Xn May 2013 by The Wokingham Paper

FREE! Pick me up!

For you, your community, your life

WHAT’S ON?

Pages and pages of great events taking place this month

BE A STAR

Debbie is on a mission to help you

Help Sue Ryder by going for a walk

MAKE SUMMER special

MAGICAL

The baffling world of illusionist Todd

ROYALS

What next for Adkins’ team?

PLUS: FREE CRE TICKETS FOR EVERY READER! xnmedia.co.uk

search for xnmedia

@xnmedia

Henley, Reading & Wokingham districts MAY 2013 Thames Valley region

ISSN 2049-4971

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

v HOW TO GET YOUR FREE CRE TICKETS XN is pleased to invite you and your friends to CRE International as our guests, saving you up to £6 per ticket! The exhibition – dubbed the Ideal Homes Show For Churches – takes place in Esher, Surrey from May 14-17. It’s packed with great ideas to help you and your churches and gives you the chance to meet the people behind some of the UK’s best resources. We’ll be there too! To get your FREE tickets, simply log on to www. creonline.co.uk. Click on BUY TICKETS and enter your details and choose the option for “Exhibition Complimentary” and enter the code XN2013. Follow the instructions and remember to bring your ticket to the show. See you there!

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The divine is in the damp-proof course at the Ideal Homes Show for churches THE DEVIL may be in the detail but the divine is in the damp-proof course. That’s the practical thinking behind every Christian Resources Exhibition which this year takes place at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey from May 14-17. “From the political to the pastoral, this year’s CRE provides inspiration at every level of the local church agenda,” explains event organiser Bill Allen. “Its sheer width is what makes the event uniquely beneficial. “CRE resources local church leaders at many, many levels – from the latest in preaching aids and new pews, to costeffective heating and custom-made sound systems.” At the same time, the event welcomes speakers of international calibre, covering devotional and practical issues. The oftennegative baggage afforded terms like ‘fundamentalist’ and ‘evangelical’ led this year’s key speaker, the Revd Dr Tony Campolo, to coin a new term – Red Letter Christians – for those committed to living out the words of Jesus. “We want people to know we are Christians who make a point of being committed to

A clergy catwalk show is one of the fun events that take place at the forthcoming CRE exhibition in Esher, Surrey what those red letters – the words of Jesus – tell us to be and do,” explains Tony, professor emeritus of sociology at Eastern University in Pennsylvania. “We’re not into partisan politics, though we have a bias for political policies that foster justice for the poor and oppressed, regardless of which party espouses them.” Tony will speak on Thursday, May 16.

A series of seminars also offer help on aspects of church maintenance. “Our buildings can be an opportunity or a millstone,” says John Marsh of MEB Design, who will speak under the title Church buildings: resources for church growth and community engagement (noon, Tuesday, May 14). “The way we use our buildings impacts a church’s ministry, and the seminar provides practical tools for exploring new possibilities, building consensus and instigating change.” For the first time, visitors will discover how to win a £2,000 micro-grant to start a community transformation project, courtesy of the Cinnamon Network. In 2011 it was estimated that 2.5 per cent of the UK Church or 1,000 local churches were leading a community franchise project, mobilising 20,000 volunteers and serving 200,000 beneficiaries. v CRE, often dubbed the ‘ideal church show’, will be held three times in 2013: Esher (May 14-17), Birmingham (Oct 3-4) and Edinburgh (Nov 27/28). v For more information visit www. creonline.co.uk or call 01793 418218.

GET YOUR FREE CRE TICKETS AT CREONLINE.CO.UK

78June2013 The Pavilion, Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7UY Gues tSpeaker:Al anScot t

Morei nf oat:www. t hce. co. uk

USE CODE XN2013

This month

This is your magazine Contact us with your stories, it’s really easy: email editor@xnmedia.co.uk write to Xn Media, c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE. We look forward to hearing from you!

Make Saturdays sunny! 29

Xn is published by Xn Media. ISSN 2049-4971 c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE www.xnmedia.co.uk Twitter: @xnmedia

Caring help

Editor & publisher Phil Creighton editor@xnmedia.co.uk Distribution Judith Creighton judith@xnmedia.co.uk Contributors Lynda Bowyer, Michael Penny, Steve VaughanTurner, Sally Hamblin, Steve Prince, James Hern, Chris Barltrop, Chris Carter, Sharon Elliott Thanks to Michael Penny, Alan Magness, Louise Cole, Mary Brockington, Paul Burnish, Nick Crowder, Lynne Colman, Nina Preston, Malc Pierce, David Garrod, Gemma Cumming, Adam Brown, Colin Livingstone, Richard Becher, Denis Smith, Jason Hobbs Advertising Hinton Media Services Ltd 01932 888417 advertising@xnmedia.co.uk Printed by Polestar Xn is an independent publication that aims to reflect community and Church life without bias. 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, 2013

Suited 14 Joyful day for rebuild project

Todd asks what’s real? From the editor Phil Creighton ‘ Over the coming month , you name it, it ’s going on!’

PARENTS everywhere know the cries only too well … I’m bored! There’s nothing to do! Nothing ever happens here! Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, there’s so much going on that every issue of Xn is jam-packed with good news from every corner of the region. One of the popular parts of the magazine is our what’s on guide. It’s full of great events you can go along too and many of them are family friendly. This issue, we’ve made the guide three whole pages and even then, with so much going on, we’ve had to leave some events out. Over the coming month and a bit, there are open gardens, family fun days, concerts, talks, lectures, special events, film clubs … you name it, it’s happening. There’s sure to be something that tickles your fancy. And if you’re organising an event over the coming months, make sure you let us know about it too. PS – In response to feedback, we’ve moved the puzzle answers to page 31. No more sneaky peeks! editor@xnmedia.co.uk

Trendy ethical threads

Contents 4 The main event 6 News 14 Business 16 News focus 18 Family circle 20 What’s on Three pages of community events 23 Puzzles 24 Trades directory 24 Sport Including the latest from Reading FC 26 Food Recipes that can help Coeliac sufferers 27 Ethical shopping Brilliant buys to help the planet 28 Arts New plays, concerts and films

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

the main event

Be a star and walk LITTLE stars will be gathering under the stars for a moonlit walk next month. Sue Ryder is celebrating 60 years with its special Starlight Hike – and it needs you to be a star and join in. The charity's walk will take place on Saturday, June 22 at Green Park in Reading and will help raise funds for its work in Nettlebed Hospice, Duchess of Kent House, Wokingham Day Therapy and Charles Clore Unit, Newbury. The event gets underway at 8.30pm with a range of entertainment, before a fun warm-up. Then, from 10pm, participants will make their way round a specially devised 10km route – in the dark – that takes them through Green Park.

The planned course takes in Starlight Avenue, dedicated to Sue Ryder stars who have received help and support from the charity. Everyone who crosses the finishing line will receive a hot bacon butty plus a goody bag – as well as knowing they've done something special for local people living with an incurable illness. Volunteers are needed to sign up now. There is a registration fee of £15, with a fundraising target of £100. For more details, log on to www.sueryder.org/StarlightHike or call Emma Harpaul on 01491 641298.

v Sue Ryder’s work Sue Ryder runs 13 cares centres across the UK providing compassionate care and support for people with palliative, long-term and end of life needs. It also offers services that give support and care to people in residential and day centres, day clinics, in the community and in the comfort of their home. Locally, it runs Duchess of Kent House in Lienbenrood Road, Reading, a hospice in Nettlebed, a day therapy centre in Wokingham and the Charles Clore Unit in Newbury. For more details on its work, log on to www.sueryder.org.

5 the main event

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

in the moonlight

News

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

vSaturday night takeaway a big hit IT WAS one of the biggest Indian takeaways ever ... it wasn’t curry that was carried out, but cash. Big-hearted members of English Martyrs Catholic Church in Reading raised £970 at a curry evening last month. The money will help member Natalie Dennehy participate in World Youth Day in Brazil this summer. While in Brazil, she will also spend four weeks volunteering on projects to transform lives in the country. More than 130 people sat down to enjoy the curry supper, and afterwards there were cheese and ice-creams to enjoy.

vJoin this busy sewing bee CLEVER sew and sews are invited to take part in a sewing workshop later this month. Arts café Arty Giraffe, on Reading’s Oxford Road, is holding the sewing bee on Saturday, May 18 from 11am-12.30pm. Costing £10 per person, places should be booked. It’s just one of a number of special events taking place at the café in the weeks ahead. They will also run a pottery painting evening class on Tuesday, May 14 from 7pm. v For more details, log on to www.artygiraffe.com, call (0118) 941 8683 or visit 850 Oxford Road, Reading RG30 1EL.

