in one way or another, not to mention hundreds of others doing similar things who don’t choose to identify themselves as Christians but work from similar values.

MTF now runs a range of projects seeking to meet different areas of need within Reading.

Tim Clewer, who will step down from The Mustard Tree this month These include parenting courses, outreach work among sex workers, support for women making or seeking to understand their choices around pregnancy, training and job support for the young unemployed and we are partners in a school working with children at risk of exclusion.

All these projects are open to all people of any faith, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation without discrimination.

So if you want to know more about any of them and how they might benefit you (or you benefit them) you can find out more at www.themustardtree.org or ring (0118) 956 7000.

In the main, these different charities deliver quality services, but perhaps one way in which MTF has become distinctive is that we have also tried to work strategically. By this we mean that while we are trying to do something that adds value for the individual we are working with, we also try and find out what it is like to be in their position.

Often they feel frustrated with the housing department, the school, the doctor, the bank or whoever they are trying to get help from.

We try to work as a bridge between the two, asking the difficult questions

and trying to help each of us hear the equally difficult answers. That includes when both sides get frustrated with us.

Through this activity we were privileged to join Reading 2020, the Local Strategic Partnership for Reading.

You can find about this at www. reading2020.org.uk.

By getting involved at the planning stage we hope to take all the genuine experience that the voluntary groups have and allow it to influence how services are delivered.

As the local Government cuts come, more and more people need this support.

For MTF this is a costly business. So if any of you want to see the Church active in Civic Engagement then please help us get staff into these meetings.

You can do that by donating via our web site or ring for a form.

We know that we won’t solve problems like prostitution or unemployment, but we have shown that struggles like these can be beaten.

Jesus said something along the lines of, “fill in the pot holes and remove the obstacles – make a way”.

We seek to ‘make a way’ for anyone and everyone, but it must always remain their choice to walk along it.

What we know is that the world works best when each of us feels fulfilled. It’s up to you whether or not you want to walk with us on this particular journey.

Tim Clewer is stepping down as CEO of MTF at the end of March and would like to record his thanks to all those who have shared the journey so far – the best is yet to come.

If you want to know more, log on to www.themustardtree.org or call (0118) 956 7000.

Lorraine to take over at The Mustard Tree

Lorraine Joslin

ALTHOUGH Tim Clewer is moving on from Reading, the work he has pioneered with The Mustard Tree (see above) will continue.

The Trustees of the Mustard Tree Foundation are delighted to announce that, after a comprehensive selection process, Lorraine Joslin, has been appointed to succeed Tim as the charity’s next Chief Executive.

“We would like to thank all those who applied and those church leaders and stakeholders who assisted in the selection process,” they said in

a statement released announcing Lorraine’s appointment.

“We look forward to the next exciting period of the Mustard Tree, and pray for wisdom and blessing on Lorraine as she takes on this new role.”

They added: “We would also like to place on record our thanks to Tim Clewer for the input he has put in to take the Mustard Tree to this place today. For the work seen and unseen, we are forever grateful to Tim.” Lorraine has started her handover period ahead of Tim stepping down.

19

v Thanks Tim I first met Tim Clewer in 1992 on a dark dank winter’s evening in an upstairs room of a Caversham church building.

A dozen leaders representing local organisations and a few other individuals who were passionate about community, had come to hear me share a vision that had been brewing for over a year: To help the longterm unemployed, homeless, young offenders returning to community from prison and those addicted to life controlling habits.

It would also establish a reclamation and reuse project around unwanted home and office furnishings and redistribute to those in need.

It would give these young people purpose, hope and the sense of selfworth through creating opportunities for them to develop their work and life skills, to be part of society, not isolated from it; ‘To help people help themselves, by helping others’.

Most said that evening the vision was too big, would take too much money!

A few stood with me, one of those was Tim Clewer.

REALITY That dream became reality under the name of Christian Community Action (CCA).

CCA celebrated its 20 anniversary in 2012 and has assisted tens of thousands of people in and around Reading, helped new projects get started across the UK, West Africa and other parts of the world, seeing people find hope, purpose, employment and dignity.

It is men and women like Tim Clewer, who have the passion, tenacity, servant heart, humility and leadership skills who have caught vision, supported pioneers (while being one themselves) and ushered in sustainable community transformation, helping give clarity to many.

They’ve shown that it’s OK to dream and believe for a better future, hope where it may seem hopeless and to reach for the ‘impossible’.

Reading is indebted to Tim. He leaves this community with a wonderful legacy that will continue to bring optimism and new life to many individuals and families.

I and many thank God for his faithfulness and friendship and wish him, his wife Phil and family the best for the future.

Nick Crowder is a social entrepreneur and founder of Christian Community Action

20

community

March 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

FAMILY CIRCLE v Award for parish magazine A PARISH magazine has scooped first prize in a prestigious national contest to find the best read.

Loddon Reach, produced by the Loddon Reach Benefice, received the Best Content award from the National Parish Magazine Awards.

It was the first time that the magazine had been entered for the awards, but it was no beginner’s luck as, out of 890 entries, it was also voted the third best magazine in the country.

“All credit is due to Gillian and the editorial team who were in control at the time of judging,” said current editor Joan Woodroffe.

The magazine is published 10 times a year and serves the churches of St Mary the Virgin, Beech Hill; St John’s, Farley Hill; St Mary’s, Shinfield; St Michael and All Angels, Spencers Wood; and All Saints’, Swallowfield.

v Permission for new building THE Oxford Road area of Reading will get a new look after planning permission was given to build a new church.

Reading Community Church has been granted the go-ahead to build an all-new three-storey church which will accommodate worship/meeting rooms, offices, café and two retail outlets.

It will also include some residential accommodation.

v Nick moves in The Rev Nick Wynne-Jones and his wife Harriet will be welcomed as the new Priest at St Mark’s Englefield at a special service which will be held at the church on the Englefield Estate on Sunday March 3.

Keeping you in touch with each other

Leaders praise Pope A NEW Pope will have been unveiled to the world by the time this issue of Xn is in your hands.

The surprise resignation of Pope Benedict XVI at the beginning of February – the first in more than 600 years – means that the Catholic Church has a new head.

Writing in his parish newsletter ahead of the Cardinals meeting in the Sistine Chapel to choose the Pope’s successor, Father John Nelson from English Martyrs Church in Tilehurst, said that he was sure the decision would be prayerfully made.

“I firmly believe that the 117 or so Cardinals who will be locked inside the Sistine Chapel to pray and vote for a Pope will choose the one they believe is the best man for the role – regardless of what part of the world he happens to come from,” he said.

Canon John O’Shea from St James and St William of

York churches in Reading, also doesn’t envy the decisions the Cardinals will have to make when choosing Pope Benedict’s successor. “[They] must find a man blessed with the gifts of courage and creativity,” he said in a letter to his parish.

Pope Benedict, he continued, had made an “outstanding contribution” to the Church and the world.

“His visit to Britain was a great success,” Father John added. “He made the nation aware of how faith is important to the well-being of our society.

“His successor has an unenviable task. We live in a very different world, the pace of life for all of us is much greater than in the past.”

Father Jim Joyce from Corpus Christi Church in Wokingham wrote: “[We] are grateful to Almighty God that we have had a holy and learned Pope.”

v On Saturday, January 6, at the 6pm Service of Evensong in Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral, five new Honorary Canons were installed.

Their number included the Revd John Edwards, Associate Priest at St James’ Church, Finchampstead (pictured).

John was licensed to St James’ Church in February 2006 after several years at St Mary and St John, California.

He is Associate Clergy Officer for the Archdeaconry of Berkshire, a member of Sonning Deanery Standing and Pastoral Committees and a Bishop’s reviewer for Ministerial Development.

He will continue to be Associate Priest at Finchampstead and California.

Mapledurham Parish will hold a farewell Champagne tea for its outgoing rector, the Revd Dan Tyndall.

The popular priest, who was previously curate at Earley St Nicolas, will leave Caversham on Easter Sunday, in preparation to become rector of St Mary Redcliffe in the Diocese of Bristol.

