Xn May 2014

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Henley, Reading & Wokingham districts

may 2014

ISSN 2049-4971

EXCELLENT NEWS

home for good How you can help give a child a safe place to stay

railway sleeper Call The Midwife star’s plea to spend the night under the stars

FANCY A PICNIC?

How you can get involved in the town’s biggest-ever lunch

eggsellent news Supermarket’s generosity brings Easter chicks home to roost

brought to book

Meet Jess, the singing storyteller

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May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

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Remembering our Victoria Cross heroes

I

n this centenary year of the beginning of the First World War, the cost of all wars and the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice made on our behalf is naturally drawn to our attention.

Queen Victoria introduced an award for valour, now known as the Victoria Cross (VC), in the spring of 1856. It has several local ties: St Andrew’s Church in Sonning is the burial place of two holders of this medal: one is Brigadier Edmund Phipps-Hornby, who received the award in 1900.

Then a Major commanding a battery of the Royal Horse Artillery during the Boer War, not only his personal bravery but also, as the senior surviving rank, the collective heroism of all in his battery was recognised through the medal. He retired in 1918 after 40 years of service and died in 1947.

The second, Major General Llewellyn Price-Davies, received his award in 1901, when, as a 23-year-old Lieutenant in the Boer War, he was severely wounded after a desperate attempt to rescue some artillery guns.

He died in 1965.

Both went on to serve with distinction during the First World War. A vault beneath All Saints Church in Swallowfield is the burial place of Sir Charles Russell, one of the first recipients in 1857 during the Battle of Inkerman. He went on to serve as the Member of Parliament for Berkshire.

General Sir John Watson, buried in St James’ Churchyard in Finchampstead, won the Victoria Cross during the Indian Mutiny in 1857

Relatives and councillors gathered at the unveiling of the street nameplate in honour of Trooper Fred Potts, who was honoured with a Victoria Cross in 1915. His medals are on show at Reading Museum Pictures: Lynda Bowyer

and lived until the age of 89 after a distinguished career.

The final resting places of those awarded the VC are also located in Windsor,

Sunningdale, Bray, Maidenhead and Stubbing but there has only been one recipient who was born and died in Reading; Trooper Frederick William Owen Potts (pictured left).

The injured Fred Potts saved a severely injured colleague, Arthur Andrews also from Reading, by dragging him to safety using an entrenching tool during the Gallipoli Campaign in 1915.

He later became a tailor and died in 1943 at the age of 50.

As a permanent reminder of his actions, relatives of both men gathered to officially name a road in Fred’s honour on April 5.

At the same time, Reading Museum launched an exhibition of artefacts and images exploring the impact of war through the ages.

The exhibition runs until September 14 and includes Fred’s medal on loan from the Ashcroft Collection at the Imperial War Museum in London.

This month

Jess 18

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

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Richard McCoull 0118 328 3108 richard@xnmedia.co.uk Xn is published by Xn Media.

ISSN 2049-4971 c/o Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS www.xnmedia.co.uk Twitter: @xnmedia Editor & publisher Phil Creighton editor@xnmedia.co.uk

Easter fun 16

Food 6-7

Journalist Vivienne Johnson vivienne@xnmedia.co.uk Photography Lynda Bowyer lynda@xnmedia.co.uk Website Peter Bowyer peter@xnmedia.co.uk Distribution Judith Creighton judith@xnmedia.co.uk Contributors Michael Penny, Steve Prince, James Hern, Martin Ceaser, Michael Johnson, Hazel Southam Thanks to Alan Magness, Louise Cole, Mary Brockington, Nick Crowder, Andrew Taylor, Steve Curtis, Lynne Colman, Emma Major, Malc Peirce, John Howell, Rob Wilson, Alok Sharma, Jane van Es, Glyn Yarnall, Claire Skelton, Fiona Hinton Cover picture Lynda Bowyer Printed by Polestar Xn is an independent publication that aims to reflect community and Church life without bias.

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, investigate any written complaints. © Xn Media Ltd, 2014

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Top gear 4 War 20 From the editor

S

UMMER’S coming and that can only mean that the great outdoors is starting to look appealing.

If there’s one thing my daughter loves more than anything else it’s the chance to enjoy a picnic. If there’s one thing my son loves more than anything else, it’s the chance to enjoy a bouncy castle.

Wrap the two things together with an Phil Creighton ice cream cone and you’ve got all the fun of the fayre. Lots of them in fact – from Wokingham’s street fayre to Sandhurst’s Donkey Derby, there is something for everyone in every corner of the Thames Valley this month.

You’ll find details for all of these events – and much more besides – in this jam-packed edition of Xn. And don’t forget to log on to our website, xnmedia.co.uk, for the latest news. We update it daily. We’re also at facebook.com/xnmedia.

Go on, give us a like!

Enjoy your May, we’ll see you again next month.

Help 8

Contents

4 The Main Event 6 Foodbanks in focus 8 News A round-up of excellent news 16 Easter round-up How we celebrated Holy Week 18 Christian Aid Week 20 First World War Marking the centenary 22 What’s on 24 Classified 28 Sport All the latest from the Football League 29 Family Circle 30 Puzzles 31 Food 32 Arts

Get in touch! email stories to editor@xnmedia.co.uk Deadline for June issue Friday, May 17

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advertising feature

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Driving up standards Daunted about buying a new car? You needn’t be – Eden Vauxhall want to make it as easy as visiting your friendly corner shop WORDS: PHIL CREIGHTON PICTURES: LYNDA BOWYER

‘C

an I get you a cup of tea or coffee?”

It’s not the usual greeting you’d expect when going to buy a car. But then Eden Motor Group doesn’t do things in quite the way you’d imagine: it wants you to feel like you’re in a local corner shop, being served by friendly faces.

The company’s chief executive officer is Graeme Potts and he is the reason for the high standards.

As he comes down from his offices to be photographed for this piece, his staff walk up to him and insist on saying hello and shaking his hand.

His smile is wider than one of his Vauxhalls on full beam and, as the handshakes take place, you can see the steering wheel shaped cufflinks that adorn his suit.

He explains: “I know [my colleagues] and they know me. I hate to be the kind of boss who people only see if they’re in trouble. We’re not that culture at all.”

Eden’s culture is refreshing. The showroom is staffed by friendly people that he’s proud of, from the receptionists (“they are lovely”) to the colleagues in the servicing department.

Everyone works in smart, comfortable uniforms provided by the company and the showroom is kept neat, tidy and welcoming.

Cars are cleaned every day to ensure they’re spotless. And there’s constant chatter as staff and customers talk.

“I’m a passionate motor person but I’m also a retailer who sells cars. So our shop window has to be immaculate,” Graeme says.

There’s another reason too: “We try to make it an easy showroom: it’s a place you’re happy to visit.

You’re guaranteed to get a warm welcome.”

The Eden Motor Group has 12

retail centres across the South, specialising in Vauxhall. There are branches in Newbury, Reading, Bracknell and Camberley.

Reading’s branch also features Chevrolet while you can buy a Hyundai, a Fiat or a Mazda if you head to Basingstoke. Services include new and used sales, servicing and parts: everything you need to enjoy trouble-free motoring.

It’s open late three nights a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays until 9pm and Saturdays until 7pm. It’s another part of the Eden culture and makes up for keeping Sunday as a family day.

“We’re six days trading because of my personal beliefs and it’s good for business,” Graeme explains. “We operate more hours than other retailers. Opening until 7pm on a Saturday gives customers time to think about their purchase and come back.”

The late nights mean that people can do “normal working hours, get home, have tea and put kids to bed and still come and see us”.

He adds: “Whenever we’re open, the customer should get a very good experience, be it at 10am on a Saturday morning, or 2pm on a Monday afternoon.”

And shutting up shop on Sundays means his staff know they’ll all get some family time while also ensuring Eden can continue to offer the best quality service.

“Customers are demanding – and rightly so,” he says. “It’s a tough, tough industry. But it’s all about people more than cars.

“We genuinely offer very good value with a deep seated commitment to making the shopping experience enjoyable and build a relationship.

“People get a very good value product and we are genuinely, genuinely customer focused so we give the customer a great experience.”

With that in mind, why don’t you pop in for a cuppa and find out more? v Eden Vauxhall is on Portman Road, Reading, the Bracknell site is on Bilton Industrial Estate and the Newbury showroom is on Faraday Road. For details and contact numbers for each branch, log on to www.edenvauxhall.co.uk.

Graeme Potts, CEO of Eden Motor Group, surrounded by some of his fleet in the Reading showroom

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news focus

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

FOODBANKS IN FOCUS | For more, log on to xnmedia.co.uk/foodbanks

v ‘Don’t take the easy option & blame a system,’ says MP READING East MP Rob Wilson says that people should dig deeper and accept the limitations in the Trussell Trust’s data.

Writing exclusively for Xn’s website in response to the news that nearly 1million people rely on Foodbanks, Rob said: “I am looking forward to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger and Food Poverty’s joint study paper with the Trussell Trust later this year.

This should help inform a debate that has lacked detailed information and is too dependent on anecdotal evidence.”

He added: “Probably the most important thing a politician and Government can do is to look carefully at what combination of circumstances converge in an individual’s life before they reach a crisis point and approach a professional asking for a food bank referral voucher.

“This means not taking the easy political option of simply blaming a system or a political party or a government, it means digging in to people’s personal life experiences for answers. Tickbox responses are simply not helpful when faced with a much more complex set of circumstances.” v Read his full essay on Xn’s website: goo.gl/jJROjC

v Don’t go shopping without us!

Wokingham’s foodbank feeds 1,000 people in first 7 months

Food parcels created by Wokingham’s food bank have fed more than 1,000 people Picture: Lynda Bowyer

BY PHIL CREIGHTON A new foodbank is commiserating after feeding more than 1,000 people in just seven months.

The news comes days after research revealed that the Coalition Government’s welfare reforms – including the bedroom tax and benefit sanctions – are a key reason why demand for foodbanks has dramatically increased over the past three years.

When the Wokingham Foodbank, which operates from its base in Rose Street, opened it was not sure if there was a need in the rich town. But it has seen demand increase and is now helping around 55 families every month with a three-day emergency food parcel.

In those seven months, the Foodbank has prepared 385 food parcels, comprising some 12 tonnes of food – all donated by local people.

To receive a food parcel, agencies across

Wokingham including the CAB, police and probation services, refer clients to the foodbank, which is run in conjunction with the Trussell Trust.

David Atkinson, speaking on behalf of the Foodbank, said: “It’s sad but true. The Foodbank has now fed 1,029 people in the seven months since we opened, and there is no sign of the need for help with food lessening.”

“We have prepared 385 food parcels and used nearly 12 tonnes of food for these and to help the Salvation Army and Seaford Court, all of which has been donated by the generous people of Wokingham.

“We now have over 60 agencies who hold our vouchers to give to their clients who are in need of help with food.”

Collection points for the Foodbank exist in churches across Wokingham. v For more details on how you can donate or help, log on to wokingham.foodbank.org.uk

In Reading, parcels sent out to double in a year

BY PHIL CREIGHTON

FOODBANKS often have different needs – some weeks they have too much pasta sauce, others they need nappies.

To help you donate smarter and ensure local foodbanks keep stock levels up to meet demand, we’ve launched a brilliant new service on our website.

Just log on to xnmedia.co.uk/ foodbanks and you can see the latest needs for each foodbank.

Bookmark the page for when you go shopping and you can shop smart to help the foodbanks stay fully stocked up.

The number of food parcels handed out in Reading has shot up a staggering 64% in just six months – and if trends continue, it will have risen 100% in a year.

The rise is in line with figures released by the Trussell Trust, which revealed that nearly 1million people have used a foodbank in the past 12 months – 1 in 67 of the UK population.

ReadiFood, a food bank that operates independently of the Trussell Trust, has been handing out emergency parcels in the town for more than 25 years.

In 2013, it handed out 1,450 parcels between January and June. Then, the second six months

of the year that soared to 2,381 parcels.

It is now handing out an average of 97.5 food parcels every week, after hitting a peak of 110 food parcels in January 2013.

During the year, it gave away £50,000 worth of food, with each parcel containing enough food to last three days, worth around £10.

The charity says that changes to the Benefits system introduced by the Coalition Government are a key factor in demand soaring.

People who would in the past have received a Crisis Loan to tide them over until Benefits were organised are now referred to a foodbank for a parcel.

Malcolm Peirce, director of ReadiFood, said: “We have seen

a noticeable rise in the numbers of people having their benefits sanctioned, due to failure to attend a meeting or send the right documentation in or fail to prove that they have applied for enough jobs in a given week.

“It is tragic that benefits are stopped whilst being reviewed rather than continued and only stopped if a problem is found.”

ReadiFood relies on donated food, and has run a number of supermarket collections. Most churches in the area accept donations and schools often pass on their food in harvest collections.

It also welcomes donations to help fund its operating costs. v For more details, or to offer help, go to www.readifood.org.uk

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7

FOODBANKS IN FOCUS

‘The long-term fix is our economic plan’ John Howell, MP for Henley, values the work foodbanks do – and says the best way forward is to keep calm and carry on

I

was struck by something Frank Field MP, the former Labour Minister, is reported to have said: “Even if we abolished all the welfare reforms that the Government had done, we would not abolish the need for foodbanks.”

It is worth recalling that the use of foodbanks increased tenfold under the last Labour Government and that Germany, Australia, and Canada have seen significant rises in their use.

So it is wrong to target the Government’s welfare reforms and seek to blame them.

I do not believe that compassion is shown by perpetuating a failed benefits system. That is not the way out of poverty and it is right to reform the system. The growth of foodbanks is the result of a complex variety of factors.

I value the contribution foodbanks make.

It was this Government after all which freed up Job Centre Plus to refer people to foodbanks in the first place.

It is still highly undesirable that anybody

Donated items waiting for distribution in a food bank Picture: Lynda Bowyer should feel the need to visit a food bank.

But, recent analysis has shown that 65% of people only visited a foodbank once.

The solution lies in delivering growth to the economy as a whole; in taking more people out of tax; in making sure that people keep more of the cash they earn.

The projections that consumer spending is set to rise by 1.5% is good news in this respect.

So why are people going to foodbanks? If you look at the research, one of the causes is delays in benefits payments and I am sure that there is more to do in this area. Progress is already being made and universal credit will bring further improvements.

The way to fix the problem long term is to carry on with the reforms we have introduced.

Despite a tough economic backdrop, we are making good progress with our long term economic plan.

As the Rowntree Foundation pointed out, foodbanks may well be meeting a need that was previously going unmet.

But they do not help look at the bigger picture which is that reforms are required to the benefits system, that Universal Credit will help and that the Department of Work and Pensions needs to deliver benefits on time and with the appropriate sanctions regime.

John Howell OBE is the MP for Henley and a member of the Conservative Party

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v New club is just the job A new Job Club is launching in Reading this month.