See the signs, spot the traffick & set people free A NEW tool has been launched to encourage people to identify and help victims of trafficking – modern day slavery. Stop The Traffik has worked with the Home Office to produce a series of resources with the aim of stamping out the trade. Many people who have been trafficked have been coerced and suffer from repeated physical abuse, fear and torture or threats to their family. These tactics are aimed at breaking a person’s spirit so that the trafficker can continue to exert power over those they have trafficked. The Serious Organised Crime Agency says that the majority of people who are trafficked

in the UK have been brought here for sexual exploitation – usually prostitution. The majority of victims are under 30 and come from Poland, Romania or Slovakia. Some UK nationals have also been trafficked. To help stamp out this trade, Stop The Traffik wants to equip frontline professionals with the tools and information they need to identify and help victims of trafficking. The charity, which was established by the Revd Steve Chalke, says that a local authority employee may be the only person to enter a house and see someone who is trapped and being exploited. It adds that the frontline professionals can be critical agents of change within the

v Awareness day for prostituion

community in the fight to disrupt trafficking routes and uncover hidden victims. Its Spot The Traffik campaign aims to provide free online materials and the opportunity for faceto-face training, giving clear information on what to look for so they are alert for indicators that are cause for concern. Ruth Dearnley, Stop The Traffik’s CEO, said: “In recent years it has been encouraging to read the columns written and reports presented raising the issue of people trafficking within the UK. “Our thinking and our talking is not enough. We believe that Spot The Traffik will set people free.” v For more details, visit www. stopthetraffik.org.uk/spot

v Smile, we’re in!

Members of LifeSpring church are all smiles as they celebrated using its new Pavilion building on Oxford Road for the first time on Easter Sunday. This is the first time the church has had its own building. PICTURE: LYNDA BOWYER

The project Beyond the streets, in partnership with The Rahab Project, is holding an interactive Awareness Day exploring the issues around prostitution and trafficking of adults in the UK. This day is aimed at people who want to explore the issues and engage effectively with those involved. It will take place from 10.15am to 4pm on Saturday, May 18 at St Laurence Church in Reading’s town centre. Places cost £10 or £5 for Street Pastors and Rahab volunteers. This goes towards the running costs of the day. v For more details or to book your place, email volunteer@ rahab.co.uk.

v Women’s Centre marks 21 years CHURCHES in Reading’s Women’s Centre is celebrating its 21st anniversary later this month. The drop-in centre which meets at Wesley Methodist Church will hold a celebration combined with its AGM at noon on Wednesday, May 15 at the Queens Road church. The guest speaker will be the Revd Joel Thomas and there will be refreshments served afterwards. If you are driving, you are asked to park in the Queens Road Car Park. v For more details, call 07817 373773 or email enquiries@cirwc.org.uk.

Try a tile transaction for Tilehurst WOULD you buy a new tile from a Tilehurst church? Following an extensive internal refurbishment costing £400,000 st Michale’s church is now turning its attention to the loftier needs. Investigation showed that some of the Victorian tiles were decaying, and battens and nails holding them were rotting. “Although the Church Architect had warned, in 2011, that roof repairs might be necessary within 20 years or so, the strange weather patterns of the last few years have made this a much more urgent matter,” says Oliver Jenks, who is organising the

church’s fundraising campaign. The church now needs to raise £75,000 for urgent work to some areas and approximately £175,000 to complete the whole roof. As part of the fundraising campaign, Tile Certificates are being sold for £5 each. Each donor can write a message on the back of a tile which will then be placed in the roof. Certificates may be obtained for £5 each from the Parish Office. v For more details, log on to stmichaeltilehurst.org.uk or call the parish office on (0118) 942 7331.

News

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

Tilly’s epic mountain climb SOME youngsters spent their Easter holidays taking a break – but not so for Tilly Beckett. The 12-year-old from Pangbourne climbed the height of Mount Kilimanjaro at Reading Climbing Centre. The 5,895m trek meant she had to scale the walls of the centre every day for a week. Her epic feat helped raise £700 for the Grace Christian School in South Africa. “I’ve done it!” she said. “I climbed the height of Mount Kilimanjaro. “I couldn’t have done it without my Mum, my Godmother, who was amazing, and my friend Bethan, who came to cheer me on.” And once she’d finished, the energetic St Andrew’s School pupil didn’t stop. “Rest .... not so much,” she said. “We went straight off skiing afterwards, so my legs ache so bad!”

Demand for emergency food parcels up 170% DEMAND for emergency food parcels has rocketed by 170 per cent over the past year according to research by the Trussell Trust. And ReadiFood, one of several food banks in the region, agrees after seeing demand in April soar. They sent out more than 100 parcels sent out each week. A report released by The Trussell Trust reveals that almost 350,000 people received at least three days’ worth of emergency food during 2012 – nearly 100,000 more than predicted and almost three times the figure for 2011. That figure will rise again this year. Trussell Trust executive chairman Chris Mould told the Evangelical Alliance: “The sheer volume of people who are turning to food banks because they can’t afford food is a wake-up call to the nation that we can not ignore the hunger on our doorstep.” Malcolm Peirce, director of FAITH, which runs ReadiFood, explained some of the reasons for the rise in demand: “People on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), from time to time, have their JSA sanctioned (temporarily stopped for review),” he said. “Prior to April, the Job Centre could grant a Crisis Loan. “People on benefits do not as a rule have savings to fall back on. “The first major change is that as of April crisis loans are no longer available from Job Centres. They now have no option but to refer people to the Food Bank.

“The second major change is that more people are having their JSA sanctioned. It is unclear why this is happening.” Malcolm added that Reading Borough Council is also facing increased pressures. “They have given FAITH a grant to assist ReadiFood in expanding to meet increased need,” he continued. “ReadiFood are now supplying parcels to the Civic Centre for distribution directly to clients to take home on the day they are interviewed.” This increased demand is also giving the charity new challenges, including obtaining food supplies, sorting and storing it. “If you are able to offer even a couple of hours a week as a volunteer or a driver you would be most welcome,” Malcolm added. v For more details, contact Food Bank co-ordinator Alison Peyton on (0118) 987 2672 or emailreadifood@fcg.org.uk.

v Waitrose collections ReadiFood are teaming up with Waitrose to collect food from local stores. Volunteers are needed to help with the collections and hourly slots are available. Caversham – Saturday, May 4, Sunday, May 5 Woodley – Saturday, June 1, Sunday, June 2 Caversham – Saturday, July 27, Sunday July 28 Oxford Road – Friday, August 9–Sunday, August 11 Woodley – Saturday, Sept 7, Sunday, Sept 8 Oxford Road – Thursday, Oct 17, Friday Oct 18 Oxford Road – Saturday, Dec 7, Sunday, Dec 8 Hourly slots each day from 11am onwards If you can help please ring or email the office.

Take care! Make the most of life with Philip Keohane

National Dementia Week, May 19-25 The preferred environment for those with dementia is generally at home and yet, families caring for adults with Alzheimer’s at home have to deal with challenging behaviours such as anger, aggression, wandering off, refusing to eat and or take prescribed medication. Local people living, working and volunteering in the community around the home of a person with Alzheimer’s can also be faced and subjected to these behavioural challenges and not know how to instantly recognise the signs, manage a difficult or challenging situation or simply know how to cope. As the numbers of people diagnosed and living with dementia is growing exponentially, it is vital that humankind addressees this concerning situation. At Home Instead we are passionate about raising the profile of Dementia in the local community and during National Dementia Awareness Week May 19-25, we will be reaching out to everyone in our local community including families, businesses, voluntary organisations, charities, public servants, and community groups. We will be providing FREE Dementia / Alzheimer’s Workshops throughout Dementia Awareness Week, and giving much needed support. Calling upon our expertise and experience in running our own specialist dementia training, which is fully accredited by City & Guilds, and is the only one of its kind in the UK . There are over 800,000 people with dementia in the UK today. By 2021, there will be over 940,000 people living with dementia and this is forecast to soar to 1.7 million by 2050. Did you know 25 million people in the UK have a close friend or family member with dementia? One in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementia, and there are also 16,000 people under the age of 65 with the condition in the UK. These are not just statistics; they represent families with loved ones who require specialised care to remain at home for as long as possible. If you are struggling to care for a loved one at home or your line of work brings you into contact with dementia, it is important to remember you are not alone and we would love to hear from to help with the challenges you face. Philip Keohane is owner & director of Home Instead Senior Care in Reading

News

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

v Winter in May A POPULAR broadcaster and author will be making a visit to Bradfield College later this month. The Revd Canon David Winter has been invited by the Bradfield Deanery Spiritual Development Group to explore What Can We Believe About Heaven And Hell? All are welcome to the talk, which will be held in the Wardens’ Room of the college on Thursday, May 16. It starts at 8pm. Guests are asked to park in the visitors’ car park.

v Get quizzical A POPULAR quiz night will be held on Friday, May 17 in the Church Hall, The Meadway, Tilehurst. Doors open at 7pm with the first questions asked at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7.50 and include a fish ‘n’ chip supper. For more details, call Janet Foster on (0118) 941 3404.

v See the animals at fab fun day LIVE animals will be just one of the attractions at the annual Coley Park Fun Day which takes place early next month. Starting at 11am on Sunday, June 2 at Coley Park, the event will include a visit from Owens Animals as well as live music, stalls and much more.

v Corrections & clarifications LAST month, we referred to the Reading Mail Voice Choir. This should, of course, have been Reading Male Voice Choir. In our report on the opening of the new village shop in Beech Hill (March 2013), we neglected to mention the company who built the shop’s cabinets. They were made by Martin Leighfield ltd, based in Checkendon, and not Kingsmen. Kingsmen installed the vestry kitchen for the project. Apologies for these errors. v if you spot an error, please email editor@xnmedia.co.uk.