The churches are holding the farewell tea on Palm Sunday from 2.30pm-5pm in St Peter’s Church, where there will be presentations as well as Champagne.

v MEMBERS of the Caversham, Thameside and

v The Revd Béatrice Pearson, team vicar of the Loddon Reach Benefice, retired from ministry on February 24.

A farewell service was held at St Michael and All Angels Church in Spencers Wood.

Outgoing Pope, Benedict XVI, has been praised by parish priests In Henley, Mgr Anthony Wilcox of the Church of the Sacred Heart, praised the outgoing Pope for his courageous decision to

resign. In his newsletter to parishoners, Father Anthony said: “This is a radical act and will change forever the idea that the pope dies in office.”

v The Revd Maurice StantonSaringer will retire as Team Rector of the Loddon Reach Benefice at the end of June.

The Revd Peter Jarvis became Team Vicar, Rector Designate from March 1, and will be installed as Team Rector in July.

Pete has been chaplain of the John Madejski Academy School and is married to Sue. The couple have three children.

the church office on (0118) 986 7195 or email admin@ tyndalereading.org.uk.

v TYNDALE Baptist Church has called the Revd Sam Owoo to be its new pastor.

He will be inducted at a special service to be held on Saturday, March 23 from 3pm.

The service will be led by the church’s moderator, the Revd Barry Kirk, and the guest preacher will be the Revd Dr Roger Standing, principal of Spurgeon’s College.

Afterwards, refreshments will be served.

Sam is married to Heather and they have two young children.

For more details, call

v A READING church is overcoming its space problems by meeting more often.

From Sunday, April 14, Reading Family Church will hold two morning services – at 9am and 11am.

The church meets at Reading Girls School in Northumberland Avenue and, in the evenings, at South Street Arts Centre from 6.30pm.

For details, log on to www. readingfamilychurch.org.uk. v From Sunday, March 3, Reading Central Salvation Army will be meeting at All Saints Church Hall in Downshire Square.

The move, which will be for a period of around six months, will enable the fellowship to rebuild its Anstey Road base.

Other activities will be moved during the works.

For more details visit www.readingcentral.org.

puzzles

BREAK TIME

Pit your wits against our brainteasers

Codeword

4

24

14 10

10

S S

3

9

F

10

9

S

F

Steve Vaughan-Turner

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.

5

6

7

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9

14

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17

18

19

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5

8 6 2

2 7 4 6 7 9 3

24

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1 1

6

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.

2 3 8

6 1 5 4 8

6 8

3 9 4

3 1 7

8 6 9

5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

www.drawingfromexperience.blogspot.com

Tough

2

6

1

23

F S

7

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

8

13

3 7 1 8

4 5

3

Erm… I noticed the Easter Bunny has been missed off the script – where does he fit in?

Solutions

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.

Kakuro

7 2

12

SUDOKU Suduko

Easy

1

11

5 6 7 4 3 1 8 9 2

STR8TS Str8ts

10

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

4

Suduko Sudoku Solution

3

7

2

Str8ts Str8ts Solution

1

5 6

17

S

8

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.

3 9 1 8 2 7 5 6 4

6

15

2 4 8 6 9 5 7 1 3

21

S

14

1 8 5 3 6 2 9 4 7

10

10

7

4 7 3 9 1 8 6 2 5

8

6 2 9 7 5 4 3 8 1

1

7 3 4 2 8 6 1 5 9

4

F

6

8 1 2 5 7 9 4 3 6

6

15

22

14

9

9 5 6 1 4 3 2 7 8

15

6

3 2 4

3

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20

F

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6

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

17

17

14

6 5 2 3 4 7 9 1 8

9

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14

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

6

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Codewords

F

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3

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9

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8

4

13

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6

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6 21

1

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3

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14 1

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N P A W O F S H Q U

4

6 15

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24

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3

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I

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3

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

10

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15 6

3

26

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14

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25

1

21

6

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E R X L K B C M G Z V J T

15

18

D Y

6

21

Kakuro

14

20

21

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | March 2013

22

Food

March 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

ADVANCE NUTRITION ptimising health , vitality & wellness O with Christine Bailey, nutritionist, chef and food/health consultant

FOOD NEWS

Ethical eggs

v Chocolate Cinnamon Tart

T

here can’t be many people who don’t enjoy chocolate and Easter is the perfect opportunity to indulge.

For Easter I always make Easter eggs for my children – it’s something my mother used to do when I was a child and I loved it.

Instead of with sweets I fill the insides with something linked to Easter – it may be a cross necklace, a Bible verse or Christian badge. Whatever it is the children love the anticipation of breaking them open.

If you don’t want to make eggs then try this raw chocolate tart recipe.

Be warned it is seriously chocolatey. It is also gluten and dairy free so perfect if any family members suffer with allergies or coeliac disease.

I use raw cacao powder in this recipe which is milder in flavour than standard cocoa powder but cocoa powder could be used too – you may need to reduce the amount of cocoa powder slightly or add a little more sweetener.

Rather than pastry I use

n 125g cashew nuts n 75g coconut butter, melted n 1tsp vanilla n 50ml water

a nut base to increase the protein content and healthy fats.

Serve it with some fresh berries to make a wonderful Easter dessert.

Serves 8 Base: n 3tbsp raw cacao powder n 200g pecans n 100g soft pitted dates n 3tbsp melted coconut butter n 1tbsp vanilla extract n 2tsp cinnamon n Pinch of sea salt Filling: n 50g sweet freedom or raw honey n 50g raw cacao powder

In a food processor or blender process the pecan nuts with the cacao powder until very fine. Add the dates, coconut butter, vanilla, salt and cinnamon and process to combine.

Grease a spring form 20cm cake tin. Press the crust into the pan to form a base. Place in the freezer to firm up while you make the topping.

In a high speed blender or food processor place all the filling ingredients and process until thick and creamy. Pour over the base and chill in the fridge until firm, about 1 hour.

Cut into slices, accompany with berries to serve.

This luxurious and beautifully decorated Fairtrade egg combines dark chocolate with raspberry. £10 from Marks & Spencer

Recipe © Christine Bailey www.advancenutrition.co.uk

Christine sees clients in Reading and London for nutritional consultations, support and advice. She also runs a range of healthy cookery demonstrations in Wokingham.

Her next course is Cancer Care on May 5, 11am-4pm.

For more information email christinembailey@hotmail.com or visit www.advancenutrition.co.uk

Celebrate Easter – and learn more about the events of the very first one – with this fantastic Real Easter Egg. Every egg contains a free activity pack including stickers, a poster and an iTunes download. It costs £3.99 and includes a 15p donation to Traidcraft Exchange.

Available from Greyfriars Bookshop, selected supermarkets and www. realeasteregg.co.uk.

Never be without a Beano Easter Egg hunt kit! The popular children’s comic has teamed up with tasty Dubble fairtrade chocolate for this egg kit, available for £4 from Oxfam or divinechocolate.com/shop.

v Golden brew A CENTURY old tea has been given an ethical makeover to mark Fairtrade Fortnight.

The Co-operative’s 99 Tea Gold is a stronger brew than the normal 99 Tea range and is made using leaves sourced from the Great Rift Valley in Kenya.

The Fairtrade premium the growers receive is invested back into the community and new crops, improving livelihoods.

The Co-operative is currently offering 20% off Fairtrade products to mark Fairtrade Fortnight. The offer, which runs until March 12, means a 160g box of 99 Tea Gold costs £3.19.

For further information, log on to www.co-operativefood. co.uk or contact The Co-operative Customer Careline on (freephone) 0800 0686 727.

FASHION

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | March 2013

ETHICAL LIVING

Changing the world, one purchase at a time

Great news – all of The Co-operative’s standard rose bunches and single stems are now sourced from Fairtradecertified growers in Kenya.