Run by Network Vineyard Church in conjunction with Christians Against Poverty (CAP) the course will be held at Woodley Hill House, Eastcourt Avenue, Reading, RG6 1HH. The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 21, at 1pm.

The eight-week course will cover topics such as writing a CV, identifying your skills and interview techniques.

Every candidate will have oneto-one coaching with Job Club manager Suzanna Mitchell.

You don’t have to be a CAP client to come on the course, it is free and open to everyone regardless of race, gender or belief. v For more details, call Suzanna Mitchell on 07570 047550 or suzannamitchell@capuk.org

Log on for the latest news

media.co.uk

v Mayor to open community café Cllr Marian Livingston, the Mayor of Reading, will open a new community café on Tuesday, May 6.

The 3C’s Café, based in St John’s Church, Gosbrook Road, Caversham will serve barista coffees, teas, soft drinks, cakes and biscuits.

Jenny Hicks, one of the volunteers behind 3C’s, said: “I can’t wait to open the doors and invite people in.”

3C’s café will open on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

v Donkey rides!

IF YOU’VE ever fancied being a jockey, your chance is coming up later this month.

The 48th annual Donkey Derby is under starters orders in Sandhurst and the family fun day takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 26.

As well as the donkey races there will be fairground rides, stalls and chances to win prizes.

Refreshments will be served in a tea tent and there is also free parking.

It takes place from 11am to 5pm and will be held at the Memorial Park in Sandhurst.

Entry is £2, although under 15s and senior citizens can get in free. v For more, visit sandhurst donkeyderby.weebly.com.

Twyford prepares for 10 fantastic days of festival fun A POT pouri of drama, comedy, food, drink and the mysterious are promised when Twyford holds its first-ever village festival.

Running from May 23 to June 1, there will be 10 days of non-stop

events, all in aid of local charities.

Highlights include a performance of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, an evening with Uri Geller and a donkey derby.

The event comes to an end with a concert at St Mary’s Church in Twyford, performed by former Piggott School pupil Paul Rowe. v For more details, or to book tickets, log on to www.twyfest.co.uk.

How a little can go a long way

BY PHIL CREIGHTON A CHARITY that offers help, advice and support to empower people is looking for a little help of its own.

CommuniCare, which offers everything from a form filling service to support with finances, divorce and legal issues, is looking for a lot of people and churches to contribute a little each, proving that small things make a difference.

“We’re a small charity that punches way above its weight,” explains CommuniCare’s manager, Francesca Yates. “Agencies we work with can’t speak highly enough of what we do – we have an amazing reputation. I just want to continue growing it.”

At the moment, the East Reading-based advice centre is open for a limited amount of time and that regularly means high waiting times for people looking for help. One in five of the people who call in need help with form filling, with Francesca citing one such form weighing in at 54 pages.

“A lot of clients have low literacy levels and you give them a big booklet to fill out,” she explains.

“They know that coming to us they can sit with one of our advisors and get help.”

Francesca adds: “Every single

Francesca Yates outside CommuniCare’s offices Picture: Phil Creighton one of us [volunteering] is needed.

We’re often really full to the rafters.

“CommuniCare fulfills an awful lot of community work.”

The charity, which is based behind Wycliffe Baptist Church on King’s Road, Reading, has seen a 25% increase year on year on clients helped.

“A lot of clients are referred to us by other agencies. We have four paid part-time staff (two of whom are advisers), and we want to grow with the need and take it to the next level.”

To do this, Francesca is appealing for people and churches to help out.

She says: “I want churches not to give a big commitment. Just £50 or £150 a year would really help.”

As an example, Francesca says that a small amount of help would provide mobile phones for the team, so they don’t have to use their own personal phones. v To sign up to become a Friend of CommuniCare, email office@ communicare.org.uk, call 0118 926 3941 or log on to www. communicare.org.uk.

Getting ready to remember, 100 years on A CHURCH in Tilehurst is appealing for help as it prepares to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. St George’s Church in Tilehurst wants to curate photos and stories from First World War veterans for a display planned for August.

They are appealing for people who have images of their forebears from the conflict to send digital copies for an art project.

The church’s vicar, the Revd Dr Adam Carlill, said: “This year marks the centenary of the beginning of the First World War, and St George’s Church was, and still is, a focal point in West Reading for remembrance.

“St George’s was the barracks Church for the Royal Berkshire Regiment since 1886 and has many

important memorials to the fallen within it.

“To mark this centenary with stories and pictures of local people from Tilehurst who fought and died in this terrible conflict will be a good way of marking this event here in West Reading and Tilehurst.”

Wally Gilbert, who is co-ordinating the venture, said: “Over 100 men from the parish lost their lives. They were serving not only in the Royal Berks Regiment but in many other regiments and services.

Please let us know about their war records.”

The closing date for material to be sent is June 15.

You are asked not to send original photographs. v For more details, log on to www.facebook.com/ tilehurststgeorgeandstmarymagdalen, or the church’s website, www.stgeorge-tilehurst.org. v The Bible in the First World War – pages 20-21

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How you can share love by fostering have been able to transform lives over the years.

Now they are keen to share their experiences with others so more children can benefit from a ow can a child that’s never been loving home. loved learn to love?” asks Polly.

“Fostering is something we, as ordinary “You give a lot in fostering,” she people, could do,” Ben says. continues, “Every placement has “We would recommend it, if it’s right for its complications and challenges, but we’re you,” Polly added. just here to help – to help that child find their Fostering simply provides a child with place.” the home life they need and it can Polly is sitting opposite me and next to her be a short term placement for partner Ben (not their real names and the just a few weeks or it could be picture is posed by a model). They have longer. been fostering children for a number of Children in need of years and are beaming with pride as fostering may be unable they recall how they have been able to to live with their birth transform young lives. parents due to their ill The couple, who live health, abuse or neglect. in the Wokingham It can sometimes have a borough, are real effect on the way keen to in which children encourage behave. others to “Actually, just to get involved be normal, just to be and see the one of the crowd, difference can be a huge for themselves. achievement,” Their eyes sparkle Adoption Advert 10:45 Page says of the 1 with Fostering delight as they reflect new year 148x210:Layout 2 16/04/2014 Polly struggles that on the ways in which they

BY PHIL CREIGHTON

‘H

some youngsters face.

Ben and Polly didn’t wake up one day and decide they wanted to be foster parents.

“It probably took about six months – it wasn’t something we jumped into,” Ben said.

Supported all the way by social workers and a network of fellow fosterers, the couple feel that they have never been alone.

“When we’ve needed help, they’ve been right there with us,” Polly said. “They heard our cry and responded.”

Churches across the Thames Valley are backing a campaign called Home For Good, which is encouraging people to foster and adopt.

The Revd David McLeod, from St Sebastian’s Wokingham, said: “Fostering has significant effects on transforming life.

“Children who go into foster care are nurtured and are ready to be adopted because of the care they’ve received.” v Wokingham Borough Council is holding a fostering information event on Saturday, May 17 at St Sebastian’s Parish Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham RG40 3AT. Running from 10am to noon, you can drop-in, meet foster carers and find out more.

PICTURE: Alesia17/SXC.HU

Could you be a foster carer?

Foster Carers are as different as the children and young people they look after. If you could make a real difference to a child or young person by offering a happy family life, commitment and security then we would love to hear from you.

But don’t just take our word for it. As one of our foster children said: “The best thing for me was having someone to care about me and support me to do the things I want to and because of being with foster parents I’ve been able to build a better relationship with my family.”

Please come and talk to us at our fostering information events: Saturday May 17th 10am to 12 noon, at the St Sebastian’s Parish Centre, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, Berkshire. RG40 3AT For more event dates, call (0118) 974 6204 or email: fostering@wokingham.gov.uk

be someone amazing, be a foster carer

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May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

v Watch out for these scarecrows SONNING is looking forward to all the fun of the scare as the village prepares for a straw invasion.

The annual Scarecrow Festival will take place on Sunday, May 25 and bank holiday Monday, May 26.

Houses throughout the village will display homemade scarecrows and the hunt will be on to find them all.

At the same time, St Andrew’s church will host a flower festival and an art exhibition will be on display in the Pearson Hall.

Refreshments will also be served up for thirsty guests. v For more details, log on to sonningfestival.co.uk.

v Make plans for this plant sale A POPULAR plant sale will be bursting with colour next month.

Sandhurst and Yateley Methodist Church in Scotland Hill, Sandhurst, will be giving green-fingered gardeners the chance to get great plants at bargain prices.

As well as the green shoots, budding gardeners can get advice from hardy perennials who have years of garden expertise on tap to advise how, when and where your plant should be put in your garden.

It takes place on Saturday, June 7, from 10am to noon in the church’s hall.

Everyone is welcome. v For more details, log on to www. sandhurstmethodist.org.uk

Rob’s backing baby Picture: Lynda Bowyer

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Rob Wilson

BY PHIL CREIGHTON A CHARITY that helps struggling families get everything they need for their babies welcomed Reading East MP Rob Wilson to its new offices.

First Days

Wokingham takes donated baby and toddler clothes, equipment, furniture and toys so they can be redistributed to families in need.

Since February, it has been working from the Family Resource Centre in Woodley’s Headley Road East. To celebrate the move, First

join ROb as he tours First days’ offices with our online video news report at xnmedia.co.uk

Get ready for the Big Lunch

BY VIVIENNE JOHNSON STREETs will be filled with feasts next month as neighbours are encouraged to get together.

The Big Lunch sees thousands of communities across the UK

T: 0118 942 9889

hold events and street parties on Sunday, June 1.

The idea is simple: get together with your neighbours for a few hours of food, friendship and fun.

It could be anything from a few neighbours getting together in the

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Days CEO Emma Cantrell invited Rob Wilson to visit.

Rob said: “One of the reasons I wanted to come down was to show my support and find out a bit more. It’s a great charity.” v To find out how to donate or receive help visit firstdays.net

*For Live-in and daily long-term clients. ** Subject to availability

garden to a street party with food and music that stops the traffic.

The scheme launched at The Eden Project in 2009. Last year’s event brought togther an impressive 3.65 million people.

This year the organisers are hoping at least four million people will join in so there are plenty of Big Lunches being organised.

Sir Tim Smit KBE, co-founder of The Big Lunch, said: “The genius lies in all those wonderful people who go out and make it their event – each one is different but they share t0he same instinct to make our neighbourhoods friendlier to live in.”

In Earley, St Peter’s Road will be partially blocked to traffic.

Lindsay Padbury is helping to organise the event. She said: “Anderson Baptist Church0 are lending us their tables and benches, then local people bring and share food and skills.”

As long as you don’t need to ask permission for a road closure, there’s still time to organise a Big Lunch in your community.

The Big Lunch website has lots of inspiration and information. v For more details or to register, log on to www.thebiglunch.com.

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11

Mental health help

BY VIVIENNE JOHNSON AN EVENING aimed at helping people struggling with mental wellbeing will take place in Earley next month.

St Nicolas Church has invited guest speakers to its Maintaining Our Mental Wellbeing evening.

Experts include Trudie Inge, a psychotherapist from Wokingham’s Mental Health team, retired GP Steve Brown and the Revd Rachel Wadey, chaplain at Prospect Park Hospital.

The idea originated from the Revd Libby Newman, a curate at St Nicolas’s. She said: “[While talking to some people], I was taken aback that I was the only person in the room who wasn’t talking about low mood and anxiety. I thought it might be helpful to people to be given the tools to stop themselves slipping into depression.”

Trudie Inge will explain how to maintain good mental health including talking about Mindfulness, a form of meditation that has strong parallels with Christian meditation.

Dr Steve Brown will be talking about the stigma that is still attached to mental health and about his own experiences of depression.

The speakers will also answer questions from the audience.

“It’s normal for people to be mentally unwell as much as it is normal for people to have flu. It’s bloomin’ unpleasant but it’s within the range of normal,” said Libby.

“There’s a certain attitude of pull yourself together which really isn’t helpful. We are seeking to increase understanding, shine a light and open the door.”

This event will takes place at the Sutcliffe Avenue church on Tuesday, June 3, at a time to be confirmed and is shortly after Mental Health Awareness Week whose focus this year is on anxiety.

It is one of a number of events planned at the church on the issue of mental health – the Revd Neil Warwick will be preaching on anxiety on Sunday, May 18. v For details or to book a place, email info@stnicolas.org.uk or call 0118 966 9080.

Ann Rance knits another outfit for Mission WIthout Borders Picture: Lynda Bowyer

Ann’s knitting brings hope A TALENTED woman from Reading has proved that she’s no knitwit – her skills with the needles have helped clothe hundreds of children over the years.

Ann Rance, who volunteers in the Greyfriars Bookshop in Reading, knits garments for Mission Without Borders, a charity that works with orphans in Eastern Europe.

She started with her mother, helping the now defunct Twyford

charity Feed The Children.

Ann said: “When Feed The Children closed down I decided to continue knitting, and so started making knitted sets for Mission Without Borders.”

Ann welcomes donations of bagged wool via the bookshop or more volunteers to join her as she helps the orphans. v For the full story, log on to our website: goo.gl/QTDNMz

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v Traditional fun at Douai family day A FUN day for all the family is promised next month.

Douai Abbey in Upper Woolhampton is organising its annual family event for Sunday, June 1.

As well as a fete, there will be a barbecue, a sports day and the chance to take part in traditional events such as tug o-war, football, cricket, tennis and human table football.

It also includes a Songs of Praise service.

The fun starts at 11am and continue until 5pm.

v Browse, haggle and sell at sale GRAB a bargain in Caversham with a car boot sale taking place later this month.

The church of Our Lady and St Anne in South View Avenue will host the sale on Sunday, May 17 after its morning services.

Buyers can set up from 11.45am in the church’s car park, sellers can browse, haggle and buy from 12.30pm.

Pitches cost £5 for cars and £10 for vans. v For more details, log on to www.ourladyandstanne.org.uk.

v Look out for the white elephants WHITE elephants will be found in Woodley later this month.

Christ Church in Crockhamwell Road is hosting a spring fair on Saturday, May 10.

Starting at 10am and running until 1pm, the event will include a range of stalls including the aforementioned animals, as well as books, toys, gifts, stamps, cards and plants.

All proceeds will go towards the church’s charity of the year Mercy Ships.

v Preparing for the growing season A TRADITIONAL service to prepare for the coming growing season will take place in Brimpton at the end of the month.

Rogation Sunday will be marked

by St Peter’s Church at Manor Farm on May 25.

The family-focused event starts with a procession at 10.45am and will include a blessing of the crops being planted.

Everyone is welcome. v For details: www.awb.org.uk

Be a railway sleeper urges TV star

BY PHIL CREIGHTON

ONE of the Railway Children is asking you to become a railway sleeper and raise much-needed funds for charity in the process.

Action For Children is organising Byte Night in Reading this October and Jenny Agutter OBE is looking for people to take part.

The annual event, which started as a fundraiser by IT charities, sees people spend a night under the stars in a public location – and Forbury Gardens, opposite Reading Station, is to be the Thames Valley venue.