Yeldall residents help out as Mustard Tree moves offices MEN from Yeldall Manor proved they can box clever as they helped MTF move offices. Packed with packing power, the residents from the Hare Hatch-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre assisted The Mustard Tree Foundation (MTF) move to new offices in London Street, Reading. MTF aims to be a voice in the community for those who have no voice and helps oversee the work of projects including Reading Lifeline, offering crisis pregnancy support and postmiscarriage and post-abortion counselling. It also includes TLG, an education charity working with young people who have been excluded, or are at risk of being excluded, from school. The move will enable MTF to further develop its work, which includes taking on the Engage:Befriending scheme from May 1. Lorraine Joslin, CEO of MTF, said: “We are so grateful to Yeldall for helping us move. We were

glad to have more hands on deck, and a lot of laughs were shared throughout the day. "Hopefully the cake and coffee provided demonstrated at least some of our appreciation.” Staff and volunteers from Rahab, Lifeline and Starting Point helped coordinate the move, but appreciated being able to call on Yeldall’s residents to help with some of the lifting and moving. One Mustard Tree worker said: “They were effective and hard working, and – thankfully – a lot stronger than us.” Lorraine added that Yeldall’s successful help might be the start of something big. "If Yeldall aren’t careful, they’ll get headhunted for their hired help a lot more from our recommendations,” she joked. v For more on The Mustard Tree, log on to www.themustardtree.org.

v Get ready for a little bit of ragtime for Sunday Night THE popular Sunday Night Live event will next month treat its audience to some ragtime blues. Lisa and Andy will be the guests on Sunday, June 9. It will be held in Starbucks, Kings Road, Reading from 8pm. “We’ll play pre-War ragtime and blues, some standards, a couple of rock ‘n’ roll things re-interpreted for acoustic guitar and our own compositions,” promises Andrew Mathewson. v For more, search Facebook for “Sunday Night Live Reading”. Blues duo Lisa & Andy will perform at Sunday Night Live next month

v A touch of heaven at The Pavilion A CONFERENCE that aims to bring heaven down to earth is returning to Reading next month. Touching Heaven, Changing Earth is a two-day event that is being organised by a range of churches across Reading and they want everyone to come along and learn more. The keynote speaker will be Alan Scott, who planted Causeway Coast Vineyard Church in 1999. The church has grown remarkably since then and has been behind the Healing On The Streets ministry. Other speakers will come from Reading churches, including Vernon Orr from St Agnes, Joel Thomas from

The Globe, Rob Gardiner from Network Vineyard and Yinka Oyekan from Reading Community Church. There will be sessions for school years children and an unsupervised creche will be available. The event takes place at The Pavilion, the new home of LifeSpring church, from 6.45pm on Friday, June 7 to 6pm on Saturday, June 8. Places cost £25 for over 16s, with reductions for children, students and concessions. A family rate is also available. v Full details on the weekend’s events can be found at www. barnabasengland.org, or call (0118) 941 5557.

Super Mum goes walking for her son A CARING Mum is putting her best foot forward to honour the memory of her son. Lorna McCulloch lost her son Iain in March 2007 to cot death. The Lullaby Trust stood by her in the days after and now she wants to say thank you by helping them. On Saturday, May 11, she will take part in a sponsored walk from Reading Station to Woodley and then to The Fisherman’s Cottage pub in Kennetside, East Reading. At the pub, she will tend to her blisters while enjoying live music, a raffle, a buffet and a blind auction for a shirt signed by Steve Redgrave. “Losing a child is the worst thing in the world for anyone to deal with but having no answers as to why this has happened makes it that little bit more difficult,” she said. “The Lullaby Trust helped me so much when I lost Iain so I want to give something back to them, while at the same time helping to raise funds for research and support so they can continue doing their great work.” Lorna is hoping to raise at least £150 for the charity and has set up a JustGiving page. v For more details, log on to www.justgiving.com/ Iain-Terry-Hobson.

v Bishop’s move from Africa to Berkshire It is difficult to imagine the contrast in pastoral challenges for a Bishop in famine-stricken Ethiopia and one in affluent Berkshire. Yet, on Saturday, May 11, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, who has experience of both, will explore what he sees as the experiences which are common to both. He is the next guest speaker to address the Reading Churches Men’s Group (RCMG) breakfast meeting at Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning. Andrew Proud was elected Bishop of Reading in April 2011, having previously held a number of positions in Africa.

Between 2007 and his election to Reading, he was back in Ethiopia as Area Bishop for the Horn of Africa in the Middle East Diocese of Egypt. His breakfast talk will explore the fundamental importance of this approach in the form of an “ongoing conversation”. The RCMG meeting takes place at 8.15am and costs £7.50 per head. Cheques made payable to “RCMG”. v All men interested in attending should notify John Broady (0118) 954 3879 no later than Tuesday, May 7. Cheques should be sent to 45 Kings Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 8DS.

news

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

v Get down to Coronation Square and meet Peppa Pig at fantastic May Fair PEPPA PIG will be the special guest at a May Fair. Taking place in Southcote, the afternoon of fun will also include sports and games, crafts, live animals and a visit from the police and the fire brigade. There will be a wide range of stalls,

including henna art, jewellery, glitter tattoos, cakes, books and plants. A Deshi tandoori stall and a tea and coffee stand will refresh you, while a visit from Owen’s Animals will bring the zoo to Southcote. Entry is free and the event takes place on Saturday, May 4, from noon

to 4pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the fun. It will be held at Coronation Square and is organised by the Southcote Children’s Centre Ambassadors and Southcote Alive, comprising Southcote Christian Mission, The Grange URC and St Matthew’s.

Demand places pressure on community advice centre AN ADVICE centre that helps people with everything from debt to form filling has seen demand for its services soar. In February – the last month for which figures are available – CommuniCare served 60% more people than that time last year. Now, it’s appealing for more help to ensure it can keep up with demand. Based in East Reading, the centre was set up in 1996 to offer nonjudgmental, free advice on a range of different topics including housing and benefits and helps with form-filling. It also holds a monthly pro-bono legal clinic which is supported by a local law firm, Reading University Law School and Lawworks. Open on weekdays, apart from Wednesdays, people can drop in to get help they need. Based out of Wycliffe Baptist Church, it is a joint venture between the church and neighbouring St John’s and St Stephen’s. Despite its Reading location, the charity supports people from across the Thames Valley, including Wokingham, Woodley and Earley. "It meets a real need,” said Andrew Taylor, the charity’s chairman. “We have a very solid client base who don’t

Advice centre CommuniCare has seen demand soar have English as a first language or computer skills. "Increasingly, you have to fill in forms online and we sit down with people and help them. We get people referred to us by other organisations so we can help clients. "They can’t do it themselves. They either don’t understand the questions or don’t know how to use a computer.” Andrew added that to cope with the increased demands on its services, the charity needs more volunteers and

v Harvest hopes with rogation walk A GOOD harvest is hoped for as people in Brimpton and Woolhampton gather together to mark Rogation Sunday. Villagers will gather together to walk around the parish boundaries and join together to bless the crops. In years gone by, the service was used to mark the parish boundaries by beating objects and prominent marks. Now, the emphasis is on blessing, thanksgiving and caring for the environment.

The fun events will be held on Sunday, May 12, with a gathering at Manor Farm, Brimpton from 10.45am, and at Monksmead Farm in Woolhampton from 11.10am. A procession will set off from St Peter’s Church in Brimpton at 11am. v St Peter’s Church is holding a spring plant sale and swap on Saturday, May 18 from 10amnoon. For details, call Denis on (0118) 982 0894 or email denis843@btinternet.com.

PICTURE: Lynda Bowyer

would also welcome financial support. "More volunteers are needed to so we can respond to people’s needs,” he said. “We need more funding too. “It costs around £60,000 a year to run the office – and that’s with a small staff team and volunteers.” v To find out more about CommuniCare log onto www.communicare.org, to volunteer or to make a donation, call (0118) 926 3941 or email office@ communicare.org. To donate via Just Text Giving, text Prov11 to 70070.

v Who will be Burghfield’s top dog? A HUGELY popular family fun day is returning to Burghfield this month. The May Fayre will take place on The Hatch on Sunday, May 12. Organised by the Burghfield Residents Association, there will be more than 60 stalls including traditional games, craft stalls, food and a dog show. The fun starts at 9.30am with a special service hosted by

churches from Burghfield. The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud, will be the guest speaker. Then, the fayre itself takes place from 10.30am to 4pm. Last year, more than 4,000 people came along and organisers are hoping to beat that this year. v For more details, log on to www. burghfieldresident.org.uk.