Perfect for that special someone

Fairtrade fashion brand People Tree has launched a new spring/summer selection of clothes. This bold, stripy Olivia Dress is £55. For details, call 0207 042 8900 or log on to www.peopletree.co.uk

This gorgeous Lavender Spring Flowers top has been made in India by the Geeta Kala Kendra collective and is £28 from Traidcraft

It might be spring, but remind people summer is on the way with this floral organic cotton jersey tunic, made in Mauritius by Craft Aid. £35 from Traidcraft

Give your neck a treat with this Amethyst & Quartz Necklace, made

by Majeen Handicrafts in India. £14 from Traidcraft, www. traidcraft.co.uk or 0845 330 8900

Thee are three funky Dinosesaur Red Noses to collect for Comic Relief, and are available in Sainsbury’s while stocks last. £1 each, with at least 60p going to the charity.

Miranda Hart (right) is modelling one of TK Maxx’s Stella McCartney for Red Nose Day T-shirts. They are priced varying on design and size.

The children’s range starts from £5.99 with at least £2.50 going to Comic Relief, adults range is from £9.99 with at least £5 going to Comic Relief and fashion range £14.99 with at least £8 going to Comic Relief. Available from TK Maxx stores and tkmaxx.com and rednoseday.com.

ASOS’s Africa Hooded Jacket with Detachable Gilet, £75, is produced in collaboration with SOKO Kenya, allowing underprivileged communities to establish sustainable business through local craftsmanship.

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SPORT

March 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

Trades directory

BRINGING COMMUNIT Y TOGETHER To advertise in a similar feature call 01932 888417

6 MONTHS JUST £75!

Every month, Xn gives you the chance to reach thousands of potential customers. Our service directory connects your business with our readers.

Book for 6 months for just £75 –that’s just £12.50 per month for up to 30 words, plus an insertion on our website.

For details, call Fiona on 01932 888417 or email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk For more details, visit xnmedia.co.uk

v Carpets 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 and 5% of total order goes to YeLDALl manor

v Carpet cleaning

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 Pearlstringing/ jewellery

The Royals’ L Prince

Driving Tuition.

Lessons for beginners or those who are test ready. Pay as you go or get discount for block booking. Over 4 years experience. Contact Robin Gowers by txt on 07973730990 or email: robin.gowers@ntlworld.com

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

v Marketing Creative thinker inspires results.

• Award winning copywriting • Business development • Creative network • Mentoring Contact Hyperbole.

0118 966 6600. john@hyperbole.co.uk

Pearlstringer/Jeweller. Repairs and alterations to necklaces/ jewellery. Orders taken. Visitors welcome to see workshop etc. Tel: Anne Finnerty (0118) 958 8274.

v Piano accompaniment

Loddon Counselling & Psychology Service. Accredited counsellors, supervisors, trainers.

Over 20 years experience NHS and other settings. CBT available.

07092 022294

Mention Xn and 5% of total order goes to GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL

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

Reading Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Margaret Hutton www.asafeplace2talk.co.uk

Faith in the Community (Wokingham) – helping Christians work together to transform their local communities. Phone Sharon Elliott 07843 091950 CHURCH NEWSLETTER ARTICLES. Great selection, new every month.

Specially written and drawn. www. thesheepdip.co.uk

v Counselling

v Volunteering opportunities VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Community voluntary projects urgently seeking committee members in reading berkshire area,eg chairperson secretary & a fundraiser, fundraiser will be paid commission for every successful application.

CONTACT: UDA CHALK ON: 07734831597 or email: udachalk@ rocket mail.com

At the grass roots

v Driving lessons

Professional Carpet, Upholstery and Leather 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

v Resources

SPORT

Organist/ Pianist Required. for Tilehurst United Reformed Church. Sunday Morning Worship 10am, Traditional and Modern Hymns. For further details contact Sonia and David on (0118) 942 6698.

At Reading FC with Steve Prince

Preserving Royals

T

he New Year is bringing multitudes of plaudits from the football pundits when it comes to Reading FC and our ‘never say die’ spirit.

January was a relatively successful month with Brian McDermott winning the Premier League Manager of the Month Award and Adam ‘Alfie’ Le Fondre winning the Premier League Player of the Month for his exceptional performances as a substitute.

Some great wins actually took us out of the relegation zone and, with home games against virtually all the teams around them in the league, we have a great chance of staying in the Premier League for another season.

The Royals are demonstrating once again what can be achieved through honest team work and endeavour, and with a manager who continually focuses on the best and draws from the strengths across his squad.

Our spirit was clear for all to see in the FA Cup game at Manchester United. After holding our own for most of the game even going two goals down didn’t deter the Royals from what could have been a great fight-back.

Right at the end Alfie almost headed an equaliser which would have given us a replay at the Madejski.

Buoyant So, the mood is buoyant around the club and everyone’s ready for a fight during the last third of the league campaign.

In this year of the football underdog (don’t forget that the Capital One Cup Final was contested by Swansea City and League Two Bradford City!), wouldn’t it be sweet if the Royals could maintain Premier League status without spending the millions that many others do?

Bottom team, Queens Park Rangers are gambling their future by having spent a fortune on new players. They are yet to become a team.

On a personal note can I take this opportunity to thank so many people from across the area for kind messages of care, prayers and support following the death of our son-in-law Scott Baxter.

Scott died leaving a wife and three young children and we shall miss Scott’s presence in both our family and church life.

Scott was an ex-Yeldall Manor resident, having struggled with addiction issues for periods of his life.

A very special funeral service was held at Brookside when Scott was affectionately remembered in the presence of around 300 people.

Disappointingly, Scott was an Arsenal fan so we had recently enjoyed lots of banter following the goal festivals during the games between the Royals and Arsenal!

Come on URZ!!

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

SPORT

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | March 2013

Thames Valley Churches Football League

v Enter your team

For the latest on the league , log on to tvcfl.footify.com

Tight at the top as points dropped The TVCFL is certainly matching the Premiership for excitement as the season starts to reach ‘squeaky bum time’.

While Manchester United appear to be running away with the Premier League, six teams still have a realistic chance of being crowned champions in the 25th season of Thames Valley Churches League.

Having lost to Brookside St Laurence in December, West Reading CFC have put together a four match unbeaten run which has put them back at the top of the league.

This included a vital 1-0 victory over rivals Bethel United, with prolific marksman Jamie Carstairs scoring his 25th league goal of the season to secure three vital points.

Brookside St Laurence themselves suffered back-to-back defeats: their first of the season.

First,they were beaten by St Pauls, Ealing, on a muddy pitch in the Philmar Cup. They then lost 3-0 to Kerith Community Church who have recovered from a stuttering start to their campaign to keep themselves in with a chance after coming so close last year.

Wycliffe Wanderers have capitalised on their rivals dropping points and are quietly moving within striking distance.

They face a make-or-break run of fixtures in March which, if successful, will propel them top of the league: to do so, they must beat the four teams currently above them in their next four league games.

They will be depending heavily on the goals of Neil Healy but are starting to find goal-scorers all over the pitch and appear to peaking at just the right time under the leadership of Martyn Mahoney.

Defending champions Tilehurst Albion are another team that have recovered from a poor start and have put together a seven match unbeaten run to keep them in with a chance of retaining their title.

At the bottom of the table, Greyfriars FC are finally starting to put together some

Wycliffe Wanderers v Bethel United

West Reading v Kerith Community

Reading Saints v Greyfriars FC

Norreys v Finchamp’ Baptist W Rdg Reserves OFF Brookside St Laur’ Brookside St Laur’ v Tilehurst Albion

v March 16

Brookside St Laur’ v Wycliffe Wanderers Kerith Community v Bethel United Greyfriars FC v W Rdg Reserves Finchamp’ Bap’ v West Reading Tilehurst Albion v Reading Saints

Goalmouth action from Wycliffe Wanderers v West Reading Reserves, February 16 consistent performances which they will hope will allow them to have a say in who wins the league.