Money raised from the night will help Action For Children’s work tackling the root causes of homelessness, keeping vulnerable young people off the streets and enabling them to build better lives.

Jenny, who also stars in the BBC hit drama Call The Midwife, said: “Last year, I was one of 1,400 people across the UK who slept rough to raise funds for Action for Children. Spending the night exposed to the elements was a challenge, but in the morning I was able to go home to my family, take a shower and sleep in a comfortable bed. Sadly there are young people in the Thames Valley who are less fortunate.

“Last year’s Byte Night raised an impressive £1million for Action For Children services that support

Jenny Agutter OBE wants people to sign up for Byte Night this October

young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. This year we hope to raise even more – and we need at least 1,500 people to sleep out to make this possible.”

The Thames Valley Byte Night will be held in Forbury Gardens

on Friday, October 3, and is one of eight events being held across the UK that night. v To find out about taking part in Byte Night Thames Valley, email bytenight@actionforchildren.org.uk or visit www.bytenight.org.uk.

v Join Wokingham’s Dementia Action Alliance PLANS are in place for the launch of the Wokingham Dementia Action Alliance.

Local businesses, shops and voluntary groups will work toegether to help the Borough become more dementia friendly. It follows Reading’s efforts, which launched in March.

The Wokingham launch will be attended by Cllr Martin Bishop, the town mayor, as well as former

mayor Cllr Bob Wyatt. There will be a performance by The Harmony Choir as well.

It takes place at Wokingham Methodist Church in Rose Street from 11am on Tuesday, May 20.

A Dementia Friends information session will follow from 1.15pm. v To book a place call Caroline from the Action Alliance on 07518 685904 or log on to: goo.gl/7uZrSO.

Teenagers pack now so they can pack again in summer A group of teenagers spent their Easter packing your bags so they can spend their summer packing their bags.

Members of the 2nd Reading Boys’ Brigade are planning an 11-day trip to South Africa in the school holidays so they can help build a home for a family that cannot afford it themselves – but to get there, they need to raise more than £18,000.

To raise funds, they spent a busy Holy Saturday packing shopping bags at the checkouts of Waitrose in Woodley.

Their efforts raised an impressive £930.60, all of which will go towards their costs for their trip. They have now raised more than £8,000 and are nearly

v Gig to help cause

Teenagers raised funds for a South African adventure by packing bags halfway to their target figure.

The trip is planned in conjunction with Urban Saints’ Rebuild programme.

AS PART of the Rebuild South Africa fundraising, local band Honeythunder will be performing next month.

It takes place at The Warehouse in Cumberland Road, Reading on Saturday, June 7 from 7pm until 11pm.

Tickets cost £5, under 13s go free.

“We are looking for local businesses and companies to donate a small prize for our raffle/auction in exchange for some publicity,” says organiser Vicki Emmett. v To offer help or to book tickets, email Vicki: vickimotwo@hotmail. com. v The group has a fundraising page where you can leave donations: mydonate.bt.com/teams/ wycliffesouthafrica.

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Eco travel grant for school

BY VIVIENNE JOHNSON

parking areas so that people know which of the footpaths will lead them to the school and not to a dead end of garages,” said Cathy.

“It’s very easy to get lost in a housing estate.”

“What we really want to do,” Cathy added, “is remove the barriers that get in the way of people walking to school.”

Other grant recipients include Grace Church also in Caversham and Reward Your World.

Grace Church will install a cycle shelter to encourage people to cycle rather than take the car, while Reward Your World will continue to encourage sustainable travel in Reading.

Reading Borough Council’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) aims to create an additional 7,200 daily bus trips, 12,050 daily walking trips and 2,300 daily cycle trips across the town, while cutting congestion by up to 10%. v For more details on all 11 projects to receive funding, log on to our website, xnmedia.co.uk

A SCHOOL in Caversham is celebrating after being one of 11 schemes picked by Reading Borough Council for funds from its Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF).

St Martin’s Catholic Primary School in Pendennis Avenue, Caversham was built at a time when car use was not commonplace. It will use the grant to change attitudes so that walking or park and stride become the preferred journey to school.

“We’ve got a very odd dogleg of a catchment area,” said Cathy Doberska, Acting Head at St Martin’s. “It’s based on the parish because we’re a church school.

“We are actually in the bottom corner of our own catchment area.

Some of our families travel in from Sonning Common.”

The road outside the school gets very congested and causes a lot of frustration at start and end of a school day as parents drop off and

pick up their children.

“We’ve had a few near misses,” said Cathy, “where children have been crossing roads in the path of cars. There is a permanent sense of waiting for something horrible to happen.”

St Martin’s is situated on the edge of a housing estate where there is communal parking.

“We want to improve the signposts in the communal

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v Caribbean tastes A TASTE of the Caribbean is coming to West Reading.

Members of St Mark’s Church in Cranbury Road are organising a fun family feast on Saturday, May 10.

There will be traditional Caribbean fishcakes, entertainment and music. Entry is £8 for adults, £4 for children and under fives can get in free. v For more details, call Pat on 07769 915177 or Norma on 07533 928073.

v Grab a slice of life PIZZA loving men are being invited to a night where slices of the popular snack will be on offer.

Reading Family Church is organising the event on Saturday, May 17, from 7pm. Its senior pastor, Sean Green, will speak and there will be drinks to enjoy too.

Tickets cost £5. v For more details, log on to www.readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

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v Solve this mystery A MORNING dedicated to one of the biggest mysteries of the universe will take place in Newbury next month.

Ken Shorey, chief executive of Positive Parenting, will be presenting an Insight Into Navigating The Teenage Years on Saturday, June 21.

The morning is open to all and has been organised by Churches Together in The Newbury Area. It will be held in the town’s Methodist Church in Northbrook Street RG14 1AN from 9.30am to 12.30pm. v For more information contact Colin Powell by emailing colin. glendale@gmail.com or calling 01635 524730.

v Chance to get Real WOMEN are invited to get Real next month as a popular conference returns.

Kerith Church in Bracknell will be hosting its annual women’s conference over the weekend of Friday, June 27 and Saturday 28.

Guest speakers include popular singer-songwriter Philippa Hanna and Shauna Niequist from Willow Creek Community, Chicago.

It will be hosted by Kerith’s women’s ministry leader Catrina Benham. v For more details or to book, log on to kerith.co.uk.

Tesco teams up for Easter joy

BY VIVIENNE JOHNSON MP for Reading West, Alok Sharma, was weighed down with Easter eggs on his visit to Argyle Community Church in Argyle Road, Reading.

Alok visited the church to find out about the work they are doing in the local community. With the help of the local Tesco distribution centre Lynne Colman, Community Development Worker at Argyle Community Church, has been showering the local community with sweet treats.

Staff at Reading’s Tesco distribution centre contacted the church asking for a wish list.

“I said we’d like things for our café, our customers and for our volunteers,” said Lynne. “They said ‘yes’ and they delivered boxes and boxes and boxes of stuff.”

Among the tea bags, coffee, biscuits and soups were dozens of Easter eggs.

Alok Sharma welcomed the company’s generosity.

He said: “Right from the start of the establishment of their distribution centre the key managers have been incredibly helpful and keen to engage with the community. It benefits everyone.”

This isn’t the first time Tesco

Lynne Coleman and Alok Sharma MP with some of the eggs donated by Tesco Picture: Lynda Bowyer has reached out a helping hand to Argyle: “They did it at Christmas as well”, said Lynne.

Some of the gifts were handed out, others sold at a Christmas Fair.

Lynne added: “The money we raised went to local charities. So it’s going into the community, blessing the community and providing money for the community.”

Charities who have benefited

are Christian Community Action (CCA), a Portugese children’s home and a children’s home in Reading.

“We’ve also blessed the local bin men, a youth club and the customers who come into our outreach café down the Oxford Road,” said Lynne.

Lynne also spread the Easter fun by passing on a box full of chocolate eggs for Alok to take to a Pride of Dee Park event in Norcot.

Paul plans trek across Nepal

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AN EPIC trek across Nepal will be help raise funds for a Nettlebed charity.

Paul Kelly, who is verger of Greyfriars Church in central Reading, is preparing for a gentle stroll across the Himalayas – some of the most rugged terrain on the planet.

He is hoping to raise £3,000 for Sue Ryder charity, which assists in the care of people with incurable illnesses while also giving their families a wide range of practical help. The life-changing trek will see him walk four eight-hour days and two four-hour days.

Paul said: “I have registered to take part in a tough and challenging trek in Nepal to raise

Paul Kelly is hoping to raise £3,000 for Sue Ryder by trekking the Himalayas this autumn funds for Sue Ryder. I am sure the experience will test my endurance but also give me an opportunity to see more of this amazing world we live in.”

The trek will take place in October and November, but he needs to raise his target by the end of the summer.

“My goal is to raise £3,000 by August so I would appreciate your support,” he

said. “You can give a donation on my page at: Virginmoneygiving.com/ PaulKelly15 or perhaps a fundraiser event at your workplace or church (collection buckets available on request).

“It would be fantastic to know you’re alongside in this mountainous task, so that you can play your part.” v To offer help to Paul, or for more details, contact office@greyfriars.org.uk.

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Gerald aims to break taboos

BY PHIL CREIGHTON The taboo subject of porn addiction will be brought out into the open this month when an internationally-renowned speaker comes to the Thames Valley.

Gerald Coates, who has co-written a book on issues relating to the addictive, corruptive nature of pornography, is speaking in Reading and doing so aims to make it easier to talk about such an intimate issue.

“It will be humorous and instructive,” Gerald said of his visits.

“It’s a taboo subject and we’ll get it out into the open.”

Addiction to pornography is a growing problem, with lads’ mags such as Nuts and Zoo taking the Page 3 pin-up to a new level, and internet access has made it even easier to view salacious material.

“There are 450 million sites to look at,” Gerald says.

“This is an issue that affects every man.”

Gerald has conducted a lot of research into the subject while writing the book and says that the average addict is “13 when he starts looking for porn, often out of inquisitiveness”.

By 15, it has led to patterns of viewing and behaviour. By 16, Gerald warns, “you will be pornreliant”.

“Pornography is as addictive as drugs,” he continued. “Porn viewing and the behaviour that goes with it creates three chemicals in the brain.

You begin to rely on them – they call it the rewiring of the brain.”

Gerald, who is leader of the Pioneer Engage Church in Leatherhead, will be visiting The Pavilion in Oxford Road, Reading, on Sunday, June 1.

He will speak at the morning service of LifeSpring Church from 10.30am, then in the evening will lead a session devoted to helping men break free and stay free from pornography. It starts at 7.30pm and entry is free.

“People can come and ask difficult questions, they won’t phase me,” Gerald says.

“I hope pastors, youth leaders, cell group leaders will come along.”

He’s hoping that his visits will have a lasting impact, setting up a network of people who can help others overcome their addiction to pornography.

“I want to find champions for the cause all over Reading, all over Henley and all over Wokingham.” v Sexual Healing: Identity, Sexuality, Calling is published

by New Wine Press, £6.99. IBSN: 978-1905991822. It is available from Quench and Greyfriars Bookshops. v For more details on Gerald’s visit to LifeSpring, call 0118 983 9080 or log on to www.lifespringchurch.org.uk

v Walk the plank Ahoy me hearties, here’s some good news for all you land-locked pirates. This year’s May Fair at Earley St Peter’s CE school includes a pirate ship.

You will also be able to glide down a giant slide and dodge an inflatable obstacle course.

There will be tombolas, book and plant stalls, art and crafts and a selection of external stalls selling their wares. Refreshments will also be available.

The fair will be held at the Church Road school on Saturday, May 17 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and everyone is welcome.

v Barn dance fun with a touch of chilli GRAB your partners for a fun family barn dance taking place later this month.

Binfield Primary School will be hosting the fun night out on Saturday, May 17.

It starts at 7pm and includes chilli and jacket potatoes. Entry is £5 or £3 for children. v For more details or tickets, email fobs@ friendsofbinfieldschool.co.uk.

Get support for your work DO YOU feel supported in your work? A new talk will show how you can be.

The Reading@Work group will be gathering in Bill’s restaurant next month for its regular evening meeting.

It starts with a time of networking and chance to meet other businesspeople from across the region.

You can also order food and drinks from the Reading town centr restaurant’s menu.

Then, the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, will give a talk entitled How The Church Can Support Those In The Workplace.

The session will end with a discussion.

Entry is free – but you have to pay for your food and drinks.

It takes place on Thursday, June 5 from 7.45pm. v To book a place or for more details, send an email to dave@ readingatwork.org or log on to readingatwork.org.

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news

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

Wokingham centres the margins Society’s marginalised were remembered as Wokingham marked Good Friday.

The open-air drama, held in Market Place, was attended by hundreds of people including the Town and Borough Mayors as well as John Redwood MP. It started with a procession from Norreys Church.

v Sonning’s family fun SONNING villagers gathered together in the spring sunshine for an afternoon of fun and games.

St Andrew’s, the parish church of Sonning, hosted an Easter celebration in its grounds on Saturday, April 19.

The event saw families take part in an Easter egg hunt as well as egg and spoon races.

There was also a free barbecue and refreshments. v For a full report, log on to our website: goo.gl/FWBdtp

watch our online video news report at xnmedia. co.uk

JOIN the PLAY with our video news report at xnmedia. co.uk

Walking in the Friday footsteps of faith

Journeying together – the Revd Robert Weston (Minister, Park URC), Tony Wilson (PCC Member, Earley St Peter’s), the Revd Judith Wheatley (Minister, Anderson Baptist Church) and the Revd Derek Spears (Minister, Earley St Peter’s) Picture: Lynda Bowyer

Reading Pastoral Area: Catholic Parishes in Reading

Our Faith in Action

MORE THAN 70 people from across Earley took part in a Good Friday walk of witness.

Starting from St Andrew’s URC, it continued to St Luke’s, Anderson Baptist Church and finally Earley St Peter’s.

Afterwards, people enjoyed soup and a roll at a special lunch, at which the Revd Derek Spears from Earley St Peter’s gave the Grace. v For more on this story, log on to goo.gl/plkqql

Pope Francis inspires local action

Christ the King Parish Hall Northumberland Avenue Saturday May 31st: 10 am – 1 pm

A Call to live out our Christian faith more fully in practical action for our neighbours

Where is God inviting YOU to use your gifts to serve others in your local area?

Come along and chat informally with representatives from CCA, Street Pastors, Age UK, CIRDIC, SVP, Reading Jumbulance, Mustard Tree Foundation, CAFOD, Readifood, LIFE, ABC to Read, Neighbourhood Action Groups and many others.

All are Welcome: Free Refreshments

Pope Francis’ powerful call to his flock to put the poor at the top of their agenda has reached the grass roots in Reading.

He says: “If we found in Jesus meaning for our own lives, we cannot be indifferent to those who are suffering and sad,” and asks: “Are we ready to be challenged full-time, showing our commitment in word and deed?”