NEWS

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

v Pentecost power A COUPLE who passionately pursue a life of signs, wonders and miracles are coming to Tilehurst for a special anniversary conference. Trevor and Sharon Baker, who head up Revival Fires, will lead sessions on The Power of Pentecost at St Catherine of Siena Church. The weekend helps the Wittenham Avenue-based church celebrate its 50th anniversary. It starts with a free entry evening celebration on Friday, May 10, from 8pm. Then, on Saturday, May 11, a day conference will be held from 10am-4.30pm. It costs £12. Another evening celebration runs from 7.30pm on Saturday night, entry is again free. v For more details, call the church on (0118) 942 7786 or email revdenissmith@ hotmail.com.

If you mind, help staff Mind The Gap Mind the Gap, a project that supports children moving from primary school to secondary school, is looking for young volunteers! Run by the WASCWT (Wokingham Area Schools Christian Workers Trust), the project needs people to support Year Six students as they prepare for their big move to secondary school. The team has recently appointed Mark Wearing as their new Project Development Manager. Claire Knight, Youth Worker at the Wokingham Methodist Church is working as project leader and Sue Chapman, from Wokingham Baptist Church, will partner with the youth team to continue delivering the It’s Your Move presentations, so the team is ready for action. "This is a big moment as the children finish their last term at

Jane Turner, Sue Chapman, Mark Wearing and Claire Knight are the Mind the Gap team primary school before the big change to secondary school,” says Jane Turner, team leader at WASCWT. “Mind the Gap, which started last year, was a great success for the children, and this year, we want to build on that success and help even more children mind the gap between primary and secondary school. “We can make such a

Put your faith in RE

Pupils and teachers say REINSPIRED lessons are “inspirational” and “amazing”. Head teachers appreciate that “children have

the opportunity to engage with adults whose faith is central to their lives”. Find out how we can help people from your churches build partnerships that last with local schools by bringing RE & collective worship to life. Give us a call on 0118 966 3929 or email office@reinspired.org.uk or come along to the Education Zone at the Christian Resources Exhibition in Esher from 14-17 May.

www.reinspired.org.uk

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

difference to the young people's lives through this great project.” They are now looking for people who can go to 10 primary schools and help deliver the It's Your Move presentations. Jane said: “This is a perfect opportunity for students who have just finished GCSE or A-level exams to do some

volunteering. We will provide full training and can assure the volunteers that it will provide them with valuable experience, which will be great for their CVs.” The WASCWT team are also looking for Young at Heart volunteers who could help by either giving one on one support to individual pupils and families on a weekly basis in July or provide food and prayer for events such as SATS breakfasts, parent teas and lunchtime clubs. Jane said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to journey with these young people, at a key time in their lives, but we can’t do it without volunteers to help.” v For more on the project, log on to www.wascwt.org. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Mark Wearing on m_wearing@hotmail.com.

Julia steps in to Teens invited REInspired role to Get Real on holiday REINSPIRED has a new project director. Julia Jones (picture) is taking over from Paul Haynes and has already begun a handover period. REInspired, which helps provide inspirational RE lessons for local schools, is in Julia’s blood: she already helps a Primary RE Team Coordinator. Chair of Trustees for REInspired, Katie Alridge, said: “Julia brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience that makes her a natural fit for the role.” Julia is a member of St Nicolas Earley and is looking forward to getting stuck in. She said: “We have an amazing team, generous supporters and valuable work to do. I am looking forward to the journey.”

A HOLIDAY camp for teenagers needs people to Get Real and book in. The Scripture Union holiday will take place in August in Cirencester and is being organised by the South East Regional schools work team. Activities will include football, swimming, painting and dancing and organisers are promising something different to enjoy every day. In the evening there will be a Chill Out zone. Get Real! is for people aged 14-17 and it will cost £198 per person. Help is available if cost is an issue. It runs from August 14-20 and will take place at Rendcomb College. Accomodation is in single or twin bedded rooms. For more details, log on to www. getrealsu.com.

Tasty treats at this pop-up lunch café A THREE COURSE lunch that won’t break the bank is the promise from a pop-up café in Caversham. Friday Lunches is held weekly at Caversham Baptist Church from

12.15pm-1.30pm. The local community is invited to come along and enjoy the meal, as well as get to make new friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone is welcome

and organisers promise that the menu has a lot to offer, including a listening ear. v For more, call (0118) 954 5353 or email office@caversham baptistchurch.org.uk.

NEWS

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

Sunshine & smiles for re-opening IT WAS standing room only as Argyle Community Church celebrated the end of its rebuilding project. The church has been expanded and a new foyer has been built, creating a striking addition to West Reading’s skyline. The re-opening was marked over the weekend of April 20 and 21. A family fun day was held on the Saturday, which included as much cake as the eye could see and some testimonies from Arygle’s members. Guests included Alok Sharma MP and local councillors. Michael and Laura Tapp from Joy David, who oversaw the redevelopment work, were also present. On the Sunday, there was a special service followed by a celebration lunch. Lynne Colman, Argyle’s community development worker, said it was a great day. "We feel very blessed that our project has nearly come to

Above: Pastor Harald Holmgren with a present to Len Killham, who helped cut the ribbon with Mana Gana (pictured left)

v Pirates wanted

PIRATES are wanted for an evening of fun. A cultural evening is being held later this month and organisers want you to come dressed for the seven seas ... or in a Hawaiian shirt. It will be held on Saturday, May 11 from 6.30pm, at St Mark’s Church Hall in Cranbury Road, Reading. Entry is £8, £4 for children, free for under fives and £21 for families of 4. v For details, call Pat on 07769 915177.

v School dance Scenes of a happy day … hundreds gathered to celebrate Argyle’s re-opening an end. I’m going to miss the builders. "The opening weekend saw people come to church for the first time, and we welcomed our MP, local councillors,

members of the community, people involved in the project, builders, church members and other churches who have been following the progress in Xn magazine.

"It was a great weekend.” v The church’s celebrations continue with a visit from illusionist Todd Alexander on May 18. See page 28 PICTURES: LYNDA BOWYER

A DO SI DO will help build a school in Africa. Greyfriars Church in Reading is hosting a barn dance on Saturday, May 11 and money raised will support a community in South Sudan as they seek to build a school. The fun starts at 7pm and tickets cost £10. v For details, call Leslie Brown on (0118) 954 6534 or email lesley.brown@ greyfriars.org.uk.

Thames Valley Police open Hate Crime line A campaign has been launched to encourage victims of hate crime to come forward and report incidents. Thames Valley Police says that the under-reporting of hate crimes is a problem which leads to victims feeling isolated, bullied and helpless. A hate crime incident is any behaviour that someone thinks was caused by hatred of disability, gender identity, race, ethnicity or nationality, religion, faith or belief, sexual orientation or any other aspect of an individual’s identity. It could involve things such as name calling, verbal abuse, bullying and

harassment, spitting and physical attack, damage to property, graffiti and emails or abusive texts. Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police have joined forces with Stop Hate UK to encourage people to Do you relate to young Would you like Dowell you relatepeople? well to young people? to help them discover more about how to build report incidents through a 24-hour Would you like to help them discover more about healthy relationships and families? confidential helpline. how to build healthy relationships and families? The charity’s patron is Doreen If so, you may be well suited to fulfil the role of Lawrence OBE, mother of murdered If so, you may be well suited to fulfil the role of teenager Stephen Lawrence. Adviser Coach v For more, go to www.stophateuk.org or call the StopHate UK 24 hour helpline EXPLORE is part of a charity dedicated to enabling young people to explore the experience of married couples,totoenabling help EXPLORE is part of a charity dedicated young 0800 138 1625. For urgent police gain understanding of long-term relationships family life. people to explore the experience of and married couples, to help gain matters, people are encouraged to dial understanding of long-term and family life. the 999 emergency number. We need Adviser Coaches to help runrelationships workshops and half-day