In recent weeks they have put in battling performances that have seen them only narrowly defeated by West Reading CFC and Kerith Community Church. A confidence boosting 3-0 victory over Finchampstead Baptist Church will give them some hope to pick up some points in the next few weeks against the teams around them.

Reading Saints are beginning to stutter after a fine run of performances. They recently threw away a two goal lead twice in their match against West Reading Reserves in a dramatic 4-4 draw.

Their aim now will be to put together a good cup run as they face guest team

v March 23

Kerith Community v Wycliffe Wanderers B’side St Laurence v Greyfriars FC Bethel United v Finchamp’ Bap W Rdg Reserves v Tilehurst Albion Reading Saints v Norreys

v March 30

Tilehurst Albion v West Reading

v April 6

The Thames Valley Churches Football League are always on the look out for new teams to join them next season, either in the league or the cup competition.

There are three contests: the league and the Philmar Cup and Lowery Trophy, with differing degrees of commitment.

If you would like to find out more about the league and their values or any other details, contact the League Secretary, James Hern: tvcfl. secretary@gmail.com

v Golf for Cafod

FIXTURES KICK OFF 10.30am on Saturdays v March 9

25

West Reading v Reading Saints Greyfriars FC v Wycliffe Wanderers Finchamp’d Bap’ v Kerith Community Tilehurst Albion v B’side St Laurence Norreys v West Rdg Reserves

St Andrews in the Quarter-Finals of the Colin Lowery Trophy.

Finchampstead, West Reading Reserves and Norreys have all been coming to terms with their first season in the league.

All three have continued to pick up points here and there, with Norreys registering their first victory of the season with a 7-2 victory over West Reading Reserves.

While the race for the title is tight, there is also a mini-league developing in the race for 7th place.

Player of the month (February) has been awarded to Wycliffe Wanderers’ Mike Sharp for a series of impressive performances which has helped Wycliffe move from mid-table to title contenders.

James Hern and Chris Barltrop

league TABLE P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS West Reading 13 6 0 1 31 9 4 1 1 18 9 31 31 Kerith Community 14 5 1 1 36 12 4 1 2 36 15 45 29 B’side St Laurence 12 5 1 0 28 9 4 1 1 20 8 31 29 Bethel United 14 4 1 3 14 12 5 1 0 18 8 12 29 Wycliffe Wanderers 12 4 2 0 25 15 4 0 2 27 12 25 26 Tilehurst Albion 11 3 0 1 24 5 5 1 1 31 12 38 25 Reading Saints 14 1 1 6 15 37 3 1 2 18 19 -23 14 Greyfriars FC 12 2 0 4 21 14 1 0 5 8 15 0 9 Finchampstead Bap 15 2 0 6 12 28 1 0 6 9 43 -50 9 W Rdg Reserves 14 1 1 4 11 32 0 1 7 8 46 -59 5

Norreys 13 0 0 6 7 36 1 0 6 16 37 -50 3 Table correct as of February 23, 2012

KEEN golfers are encouraged to enjoy a day on the green while raising money for a good cause.

Cafod – the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales – is holding a tournament at the Royal Winchester Golf Club.

Taking place on Tuesday, May 21, it sees teams of four challenging each other for the winner’s trophy.

For details, call Cafod Portsmouth on 01252 329385 or email portsmouth@cafod.org.uk.

v Kings of the tee IF YOU’RE looking for some golfing buddies, a local club may be just the ticket.

Kings Church in Wokingham has a golf society for men that plays an 18-hole Stableford competition.

New members are welcome.

For details, email admin@ kingschurch.org.uk

top SCORERS Ben Findlay Kerith Community

33

Jamie Carstairs West Reading

27

Neil Healy Wycliffe Wanderers 20 Ben Sheppard Brookside St Laurence 13 Steve Hannah Tilehurst Albion

13

Lee Berry Kerith Community

10

Matt Blake Reading Saints

9

Fernando Ii Bethel United

8

Ross Thompson Wycliffe Wanderers

8

Courtenay Isaacs Brookside St Laurence 8 Danny Lawrence Tilehurst Albion

7

James Hern Greyfriars FC

7

26

calendar

March 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

WHAT’S ON

Keeping you in touch with each other

These are some special events taking place in the community over the next month.

A full events calendar, complete with listings for local activities and special events can be found at xnmedia.co.uk.

You can also submit your own events by sending an email to editor@xnmedia.co.uk

Saturday, March 2 WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road. Barn Dance with ploughman’s supper. 7.30pm10.30pm. £12, £8 under 16s.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Quiz night in aid of Action For Children. £10, under 11s £5. Includes fish and chip supper.

7pm. Details: (0118) 977 6898.

Sunday, March 3 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Mothers’ Union Bring-andBuy Cake and Fairtrade stalls.

10.15am and noon. Details: (0118) 973 3111 for more information.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Rd. Girls’ Brigade quiz, after morning service. Suggested donation £6 for pizza/ploughman’s.

Under 5s free. Details: gb@ wokinghambaptist.org.uk.

Tuesday, March 5 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Lent lecture: The Church of England in 2030. Speaker: The Ven Norman Russell. 7.45pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

READING – RISC, London Street.

Tea tasting session with Marion Lehnert from Equality Tea. Noon2pm. Details: (0118) 958 6692.

Wednesday, March 6 WHITLEY – St Agnes Church, Northumberland Avenue. Reading Concert Singers spring concert: excerpts from The Armed Man

by Karl Jenkins. £8, under 16s £4.

Details: (0118) 942 5290.

Saturday, March 9 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Guiding trip fund-raising Quiz and Meal. 7.30pm. Details: Karen.5thfinchbrownies@live.co.uk SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church Hall.

Curry evening to raise funds for CHIT (Children’s Homes In India).

Non-spicy options available.

6.30pm £5. Details: Pauline Stanton-Saringer on (0118) 988 3363.

TILEHURST – English Martyrs Catholic Church, 64 Liebenrood Road. Craft Fayre in aid of the Parish Lenten project in the Church Hall. 1-4pm. All welcome.

READING – Waingels College.

REINspired conference: Inspiring

Faith In Schools. Keynote speaker the Revd Steve Chalke from Oasis Academy. £20, including lunch.

10am-3.30pm. Details: www. inspiringfaith.org.uk.

READING – St Laurence Church, Friar Street. Tamesis Chamber Choir: Light Bites. £12, £8 concessions.

7.30pm. Details: (0118) 934 3200 or www.tamesischamberchoir. co.uk.

READING – St Mark’s Church, Cranbury Road. Music With Friends evening: songs, solos, recitals and more. From 6.30pm. £8, concessions £4, under fives free.

Details: (0118) 954 8448 or (0118) 957 3805.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road. Wokingham Choral Society in concert. £14, £5 concessions. 7.30pm. Details: tickets@wokingham-choralsociety.org.uk.

Sunday, March 10 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church.

Mothering Sunday services.

9.30am and 11am. Also at St Mary & St John’s Church, Gorse Ride Junior School, 9.30am.

READING – Starbucks, King Street.

Sunday Night Live and Live Lounge: live music with a twist of faith.

7.30pm. All welcome. Free entry.

Monday, March 11 READING – The Warehouse, 1a Cumberland Road. Celebration for International Women’s Day: make-up, manicures, henna, Bollywood dancing, sugar crafting and massages. Women and children only. Includes a visit from the Play Rangers. 10am-3pm.

Lunch £2.50, children £1.50.

Details: (0118) 929 9911.

Tuesday, March 12 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary & St John’s Parish Centre, Billing Avenue. Tea and Chat from 2pm3.30pm All welcome, all ages.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Panel discussion: Faith at the coalface – being a Christian in the workplace. 7.45pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

Wednesday, March 13 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Finchampstead Sports Club, Finchampstead

Memorial Hall. Finchampstead Churchyard Trust Spring Tea. Plus plants and bric-a-brac to browse and buy, and a raffle. All proceeds will go towards the maintenance of the Churchyard. 2.30pm.

Details: (0118) 973 3111.