The challenge was quickly picked up by Philip Egan, the Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth, who has called for “a year of good works, putting faith into practice through deeds of justice and charity in the local community”.

Catholics already have a good record of helping the needy through charities like SVP and CAFOD. But this was a call to reach further.

“We agreed that our first step would be a Volunteers Morning for our Catholic community at which the local charities would set up a stall to promote practical ways of volunteering,” says Father John O’Shea, priest at St James’ Church in Reading.

This event will take place on the morning of Saturday, May 31 at the Church of Christ the King in Northumberland Avenue, Whitley. Up to 20 charities will be represented, ranging from major national ones like Age UK, to smaller community-based projects like CCA and Readifood.

Although initially aimed at Catholics, the morning is open to anyone who would like to know more about the many ways they can make a difference in their local community.

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Celebrating Easter together CHRISTIANS from across Reading gathered in Forbury Gardens to celebrate Easter.

A short service, organised by Churches

Together in Reading, was held at 8am on Easter Sunday. It attracted members of churches from all denominations.

Michael Penny, chair

of Churches Together in Reading, gave a short Easter address. v For the full story, visit goo.gl/HTF5oj Picture: Lynda Bowyer

celebrate easter with our video news report at xnmedia.co.uk

Queenie reigns as Caversham marks Palm Sunday A DONKEY called Queenie was treated like royalty when she made a special guest appearance at a Palm Sunday walk.

Members of Caversham Heights Methodist Church teamed up with St Andrew’s Church in Caversham for a walk of witness.

Queenie meets one of her young subjects at St Andrew’s Picture: Lynda Bowyer

v Tots mark Easter TOTS attending a toddler group in Tilehurst went on an Easter journey of their own.

The Toddler Praise and Playtime group at St Mary Magdalen’s welcomed the church’s vicar, the Revd Adam Carlill on Maundy Thursday.

He took the gathered toddlers, mums and helpers on a Holy Week walk through the church, holding up pictures to show the Holy Week stories and singing songs together.

They ended by placing pictures of Easter on kneelers, forming the shape of the cross.

The Benefice’s Licensed Lay Minister, June Hardcastle, said: “The occasion was ended with us looking at – and touching – a knitted Last Supper set of figures.

“It was a happy and memorable time for everyone there.

“The group meets on Thursday mornings in the Hall from 10.30am.

A warm welcome is assured.”

Heading the parade was St Andrew’s vicar, the Revd Nigel Jones, and Queenie, who comes from the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary near Wallingford. v For the full story and more pictures, visit our website goo.gl/zZ3Myu

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christian aid week

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

v Look out for the Little Red Envelope!

Everybody recognises the little red Christian Aid envelope. Christian Aid is Britain’s longest running door-to door fundraising week.

Last year, more than 20,000 churches across the country helped raise £12million for Christian Aid Week.

Between May 11-17, the aid agency will once again ask the British public to support communities in war-ravaged countries to rebuild their lives and have a future without fear.

“War tears lives apart,” said Jessica Hall, Christian Aid regional co-ordinator for Berkshire. “Its horrors can seem remote to us here in Berkshire, but for millions of people across the world, conflict is a part of everyday life.”

The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, recently released three doves of peace outside Reading Minster Church.

“We released the doves to remind people that there is conflict in the world,” he said. “It’s a symbol of solidarity really, to stand with people and say ‘Christian Aid Week is coming up, this is really important to us and we are thinking about the world family.’”

“One in seven people is affected by violence and conflict,” said Bishop Andrew. “Whether it’s domestic violence, violence in Northern Iraq,

There’s music in the air – folk singer Jess Hall tells Vivienne Johnson why she loves singing and campaigning to eradicate poverty across the globe.

Picture: LYNDA BOWYER

J

South Sudan or Columbia.”

Tackling violence and building peace is an essential part of Christian Aid’s work.

Jess added: “Identifying and challenging the causes of conflict gives poor and vulnerable people the opportunity to flourish.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that is taking part in Christian Aid Week this year. When that little red envelope arrives on your doormat remember that you are helping to change lives all over the world. Thank you.”

WORDS: VIVIENNE JOHNSON PICTURE: LYNDA BOWYER

v Christian Aid Week events ACROSS the Thames Valley, a series of events are being organised to mark Christian Aid Week, which runs from May 11-17.

As well as door-to-door collections, there will be street collections and special events that will be fun for all the family.

Highlights inc;ude High Voltage giving a concert in Twyford on Saturday, May 17.

The group comprises members of the Reading Accordian Groyp and the High Voltage Singers. They will perform an eclectic mix of music at St Mary’s Church from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £8 in advance or £10 on the door. Under 16s are £3.

For more details, turn to page 32, or log on to www.raggroup.co.uk.

Head out to Marlow on Sunday, May 11 and you can hear the Taplow Girls’ Choir concert.

They will perform a delightful programme of music, by Purcell, Don Besig, Bob Chilcott and others, including some vocal solos. All the performers are aged nine to 15.

It takes place at Christ Church URC in Oxford Road. Tickets cost

Jess wants to s

£10 and can be ordered by calling 01628 486227.

A sponsored walk with a barbecue from Bix Village Hall will be held on Saturday, May 17.

The annual event sees people walk five, 10 or 15 miles around the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.

Walkers set off between 8.30am and 10am, and afterwards can enjoy a barbecue sponsored by The Good Little Company.

Entrants need to donate £10 on the day or raise sponsorship.

For full details or to register, log on to www.christianaid.org.uk/walks.

Many churches work together to hold joint Christian Aid services during Christian Aid Week.

Churches Together in Wokingham will hold theirs at St Paul’s Church in Reading Road, Wokingham on Sunday, May 11, from 6.15pm.

In Caversham, a Christian Aid Service will be held on Sunday, May 18 from 6.30pm.

The venue had to be confirmed as Xn went to press. v For more details, log on to www. christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved

ess Hall thinks she has the best of both worlds.

By day she is Christian Aid’s regional coordinator for Berkshire and by night she sings elegant folk songs with a cut crystal voice.

Although born in Berkshire, Jess moved to Devon with her family when she was five but now lives in landlocked Oxford.

“I really left my heart at the seaside,” she said. “I just love the sea, I love looking at it, listening to it and watching it.

“Every time I go back home the first thing I do as soon as I can is go to the seaside.”

Jess released her new CD Bookshelves in February. It’s a nine-song album, her longest offering to date.

She writes her own music and eight of the songs on Bookshelves are hers. The ninth, Apple, is a traditional song.

“My songs are quite story led, they are very much about people and things that happen in life,” she says. “It usually starts with an idea or a theme, then I sit down with my guitar and play about with chord structures and just start singing over the top of it.”

“I started putting Apple into my sets, people really seemed to like it and respond to it. The phrases, the melody, how it soars up and down,” said Jess.

“So I thought I’d put it on the album.

“It acts as a nice kind of palate cleanser in the middle.

It marks a change in mood toward the last three tracks.”

Jess has been able to surround herself with supportive and talented people and some of her music heroes play on Bookshelves.

“Stornoway are a band that I particularly like,” she said.

Jon Ouin, Stornoway’s keyboard player played on Bookshelves as did cellist and songwriter Barney MorseBrown.

“They’ve got so much experience and skill, to team up with them and use my skill, which is really the vocal and the writing of melody, was amazing. It’s been able to bring more out of the songs as well as boost my confidence. Its attracted people that I really admire.

“Musically Barney is absolutely amazing and has loads of experience,” said Jess.

“He’s played with people like Eliza Carthy, he’s been touring around the world with Birdie. He’s just done loads of different work as well as his own stuff. So when I came to the album I asked if he would produce it for me, bring his experience to my quite simple pieces of music.

“We wanted to focus on the voice, then as we were going through that process Jon Ouin got involved and said ‘Could I be part of it as well?’ which was amazing because I love Stornoway. I was like ‘There’s Jon, he wants to get involved!’”

Jess’ music isn’t the only string to her bow. Her day job sees her helping for Christian Aid, an international development charity that works with people, of all faiths and none, in around 50 countries, to eradicate poverty.

As a regional co-ordinator, Jess works with churches, groups and individuals to inspire them to get involved with the charity’s work.

“I love my job with Christian Aid,” Jess said. “I’m really passionate about seeing people set free from poverty, about seeing justice done in the world. But I also get to play music and have fun with it.”

Keep your eyes open for Jess performing. She is also a frequent contributor to Irregular Folk in Oxford. v For more on Irregular Folk, log on to www.irregularfolk.co.uk v Jess’s website is www. jesshallsongs.co.uk

christian aid week

19

ing you a story

Take care!

Make the most of life with Philip Keohane

Getting a good night’s sleep

N

o one is quite sure why humans have a natural need to sleep, though there have been countless studies performed on the subject. Most doctors and scientific research experts agree that sleep is an essential part of restoring our physical and mental health.

As we age, our night time sleep patterns tend to become more erratic. We wake more frequently throughout the night for a variety of reasons and consequently achieve far less than the regular eight hours per night which is generally recommended for adults.

In addition to changing sleeping patterns, as we age, certain sleep disorders can occur more frequently which further add to the night time disruptions. Tiredness and disorientation due to lack of sleep can all add to the risk of falls. For me therefore, encouraging my clients to get regular sleep is always a priority.

Sleep is vital for all of us. However, as older people experience different sleeping patterns to their younger counterparts, it is important to understand the changes in our sleep cycle and how we can best adjust to these changes. To ensure we get a regular amount of daily sleep ‘in the bank’ as it were, here are a few tips to help.

They are by no means ‘rocket science’ but worth following all the same: • Develop a sleeping routine – Getting to bed at the same time every night can help acclimatise our body to a more regular pattern of sleep.

• Create a good sleep environment – Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Creating an environment conducive to sleeping will help ensure you actually do get your required amount of shuteye.

• Exercise regularly – People who live sedentary lives are more susceptible to disrupted sleep and consequently tend to be more sluggish the following day.

One brisk walk during the day can help you sleep much better at night.

• Watch what you eat – Keep consumption of caffeinated drinks to a minimum in the evenings and be mindful of what you eat in the hours before bedtime.

• Make your bedroom a place for sleep – Try to remove some of the distractions we keep in our bedrooms so that when we go to bed it is to sleep, not to catch up on TV, check the internet etc.

These helpful tips may help you to get more quality rest each night for a healthier you!

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

20

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

special feature

How a postman found comfort in It was meant to be the War to End All Wars.

Instead it was carnage. HAZEL SOUTHAM explains how the good book managed bring hope in some of our darkest days

O

n August 4 we’ll be marking the centenary of the start of the First World War. You may well have been watching television programmes about it already.

It is sobering to think that 100 years ago, some 67 million men across Europe – including 5.7 million Britons – were at war.

Millions of lives were never the same again. Some 1.6 million British servicemen were wounded.

More than 170,000 were taken prisoner of war. A further 65,000 suffered from shell shock.

Sadly, 750,000 British servicemen died.

These numbers don’t tell the whole story. Amid the horror there were individuals trying to survive, seeking an explanation as to what they were doing there and find hope.

Many of these turned to the Bible for solace and comfort.

That may seem strange to us now, but back in 1914 Britain was a very different place and the Bible was at the heart of many a home.

Dr Michael Snape of Birmingham University explains: “It is hard to understand British society at the time of World War One if you subtract the Bible from it.’

The Bible was a ‘defining influence’ on working class culture, he says. Ninety per cent of children went to Sunday school. Perhaps a quarter of the population were at least weekly churchgoers.

From the public school to the Sunday school, from art and music to political debate, the Bible was in the blood of British people.

“It was seen as a mark of respectability, of a good education, to know your Bible,” says Dr Snape.

When war broke out on August 4, 1914, every member of the British Armed Forces received a New Testament as a standard part of his kit: uniform, gun, boots, Bible.

One of them was 25-year-old Post Office sorter, Walter Young from London. Like many young men he joined the regiment

formed by his workplace, the Post Office Rifles.

Even today his New Testament falls open at Romans 12. Here Walter would have read, “Hate what is evil, hold onto what is good. Love one another warmly as Christian brothers and be eager to show respect for one another.

“Work hard and do not be lazy.

Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles and pray at all times… Ask God to bless those who persecute you – yes, ask him to bless, not to curse.”

Walter read these words repeatedly, not just through the First World War, but every week of his life afterwards.

He didn’t want to join the war, being opposed to violence, but waited until 1915 to sign up.

His church – Woodbridge Chapel in Clerkenwell – gave him a New Testament with the message, “Heaven and earth shall pass away.

My word shall not pass away,” from Matthew 24:35 inscribed in the front.

He fought at the Somme, Ypres and Passchendaele. Ultimately, he was captured by the Germans and put to work as a prisoner of war in a Prussian coal mine. “This is about the most miserable period of my life,” he wrote later.

“True, life in the dirtiest and most dangerous trenches was worse while it lasted, but there was always the relief to look forward to if one survived. But life for me at this mine seemed one long round of almost unbroken misery with hardly anything to relieve it.”

Yet it was here that Walter felt that God was saying to him that his fellow prisoners of war were ‘sheep without a shepherd’. And so, he asked a German officer for permission to hold a service.

It was granted, and a series of services, using Walter’s little New Testament, were held in the ablutions room where the men washed on leaving the mine.

Walter later recalled the first service. “All the accommodation was occupied and some were standing and the congregation included not only British but

v Dear Diary .. Walter Young’s record of the Battle The German guns started and for the first time we experienced the full fury of a modern bombardment. All day they pelted us mercilessly, never pausing for a minute.

The shells were falling three and four at a time all round us. Of our little party of 10, three were wounded in about 10 minutes. Our barricade began to go in

places. We went higher up the trench, then back again, then further up again.

All we could do was to crouch down against the barricade which in places was blown down. It was a great strain.

The shells must have been what they call “coal boxes”, for each explosion was enveloped in thick black smoke.

For 18 hours we endured this.

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| www.xnmedia.co.uk | May 2014

21

the Great War

Arthur Ingham’s life was saved when a piece of shrapnel became embedded in his Bible, now owned by Philip Douetil in Surrey Pictures: Bible Society/Clare Kendall Frenchmen and Russians as well. I suppose we numbered about 40 in all.

“It was a strange scene for a service.

There was only one light and that was partially obscured by the steam from some boiler, which made a fairly loud hissing noise all the time.

“Nobody had a hymn book and it was obvious that only a very few well-known hymns could be chosen.

“So from my prayer book hymnary I read out the words, verse by verse and most of them joined in the singing which was led by a violin player. It was a very simple Gospel service. I spoke a few words.

“If anything was attempted with a feeling of unfitness and inadequacy surely it was these few services. But possibly that very feeling of weakness was my greatest strength, for I could place no dependence on myself or on others.”

A

of Festubert, 1915 That final swish of the shell had an angry sound about it. Our own guns seemed to be silent…

It seemed as though they wanted not merely to kill us, but to blow us to pieces. Evening found the storm of shells unabated. The supply seemed inexhaustible.