Adviser Coach

Exploring marriage is worth the effort Marriage can be hard work but it’s worth the effort was one of the conclusions drawn by Sixth Form students at St Joseph’s College, Reading, when the charity Explore visited the school recently. Students were given the opportunity to interview a married couple about their experience of making their marriage work and then to draw their own conclusions. Topics covered included choosing the right person to marry, getting to know each other and solving disagreements, the impact of having children and how the relationship changes over time. The students discovered the

importance of compromise and putting the other person first. The majority said that talking with the couples gave them new ideas or thoughts about what makes relationships last. Facilitator, Liz Percival, said: “The students worked really hard and showed great maturity in their questioning. Young people these days want strong and healthy relationships and Explore enables them to find out for themselves what works and what the challenges ahead may be.” v For more details, log on to www. theexploreexperience.co.uk

conferences in a varietyCoaches of local secondary schools Berkshire. We need Adviser to help run in workshops and half-day We are looking for good listeners, who are able to empathise conferences in a variety of them localtosecondary schools in Berkshire. with young people, and work with facilitate dialogues We looking for good listeners, who are able to empathise with withare married couples. young people, and work with them to facilitate dialogues with The role is voluntary, with free training. Travel expenses will be married couples. reimbursed. The role is voluntary, with free training. Travel expenses will be A Training Day has been arranged in Reading, on Saturday reimbursed. 8th June 2013 (10 am until 4 pm). A Training Day has been arranged in Reading, on If you could commit to volunteering in schools twice a year Saturday June am until 4 pm). (more if you8th prefer), and 2013 would (10 like more information please Ifcontact: you could commit to volunteering in schools twice a year (more if you prefer), andSwan would like more information please contact: Theresa on: 07786 704473 Email: theresa.explore@yahoo.co.uk Theresa Swan on: 07786 704473 www.theexploreexperience.co.uk Email: theresa.explore@yahoo.co.uk www.theexploreexperience.co.uk EXPLORE Charity number: 1084226

EXPLORE Charity number: 1084226

News

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

Cerullo’s visit was ‘timely’

v Log Fire for CCA The work of CCA, a charity that aims to help the community with practical support and advice, will be the topic for a special Log Fire Evening being held later this month. Taking place at Wargrave Court on Wednesday, May 15, Ann-Marie Paterson, CCA’s managing director, and relationship manager Mireille Haviland, will share the latest news from the charity. The evening starts at 7pm and everyone is welcome. v For more details, call St Mary’s Church in Wargrave on (0118) 940 2300.

v Fashion show GET some tips on the latest catwalk trends and help charity at the same time. A fashion show is taking place in aid of The Children’s Society on Tuesday, May 14. Starting at 7.30pm, the event is held at St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Wokingham. Entry costs £8 and includes a welcome drink plus a 10% discount voucher for M&Co’s branch in Wokingham. v For more details or to book tickets, call Christine Snell on (0118) 978 1044.

v Debt help IF YOU’RE struggling to balance the books, or the latest benefit changes have snookered you, help is at hand. Kerith Community Church is running a new CAP money course from Tuesday, June 4. The sessions will offer practical help and guidance so you can manage your finances. v For more details, log on to www.kerith.co.uk.

v Dawn chorus GET up early and celebrate Ascension Day with All Saints Church, Binfield. Members of the church choir will be climbing the church tower on Thursday, May 9 to sing hymns and mark the day. It starts at 6.30am and everyone is welcome.

A VISIT by US evangelist Morris Cerullo was praised as being ‘timely’. He was the special guest speaker at the Fresh Fire event, which was held on Thursday, April 11, in The Deliverance Centre, West Reading. More than 700 people came along, which also included a performance by the centre’s choir and DVD presentations of Cerullo’s work. The Revd Joel Thomas, pastor of The Globe in West Reading, warmly welcomed his guest.

"It was a timely visit to Reading,” he said. “We were very encouraged. "His ministry contacted us because they wanted to come and share from the Word of God and give us confidence to trust Him and the extraordinary things He can do in this world.” Lynn Chetcuti, associate pastor of Network Vineyard churches, also enjoyed the evening. “Joel’s choir was extraordinary,” she said. PICTURE: LYNDA BOWYER

All the president’s egg and soldiers MEN from across the Thames Valley came together last month for a tasty breakfast – in the presence of a president. Martyn Strong, a member of Caversham Baptist Church, is the national president of the Baptist Men's Movement and was the guest speaker at the Thames Valley BMM breakfast on April 20. David Garrod, BMM’s area co-ordinator, said: "Martyn, who was carrying out his first engagement as president, gave an inspiring talk about reaching men with whom we come into contact on a personal basis and trying to encourage them to come along to church and get involved. "There are so many positive

Baptist men enjoy their big breakfast

benefits to be gained from setting up a forum for sharing problems and concerns for men especially in this day and age when men can easily feel isolated and lacking friends to share with in a frank but caring Christian atmosphere." The group is planning a visit to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers' museum at Arborfield. It will take

place on Saturday, July 13 and include a guided tour. This is open to all – not just men. "It is an extremely interesting place to visit near Wokingham, and this is a great opportunity to have a guided tour," David added. v For more details, or to book, contact David Garrod by emailing davidmgarrod@ yahoo.co.uk.

v Fun on the farm for Dads

v Early morning men’s treats

DADS are in for a special treat next month as the farm comes to Bracknell town centre. Kerith Community Church will be turning its car park into a farmyard for Father's Day on Sunday, June 16. After services at 9am and 11am, Dads and their families can enjoy meeting the animals and taking part in some family fun. In the evening, the church is planning to build a campfire so all Dads can enjoy live music and friendship at the Wild West-themed event. v For more details log on to www.kerith.co.uk.

Two early morning events for men will take place in Binfield later this month. On Saturday, May 11, an hour-long country walk will take place, whatever the weather. Starting at 7.45am, the group will meet in the car park of Binfield shopping centre. On Saturday, May 25, St Mark’s Church hosts a men’s breakfast. Starting at 7.30am, the theme is Perspective – It Depends On How You Look At It. v For details, www.binfieldchurches.org.uk.

v Vintage chic on the catwalk VINTAGE chic is all the rage at the moment and a special charity fashion show being held next month will help you get the look – and help good causes at the same time. Kerith Community Church in Bracknell is hosting the catwalk event on Saturday, June 8 from 7.30pm. As well as admiring the outfits worn by the models, guests will have the chance to buy the pre-loved clothes. All money raised will go towards social justice projects that Kerith runs. v For more details, log on to www.kerith.co.uk.

v Remembering the Titanic A CHARITY is hoping that the only ice served at its lunch will be in the drinks as it prepares for a talk about the Titanic. Members of the Finchampstead Support Group for the Duchess of Kent House Charity will be holding its spring lunch on Tuesday, May 30 at Finchampstead Memorial Hall. As well as the two-course lunch, the group will welcome Philip Littlejohn, grandson of a first class crew member of the infamous Titanic. He will be speaking about the disaster which occurred when an iceburg ripped through the ship that was thought to be unsinkable. The lunch starts at noon. v For more details, log on to www.dokhc.org.uk.

v Cruse training A TRAINING session in support to the bereaved is being offered in South Ascot later this month. All Souls Church is the venue for a Cruse Bereavement course on Monday, May 20. Aimed at clergy, LLMs and pastoral visitors within the Bracknell deanery, the course will be hosted by Sara Richards. It starts at 10.30am and concludes with a lunch at 1pm. It costs £3 per person. v For more details, call Pam Grigg on (01344) 625908 or email pam@telanova.com.

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

v Inspiration from the Blue Room

MP backs friendly scheme John Redwood MP was among the guests attending the launch of a new befriending service in Burghfield and Mortimer last month. TiM Friends aims to provide extra care and support for older folk who find themselves on their own, lonely, and who would welcome someone to chat to, take an interest, and become a friend. It provides home visits, regular telephone calls and opportunities to get out and mix with others, perhaps at a lunch club or pie and pint day. "We believe this will make people feel valued and appreciated, and life a bit

better overall," says a spokesperson for TiM (Together in Mission). The project has been set up using a model pioneered by Link Visiting, operating successfully in the Wokingham Borough since 1998. John Redwood warmly commended TiM Friends, recalling that his mother had visited older folk after her retirement and just how enjoyable and worthwhile it was for her as well as for those visited. TiM Friends is looking to recruit more volunteers. Project co-ordinators Bev French and Sian Laflin said that a warm and caring personality was the best

qualification for a volunteer and that training and support would be provided throughout. They hope to work closely with other local voluntary and statutory organisations to deliver the best service possible. The launch, which took place at Café B in Burghfield, concluded with a prayer of blessing given by the Revd Charles French of The Well Church, Burghfield Common. v Find out more by contacting friends@ togetherinmission.org.uk or look on our website www.togetherinmission.org.uk.

Good Neighbours are there for one another TWENTY FIVE members of Henley Good Neighbours (HGN) met together at The Brew House in Henley for an evening of chat and encouragement. The members – volunteers who visit an elderly person regularly and some of the elderly clients themselves – shared their 'Good Neighbour' experiences and enjoyed getting to know one another. Liz Smith, founder of Henley Good Neighbours, said: "I'm delighted that

so many of us were able to make it this evening. “The purpose was to thank everyone for their great efforts in making Henley Good Neighbours such a flourishing group. I must thank our wonderful elderly clients for attending and also thank the Brew House team for their generosity in hosting the evening.” v To find out more, email henleygoodneighbours@yahoo.co.uk or call 01491 572923.