READING – All Nations Christian College, Berkeley Avenue. The Messiah’s Passover: a journey through the ancient feast with Jewish Christian author Joseph Steinberg. 8pm.

Thursday, March 14 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Finchampstead Mothers’ Union with guest speaker the Revd Canon John Edwards. 2.30pm.

Details: (0118) 973 3111.

WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road. Churches Together Wokingham present Sing A New Song: an evening of ecumenical prayer, praise and worship. All welcome. 7.45pm9.30pm. Details: (0118) 973 0528.

Friday, March 15 READING – Broad Street. Reading Central Salvation Army band will perform. 11am-12.30pm.

SONNING – Pearson Hall. Fish ‘n’ Chip supper with the Denise Lawrence Band. In aid of the RNLI. 7.15pm8pm. Details: (0118) 969 3326.

Saturday, March 16 BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Back Lane. Lambing Time in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Society and The John Simonds Trust. Includes tractor rides, new born lambs and refreshments. Wheelchair friendly.

11am-5pm. Suggested donation £5 adults, £3 children/OAPs. Details: (0118) 961 6107 or www. msreading.org.uk.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road. Spring Concert: Xuan Du on violin, Adrienne Black on piano. Programme: Carmen Fantasy, Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky. £15/£13, under 16s free, £2 discount in advance.

Details: (0118) 948 4112/WordPlay in Caversham.

EARLEY – Trinity Church. Pilots Quiz Evening in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care. 7pm-9.30pm. £5, including buffet. Teams of up to six. Booking helpful. Details: (0118) 931 3124.

TILEHURST – English Martyrs Catholic Church, 64 Liebenrood Road. Jumble sale from 1pm until all goods are sold. Arrive promptly to get the best bargains.

VIRGINIA WATER – Christ Church.

CMJ Celebration Day: At The Crossroads of the Middle East.

Seminars and events, including children’s programme, 10.30am4.30pm. Evening celebration with

Michael Kerem and Josef Kerem from 7.30pm.

WINKFIELD – St Mary’s Church.

Come and Sing event: Stainer’s Crucifixion. Rehearse 1.15pm, show 7pm. Singers £10, audience £5.

Details: (01344) 882933.

ETON – Eton College School Hall.

Windsor and Eton Choral Society’s 175th anniversary concert: Handel’s Messiah. 7.30pm. Details: www.w-ecs.org.uk

Sunday, March 17 BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Back Lane. Lambing Time in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Society and The John Simonds Trust. 11am-5pm.

Suggested donation £5 adults, £3 children/OAPs. Details: (0118) 961 6107 or www.msreading.org.uk.

READING – Concert Hall. Bracknell Choral Society present Brahms Requiem. 7.30pm. Details: 01344 772962.

Monday, March 18 CHARVIL – Village Hall. Charvil Voices Ladies Choir and Reading Accordion Group concert in aid of Launchpad Reading. £5. 8pm.

Details: (0118) 934 0589.

SOUTHCOTE – Mission. Women Aglow Reading meeting: Gaynor Burton from FitFish speaking.

7.30pm. £3, first meeting free.

Resfreshments available.

Tuesday, March 19 FINCHAMPSTEAD –St James’ Church Centre, Finchampstead. Lent lecture series: The Jewish origins of Christianity with speaker Dr Guy Williams. 7.45pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

Wednesday, March 20 READING – All Saints, Downshire Square. All Saints Open Group presents Age UK, a talk by Janet Brown. £1. 7.30pm.

Thursday, March 21 READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road. Walking group meets. All welcome. Walk no more than 4½ miles. 10.15am. Details: www.readingcentral.org.uk.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church.

Thames Vale Singers present an Easter concert: Stainer’s Crucifixion. 7.30pm. £9, £7 concessions. Details: (0118) 984 2563 or www.thamesvalesingers. org.uk.

Saturday, March 23 BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Back Lane. Lambing Time. 11am-5pm.

Details: (0118) 961 6107.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s, Church Road. Reading Chorale presents Stainer’s Crucifixion. 5.30pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Bull at Barkham. Finchampstead & California Men’s Group Dinner (including partners). Book by March 17. Details: (0118) 973 0556.

READING – Leighton Park School.

Trinity Concert Band and Reading Music Centre Concert Band joint concert, includes Invictus, October and Paris Sketches. £10 advance, £12 on door. Under 16s free.

Details: (0118) 969 0925 or www.trinityband.co.uk READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street. Under 5s Easter Egg Hunt. 2-4pm in the Greyfriars Day Nursery Garden. Lots of fun. £2 per child. Refreshments provided.

Details: (0118) 951 6700.

READING – The Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road. Reading Festival Chorus: Come and Sing: Karl Jenkins’ Stabat Mater.

From 10am. Booking essential.

Concert 7pm. Details: www. readingfestivalchorus.org.uk.

SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yateley Methodist Church. Spring fair.

10am-12.30pm.

TILEHURST – Methodist Church.

Christian Aid soup lunch, including homemade bread and cakes.

Donations of £2.50 or more.

Noon-2pm.

TILEHURST – Cornwell Centre, Home Croft, off Clements Mead.

Community litter pick. 10am-noon.

All welcome.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church.

Thames Vale Singers present an Easter concert: Stainer’s Crucifixion. 7.30pm. £9, £7 concessions. Details: (0118) 984 2563 or www. thamesvalesingers.org.uk.

Sunday, March 24 BRADFIELD – Rushall Farm, Back Lane. Lambing Time. 11am-5pm.

Details: (0118) 961 6107 or www. msreading.org.uk.

SONNING – St Andrew’s Church.

Twyford Singers Easter concert: Hadyn, Mozart and Faure. 7pm. £7, £3.50 concessions. Details: (0118) 934 2406.

Monday, March 25 BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church.

Worship for Holy Week. 8pm.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church.

Holy Week service. 8pm.

Tuesday, March 26 BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church.

Worship for Holy Week. 8pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary & St John’s Parish Centre, Billing Ave. Tea and chat. All welcome.

2pm-3.30pm.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church.

Holy Week service. 8pm.

calendar

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | March 2013

YOUR SAY

Wednesday, March 27 BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church.

Worship for Holy Week. 8pm.

READING – St Mark’s Church, Cranbury Road. Passover Seder meal, based on a traditional Jewish meal. 7pm. All welcome. Details: (0118) 957 2000.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church.

Holy Week services. 10am and 8pm.

Thursday, March 28 BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church.

Worship for Holy Week. 8pm.

EARLEY – St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Ave. Watchnight service. 8pm-midnight.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Maundy Thursday supper followed by Church Service.

7.30pm supper, 9pm service.

Details: (0118) 973 2069; FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary & St John’s Parish Centre, Billing Avenue. Maundy Thursday supper followed by service. 8pm.

Details: (0118) 973 6129.

KIDMORE END – St John The Baptist.

Sung Eucharist for Maundy Thursday with Incense. 8pm.

READING – Park United Reformed Church. Churches Together in Earley and East Reading present a Seder Meal. 7.30pm.

SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yateley Methodist Church. Maundy Thursday service. 7pm.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church.

Maunday Thursday service including washing of feet. 8pm.

Good Friday, March 29 BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church. At The Foot Of The Cross. 2pm.

EARLEY – St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue. Good Friday service 10am.

Children’s service: Make an Easter Garden. Noon.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre. Good Friday event. 10.30am.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Tenebrae Service.

7.30pm. All welcome.

READING – All Saints, Downshire Square. Easter egg hunt. 3pm (time to be confirmed).

READING – Christ Church, Christchurch Road. The Final Hour: a Good Friday liturgy. 2pm. Guest preacher: the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading.

READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street. Good Friday Family Event 10am. Take this cup of suffering: activities, crafts, storytelling and worship. Free. Details: (0118) 951 6700.

KIDMORE END – St John The Baptist.

Devotional service of hymns and anthems for Good Friday. 2pm.

SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yateley Methodist Church. Good Friday service. Noon.

SONNING COMMON – Christ The King Church. Good Friday Procession of Witness. 10am.