A mockery of a Sunday evening.

lthough he grew up in the village of Good Easter, near Chelmsford, Cyril Mead was conscripted into an Irish regiment, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. He fought in France, Macedonia, Palestine and Egypt.

Before the war, his son-in-law, Anthony Hasler from Swindon, recalls a man whose “faith meant a lot to him”.

“His faith was everything to him,” says Anthony. “He was active in the village church and was the organist and also the secretary there. His faith sustained him through the war without any doubt at all.”

Between battles, Cyril wrote poems that he sent to his sister, Sissy. Many express his faith.

Bible Society was among several organisations that worked tirelessly to provide Bibles to soldiers, sailors, airmen, prisoners of war, conscientious objectors, and those invalided out of the front line.

Over the four years of the war, it printed and distributed some 9 million Bibles in 80 different languages.

Made with a khaki cover, most were the size of a small mobile phone today, and fitted into the left-breast pocket of a soldier’s uniform.

Some were even smaller. There were inch-sized copies of the whole Bible that could only be read with the aid of an accompanying magnifying glass and presumably very, very good eyesight, as well as tiny copies of the Gospels and the Psalms.

While many looked for comfort and explanation about what was going on in their Bibles, others had their lives saved by them.

E

ighteen year-old Arthur Ingham was at the Somme, when an exploding German shell sent a piece of shrapnel flying towards him.

It hit his chest and would have meant certain death for the young man, had he not had his Bible in the breast pocket of his uniform. It took the full force of the shrapnel, which left an inch-wide hole.

Family friend Philip Douetil from Surrey remembers Arthur well.

“He was such a fantastic bloke,” he says.

“And he was really proud of this Bible.

“He used to say to me, ‘This saved my life. If it hadn’t been in my pocket, I would have died.’”

The shrapnel also made a mess of Arthur’s uniform, resulting in a ‘telling off’ from an officer for “not looking after his uniform properly,” says Philip.

The life-or-death incident changed Arthur’s life.

“He was a religious man after that,” Philip recalls. “He wasn’t beforehand, but after that he became a regular churchgoer, and who can blame him?

He knew the Bible had saved his life.

The shrapnel had hit but there wasn’t a scratch on him.”

As we mark the centenary of the First World War we can still hear the voices of Arthur, Walter and Cyril speaking across the years. Hearing their stories again is a poignant part of our remembrance. v If you have a story to tell about a member of your family who lived through the First World War and turned to the Bible during that time, Bible Society would love to hear about it.

Contact: hazel.southam@biblesociety.org.uk

22

calendar

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

WHAT’S ON

Keeping you in touch with each other

Submit your events to editor@xnmedia.co.uk

there’s much, much more online!

We’re best for local events

We can’t fit everything into the print edition, so log on to xnmedia.co.uk for more events Saturday, May 3 CAVERSHAM – Gosbrook Road Methodist Church. Spring fair. 2pm-4pm.

CALCOT – Kennet Valley Free Church, Carters Rise, RG31 7YT. Written in Kings – An evolving blend of blues/ folk/rock. 7.30pm. Tickets £3 on the door. www.passionforlifereading.com READING – Wesley Methodist Church, Queen’s Road. The Harry Ensemble directed by Edward Rhys-Harry: Britten – Rejoice in the Lamb, Finzi – Lo, The Full Final Sacrifice, Rutter Mass of the Children and Harry – Santes Dwynwen. 7pm. £10 Details: 0118 947 9714.

HENLEY –Various locations. Henley Arts Trail, various locations until Monday. www.henleyartstrail.com.

Sunday, May 4 HENLEY – Various locations. Henley Arts Trail, various locations until Monday. www.henleyartstrail.com.

READING – The Sun Inn, Castle Street.

All day music event featuring Reading College bands and a barbecue. In aid of Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

READING – Reading Deaf Centre, Cardiff Road. Reading Deaf Church meeting. 10.30am. Details: www. readingdeafcentre.org.uk.

READING – St Luke’s, Erleigh Road.

Coffee morning with book sale. 11am.

Details: www.lukeandbart.org.uk.

Monday, May 5 CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road. Annual May Fair. 2pm-4.30pm. Bouncy castles, stalls, a real Fire Engine, tea, cakes, hot dogs, Sandhurst Community Brass Band and more. All welcome.

HENLEY – Various locations. Henley Arts Trail, various locations until Monday. www.henleyartstrail.com.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Community lunch. £3 for 2 courses. No booking essential, but helpful. 12.30pm. Details: 0118 376 6425 or p.cook5@:ntlworld.com.

SHINFIELD – Health Centre, School Green. Reading Roadrunners present a 10k race, plus junior races and a Bank Holiday fair, including mini-

fairground, stalls, bouncy castle and more. From 9.30am. Details: www. readingroadrunners.org/shinfield.html.

WOKINGHAM – Across town centre.

May Fayre. 10am-5pm. Details: www. wokinghamlions.org.uk.

Wednesday, May 7 TWYFORD – Loddon Hall. Twyford Folk Music Workshop, 8pm. If you play an acoustic instrument and can read music then contact Colin 0118 934 0300.

Thursday, May 8 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Mothers Union welcomes the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance, followed by afternoon tea.

2pm. Details: 0118 973 0133.

Saturday, May 10 BRIMPTON – St Peter’s Church. Spring plant sale and swap. 10am-noon.

Swap plants, buy bedding and vegetable plants, raffle and refreshments. All welcome.

CAVERSHAM – St John the Baptist, St John’s Road RG4 8EB. May fair: tombola, cakes, jewellery and more.

1pm.

CROWTHORNE – The Morgan Centre, Wellington Road RG45 7LD. Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra presents a string orchestra workshop featuring movements from Britten Simple Symphony, Hindemith 5 pieces, Mendelssohn String Symphony No 3 and Warlock Capriol Suite. £10, students £5. 2.30pm-5.30pm. Details: workshop@crowthorneorchestra.com.

CROWTHORNE – Woodmancote, Pinewood Avenue RG45 6RQ. Out To Tea: an afternoon for the older members of the community. 2.30pm4.30pm. Free. Transport available.

Details: 01344 780087.

EARLEY – St Peter’s, Church Road. Barn dance with bring and share supper; desserts and soft drinks provided.

7pm-10pm. £5, children £2.50.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary & St John’s Parish Centre, Vicarage Close. Messy Church for Pentecost. 1pm. Details: 0118 973 0133.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church

Centre. Quiz Aid for Christian Aid Week. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 973 0133.

KNOWL HILL – Village Hall. Barn Dance.

Details: www.wargravechurch.org.uk.

READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road, RG1 7JR. 7pm, Festival of Music given by the South London Fellowship Band of the Salvation Army. Free entry, retiring collection in aid of the building fund.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Quiz night for the Spring cup. 7.30pm. All welcome.

READING – From Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road. Debz Day Trips presents a visit to Central London: Covent Garden, Chinatown, Picadilly Circus or Leicester Square. 9.30am-6pm. £10.

Details: Debbie, 07963 044201.

READING – The Oasis, Baker Street.

Men’s breakfast with guest speaker John Seymour. 8.30am. £4. Details: Pete Jeanes, 0118 942 2260.

READING – St Mark’s Church Hall, Cranbury Road. Caribbean Evening. £8, children £4, under fives free.

6.30pm. Details: 0118 957 2000.

SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael’s Church.

Art exhibition for all. 10am-4.30pm.

Details: 0118 988 3366.

SOUTHCOTE – Coronation Square. May Fayre in the Square. Noon-4pm.

WINDSOR – Yeldall Manor, Hare Hatch.

Yeldall Manor Walk for Freedom 2014 Thames Path Challenge. Details: Sue Hedger at Yeldall Manor, 0118 940 1093 or suehedger@yeldall.org.uk WHITLEY – St Agnes Church Hall, Northumberland Avenue. Bring and share international meal, followed by entertainment. £2, £1 children.

5.30pm. Details: www.saintapb.org.uk WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Spring Fayre. 10am-1pm.

Includes cakes, books, toys, and more.

Proceeds to Mercy Ships

Sunday, May 11 BINFIELD – St Mark’s, Popewood Road.

Binfield Singers Concert: Faure’s Requiem. 7.30pm. £5, £4 concessions.

In aid of Royal British Legion. Details: www.binfieldchurches.org.uk.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Cake Sale for Christian Aid after services. Details: 0118 973 0133.

SINDLESHAM – Berkshire Room, Sindlesham Court. Wokingham Town Mayor’s charity concert featuring St Sebastian Wokingham Band.

3.30pm. Bar and raffle. £10. In aid of Wokingham Scouts and Guides.

Details: mayor@wokingham-tc.gov. uk, call 0118 974 0882 or visit the Town Hall information centre in Market Place.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s, Reading Road.

Churches Together in Wokingham presents a Service For Christian Unity & Christian Aid: Hunger, War and the Cross! 6.15pm. Followed by AGM for Churches Together Wokingham.

7.30pm.

HENLEY – Mill Meadows bandstand.

Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band, 2pm–4pm 01491 576982

Monday, May 12 HENLEY – Henley town hall. Annual meeting of Henley town council, Mayor Making. 11-30am, 01491 576982

Tuesday, May 13 WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. 50+ Group meets: Doctor at the Dean by Richard Poad.

Admission free, refreshments provided.

2.15pm. Details: 0118 977 2457 or www.norreyschurch.org.uk.

YATELEY – St Swithun’s Church. Women’s World Day of Prayer lunch in aid of Christian Aid. Noon-1.30pm.

Wednesday, May 14

READING – Oasis Community Centre, 21 Baker Street, RG1 7XT. 7.30pm Identity – Who is God? Who am I? – First of seven-week course. Details: www. passionforlifereading.com/identity/

Friday, May 16 HARE HATCH – Yeldall Manor RG10 9XR. Celebration service for the work of Yeldall Manor. 7.30pm. Details: info@ yeldall.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club: TBC £5/£7.50 on the door. Details: Stan Hetherington 07831 130610.

Saturday, May 17 BINFIELD – Primary School. Family barn dance with chilli and jacket potatoes. £5, £3 children. 7pm. Details: fobs@ friendsofbinfieldschool.co.uk.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road. Reading Male Voice Choir in Concert with Caversham Primary School Choir in aid of Launchpad and St Andrew’s Projects. 7.30pm. Details: www.standrewscaversham.org.

CROWTHORNE – Edgbarrow School.

Unlocked: Praise and worship without boundaries, organised by Network Vineyard Corwthorne. 7.30pm-9pm.

Details: 01344 780087.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church, Church Road. A Concert of Choral Music 1550 to the Present Day – Polyphony to Jazz with the Erleigh Cantors. In aid of The Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Services and church funds. 7.30pm.

Take time out and enjoy a cuppa and a chat!

You can’t beat a good cup of coffee and a chance to chat – and that’s what you can Come and on us n joi enjoy at Coffee & Chat, a brilliant new coffee morning in Reading’s town centre!

Wednesdays!

• Meet old friends, make new ones • Everyone is welcome • Tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits all available • Wednesdays 11am-12.30pm

Abbey Baptist Church Abbey Square, Reading (behind Reading Central Library) (0118) 957 2197 www.abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk

calendar EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s School.

Church Road. ESPSA presents a May Fayre in aid of school funds.

3.30pm-5.30pm.

EMMER GREEN – St Barnabas Church.

Five Voices in concert. 7.30pm.

Details: www.saintbarnabas.org.uk GORING – St Thomas’ Church. Goring Chamber Choir spring concert.

7.30pm. £12, concessions £10, under 15s £5.

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Way. Talent auction in aid of XYZ youth group, with buffet. £5.

7pm. Details: www.trinityearley.co.uk.

READING – Reading Family Church, London Street. Men’s pizza evening with Sean Green speaking. All welcome. 7pm. £5. Details:www. readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

SANDHURST – St George’s Church, Owlsmoor. Christian Aid quiz night.

7.30pm.

SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael’s Church. An evening of music with the Rushmoor Concert Band. 7.30pm. £6.50. Refreshements from 7pm.

Details: 0118 988 2804.

TILEHURST – St Mary Magdalen, Kentwood Hill. May Fair – outdoors if sunny, in church hall (Rodway Road) if wet. 2pm. All welcome.

WARGRAVE – St Mary’s Church. Concert with pianist Joseph Houston & Mari Poll. £12. Details: 0118 940 2656.

WINNERSH – St Mary’s Church, Robin Hood Lane RG41 5NA. Grand Plant, cakes and book sale. 1-4pm.

WINKFIELD – St Mary’s Church. Plant sale. 10.30am-4pm. All welcome.

WOODLEY – Emmanuel Church, Southlake Crescent, RG5 3QW. Kingdom Seekers youth celebration.

6.30pm. Details: kingdomseekers. co.uk.

WOODLEY – Baptist Church, Hurricane Way. Induction service for the Revd Andy Baker. 2.30pm.

HENLEY – Mill Meadow Bandstand.

Lucky 2b Alive, 2pm-4pm. Details: 01491 576982.

Sunday, May 18 CAVERSHAM – Our Lady and St Anne’s, South View Avenue. Car boot sale.

Sellers 11.45am, buyers 12.30pm.

Pitches £5, vans £10. Details: HENLEY – Mill Meadow Bandstand.

Cholsey Silver Band, 2pm to 4pm.

Details: 01491 576982 WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s, Reading Road.

150th anniversary tea. 3pm-6pm.

Anniversary evensong with Peter Rapsey. 6pm-7pm.

Wed, May 21 FINCHAMPSTEAD – From Billing Avenue Parish Centre. Evening walk, duration an hour, ends in a local hostelry.

Details: 0118 973 0133.

WOODLEY – Woodley Hill House. CAP Job Club launch event. 1pm-3.30pm.

Thursday, May 22 BINFIELD – All Saints Church. Julian Meetings for silent contemplative prayer. 8pm. All welcome.

READING – St Andrew’s URC, London Road. I.Am Roadshow.

12.30pm and 7.30pm. Details: standrewsurcreading.org.uk.

HENLEY – Market Place. Farmers Market. 8am-2pm. Details: 07860 129508.

Saturday, May 24 BEENHAM – St Mary’s Church.

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Flower Festival. Noon-5pm. Light refreshments available.

HENLEY – Mill Meadow Bandstand.

Music by the river. Time TBC

Sunday, May 25 BEENHAM – St Mary’s Church.

Flower Festival. Noon-5pm. Light refreshments available. Songs of Praise service. 5pm.

BRIMPTON – Manor Farm. St Peter’s Church presents a Rogation Sunday event. 10.45am.

ENGLEFIELD ESTATE – New Park RG7 5ED. Berkshire Country Fayre.

9am-5pm.

SONNING – Across village. Sonning Festival presents a flower festival (St Andrew’s Church), art exhibition (Pearson Hall) and a Scarecrow Trail (across village). Details: sonningfestival.co.uk.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Monthly games afternoon.

All welcome. From after the morning service until 5pm, bring lunch.

Details: 0118 926 8143.