THE project director of a charity aimed at helping those suffering with emotional difficulties has written a book about her experiences. Blue Room is the story of a young girl’s personal struggle to overcome severe mental illness. It aims to take the reader on a journey through the horrors of life within the confines of a secure psychiatric hospital. And, like every good story, there’s a happy ending as true liberation takes place. It is written by Beverley Hutton, who oversees Still The Hunger, which aims to build self-esteem within a supportive environment and help those with eating disorders, self-harm issues and other dysfunctional coping mechanisms. The book costs £7.99 and can be ordered from Greyfriars Bookshop or from Amazon.co.uk.

v Tasty treats raise funds DELICIOUS homemade food has made a difference to a Henley church. Holy Trinity in Church Street held a sale of cakes, confectionary, marmalades and jams after a Sunday service and raised £63 for church funds. The event was organised by church member Valarie Morgan.

Reading Chinese Christian Church 雷汀華人基督教會 Stewart So and Cindy Cheung have resigned from their posts as Pastors of the Reading Chinese Christian Church from the 28 March 2013. Please contact Committee Chairman brother Xiao Xian Chen for all Church matters. Tel: 0118 986 9413 Email: committee@rccf.org.uk

BUSINESS

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

BUSINESS

Supporting the local economy together

Biffa helps rebuild halls About 350 people use the USERS of a community hall each week. building are celebrating Andrew Walton, who after a recent £40,000 managed the refurbishment refurbishment. project, said: “The Emmanuel Community improvement to the hall has Hall’s makeover has been been fantastic. funded by a Biffa Award, “We have had new windows a multi-million pound and doors, the hall has been fund that helps to build completely redecorated communities and transform and the floor has been lives through awarding refinished. grants to community and “We have also had a new environmental projects play area put in the garden across the UK. along with safety fencing. To celebrate, a community “We have already had lots fete will be held in the hall of positive feedback from the and gardens in Southlake hall users”. Crescent, Woodley on A CAMPAIGN to help the long-term unemployed Paula Alderman who Saturday, May 4, between get booted and suited is appealing for your help. comes to both toddler groups 1pm and 4pm. With 76,400 young people in the UK out Hosted by users of the hall, with her two children says of work, A Suit That Fits is looking for suit “The hall is now a really it will have a variety of stalls, donations which can be gifted to one of its welcoming place for so many refreshments and activities partners: Amber and Centrepoint who both people. to enjoy. help young people disadvantaged as a result The refurbishment has The hall provides a home of homelessness, and Right Futures who work made such a difference to lots for Emmanuel Church and is with young people who are not in employment, of families and the outdoor used for a variety of groups education or training play area will be wonderful during the week, Ø Are youincluding losing valuable resources through high costs? × to find their first long-term role. Once they've been suited and booted, A for the children”. youth groups, two toddler Suit That Fits and Right Futures will work with Consulting a more, Christian-based visFor log on to www. consultancy groups, Prelco dance classes, dog and Centrepoint to find a number of their emmanuel-woodley.org training and craft workshops. and can help – at no cost to youAmber young people work experience placements. Last year, the company received more than

Before and after … A Suit For Success campaign wants your old suits to help young people have the right togs for a job interview

Give a suit and give success

relco FREE help for your onsulting organisation’s utility costs

WREN’s South Stoke makeover Our services include:

audit of your installing a telecommunications in South Stoke Ø Free and A GRANT from Ø Free toilet. audit of current electricity and/ reach the £75,000 WREN (Waste Tel: 0118 996 8171 The church needed to upgrade Recycling or gas contracts A BUILDING society has a new Mob: 07974 003312 this will comparative its church. Environmental Ø Easy hopes to understand charity scheme – and needs e-mail: paul.elford@ make it more Plans include quotations Ltd) of £29,684 your help. accessible for a redesign of the has helped prelco.biz St Ø Professional management of future contracts As part of its commitment village events. rear of the church Andrew’s Church to local communities,

1,000 donations, now they are looking for even more to be given during May. As a way of saying thank you, every donator will be given a £50 tailoring voucher. A Suit That Fits is a company that makes made-to-measure suits. David Hathiramani, founder of A Suit That Fits, said: “Last year, we were overwhelmed by the response. So this year, in light of the 76,400 young people who are long-term unemployed in Britain, we want to reach out to them.” Suits can be donated until May 31 at Reed, 66-68 St Marys Butts, Reading. v For more details, log on to www.aSuitThatFits. com/SuitForSuccess.

Nationwide wants your charity nominations Nationwide now gives customers tokens to place in a pot for a local charity donation. It welcomes your ideas for good causes – it favours

projects that deliver a tangible impact on local communities. v For more details, or to nominate, log on to your. nationwide.co.uk/nominate.

Get a taste for life in the Angels’ Den relco FREE help for your THINKING of running your own business but don’t know how to onsulting organisation’s start? utility costs

Ø Are you losing valuable resources through high costs? × Prelco Consulting is a Christian-based consultancy and can help – at no cost to you

Tel: 0118 996 8171 Mob: 07974 003312 e-mail: paul.elford@ prelco.biz

Our services include: Ø Free audit of your telecommunications Ø Free audit of current electricity and/ or gas contracts Ø Easy to understand comparative quotations Ø Professional management of future contracts

Want to get some ideas and advice from people who have been there and got the T-shirt? Starting any new business can be a big decision, but thankfully help is at hand from The Family Business. The charity seeks to provide volunteer, one to one mentors in the context of a wider, supportive community. The network of mentors – all of whom own or run their own business – will be holding a taster session next

month and applications are invited. The free evening is very different to the experience you’d find on Dragon’s Den. iWith no pressure, you can explore the idea for your business and how it will work in reality with a bunch of Angels. It takes place from 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 12 at Workhouse Coffee in King Street, Reading. v For more details, or to apply, log on to www.thefamilybusiness.org.uk.

SPRINGBOARD is holding a celebration event at South Street arts centre, Reading on Saturday, May 11. Details: www.springboardreading.org.uk

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

News

NEWS

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

Plenty to do for Christian Aid Week Britain’s longest running door-to-door fundraising week is back and this year will be urging people to ‘bite back at hunger’ and ask why, in a world where there is enough food for everyone, one in eight people go to bed hungry every night? To highlight the issues raised by Christian Aid Week, a range of events are being held across the region. St Andrew’s Church in Caversham will hold a rich man/poor man supper with a quiz on Saturday, May 18 from 7pm. A bread and soup lunch is being organised for Tuesday, May 21. Starting at noon and finishing at 2pm, it will also include a Fairtrade stall. It will be held at Oriel House, Thames Road, Goring. St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Goring will be holding a cake sale on Sunday, May 5. The cakes have been made by children aged 10-16 at a charity bake-off event. The following Sunday, May 12, it will hold a Christian AId service at 5.30pm. It includes short films about the aid agency’s work in Bolivia, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Twyford and Ruscombe Floral Arts Club will be selling flower baskets for charity on Sunday, May 5 after services

at St James in Ruscombe and St Mary’s, Twyford and Twyford URC at 11.45am. The Tuesdays Singers and the Reading Accordion Group are teaming up for Vocal Rag, a concert for Christian Aid. It will be held in St Mary’s Twyford on Saturday, May 18 from 8pm. Tickets cost £5 and will be available on the door. For more details, log on to www. raggroup.co.uk. In Yateley, St Swithun’s Church is holding a lunch from 12.30pm-2pm on May 14. Tickets cost £3. A quiz night is being held at St George’s Church in Owlsmoor on Saturday, May 18. A walk across the Henley countryside will take place in on Saturday, May 18. Starting at Bix village hall, there are several routes for walkers to take. Paul Langley, head of inspiring participation at Christian Aid, said: “With 1 in 8 people in the world going to bed hungry every night, Christian Aid Week offers the British public the opportunity to bite back at hunger. “By taking part in Christian Aid Week people here can make a real difference to those trapped in poverty in developing countries across the world.” v www.caweek.org, or 08080 006 006.

v Donald takes shore leave to visit Crowthorne A Chaplain who works in Namibia is taking some shore leave to come and talk about his work in Crowthorne. The Revd Donald Wittich is making a visit to the Methodist Church, Duke’s Ride next month. In his talk, he will share about is work as Chaplain

to Mission to Seafarers Walvis Bay Namibia, and what he’s expecting when he arrives at his next port of call – Ascension Island in the South Atlantic. Seafarers visiting the busy port of Walvis Bay can be at sea for up to two years and away from home, family and their

birth country. Donald is charged with meeting and counselling men and women with problems unique to their profession. Donald’s talk begins at 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 5 in the Methodist Church in Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne and all are welcome.

Courses focus on prayer and book of James TWO internationally renowned Bible scholars will be making a visit to Three Mile Cross later this month to help people pray. Lance Lambert and Chuck Cohen will be leading The School of Prayer, a long weekend of practical training on corporate prayer at South of Reading Christian Fellowship. Taking place from Thursday, May 30 to Monday, June 3, there will be a mix of evening sessions and a day conference, giving people an opportunity to look at issues relating to prayer. The two leaders will also welcome questions from participants.