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We love hearing your views on stories that have appeared in Xn or what’s been happening in your life.

Send your letters to editor@xnmedia.co.uk, comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @xnmedia.

Alternatively, write to Xn, c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Reading RG1 3BE. We reserve the right to edit letters v Deliveries for the January edition of Xn were held up thanks to a traffic jam in Warfield.

Well, not the usual kind of traffic jam!

Peter Bowyer said on Facebook: “Glad we picked our copy up from Broad Street Mall, in that case.”

Enjoy some live music at Sunday Night Live TILEHURST – The Triangle. Churches Together in Tilehurst joint service of witness. Noon.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church.

Veneration of the Cross. 2pm.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Good Friday play – all welcome. Noon.

READING – Arygle Community Church, Arygle Road. SatCaf: tea, coffee, delicious cakes, papers to read and games for children.

Free. Donations welcome.

10.30am-12.30pm. Details: www. argylecommunitychurch.com.

Saturday, March 30

Sunday, April 7

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church.

Messy Church for families. 2pm.

EARLEY – St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue. Easter Eve Liturgy.

8.30pm.

SONNING – St Andrew’s Church.

Easter Egg Hunt with games, a chance to tour the church tower and enjoy a family barbecue. Also includes a parish walk.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Countdownstyle competition in aid of Reading Samaritans. 10.30am-6pm.

Details: (0118) 926 8143.

Easter Sunday March 31

Don’t forget the clocks go forward today!

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church.

Easter vigil. 6.30am. Communion 7am. Easter celebration. 10am.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church.

Easter Day Dawn Service of Light 6.30am in St James’ Church, followed by breakfast in St James’ Church Centre.

READING – Forbury Gardens. Open air service for Easter Sunday.

8.30am. All welcome. In Abbey Baptist Church if wet.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church.

Sunrise service 6am. Eucharists 8am and 9.30am.

Friday, April 5 SWALLOWFIELD – Village Hall.

Third Party Productions present Noggin The Nog. 7.30pm. £10, £8 for under 16s. Details: Hilary on (0118) 988 5989 or email Hilaryf17@gmail.com.

Saturday, April 6 READING – St Mark’s Church, Cranbury Road. Jumble sale.

2pm.

READING – Reading Deaf Centre, Cardiff Road. Reading Deaf Church service. 10.30am. All welcome.

April 8-12 SONNING – Jubilee Hall. Starship Discovery: a children’s Holiday Club. For 3½ year olds to School Year 5. 9.30am-12.30am. Details: (0118) 934 3723.

April 10-12 CAVERSHAM – Methodist Church, Gosbrook Road. Xpedition Force, a holiday club for children. Details: 07402 985331.

Saturday, April 13 LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church.

Trinity Concert Band presents Man’s Musical Fascination With The Heavens, includes Star Wars and Jupiter. 7.30pm. Details: (0118) 969 0925 or www.trinityband. co.uk READING – All Saints, Downshire Square. Barn dance. 7.30pm.

Sunday, April 14 READING – Starbucks, King Street.

Sunday Night Live and Live Lounge: live music with a twist of faith.

7.30pm. All welcome. Free entry.

Thursday, April 18 WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road. Churches Together Wokingham present Sing A New Song: an evening of ecumenical prayer, praise and worship. All welcome. 7.45pm-9.30pm.

Details: (0118) 973 0528.

Saturday, April 20 THEALE – Theale GP and Hosehill Lake. Look At The Birds (run by members of Carey Baptist Church) present a bird walk led by an experienced wildlife expert.

10am-noon. Details: www. lookatthebirds.co.uk.

v Mental health provision for under 18s Dear Editor, As a Christian and (sadly totally unsuccessful) Berkshire based long-term campaigner for at least adequate NHS mental health provisions, I am concerned about the increasing number of under 18-year-olds who have been sexually abused across the Royal County of Berkshire and, more importantly perhaps, of the inadequate provisions for those suffering mental distress locally as a result.

I recently wrote expressing concerns to one of the local Primary Care NHS Trusts, the West Berkshire PCT. Included in their reply, dated October 8, 2012, was the statement that “the local Berkshire NHS Mental Health Trust (BHFT) are commissioned to provide NHS services to under 18 year olds presenting mental health disorders associated with sexual abuse” and that “some of the victims of sexual abuse choose to access services outside of their local NHS provisions”.

So (under the Freedom of Information Act), I then wrote to the BHFT requesting “the number of staff and the nature and locations of the BHFT’s provisions for Berkshire’s under 18s who suffer from mental health disorders associations with sexual abuse(s)”.

Their reply of November 15, 2012 stated that “there are no staff specifically employed to deal with Berkshire’s under 18 year olds suffering from mental health disorders associated with sexual abuse”.

As the nearest SARC (sexual abuse/abuse refer centre) is in Slough and the local NHS mental health trust currently provides no “specific staff” and only eight and 16 day places and 79 community staff for all of the Royal County’s distressed and disturbed under 18s – exactly the same provisions as at April 1, 2001 incidentally and incredibly, is it any wonder so many under 18 have mental health problems in Berkshire “choose to access services outside of their local NHS provisions”?

It would seem to be their only option. Sadly this option is not always a financial possibility for many sufferers: as one in three children are currently living in poverty in many parts of the Royal County of Berkshire.

Time for prayer and action?

The decision is ours. The decision is yours. What can/are we/you going to do about all of the above?

Paul Farmer, Wensley Road, Coley Park Member of Emmanuel Methodist Church, Reading

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ARTS v Xuan’s concert A VIOLINIST who has performed with prestigious orchestras all over the world will be swapping Seville, Lisbon, Paris and Moscow for the bright lights of Caversham later this month.

Xuan Du will be teaming up with pianist Adrienne Black for an evening of music that will include Mozart’s Sonata in E Minor.

It will be held at St Andrew’s Church in Albert Road on Saturday, March 16, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 or £13 on the door, with a £2 discount if bought in advance. Under 16s can enjoy the music for free.

Local bookshop Wordplay has advance tickets.

Alternatively, call (0118) 948 4112 or (0118) 946 3202. v For more, log on to www. concertsincaversham.org.uk.

v Accordions ACCORDIONS will provide music for the ears of Launchpad, thanks to a special charity concert.

The Reading Accordion Group is teaming up with Charvil Voices for Voices and Bellows, which will be held on Monday, March 18.

Taking place at Charvil Village Hall from 8pm, tickets cost £5 and proceeds will go to Launchpad, which works with Reading’s homeless. v For details, call Suzanne Newman on (0118) 934 0589.

v Come and sing IF YOU’VE ever wanted to sing in a choir, but never had the time to make it a regular commitment, a Winkfield church has the answer.

St Mary’s is holding a special Come and Sing event on Saturday, March 16. The choir will be able to learn how to sing Stainer’s Crucifixion from 1.15pm, before performing it at 7pm.

The day costs £10 for singers and £5 for the concert. v For details, call the church office on (01344) 882933.

Music, arts, comedy with a local perspective CONCERT

Evelyn has the Abbey habit

Picture: Jim Callaghan

28

ONE of classical music’s most famous solo percussionists is getting ready to perform at Douai Abbey later this month.

Dame Evelyn Glennie, who has performed worldwide including the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games, will be teaming up with the Arion Orchestra for an evening of music at the Upper Woolhampton Abbey.

The programme includes Vaughan Williams’ Tallis Fantasia and Vivaldi’s Piccolo Concerto transcribed for vibraphone.

Also on the programme is Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings Arranged for Orchestra and Dompierre’s Les Plasisirs.

Dame Glennie is a regular on television with appearances on everything from Songs of Praise to Sesame Street. She has also presented her own programme, Soundbites.

She also collects percussion instruments – at the last count, she had more than 1,800 – and is always on the look out for new ones.

The concert takes place on Saturday, March 9 from 7.45pm. Tickets cost £18 with concessions available.

They can be booked by calling the box office on 08455 218218 or logging on to www.cornexchangenew.com.