HENLEY – Mill Meadow Bandstand.

Chinnor Silver Band. 2pm-4pm.

Details: 01491 0576982

Bank Holiday Monday, May 26 SANDHURST – Bull and Butcher Field, Memorial Park. Sandhurst Donkey Derby. Noon-4pm.

SONNING – Across village. Sonning Festival presents a flower festival (St Andrew’s Church), art exhibition (Pearson Hall) and a Scarecrow Trail (across village). Details: sonningfestival.co.uk.

Tuesday, May 27 HENLEY – Christ Church Centre, Reading Road RG9 1AG. Teddy Praise: story and singalong for little ones followed by fish finger sandwiches.

Bring a teddy. Free, donations welcomed. 11.30am. Details: www. christchurchhenley.org.uk.

Wed, May 28 EASTHAMPSTEAD – Baptist Church, South Hill Road, RG12 7NS. Messy Church: drinks, snacks, messy fun and a cooked dinner. 3.30pm-6pm.

Details: 01344 487744 or ebcbracknell.org.

Thursday, May 29 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church.

Ascension Day service. 8pm. Details: 0118 973 0133.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Monthly quiz. All welcome.

2pm. Details: 0118 926 8143.

Saturday, May 31 CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church.

Concert by the Charles Church Camberley Silver Band. £10. Under 16s free. 7.30pm. Details: Sam 01344 774715 or Shirley 01344 776838.

READING – From Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road. Debz Day Trips presents a visit to Bournemouth beach. 9.30am6pm. £10 per person. Details: Debbie, 07963 044201.

WARGRAVE – Woodclyffe Hall. Quiz night and supper. £15, includes food.

Details: www.wargravechurch.org.uk.

WHITLEY – Christ The King Church Hall, Northumberland Avenue. Faith In Action: a chance to meet local

| www.xnmedia.co.uk | May 2014

23

tune in ON sundayS!

Hear Xn editor Phil Creighton at 8.25am every Sunday on BBC Radio Berkshire Find out what’s happening in the week ahead by switching on Paul Coia’s show on BBC Radio Berkshire every Sunday from 7am. Phil presents his pick of the week around 8.25am. charities and projects and find out more. 10am-1pm. All welcome.

Sunday, June 1 CAVERSHAM – St John’s Church, Gosbrook Road. The Big Lunch: bring a plate of food to share. Noon-2pm.

Details: 0118 947 7503.

CAVERSHAM PARK – Milestone Centre.

Hymz and Cakes: an hour of favourite hymns with refreshements. Requests welcome. 3.30pm. All welcome.

Details: 0118 947 5152.

UPPER WOOLHAMPTON – Douai Playing Fields. Douai fun day including fete, barbecue, sports day and a Songs of Praise. 11am-5pm. All welcome.

HENLEY – Mill Meadow Bandstand.

Marlow Town Band. 2pm-4pm. Details: 01491 576982.

HENLEY – Stonor Park. VW Owners Rally, www.abvwc.co.uk READING – Reading Deaf Centre, Cardiff Road. Reading Deaf Church meeting. 10.30am. Details: www. readingdeafcentre.org.uk.

TWYFORD – King George’s Field. 1st Twyford Scouts Donkey Derby. 1pm, free entry. Details: www.twyfest.co.uk.

Thursday, June 5 HENLEY – Badgemore Golf Club. The Filling Station: networking, coffee and cake followed by a guest speaker.

7.30pm-9.30pm. Guest: Father John Chadwick. Details: 07875 203409 or www.fillingstation.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Farmers’ market. 9am-2pm. Details: bgo@ wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

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MAY 14

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24

classifieds

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

Trades directory

House & home

BRINGING COMMUNIT Y TOGETHER To advertise call 0118 328 3108

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

v Electrical

BURDEN Electrical

Domestic & Commercial & Maintenance

• Full/Part Rewires • Security Lights • Fuse Board Upgrades • Maintenance Contracts • Landlords Certificates

Reading based reliable and friendly service for all your electrical needs.

FREE estimates, no Job too small!

• Refurbishments • Test & Inspections • New Builds • Alterations • Extensions

For more information or a quote call Lee NOW on Mob: 0788 411 5707 or Tel: 0118 941 3187 www.burdenelectrical.co.uk enquiries@burdenelectrical.co.uk

v Gardens New Leaf Gardening. Looking for a gardener?

25 years Horticultural Experience, Hedge Cutting, Lawn Care, Fencing, Planting, Pruning, Gutters Cleared, Odd Jobs Considered, No job too small. Fully Insured, Call Mark on 07944 290837

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

v 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.

Remember! Tell advertisers that you saw their ad in Xn

v Plastering M & J Plastering. 25 years experience.

All types of plastering undertaken. Repairs & Re-skim Experts. No job too small.

For free advice and quote call Mark on 0777 550 9955 or 0777 082 9683 Mention Xn and 5% of total order goes to YeLDALl manor

6 MONTHS for just £75!

To advertise call 0118 328 3108 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 Painting & decorating Superior Decor. Interior and exterior decorating. “A professional job at a realistic price”. For a free quote call Mick on freephone 0800 084 2501.

Reading and South East covered. www.fine-painters-and-decorators.co.uk Email: info@fine-painters-and-decorators. co.uk

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

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

Creative & craft v Marketing Creative thinker inspires results.

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

0118 966 6600. john@hyperbole.co.uk

v Alarms v Resources

BERKSHIRE HOME ALARMS

domestic alarm specialist

repairs-upgrades-servicing-Advice

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

Just good old fashioned personal service

0118 9507213

12 gordon place, reading

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

classifieds Remember!

Tell advertisers that you saw their ad in Xn

Services v Picture framing

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

v Computer services

To advertise call 0118 328 3108

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

v Counselling

“Our recent advert has been of great help over the last six months and therefore I’d like to renew for 2014 – We have been blessed with a church project, installing a corner kitchen area for a café project in Southcote.”

Colman & Co – Trade Directory advertisers

Music Guitarist seeks female vocalist for acoustic duo.

Should have dedication and be willing to sing old jazz, pop and original songs. Please contact Andy, telephone 0118 947 1413.

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

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

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

SuperIT. Computer repairs and maintenance.

IT support for the home and office.

Days, evenings, weekends.

Reading and surrounding areas.

Call Jason 07879 476 399 or 0118 967 7378. www.computer-repair-in-reading.com Email: support@computer-repair-in-reading. com

Financial v Chartered Accountants

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

6 MONTHS for just £75!

To advertise call 0118 328 3108

25

Advertising works!

v Help wanted

Philippi Trust Counselling and Training.

Level 2 Introduction to Counselling courses.

Starting dates May 2014 Contact 0118 966 7422 or reading@philippi.co.uk

| www.xnmedia.co.uk | May 2014

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

Email:

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

26

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

FASHION

shopping

Changing the world, one purchase at a time

Arzu pops up for her spring showcase How does a Henley designer get the look models adore? By having a thorough understanding of how fabrics clothe the form Words & pictures: LYNDA BOWYER

C

hampagne corks popped in Wargrave last month as Henley-based designer Arzu Kara celebrated the opening of her pop-up store inside Willow, which is based on the village’s High Street, coinciding with the launch of her latest Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

When asked how the collaboration came into being, Willow shop owner Janet MiddletonStewart said: “I’m a client of Arzu’s. I saw an advertisement in a local newspaper for someone doing alterations and contacted her through the advert. I love her work and now have around half a dozen pieces of Arzu’s in my wardrobe.”

Willow itself hasn’t been going long; five weeks in fact. Assisted by business partner Jane Martin and Janet’s daughter Sarah Penny, the shop remains open six days a week.

“I cover the first three days,” explains Janet, “and Jane covers the last three. We’re always looking for new ideas and will be holding similar events to tonight’s event for Arzu in the future.”

Arzu was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, and came over to live in the UK having first studied fashion in her homeland.

She completed further studies at industryrenowned St Martin’s in London and then later graduated with an Honours Degree in Fashion Textiles from Thames Valley University.

Arzu worked for a few fashion houses before establishing her own label, Arzu Kara Designs in 2006.

Based in Henley-on-Thames, Arzu’s clientèle now numbers more than 500, including top model Anastasija Bogatirjova, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello and Dashion muse Olivia Harrison, who comes back time and time again for the unique Arzu Kara ‘look’ that they adore. Arzu’s designs can be found in a number of boutiques in the UK, USA, online and ASOS Market place.

Arzu also undertakes bespoke commissions for haute couture garments.

Arzu is clearly a talented woman whose flair for understanding the cut and drape of a garment shows through in the pieces she designs and produces.

“I am thrilled that I can showcase my designs to the locals of Wargrave,” says Arzu. “I have gained quite a few clients from Wargrave over the years. The pop-up is a wonderful way of bringing something new to the area and also

support local business in the area at the same time.”

The blend of Arzu’s modest personality is in stark contrast to the fearless confidence she displays with great aplomb in her work.

A thorough understanding of how fabrics drape, hang and clothe the feminine form is cleverly offset with soft fabrics cut into timeless classics, that sit comfortably on the rail against her bolder statement pieces.

Her collection is very “now”; comfortable and easy-to-wear, producing a flattering silhouette and yet remaining bang on trend. From capsule wardrobe elements in muted charcoal greys to statement pieces which bring a splash of colour or vibrant print, the collection has something for everyone.

Referring to her audience capture, Arzu explains: “My pieces are mainly for the 30-something woman. Someone who is confident about who they are and how they look. I’d like to use this opportunity to get my name out there into the wider area. There is still the mindset that for statement designer-wear you need to go into London.

“I use local designers and milliners to provide a complete look to my pieces, and I’d encourage the ladies from the area to consider using locally-based designers instead of making that trip into London. We have some amazing talent in this area, so the more we can be of service to women in our area, the better.” v For further information about Arzu’s work, log on to www.arzukara.com. Arzu has a Facebook page and you can follow her work on Twitter.

classified

To advertise call 0118 328 3108

Situations vacant

T: 0118 942 9889

| www.xnmedia.co.uk | May 2014

27

www.chrysaliscareathome.org

Be part of the Xn story

Deliveries: central Reading, Sonning Common & Oxford Rd

Volunteers needed to help us share our Good News

Carer/Companions needed Are you a People person? Kind, caring and patient

Every month, Xn strives to bring the Thames Valley an inspiring and encouraging mix of news and information.

We need your help to get the magazine into the community If you could spare a couple of hours once a month to help us deliver copies to a small cluster of venues it will help us to tell even more good news stories.

For details, email judith@xnmedia.co.uk

Correspondents needed We want to expand our good news – but we need your help.

Help us to share news from your church, community group, club or choir. We are looking for volunteers to help us source interesting and inspiring stories for our magazine and website. No experience necessary: just enthusiasm.

For details, email editor@xnmedia.co.uk

Would you like to ‘StrIve for exCellenCe’ in a caring profession?

Are you dedicated, professional and above all compassionate?

If you answer yes to the above

could be the Company for you

We offer: • Premium salary • Accommodation/boarding (live-in care only) • Induction and professional development training • Holiday pay • Specialist support and supervision - 24 hour on-call • Hours to suit your lifestyle We are searching for the best carer/companions who are able to provide our clients with support in living independently in their own home. If you believe you have the personal attributes to really make a difference to our clients’ lives.

New Hope Community Church North Reading

Living life to the full Support Workers – Learning Disabilities Reading £7.25 to £7.42 - includes location allowance.

Prospects is a charity providing Christian support to people with a learning disability across several sites in Reading, including a newly refurbished residential setting.

You will be supporting and encouraging people in their everyday needs organised around a person-centered approach. You will be selfmotivated, have initiative, be flexible, willing to learn and undertake QCF / NVQ qualifications.

Duties will include praying with and for clients and supporting them in Bible readings, and church related activities. Professional duties will include personal care, support in independent living skills, e.g. cooking, laundry, shopping, banking, personal budget management, medication and visits to healthcare professionals. Consequently you will be expected to have a sound standard of numeracy and literacy.

Our care is provided 24/7 all year round. Working patterns will therefore include some shifts at weekends, evenings and nights.

Contact Neil Jackson to obtain a recruitment pack at: Prospects, 69, Honey End Lane, Reading, RG30 4EL. Email neilj@prospects.org.uk

We are seeking to appoint a part-time

Community Children’s Worker who will co-ordinate our children’s ministry within the church and develop our outreach to children in the local area.

New Hope is a church plant from Greyfriars, our aim is to be incarnational and missional in the residential area just north of the town centre. We operate a 3-storey community centre where our facilities and well established relationships with families from the neighbourhood have laid a foundation for an experienced person to come and build upon.

We are looking for someone who: Loves working with children and knows how to relate to the under 12s Has a passion for Jesus and the ability to make him known at a level children understand Is excited about being part of the wider mission of the Church to bless and befriend the community 20 Hours per week (including Sunday mornings)

All posts are subject to an enhanced check by the Disclosure & Barring Service.

c.£11,000 per annum

No agencies please. If you have not heard from us within four weeks, please assume you have been unsuccessful.

Rev Joy Atkins on 0118 958 7047 or joy.atkins@greyfriars.org.uk

www.prospects.org.uk

For more details and an application form please contact: Closing date: Friday 16th May 2014 Interviews: Friday 23rd May 2014 This post is subject to a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the person is a practising Christian and also to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure.

28

sport

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

Thames Valley Churches Football League

For the latest, log on to tvcfl.footify.com or follow on Twitter @TVCFL

Brookside & Albion gunning for glory

BY JAMES HERN & Chris Barltrop

v Save money on Cup Final tickets

A

fter 95 games of football and 586 goals, the 26th season of the Thames Valley Churches Football League is finally drawing to a close.

Although still in the balance at the time of writing, by the time you read this the outcome of the league title may be decided.

Having come so close to winning their first league title last year, Brookside St Laurence needed a last-minute winner against Wycliffe Wanderers to ensure the title race goes down to the wire.

They played title rivals Tilehurst Albion on Saturday, April 26, who were looking for a second league title in three seasons.

If you are disappointed at missing out on watching two of the top TVCFL teams playing each other, don’t despair.

Brookside St Laurence and Tilehurst Albion will contest the final of the Philmar Cup at 3pm on Saturday, May 10 at the home of Binfield FC (RG42 5NR).

At 12.30pm on the same day, at the same venue, South Ealing will be looking to beat Bethel United to retain the Colin Lowery Trophy.

See above for our ticket offer.

Bethel’s challenge fades

Elsewhere in the league, Bethel United’s title challenge faded with a 2-0 defeat to Tilehurst Albion.

Wycliffe Wanderers appear to have all but secured fourth position.

They have only managed a point in games against the teams above them, which will give them hope of mounting and sustaining a title challenge next season.

After a difficult first season, Norreys have shown dramatic improvement this year and although they are unlikely to catch West Reading CFC in fifth place, they are favourites to finish above Greyfriars FC, Kerith FC and Reading Saints after a minileague developed in the battle for sixth place.