Lance Lambert has written numerous books including The Uniqueness of Ministry, while Chuck Cohen is director of Intercessors For Israel. South of Reading Christian Fellowship is also welcoming another renowned Bible scholar this month. The Revd David Pawson will be leading a 12-part teaching series on the book of James. Taking place over four Saturday mornings from 9.30am to 2pm, sessions will unpack the Scriptures. The first session is held on May 18, then on June 15 and 29 and finally on July 13. v For more details, log on to www.sorcf. co.uk or call (0118) 988 4508.

Welcome to the I t’s a place where everyone is welcome and the fun keeps on coming. Friends can get together over lunches, films or days out. They can chinwag while enjoying a haircut and they can catch a coach to all manner of fantastic places. Fancy a day at the beach? No problem. A trip to the zoo? No problem. Want to see the Christmas lights? Yep, no problems there either. It’s all about friendship, making people feel part of a community and also extraspecial. And this is no Shangri-La – this is real and it’s happening in a place near you. Debbie Lambie is the person behind the exciting ministry of fun. A member of Wycliffe Baptist Church in East Reading, she organises an almost daily programme of events that anyone is welcome to. And, being such a warm, bubbly and friendly person who has built up a reputation for organising quality days out at a price that’s right, it’s hugely popular. On most of her excursions, she has a coachful heading off to destinations that have included London Zoo, Bournemouth beach and top museums. At Christmas, when she organised a coach to London to see the festive lights, so many people signed up that one coach turned into five. “There’s something for everyone,” she says of the range of trips she organises. As well as the trips, Debbie organises lunch clubs and family events for the whole community almost daily. Debbie’s week starts on Monday when she goes shopping for the food she’ll need for her lunch events, which all take place in Wycliffe. On Tuesdays, she’s helping with a men’s lunch. On Wednesdays and Thursdays she runs a jacket potato café (£3 a person, £2 for children). On Fridays, Debbie gets a lunchtime off – but there’s still food as a curry club is open and there’s a monthly family film night with hotdogs and popcorn all on the menu.

Debbie Lambie chats to a member of Take a With the trips on Saturday, you might think that Sunday would be a day of rest for the busy woman, but no, you’ll find her welcoming people to The Warehouse congregation at Wycliffe, which often holds bring and share friendship lunches. She says: “I do this because I want people to feel part of one big family. We can all be together. It’s about socialising and caring for each other.” Debbie can also be found helping out at a ladies night on Wednesdays, offering her hairdressing skills with a dry cut service on Friday mornings and Wednesday evenings and she’s also helping at Wycliffe’s Toddler group on Wednesday mornings and friendship club Take A Break on Friday mornings. Phew. It’s enough to make anyone want to put their feet up, but Debbie does it because she loves it. “I like doing it,” she says. “It’s lovely to spend time together and people can get to know each other. “It gives people confidence – they know they’ll be looked after.”

NEWS

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

ministry of fun! v Get on board for Debz trips All trips are on a first-come, first-served basis and Debbie can't reserve spaces without payment. Prices include coach fare and entrance fees. Trips depart from and return to outside Wycliffe Baptist Church at Cemetery Junction, East Reading.

June 15 London Zoo. Adults £25, children £20, £10 under threes

August 2 Wellington Country Park: Superhero school. £10, £3 under threes Break club, at Wycliffe church on Fridays Picture: LYNDA BOWYER This is important to Debbie. She admits it bothers her that people are on their own. “We’re made for friendship,” she says. “We’ve all got something to give. We need to let people know they are important.” Debbie is one of those community stalwarts. Always happy, completely unflappable and incredibly friendly, you look at her and want to enjoy whatever it is that gives her her energy. But it hasn’t always been that way. Once upon a time, Debbie had it all but wasn’t happy. She needed to lose it all before she could have it all. “God gave me peace in my heart and made me content,” she says. “I’d never had that before. It changed my life.” Now the big-hearted lady is busy making people happy and

bringing people together. She’s also helping the local economy by using local coach firms to ferry people on her pleasure trips. She works hard to ensure that the cost is as low as possible too. “It’s not about the money,” she says. Of all the trips she organises, what is her favourite? “Oh, the seaside,” she says, beaming as she recalls happy memories of sunny days out. Now she wants you to join her: “Come along. There are people here for you – we’ll make you welcome,” she says. And she’d love other churches to join in too. “Come and see,” she says, smiling. “We’d love to team up with you. Five coaches going to Bournemouth would be great.” So, who can see the sea?

August 6 Wellington Country Park: shire horse and cart rides. £10, under threes £3

August 9 Wellington Country Park: Peppa Pig visit. £12, £11 child, £4 under threes

August 10 Bournemouth Beach Day out. £10

August 16 Horniman Museum and Gardens/Princess Diana’s memorial. £10

August 19 Bournemouth Beach day out. £10

August 23 Oxford Museums and Covered Market. £10

August 26 Wellington Country Park: inflatable weekend. £10, £3 under threes

August 31

Debbie organises very popular family days out to places such as Bournemouth and London Zoo

Green fingered work on show A VILLAGE church is getting ready to show off the greenfingered work of its members. Crowthorne Methodist Church in Dukes Ride is joining in a scheme that allows members of the public to visit private gardens in aid of the Air Ambulance (Thames Valley and Chiltern branch). You can visit its gardens on

Sunday, June 30 and cream teas and homemade cakes will also be available. v For more dates and venues, see our what’s on guide, get a leaflet from garden Centres across the Berks, Oxon and Bucks area, call 0300 999 0135 or visit the Air Ambulance website, www.tvacaa.org.

v Question time

v Messy birthday

IF YOU'VE got questions about the Christian faith, then a new course could be just the ticket. Christianity Explored looks at the faith using Mark's Gospel as a starting point. Everyone is welcome to the seven sessions, which include a DVD presentation plus a chance to discuss it. The course runs from Tuesday, May 7 at Greyfriars Church, Friar Street, Reading. Sessions start at 8pm and will finish by 9.45pm. v For more details, log on to www.greyfriars.org.uk.

MESSY fun for families is on the cards as children are invited to a special birthday party. Pentecost – the birthday of the church – is being celebrated at St Mary's Church in Burghfield later this month. Its party is a Messy Church play session and will include craft, stories and songs. Afterwards, there will be a tea. Promising loads of fun for families, entry is free and everyone is welcome. It starts at 3.30pm on Saturday, May 18. v For more details, log on to www.stmarysburghfield.org.

THE VINE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL At Three Mile Cross Church Centre, Mitford Close, Basingstoke Road, Three Mile Cross, Reading, RG7 1AT www.vineschool.org.uk 0118 988 6464 The Vine Christian School follows an individualised, selfinstructional, Biblically based programme, using the Accelerated Christian Education Programme (ACE) to cover six core subjects. These are supported by an enriched afternoon curriculum. Founded in 2003, it is fully registered with the DfE and is an independent, affordable school with registered charity status. The School helps parents in developing a desire in the students to know Christ, to be changed more into His likeness and to start to discover their individual calling in

Bournemouth Air Show.

God’s world. Our primary mission is to allow the children

September 20

to learn in an environment that agrees with the home. An

Buckingham Palace. £25 v For more details, visit www.facebook.com/groups/ Debzdaytripz or call Debbie on 07963 044201

environment where Jesus is honoured and the children can grow in a loving and positive atmosphere, where they are encouraged to develop a Christ-like character springing from a heart surrendered to Jesus.

COMMUNITY

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

FAMILY CIRCLE v New chaplains welcomed at RBH TWO new hospital chaplains will be welcomed at a special service later this month. The Revd Richard Becher, minister at St Andrew’s United Reformed Church in Reading and the Revd Steve Sankey, a Methodist minister, are joining the chaplaincy team at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. The service will be led by the hospital’s senior chaplain, the Revd Bob Simmonds and take place on Tuesday, May 7 from 6.30pm. It starts in St Andrew’s – next to the RBH. The church will ‘send’ the duo to the hospital and from there, the congregation will make the short journey to the Hospital where they will be ‘received’ into the hospital community. Attending will be the Moderator of the URC Wessex Synod and the chief executive officer of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. Colin Livingstone, elder at St Andrew’s said, “This is the beginning of a special relationship with our near neighbour, the Royal Berkshire Hospital and we are excited as Richard is one of our ministers.”

Keeping you in touch with each other

v CAVERSHAM HEIGHTS Methodist Church will welcome the Revd Lord Leslie Griffiths later this month. The Lord will be the guest preacher at the Highmoor Road church on Sunday, May 19 at 10.30am – and you’ll be welcome to hear him. This is not the first time that he’s been at the church. “His last visit to us was in our centenary year in 2009,” said Robin Gowers, a steward at the church. The church is also looking to the future – last month, it gave the go-ahead for a series of improvements to be made to its church hall. Work will start in the summer. For more details, log on to www.cavhmc.org.uk. v The Revd Mark Blamey, vicar for the United Benefice Churches of Goring and Streatley with South Stoke will be moving on. His wife, Caroline, has been offered a post as community midwife for Jersey in the Channel Islands. After nine years in the Benefice, their last Sunday will be June 30.