This is not the only concert to be hosted at Douai Abbey this March.

Next up, the Newbury Choral Society will present a concert for Holy Week.

Music will include Dvorak’s Mass In D, Eben’s Prague Te Deum and J S Bach’s O Jesus Christ Mein Lebens Licht.

The concert will take place on Saturday, March 23 from 7.45pm.

Tickets cost £15 or £5 for children and can again be bought via the Corn Exchange box office.

A free concert for Good Friday will see the Douai Abbey Singers perform. Starting at 8pm, the event will feature music and reflections suitable for the solemn day and help focus on the Easter weekend. v For more details on these concerts, log on to www.douaiabbey.org.uk.

REVIEW

A passionate performance of St John’s Passion v St John’s Passion Reading Bach Choir at Douai Abbey Saturday, February 16 The Reading Bach Choir returned to Douai Abbey for its first concert of 2013.

Under the excellent guidance of their Musical Director Matthew Hamilton, they performed J S Bach’s St John’s Passion.

Bach took John 18-19 which tells of the betrayal, trial and crucifixion of Jesus, and set it to music.

With the beauty of the Abbey and the magnificence of the music, a truly memorable evening took place.

The choir, which was formed in 1966, gave a very professional and moving performance.

During the evening, they

were accompanied by the Reading Bach Orchestra.

Special mention must be given to Tom Primrose on the organ who did a superb job of accompanying the soloists.

The soloists – Terence Ayebare, Katie Bray, Thomas Hobbs, Susanna Hurrell and Simon Lasker Wallfisch – gave excellent performances.

In particular tenor Thomas, who took the part of the

Evangelist, deserves a special mention as his performance was very moving.

The Reading Bach Choir will give their next performance at Reading Minster on Saturday, May 4, when they will sing works by Benjamin Britten, James Lavino, Gustav Holst, Imogen Holst and Vaughan Williams.

BRIDGET GURNEY

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THEATRE

A wacky night out with wild-shirted Milton Known for his wild hair, wild puns and the weird shirts, Milton Jones is a comedy favourite.

The stand-up has hosted eight series on BBC Radio 4 and made numerous appearances on telly shows including Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Mock The Week, sharing his love for word play, puns and silly jokes.

He’s also busy touring the country with his latest show, the imaginatively titled On The Road, playing to sellout audiences and hastily arranging return dates to meet demand.

But what you might not know is that the comic is also a Christian, and he does his best to ensure that even on the road he stays rooted in his faith.

“It’s like a number of things in my life, I’m not consciously aware of the battle because being a Christian is so much part of who I am – and has been for a number of years,” he explains.

Although Milton attends a Church of England fellowship, he hates being

Milton Jones – king of the one–liner Picture: Idil Sukan labelled as an Anglican.

“All denominations are almost meangingless,” he says. “There’s so much variety in denominations these days it’s kind of like, for this generation, the distinction is almost meaningless. I would always say that I’m a Christian

first and the denominations aren’t important.”

The life-style of a standup, especially a touring one, can be lonely. As well as the gigs to get to, there’s the TV appearances, radio shows and the writing. Milton feels that he’s created a good support

network to ensure that he stays grounded. These include a prayer triplet and a men’s group at his church.

He explains: “It’s about being accountable and plugged into the people around me and, in terms of good friends and family, hopefully keeping my feet on the ground and vice versa.

“A lot of my friends are Christians and we’re able to talk.”

Milton’s act attracts a wide cross-section of ages, something that he’s proud of.

“When I do tours, I quite like it because you get whole families coming along,” he says. “You get kids and old people: people are now turning up wearing wacky shirts as well, which is quite funny.”

Well, not as funny as Milton when he’s rattling out those one-liners. v Milton will be at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre on Thursday, March 14 and again on November 6.

Tickets, at £20, are still on sale and can be bought by calling the box office on (0118) 960 6060 or logging on to www.readingarts.com.

THEATRE

v Sing Verdi’s Requiem

v Young talent on stage

If you love to sing and love sacred music then don’t miss an opportunity to sing Verdi’s Requiem.

Henley Choral Society is running a workshop on Saturday, April 27 at St Mary the Virgin, Henley-on-Thames.

Working with conductor Will Dawes, accompanist David Smith and young professional soloists, the day ends with a performance at 5pm.

Singers can also attend additional rehearsals and take part in a performance of the Verdi Requiem in the Concert Hall, Reading, on Saturday, June 8.

You’ll sing with Henley Choral Society, Southern Sinfonia and professional soloists Sophie Bevan, Kate Symonds-Joy, David Butt Phillips and James Oldfield.

Workshop tickets cost £15 before March 31, and £20 afterwards. It’s free for those under 25. v For more details, visit www. henleychoralsociety.org.uk or contact the organiser, Jenny Fleming on (01491) 575165 or email hcsaltos@gmail.com.

TALENTED young performers will be taking to the stage to showcase their skills.

Members of Progress Youth Theatre, aged between 10 and 18, will be performing The School of Night, a thrilling piece of Tudor spy intrigue.

Written by Peter Whelan, the play focuses on the strange story of life in the inner circle of Sir Walter Raleigh and Christopher Marlowe.

It’s not the first time that the young theatre has tackled some serious plays.

Previous shows have included an allfemale Lord Of The Flies, a modern take on Julius Caesar and plays by Reading’s most famous jailbird, Oscar Wilde.

This year’s show will be performed at Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road, east Reading on March 18 and 19.

Tickets can be bought on the door for £5. v The adults will be peforming two one-act plays, WASP and The Long Road, at its theatre in Christchurch Road, Reading, from March 18-23. v www.progresstheatre.co.uk.

v Saga in Swallowfield A MUCH-LOVED children’s animation series is being brought to life next month.

Noggin The Nog – a Viking saga from the people who created Ivor The Engine and The Clangers – has been turned into a stage play and will be performed

by Third Party Productions on Friday, April 5.

Using puppets, live music and silly Vikings, the play will be peformed in Swallowfield Parish Hall from 7.30pm.

As well as the play, there will be a bar.

Tickets cost £10 or £8 for under 16s.

For details, call Hilary on (0118) 988 5989 or email Hilaryf17@gmail.com.

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v Armed Man READING Concert Singers will present excerpts from The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins for its Spring Concert.

Held in aid of MS Therapy Centre, the concert is performed twice – the first was at St Mary Magdalen Church Tilehurst on Wednesday, February 27, the second will be at St Agnes Church in Whitley on Wednesday, March 6.

Starting at 7.30pm, the concert also features choral and instrumental music.

Entry is by purchase of a programme for £8 and under 16s can get in for £4.

For details, call (0118) 942 5290 or log on to www. readingconcertsingers.org.

v Mum’s day MUMS are being invited to enjoy a musical treat this Mothering Sunday.

St Mary’s Church in Streatley is hosting a performance of music by Mozart, including arias from The Marriage Of Figaro, Clemeza di Tito and Divertimenti for basset horn trio.

It will be performed on replicas of historical clarinets and basset horns used in the late 18th and early 19th century, which will magically capture his sound world.

The concert takes place on Sunday, March 10 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10, concessions £8, under 12s free. A group of four can get a saver ticket for £30.

For more details, email stmarysconcerts@hotmail. com.

v Stainer STAINER’S Crucifixion will be performed by the Thames Vale Singers at St Michael’s Church in Tilehurst.

Sung on two nights – Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 – the show starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £9 or £7 for concessions. For details call (0118) 984 2563 or visit www.thamesvalesingers. org.uk.

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v Sing Stainer AN EARLEY church is holding a special come and sing event later this month.

Earley St Peter’s has chosen, like St Mary’s in Winkifeld, Stainer’s Crucifixion for the special singing day.

Everyone is welcome and it costs £15, £10 concessions and £5 children. It starts at 10.30am on Saturday, March 23, and ends with a performance starting at 5.30pm.

For more details or to reserve places email readingchorale@gmail.com or call Marguerite on 07946 620560.

v Easter concert St Andrew’s in Sonning is the venue for Twyford Singers’ Easter Concert.