Finchampstead Baptist Church secured only their second victory of the season with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over West Reading Reserves to ensure they don’t finish the season bottom of the league.

There are two exciting games of football coming up this month – and we can get you in for half price.

Brookside St Laurence and Tilehurst Albion will play in the final of the Philmar Cup at 3pm on Saturday, May 10 at the home of Binfield FC (RG42 5NR).

At 12.30pm on the same day, at the same venue, South Ealing will be looking to defeat Bethel United to retain the Colin Lowery Trophy.

Entry on the day for adults is £3 or £1.50 if you mention Xn Magazine on the gate.

Under 16s get in free.

Enter your team!

The Thames Valley Churches Football League is on the lookout for more churches to enter teams into the league and Cup competitions for the 2014/15 season, as well as the summer five-a-side tournament.

To find out more contact the league secretary, James Hern, by email: tvcfl.secretary@gmail.com.

Top Three Stretch Lead

The top three teams in the league all won their respective games on Saturday, March 29 to extend their lead over the chasing pack.

Brookside Saint Laurence FC remained top after goals from Ben Blackledge, Courtenay Isaacs and Steve Magness enabled them to see off West Reading CFC 3-0.

Bethel United remained second but struggled to a 3-2 victory over bottom-of-the-table West Reading CFC Reserves.

Jake Nicholls scored a hat-trick in Tilehurst Albion’s emphatic 7-1 win over fourth placed Wycliffe Wanderers.

In a scrappy mid-table encounter, Greyfriars FC overcame Norreys 2-0, with James Hern scoring once in each half.

Andrew Campbell and Matt Blake grabbed the goals as Reading Saints defeated Finchampstead Baptist Church 2-1.

Brookside dominate

Brookside Saint Laurence FC continued to head the division after a 4-1 victory over Norreys on Saturday, April 5.

Brookside were able to stretch their lead over second-place Bethel United after the Coley based side lost at home to third placed Tilehurst Albion 2-0.

Wycliffe Wanderers continued to hold on to fourth place after a 3-1 win at Kerith FC. West Reading CFC have battled hard to defend their crown but have too much ground to make up; they beat Finchampstead 4-2.

In mid-table, Greyfriars FC dominated possession and created a glut of chances in their match against Reading Saints, but had to settle for a point after a 3-3 draw.

league TABLE P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS Tilehurst Albion 17 6 2 0 33 6 8 1 0 38 4 61 45 B’side St Laurence 18 8 0 2 36 17 7 0 1 37 16 40 45

Bethel United 17 6 1 1 18 7 7 0 2 26 13 24 40 Wycliffe Wanderers 18 5 0 3 23 20 6 2 2 27 12 18 35 West Reading 17 6 2 2 34 19 3 1 3 22 19 18 30

Norreys 17 2 1 4 10 15 5 0 5 31 29 -3 22

Greyfriars FC 18 1 3 4 19 28 4 3 3 18 13 -4 21 Reading Saints 17 3 0 6 18 24 2 1 5 15 20 -11 16

Kerith FC 16 4 1 4 22 21 0 2 5 9 23 -13 15 Finchamp’ Baptist 17 1 0 8 10 34 1 0 7 11 33 -46 6 W Rdg Reserves 18 0 0 9 11 50 0 0 9 7 52 -84 0 Table correct as of April 25, 2014

Brookside secure Philmar Final

League leaders Brookside Saint Laurence FC made it through to their first Philmar Cup Final on Saturday, April 12 after overcoming West Reading CFC in an enthralling semi-final match.

In the league Albion closed the gap on the leaders to three points with two games in hand and the prospect of a league clash between the two sides in a fortnight’s time.

The Scours Lane-based side beat Reading Saints 3-0.

Wycliffe Wanderers moved a step closer to cementing a fourth place finish (sadly no Champions League qualification results) after a 3-0 away win at Norreys.

Saints maintain title push

With Tilehurst Albion securing six points after victories over Kerith FC and West Reading CFC Reserves, the pressure now fell on Brookside Saint Laurence FC to keep pace with them. Wycliffe Wanderers were the visitors on Saturday, April 19 and gave them a cracking match that ended 1-0 to the home side.

Norreys got back to winning Jamie Carstairs W Rdg 20 ways with a 5-3

Jake Nicholls Tilehurst Albion 17 triumph over

James Hern Greyfriars FC 16 Finchampstead

Neil Healy Wycliffe Wanderers 15 Baptist Church.

Courtenay Isaacs B’side St Laurence 14 Goals from Tom George Weeks Norreys 14 Vaux and Andrew

William Day Kerith FC 12 Campbell were James Murdoch West Reading 12 unable to prevent

Ben Sheppard B’side St Laurence 12 Reading Saints

Matt Blake Reading Saints 11 from losing 3-2 Ben Blackledge B’side St Laurence 9 to West Reading

Ian Golbourne Tilehurst Albion 8 CFC.

top SCORERS

Michael Bembridge Wycliffe Wanderers 8

sport

To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | April 2014

The Royals’ Prince

At Reading FC with Steve Prince

Sowing and reaping

W

hatever has happened by the end of this season, Reading Football Club has once again experienced success.

By the time you read this, we will probably know whether we are once again facing the intensity of the play-offs or not.

Nigel Adkins and his staff have done a remarkable job while hampered by the incredible number of injuries and uncertainty surrounding the future ownership of the club.

As fans we are very focused on how well the first team are performing and winning, our longer term future is much more important.

Our younger sides are having an incredible season. The climax of this being a remarkable victory by the U21s over Manchester City to win the inaugural U21 Premier League Cup. The Academy continues to grow from strength to strength which is helped by great management, vision and encouragement. The club’s philosophy of sowing and investing in the academy will undoubtedly produce wide ranging fruit.

We are sure to reap what we sow, especially as it seems, the watering is being done so well. Our younger players are being nurtured and it was great to hear one of our young players describing Reading FC as his home and saying that he felt people were always ready to speak with him and encourage him in an attitude of humility.

Life principle

Sowing and reaping is such an important life principle. A principle lifted straight out of God’s Word, the Bible. Jesus says that a man will reap what he sows. This principle works in so many ways and in every area of life. We may endure the odd curved ball along the way but if we remain focused on investing into relationships, skills and whatever else we have the opportunity to invest into, we will reap the benefits in due course.

There really isn’t a quick fix to most situations in life.

As we take the time to give and to sow into our families, work, education, social and community care, churches or wherever, we’ll reap some very special things. We will get temporarily knocked off course by the sometimes difficult and unexpected life events but, if we continue with the help of others, we will bear fruit.

Some of our great young players will break into the first team – we’ve seen many do this during the course of this season.

Some will make it at the very highest level of football and will help provide much needed financial income for the club.

Others may end up in all sorts of places and environments, some outside of football.

I am confident that their experiences at Reading Football Club will not only help develop them as sportsmen but also in becoming positive people.

My hope is that the future of Reading Football continues to develop as it lives out its great values and fulfils its exciting vision – hopefully in the Premier League but even if it’s another season in the Championship!

Come on URZ!!

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

29

FAMILY CIRCLE

Keeping you in touch with each other

Andy moves in to Woodley

BY JANE VAN ES After a year without a minister, members of Woodley Baptist Church are looking forward to the arrival of the Revd Andy Baker later this month.

Andy will be moving from Downton Baptist Church near Salisbury where he has been ministering for 22 years.

Andy describes himself as a people person.

He says: “God has given me a deep desire to build his church; baptising and making disciples, reaching out into the community to those who have not yet really heard. And making church a place of real welcome – inclusive, nonjudgmental, where everyone can find and exercise their gifts in the service of God.” Andy and his wife Julie moved to

v

The Bishop of Oxford is to retire this autumn.

The Rt Revd John Pritchard has been serving the Diocese of Oxford since 2007, and will retire at the end of October.

He said in a letter to churches: “I do this with very mixed feelings, inevitably. It seems somewhat crazy to leave something I’m enjoying so much. The truth is there’s never a good time to go.”

v

As part of his farewell, Bishop John is inviting parishoners from across the region to attend The Grand Day Out in Oxford on Saturday, September 20.

Plans for the day include a massive open-air picnic and talks by TV cook Mary Berry and ceramicist Emma Bridgewater.

The day is free, but people need to register. For more details, log on to www.oxford.anglican. org/imaginingfaith or call 01865 208200.

v

A chorister from an Earley church is celebrating after receiving scholarships from the Royal School of Church Music.

Matthew Bell has been awarded the Kenneth Gadd Bursary following a recent RSCM three-day course in Oxford.

He is a member of Earley St Peter’s Church Choir.

David Price, the church’s

Julie and Andy Baker Woodley at the end of April and he will take up his new role from the beginning of May. His induction service will be on the afternoon of Saturday May 17.

Graham Sumbler has been appointed by the church to lead the congregation’s ministry among the children and young people of Woodley. He and his wife Becky will be moving to the area in July. director of music, said: “This is the third year in succession that choir members of our choir have received an award following this course – a tribute to their talent and dedication. Well done Matthew.”

v

A FAREWELL party for Father Tom Williams, parish priest of Our Lady and St John in Goring, was held by the church on Sunday, April 27.

v

St Paul’s Church in Wokingham is looking for an organist to help play its three-manual Victorian organ.

Remuneration based on RSCM rates.

For more details, call the parish office on 0118 979 2122.

v

WOKINGHAM’S new Town Mayor will be installed a a special civic service to be held at St Paul’s Church on Sunday, June 8 at 3pm.

v

TO MARK the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War, Wokingham will hold a Civic Service on Monday, August 4.

It will be held at 9pm at St Paul’s in Wokingham. Following the hour-long service, there will be a vigil keeping watch until the extinguishing of a candle at 11pm, reminding us of the lights going out all over Europe.

A similar service is planned at Reading Minster Church.

30

puzzles

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

BREAK TIME

Pit your wits against our brainteasers

Codeword

Kakuro

Place 1 to 9 in each white cell. To choose the right number you need to work from the clues in around the edge. The numbers below the diagonal lines are the sums of the solutions in the white cells immediately beneath. The numbers above the divide are the sums of the solutions immediately to the right. Rows and columns do NOT have to be unique.

Thus, if a 3 is shown as a clue there will be two cells waiting for you to put the digits 1 and 2 in them – the only possible sum that will equal 3.

The final rule is that no number may be repeated in any block. For example, if the clue is 4, the only possible solution will be 1 and 3 (or 3 and 1), never 2 and 2.

Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Below is the key with two letters solved.

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

Are you stuck?

Str8ts

SUDOKU

Sudoku

Tough

9

1 9 3 8

6 1 5 2

Easy

3 7 1

8 3 5

2 1 4

8

4

6

7

5 9 2

7 1 5

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.

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

6

7

8 2 9 5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

9 6 5

7 4 5 1

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

STR8TS

The answers are on p34

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.

To advertise on this sticky note call Richard on 0118 328 3108 or email : richard@ xnmedia .co.uk -

Hurry! Only 1 available in the next issue!

FOOD

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| www.xnmedia.co.uk | May 2014

31

ADVANCE NUTRITION

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

v Why your daily bread may not be good for you May 12-18 is Coeliac Awareness Week.

Nutritionist Christine Bailey, who specialises in digestive disorders, explores the condition and shares a fabulous gluten-free bread recipe

C

oeliac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition triggered by the consumption of gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye).

Gluten causes an immune reaction leading to the destruction of the villi in the small intestines, which can result in malabsorption and inflammation throughout the body.

It is estimated that one in every 100 people suffers with this condition although in some populations this can rise to around 3 in 100.

The latest research on gluten sensitivity and Coeliac Disease suggests that diagnosis is really the tip of the iceberg with

many more people are actually suffering with an immunological reaction to gluten.

There are a wide range of symptoms associated with CD, which can make diagnosis difficult (see below). Many common symptoms are not linked with digestive problems at all.

Coeliac Disease can also be associated with other autoimmune conditions such as Hashimotos Disease (an autoimmune thyroid condition) and arthritis.

Diagnosis is usually through blood testing via the GP followed by gut biopsy.

Cyrex immunological testing is also now available in the UK (and through our clinic, see below) which

v Gluten Free Seeded Bread Makes a 1lb loaf, 12 servings 115g rice flour 100g potato flour 85g buckwheat flour 50g ground almonds 1tsp gluten-free baking powder 1tsp xanthan gum 1tsp molasses 1 tbsp easy-blend dried yeast 50g dairy-free spread or unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 30g mixed seeds such as sesame, sunflower, flaxseed ½tsp Sea salt Sift the flours into a large mixing bowl and stir in the ground almonds, baking powder, xanthan gum, is a very comprehensive blood test investigating immunological response to a range of gluten and wheat peptides together with other markers such as Gliadin-Transglutaminase,

molasses and yeast.

Rub in the dairy-free spread or butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Mix in the seeds and season with salt Pour in 400ml/14fl oz warm water and beat to form a batter.

Cover with cling film and leave to rise for 1 hour.

Transglutaminase-2, 3 and 6 and Gluteomorphin/ Prodynorphin IgG/ IgA antibodies.

Under NICE guidelines anyone with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) should be tested for coeliac disease.

For those with Coeliac Disease and gluten sensitivity the only solution is the complete exclusion of gluten from the diet. This means even the communion wafer should need to be avoided.

Thankfully there are so many quality gluten free options readily available and those diagnosed with CD can also receive some

Preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas mark 6.

Grease a 450g/1lb loaf tin.

Spoon the dough into the tin and allow it to rise again for 20 minutes.

Bake for 45-50 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool. gluten free products on prescription.

If you are concerned about your digestive health or whether gluten is affecting your health then come along to a free talk Christine is giving at Nature’s Corner Health Store in Newbury on Friday, May 30.

Christine will also be running a gluten free / coeliac cookery day in July in Wokingham. Contact Christine below for further information. v Contact Christine at Advance Nutrition Ltd: www.advancenutrition.co.uk, or e-mail christinembailey@ hotmail.com

Common Symptoms of Coeliac Disease Digestive symptoms constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, cramps, wind, nausea, vomiting Migraines and headaches Fatigue Miscarriages Weight Loss Depression, Mood changes Skin rashes

Low Iron Osteoporosis, joint pain Neurological based problems including ataxia (in which there is poor muscle coordination) and neuropathy (in which the person experiences numbness and tingling in both the hands and feet)

32

arts

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

ARTS

Music, drama, comedy with a local perspective

v Be Serenaded with brass concert AN evening of popular brass band classics and popular tunes will be performed at the forthcoming Serenade concert.

Charles Church Camberley Band will be performing at Crowthorne Methodist Church on Saturday, May 31 from 7.30pm. It will raise funds for both the church and the band.

Tickets cost £10, under 16s can enjoy the music for free and there are refreshments included in the price.

Log on for the latest news

media.co.uk

v Aladdin is a cash cow for charity ALADDIN may have left the treasures in the cave, but generous audience members helped him to buy a herd of cows.

Corpus Christi Church in Wokingham organised its annual pantomime in February and over several performances raised more than £1,000.