Held on Sunday, March 24 from 7pm, the programme includes music by Haydn, Mozart and Faure.

Tickets are £7 or £3.50 for concessions. For details, call (0118) 934 2406.

The West End comes to Wesley

IT’S ONE of the best-loved musicals of all-time, so it should be no surprise that 140 people turned up to come and sing Les Miserables.

Organised by the Witt Studio Chorus at Wesley Methodist Church in Reading, the event on February 16 gave participants the chance to take part in a workshop before performing the show in the evening.

People travelled up from Southampton to take part and all ages, from seven to 70, were in the massive choir.

The singers were accompanied by live

percussion, piano and professional singing

by Philippa Healey, who played the grown up Cosette in the West End production of Les Miserables.

One of the younger participants, aged eight, has also recently performed in the West End production, playing the role of the young Cosette. She was thrilled to meet Philippa.

Participants were invited to join the successful and growing Witt Studio Chorus, comprising 90 men and women from the area who met every Wednesday

from 7.30pm at Wesley. There are no auditions to join.

The choir’s next show takes place on Friday, March 22, from 7.30pm and again at Wesley .

It includes a special tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera and music by Coldplay, Gilbert & Sullivan and The Beatles.There will also be a song by Rupert and The Frog Chorus and excerpts from Handel’s Messiah.

Tickets cost £12, concessions £10 and can be bought at www.thewittstudio.com.

v More musical treats to enjoy v WOKINGHAM Choral Society is preparing for its Easter concert, which will take place at St Paul’s Church on Saturday, March 9.

The choir will sing Faure’s Requiem, Stanford’s Magnifcat as well as music by Howells, Piccili and Dove.

Conducted by Alexander Chaplain, the conert will feature Emily Vine as soprano and Samuel Pantcheff as baritone soloists and Benjamin Woodward on the organ.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £14, or £5 for concessions. They can be bought from Bookends, Newbury Building Society and the Wokingham Town Hall Information Centre and by logging on to www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk. v AN EVENING of Baroque flute music can be heard later this month as part of the ongoing Baroque Music concert

season at Wokingham’s Town Hall.

Ashley Solomon, the director and founder of Florilegium and Head of Historical Performance at the Royal College of Music, will perform the tunes at Wokingham Town Hall on Wednesday, March 27.

The programme features music by a famous father, son and godfather: JS Bach, CPE Bach and GP Telemann.

The concert starts at 8pm and tickets can be reserved by logging on to www. liturgicalmusic.co.uk. v The Clarino Trio’s Mozart for Mother’s Day is a special concert which be held in Streatley later this month.

St Mary’s Church, is the venue for the concert, which takes place on Saturday, March 9 from 7.30pm.

The concert will be performed on authentic replica classical age clarinets and

basset horns to magically recapture Mozart’s own sound world.

The music will include arias from the Magic of Figaro, Clemenza di Tito and Divertimenti for basset horn trio.

Tickets cost £10, £8 concessions, £30 for group of four, for advance bookings email stmarysconcerts@ hotmail.com For details, visit www. musicians-for-events.co.uk/ clarino.php. v Tamesis Chamber Choir will be performing its spring concert at St Laurence’s Church, Reading on Saturday, March 9.

The theme will be Light Bites and features music chosen by the choir’s supporters.

It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12.

To buy them, log on to www. tamesischamberchoir.co.uk.

What do you think? Have your say on our Facebook page or tweet us @xnmedia

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About a Zomboy from Wokingham v Warm Bodies (12a)

Moviewatch

S

Cinema with Martin Ceaser

Stars Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, Dave Franco, John Malkovitch

tarring local lad Nicholas Hoult, we could call this film “ About a ZOM-boy” (sorry, couldn’t resist).

Set in yet another version of a post-apocalyptic world (America, naturally), the film traces the story of our dead hero as he undergoes an amazing transformation, from death to life, because of the power of love.

Yes, the Zombie falls for a living, breathing woman (Julie, played by Teresa Palmer), after killing her boyfriend (Franco) and eating his brain, thereby gaining his memories.

Hoult’s character, “R”, rescues Julie from the other Zombies and as they get to know each other his heart starts beating again, he starts to dream again, and his body gets warm again (although there is a balcony scene, Romeo and Juliet it’s not!).

“R” then has to save Julie from the flesheating Bonies (Zombies who have decayed to become skeletons), return her to her Father (Malkovitch) and persuade him that he doesn’t need to fear the Zombies any more, because not only is “R” changing, but the power of the love between him and Julie is also bringing the others back to life.

Lots of corny “Zombie walking” and grunting is interspersed with touching scenes between Hoult and Palmer, along

with interesting CGI Bonies that are reminiscent of the skeletons in Jason and the Argonauts.

Scenery is suitably desolate and apocalyptic and the soundtrack is well varied and well suited to the film.

I was pleasantly surprised. Zombie films don’t really do it for me but this was enjoyable.

When you get past the Zombies you find an overriding theme of the hope that love brings, and even when everything else has gone, love is still there (echoes of 1 Corinthians 13), and the power of love to bring about reconciliation between groups at loggerheads with each other, and even change the world, with a dramatic conclusion that reminded me of Ephesians 2:14 ( look it up!).

So you’ve got a surreal world, some corny comedy, and serious themes of alienation, hope, love and reconciliation that are well worth exploring, probably not with your Seniors Group but definitely with the Youth Group, who will love it.

So will your Youth Leader, and maybe even some of the adults you know...

The Revd Martin Ceaser is minister of Crowthorne Baptist Church

REVIEW

Band raises brass for Africa v Trinity Concert Band Trinity Church, Earley Saturday, February 16 Trinity Church was bursting at the seams at the first concert of 2013 from Trinity Concert Band. It was a very enjoyable evening with lots of recognisable pieces as well as some challenging ones to play.

The band raised £500 for Brass for Africa (www. brassforafrica.com) during the evening and the programme included a talk by Jim Trott, the charity’s founder. Brass For Africa supports music projects in three orphanages in Kampala, Uganda.

After Jim’s talk the audience was treated to a new march composed by Jim entitled MLISADA (Music, Life Skills, And Destitution Alleviation).

It aims to reduce the number of children living on the streets of Kampala and provide opportunities to less privileged children in Uganda.

A very moving video showing the impact of the charity’s work on the children was shown after the march and went down well with both the audience and band alike.

The music started with a rousing tribute to the Olympic Games last year with John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare & Theme.

Lots more music from John Williams was to follow but other film composers were not ignored, as the next piece was Moment for Morricone featuring music from his film scores including the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Musicals were represented

with excerpts from Phantom of the Opera and Evita.

An arrangement of Wherever You Are, was played as a tribute to the amazing Military Wives choir and Gareth Malone.

The band showed their versatility with two contrasting pieces, Tijuana Brass in Concert – a fun tribute to Herb Alpert and his band, and Yiddish Dances by Adam Gorb.

The latter piece gave the band a silver award at the National Concert Band Finals at the Royal Academy of Music in April last year.

The concert finished with the Fantasia on British Sea Songs where MD Paul encouraged the audience to join in with clapping as the hornpipe got faster and faster.

Dave Robson

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v Be Lifted when you join new Gospel choir EVEN if you have no previous experience singing, a new community choir will welcome you with open voices.

LIFTED is a contemporary Gospel music choir that has been launched by Clifton Elroy and Holly Stothard and it’s open to everyone.

Meeting fortnightly at Hamilton Road Children’s Centre in Bulmershe Road, Reading, the group sing everything from current and traditional pop and worship songs, all sung Gospel style.

Choir members just need a passion for performance and music to take part and no prior experience.

Organisers hope that participants will be lifted both vocally and spiritually as they sing together.

Clifton is a talented singer, vocal coach and dancer and the choir is supported by Network Vineyard Church.

Lifted meets fortnightly on Mondays and sessions cost just £1.

For more details, email Holly at punky_fish@ hotmail.com.

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