This has been donated to Cafod’s World Gifts scheme, which enables communities to provide for their families.

The money from the panto was enough to buy not one but several cows from the scheme.

The troupe are now preparing for next year’s pantomime and welcome people to get involved. v For more details, e-mail ccparishpanto@gmail.com.

v Art goes on show for one day only A ONE-DAY wonder is coming to Spencers Wood.

An art exhibition will be presented at St Michael’s on Saturday, May 10, from 10am to 4.30pm, featuring exhibits created by the community.

Entry is free and there will be refreshments available all day.

For more details, call Dawn Clarke on 0118 988 3366.

The Rushmoor Concert Band will be performing at the church a week later, May 17. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6.50. v For details, call Phil on 0118 988 2804.

live music

Singing a song of remembrance

BY PHIL CREIGHTON

A

MAJOR new project to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War has just got underway – and it’s not too late to get involved.

The Witt Studio is currently rehearsing a new speciallycomissioned show that it hopes will honour the memory of the millions of lives devastated by war and to remind us to make every effort to find peaceful resolutions to conflict where possible.

Using staged scenes from well-known musicals and operas alongside powerful songs, the show will integrate both live and filmed performances to tell the personal stories of some of the unsung heroines and heroes from both sides of the First World War. The Studio’s singers will be joined by eight professional opera singers who will be involved in both the filmed scenes and the live on-stage performances alongside the 100-strong chorus.

The programme will feature a selection of Great War-era songs as well as more recent tunes including Pharrell Williams’ Happy and Elbow’s One Day Like This.

Touching love letters sent by a soldier to his financé helps spark inspiration for the Witt Studio’s Great War concert this July

Louise Morgan, co-Director of the Studio, said: “Part of the inspiration for this project was sparked by the discovery of my own Great-Grandfather’s diary, which he kept when he went to France at the start of The First World War in 1914.”

Fellow co-director Anthony Witt said: “Both my Grandfathers fought in and survived the First World War. “My mother’s father was stationed in Salonika as a motor mechanic. We still have a box full of memorabilia which he sent back to his fiancée (my grandmother)

during his stay out there, including some touching love letters.”

The Studio is asking for singers’ own stories about their ancestors’ experiences; eight of them will be featured during the concert.

Rehearsals for the show take place from 7.30pm on Wednesdays at Wesley Methodist Church, Queens Road, Reading. The choir welcomes singers of all experiences, including novices.

This centenary concert will be performed at Wesley on Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19. v For more details, log on to www. wittstudiochorus.com.

cinema

Take your chance to become a film critic

BY VIVIENNE JOHNSON A READING church is inviting you to become film critics for the evening.

St Andrew’s URC in London Road is hosting a screening of I Am, an intriguing musical film portraying key moments in the Bible using imagery, songs, story and dance. The 25-minute movie is made by AMI Films, a professional film company.

Bob Purdom, from St Andrew’s, said the film is “potentially a major thing and could be used by churches around the country to try to reach people who have no contact with church”.

Bob is looking forward to you coming to see the movie and sharing your views:

“No one has seen the film yet, we don’t know if it will do the job or not,” he said.

“At the moment the churches in different parts of the country are looking at it as a possible resource.”

I Am is showing at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, London Road, Reading, RG1 5BD on

Thursday, May 22, when there will be two screenings.

The 12.15pm showing is for Churches Together in Earley and East Reading.

There will also be an open meeting at 7.15pm, where all are welcome and invited to consider if they think this film would be useful as a potential resource.

Promotional material will also be available and there will be time for questions at the end.

If you are interested in I Am but can’t make that date there is another roadshow being held in Marlow on Tuesday, May 13.

Further details can be obtained from the Revd Richard Becher by 07954 591366. v For more on the film, log on to www.amifilm.co.uk

ARTS

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charity

Enjoy a High Voltage night out

BY PHIL CREIGHTON IF YOU head to St Mary’s in Twyford later this month you’ll find yourself in a bit of a squeeze.

Organisers of a concert are hoping that it will be standing room only as two local music groups join forces for a good cause.

Reading Accordion Group (RAG) and The High Voltage Singers will present a concert for Christian Aid Week at the church and are promising a fun night out for all.

The bill includes show tunes, stirring marches, beautiful airs, jazz, swing, rock ‘n’ roll and even a sing-along, all in aid of the international aid agency.

The Reading Accordion Group celebrates its silver anniversary this year and has tirelessly raised

money for charities, performing everywhere it can, including retirement clubs and homes.

The group perform on piano accordions, which are versatile instruments with a unique sound.

RAG adds that it contains a whole orchestra in a box.

Singing alongside them are High Voltage, a four-part harmony vocal group based in Twyford.

They were formed in 2010 and have a great time with their combined love of music and sense of humour.

They sing a range of music from classical through to modern, jazz, Christian and rock ‘n’ roll.

Recently, they performed in towns and villages in South West France, teaming up with French choirs for their shows.

Their unique team-up will take place at St Mary’s Church in Station Road, Twyford on Saturday, May 17 from 7.30pm.

Tickets will cost £8 in advance or £3 for under 16s or, if available, £10 on the door. They can be purchased from Brighton’s Newsagents in London Road, via the RAG website (booking fee applies) or by calling Chris Easton on 0118 934 0795.

Chris, from RAG, said: “There are also light refreshments in the interval and there’s a raffle.

“All profits go to Christian Aid who have a vision – an end to poverty – and they believe it can become a reality, come and help them fund that vision.” v For more details, log on to www. raggroup.co.uk

DRAMA

Act Now makes a dramatic debut A NEW drama troupe make a dramatic entry when they performed their debut play.

Act Now took St Michael’s Church in Tilehurst back in time to celebrate Palm Sunday.

The drama started with a march of palms around neighbouring streets before returning to the church for a broadcast of Good Morning Jerusalem TV. The cast pretended that the church was a first century Jewish syngaogue and dressed themselves in traditional Jewish costumes including prayer shawls and Kippah caps for men and shawls and long black skirts for the women.

Act Now’s leader, John Talbot, said: “They had gone to a lot of trouble to make it look authentic.”

Gordon Cooper played the part of broadcaster Mike Chattman,

| www.xnmedia.co.uk | May 2014

33

v First class night from male voices READING’s Male Voice Choir will once again deliver a first class performance when it appears in Caversham later this month.

The choir will team up with Caversham Primary School Choir for the concert to be held at St Andrew’s Church in Albert Road on Saturday, May 17.

Starting at 7.30pm, the concert will be held in aid of Launchpad and St Andrew’s projects.

Tickets cost £10 in advance, £12 on the door and £5 for under 16s. They can be bought from Waltons the Jewellers, Prospect Street, Caversham or calling 0118 947 4166. v For details, visit www.rmvc.net.

v Sunny Saturdays ready to return WOKINGHAM’S popular Sunny Saturday’s programme returns to the town centre this month.

Every Saturday, until September, the Town Council has organised a weekly treat in Market Place.

It could be a display by morris dancers, storytelling, magic or dancing – each Saturday there’s something different to enjoy. v For a list of performances visit www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

v Chamber choir celebrates May Goring Chamber Choir will be holding its spring concert on Saturday, May 17.

The theme is May Be or Maybe Not and features some traditional seasonal songs. The choir will also perform items that it plans to record on its third CD in August.

The concert takes place at St Thomas’ Church in Goring on Saturday, May 17 from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12, concessions £10 and under 15s pay just £5. v For more details, log on to www. goringchamberchoir.org.uk.

v Singers’ Requiem

who was interviewing those waiting to see Jesus as he passed by and to get their views of what they thought he was going to do for them.

The interviews were then interupted by loud noises and, John revealed, “The church doors burst open and the players ran down the aisle to greet Jesus (that

only they could see) and lay palms at his feet, one after the other, leading up to the altar.

“A lone voice begins to sing Alleluia, joined by the players, then congregation and finally the choir,” he added.

“The first production of the new Act Now drama group was received very favourably,” John says.

THE 100th anniversary of the First World War will be commemorated by the Binfield Singers.

They will perform Faure’s Requiem and other music relevant to the centenary.

It will be held at St Mark’s in Binfield from 7.30pm on Sunday, May 11. Tickets cost £5 or £4 for concessions and will be available on the door. Proceeds will go towards the Royal British Legion. v www.binfieldsingers.org.

34

arts reviews

May 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

Cinema with Martin Ceaser

Codewords

SOLUTIONS

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

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

Str8ts Str8ts Solution

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

2 4 3

Suduku Sudoku Solution

8 2 1 4 3 7 9 6 5

6 9 4 5 8 2 7 3 1

7 1 8 3 4 9 6 5 2

2 5 3 6 7 1 4 9 8

Kakuro

Moviewatch

Should Noah stick to the script?

Russell Crowe presents a very modern take on the story of the Ark in the new action movie Noah

v Noah (12a) Stars Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson and Anthony Hopkins

O

n the way out of the cinema, my wife said, “Well, if you wanted a film that stuck to the

Bible you’d be disappointed, but if you wanted an action movie you’d be very happy.” She was right.

Based on the biblical story of the Flood, this film features Russell Crowe. He was excellent as Noah (although from time to time he sounded more like Maximus the Gladiator), the man chosen by God struggling with the implications of his calling to build the Ark and save the animals as God wipes mankind off the face of the earth.

He comes across as a real person struggling with real issues of holiness, purity, judgement and mercy.

The film does a good job of creating the backstory based on Genesis 6, portraying the Nephilim as fallen angels turned to stone for their disobedience, yet still living on earth.

The reason for their falling? A desire to help mankind after Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden.

Not quite the biblical account!

These fallen angels help Noah build the Ark and then find redemption defending him and his family from the attacks of TubalCain (the excellent Ray Winstone), the epitome of all that is wrong with mankind – not just proud, and violent, but an eater of meat and polluter of the environment.

The special effects are superb, especially with the flooding of the earth, and the scene describing the seven days (yes, that’s right) of creation, seamlessly combining both Creationist and Evolutionary stories.

And Adam and Eve are so shiny!

Noah’s Vision where he receives his call from God is dramatic, yet realistic, as many people over the years have testified to hearing from God in dreams.

Some will complain that we do not hear the Voice of God, but I was relieved that we did not as it’s usually a cheesy, “trying to sound holy yet deep and authoritative” voice that is completely unconvincing.

If you have ever sensed a “call” from God, and wrestled with the practical implications of what this might mean, Crowe’s Noah is someone you will readily identify with, as he knows what he must do but not quite how to complete it. The way that he works this out, slowly and painfully, longing to be faithful to God, holds the film together for me.

Please remember, the director, Darren Aronofsky, is an avowed atheist; why should he stay faithful to the Scriptures?

Yet his film is in places far more faithful to the realities of a life of faith than some overtly Christian films I have seen.

As we watch the film we encounter the nature of God, His justice and mercy; the wickedness and sinfulness of people; grace, love, compassion, mercy; forgiveness and a new start.

Any film that picks on those themes, and encourages us to think about our faith, has to be a good thing.

The Revd Martin Ceaser is minister of Crowthorne Baptist Church

arts reviews

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stage

Giving us Proof

AWARD-WINNING play Proof was Reading Rep’s Easter production.

David Auburn’s play was performed by the group at its Reading College base. Find out what Vivienne Johnson made of it on our website: goo.gl/pmx98D. Picture: Lynda Bowyer

CONCERT

v Poignant and reflective The Armed Man: A Mass For Peace Reading Festival Chorus, Reading A440, South Chiltern Choral Society, Tamesis Chamber Choir, Ascot Brass Reading Concert Hall Saturday, April 5

F

our choirs – Reading Festival Chorus, Reading A440, South Chiltern Choral Society and Tamesis Chamber Choir – joined with Ascot Brass to commemorate the centenary of the First World War under the baton of Gwyn Arch, founder and director of the Choral Society.

The main item was Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.

Collections were made by the British Red Cross.

Following a powerful brass fanfare, each choir chose songs reflecting different aspects of the War. Ascot Brass’s First World War medley showcased their excellent ensemble and sensitivity, while Reading A440, with settings of poems by Wilfred Owen, and Tamesis, with For the Fallen, set exemplary standards of precision and tone production.

The second half brought the choirs together as an imposing bloc of 200 voices to perform The Armed Man. A long, 12-section work, it draws on an eclectic, multicultural range of sources, including Islamic prayer, Latin texts from the Catholic Liturgy, English psalms, Japanese poetry and Sanskrit text from the Mahabharata.

The massed choirs, in response

to Gwyn Arch’s secure direction, produced a fabulous sound, while paying close attention to the dynamics.

The overall effect, with quality resources to deliver it, was gripping, uplifting and full of energy, pathos and reflection.

There was no let-up. Early high points included the Kyrie, with its well-worked interaction between chorus and solo soprano, and Charge!, with its inspiring fanfare and brilliant high-register singing from the sopranos.

The Last Post was dispatched with consummate purity by the principal trumpet.

The latter sections were to provide some of Jenkins’ more poignant reflections. The especially touching Agnus Dei, with its myriad interesting harmonies, was sympathetically supported by the brass.

Nothing could surpass the serene Benedictus, whose simple, yet insistent, theme encapsulated the acute sense of loss from the futility of war. Hearing this, one can appreciate why Karl Jenkins is so cherished by choral societies.

Congratulations to Ascot Brass on their ‘orchestral’ role and credit also goes to the solo singers and all choir members, who sang impeccably and whose purity of tone perfectly complemented the mood of the work. v Gwyn Arch’s farewell concert is on Saturday, July 5, again in the Concert Hall, featuring South Chiltern Choral Society and Reading Male Voice Choir.

Trevor Howell

| www.xnmedia.co.uk | May 2014

35

v Taking the Messiah to every day Handel’s Messiah The Merry Opera Company Wycliffe Baptist Church, East Reading Saturday, April 19 A performance of Handel’s Messiah invariably involves a large choir and formally dressed soloists accompanied by an orchestra. The Merry Opera Company comprised 12 singers and a pianist.

Each performer wore everyday clothing, from jogging to business suits, and the work was presented as how different people respond to the idea of a promised Messiah.

Without special lighting effects or staging, emotional responses were portrayed through body language, facial expression and the interpretation of the lyrics of each section of the work.

Some were cynical or defensive, others excited and expectant, still others appeared doubtful that the angel’s news of good tidings to all people actually included them.

The quality of singing and acting was outstanding. The choreography was imaginative and often involved the performers moving around the

church to sing around or in between the audience.

In parts of the work words were given actions – this was especially effective where the different voices enter in turn, producing a range of actions taking place together on stage.

Having attended the performance with no idea what to expect, you come away with much to think about over the Easter period.

Apart from a refreshingly different take on a well-known musical work, this fast-paced, innovative interpretation brought the biblical texts to life in a way that a traditional performance usually does not.

Experiencing live operatic music in such an intimate setting is certainly exhilarating: any subsequent Merry Opera productions will be thoroughly recommended.

JUDITH CREIGHTON

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