Farewell Dan MEMBERS of St Peter’s, St Margaret’s and St John’s in Caversham and Mapledurham bade farewell to their rector in style. The Revd Dan Tyndall left the church on Palm Sunday after four and a half years of ministry. He will become the next Vicar of St Mary Redcliffe in the Diocese of Bristol. Churchwarden Tony Walker paid tribute to the hard work Dan had done in performing the difficult and timeconsuming task of uniting the three churches of St Margaret, St Peter and St John into a single parish. The church presented Dan and his family with gifts and a cake, while the choir sang a Farewell Psalm specially composed by Margaret Pearson. PICTURE: MARK CARPENTER

v The Revd Graham Doel has left the pastorate of Woodley Baptist Church to join BMS World Mission. His new post is UK Field Leader and involves coordinating a BMS response to the UK as a mission field with a particular emphasis on crosscultural mission. v As part of a restructuring of the Diocese of Portsmouth, which includes churches in the Xn region, Father Christopher Rutledge will be leaving St Joseph’s in Bracknell to become parish priest of St Bede’s in Basingstoke. He moves on after 11 years at the church and his final Sunday will August 25.

The church’s new parish priest will be Father Danny McAvoy (pictured), who is currently a priest in Lymington. “I’m sure you will soon make him feel at home here in Bracknell, as you did for me. I’ve had a lovely time here and I thank you all very much. Bracknell will always be very special to me,” said Father Chris in a message on the church’s website. v THIS year marks 60 years since the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and to celebrate, Reading Minster Church in St Mary’s Butts, Reading, is

holding a special service. It takes place on Sunday, June 2, at 4pm. v On Sunday, May 12, a special Choral Evensong at Reading Minster church will also serve as a farewell to its Archdeacon. The Ven Norman Russell will retire this month after 43 years in minstry and 15 years in Berkshire. The 69-yearold has been Archdeacon of Berkshire since 1998. Although he is retiring he would like to continue to help churches when approprirate. He and his wife Vicki will move to Camberley. The farewell service will take place at 4.30pm and everyone is welcome.

Pre-paid funerals through Berkshire’s leading family funeral directors offering peace of mind and financial security - Quote XN 13 and request a brochure today. The UK Market Leaders in funeral planning

info@abwalker.co.uk Head office 0118 957 3650 www.abwalker.co.uk

news

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

v Wordsmiths invited to Scrabble

Walk the bluebells

BUDDING wordsmiths are invited to rack their brains over a game of Scrabble. St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Goring hosts a monthly club devoted to the popular word game. Held on the second Friday of each month, all abilities are welcome, including newcomers. There is no need to book and tea and cakes are available as well as the taxing word game. Sessions run from 3.30pm5.30pm and cost £2.50. There is no need to book and transport can be arranged if necessary. v For more details, log on to www.st-marys-streatley. org.uk.

SPRING has sprung and there's no better way of showing it than by going on a walk to see the bluebells. Rushall Manor Farm is wellknown for its woodlands and, to celebrate its blooming lovely displays, it is opening its doors to welcome those who want to get back to nature. Offering fine views of the surrounding Pang Valley, there are a range of walks suitable for all abilities, including those in buggies or wheelchairs. As well as the bluebells, there will be an opportunity to see newborn lambs in surrounding fields. Refreshments will be served in a 17th Century barn.

v Advertisers’ announcement

It's all in a good cause too. Money raised from the weekend will go towards the work of MS Reading. The Bluebell Walks takes place at Rushall Farm from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12. v For more, visit www. msreading.org.uk or call Rose Tocock on (0118) 986 2591 or Shirley Boyt on (0118) 961 6107.

v Fresh voices sought for choirs TWO NEW choirs have been established and are looking for fresh voices to join in. All Saints Church in Reading has launched a choir for boys and girls aged between eight and 14 and comes hot on the heels of the church appointing Katharine and David Phillips as its new directors of music. Katharine says that a choir is more than just singing as it enhances self-discipline and motivation, and helps develop good posture, strong muscles and strong friendships. Rehearsals take place on Fridays, with a boys’ choir at 4pm and a girls’ choir at 5pm. The choirs will also take part in Sunday services.

“The Choirs will be lively, enthusiastic and friendly groups which foster a great sense of teamwork,” says Katharine. v The church is also launching a new club for young children to learn about music. Musical Genesis is aimed at five- to eight-year-olds and their families and will be held on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. Taking place from 3.30pm to 4.15pm, each afternoon comprises songs, games and crafts. Younger and older siblings are welcome to come along. v For more details, contact Katharine by calling 07722 826253 or emailing music. noteworthy@yahoo.co.uk.

v Situations vacant

Enjoy a free concert with Michael Robert

ome along to St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, London Road, Reading (beside the Royal Berkshire Hospital) on Wednesday, May 22 for 7.30pm and enjoy a great night of music with the Michael Robert Band from the USA. The concert is FREE TO ALL but an offering will be taken during the concert towards tour costs and Michael’s work. Entry will be on a first come, first served basis. You will share an evening of original songs along with rich classic hymns, so don’t be late and make a date for a great evening. This will be a wonderful evening of Christian music. Michael is a Grammy award winning singer who is travelling with his band to the UK with his Revived Hymns Tour. Michael recently said: “When I first became a Christian, I learned a lot of hymns in Sunday School. They are so rich in content and still relevant today.” Two of his most famous hits played throughout the world are, At the Cross and Crown Him. His tour has taken him all over the world including Canada and Japan and now he is coming to Reading and Marlow – where he will appear on Tuesday, May 21 at 7.30pm at Marlow Methodist Church.

Michael Robert was born in New Jersey and when he was six, the family moved and settled in Oregon. Married to Linda, the couple have faced all kinds of trials and tribulations over the years but, as Michael says, “Life is just full of so many ups and downs. Worshiping God and praising Him puts our lives, and our worries into perspective.” Listen to his music on YouTube or go to his website and learn more about Michael, www. MichaelRobertMusic.com. n St Andrew’s United Reformed Church is focused in working and sharing with the local community and in recent times, has been prominent in holding community events. These have included a street party at the Queen’s Jubilee, hosting a celebration event as part of the Olympic Torch Relay and enacting a Living Nativity around the streets of Reading which was a great success. This Revived Hymns Tour is another example of St Andrew’s sharing its faith with the wider community of Reading and beyond. Why not have a look at what we get up to at St Andrew’s on our website? www. standrewsurcreading.org.uk. Colin M Livingstone

Living life to the full Support Workers £6.70 to £7.95 dependent on roles/service Reading (additional 25p per hour paid as a location allowance) Prospects is a Christian charity helping to transform the lives of people with learning disabilities by breaking down the barriers that limit individual choice. We are entering a new and exciting phase in our Reading based services as we open a new facility and refurbish existing buildings. Our services focus on the delivery of a Christian service, provided at the request of families and individuals who have specifically chosen us as their provider. As an employer, we recognise and value true potential - offering you the chance to make a real and lasting impact in what is a supportive, dynamic and empowering working environment. We seek people who will help us deliver a service which will include praying for, and with the people we support. You will be supporting and encouraging the people in their everyday needs with a person-centred approach. You will also be motivated, have initiative, and preferably have experience of working with people with learning disabilities, though this is not essential for more junior roles. There will be an opportunity for professional development through attaining QCF/NVQ qualifications. Contact Neil Jackson to obtain a recruitment pack at: Prospects, 69 Honey End Lane, Reading RG30 4EL. Email: neilj@prospects.org.uk. All posts are subject to an enhanced check by the Disclosure & Barring Service. No agencies please.

www.prospects.org.uk

calendar

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

WHAT’S ON Thursday, May 2 READING – Concert Hall. Celebrity organ recital with Robert Quinney. 7.30pm. £12, £10.50 concessions. Pre-concert talk from 6.15pm. Details: (0118) 960 6060 or www. readingarts.com.

Friday, May 3 READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Hard of Hearing club: talks, friendship and more. 2pm-4pm.

Saturday, May 4 HENLEY – Church of the Sacred Heart. Bring and Share supper including a presentation on the history of the parish by Charles Wittaker. 7pm. Details: www. sacredhearthenley.co.uk. READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. SatCaf: tea, coffee, cakes, newspapers, games and craft. 10.30am-12.30pm. All welcome. READING – St Luke’s Church, Erleigh Road. Coffee morning and book sale. 11am-noon. READING – Reading Minster Church. Reading Bach Choir present Sacred and Profane. 6.30pm. £12, £10 concessions, students £8, under 16s £5. Details: (0118) 947 8097. READING – Broad Street. Collection for Samaritans by Stoke Row Independent Chapel. 9am-5pm. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Rose Street Gardeners’ plant sale. 10am-noon, weather permitting. WOODLEY – Emmanuel Church. May fair with stalls, displays and refreshments. 1pm-4pm. SOUTHCOTE – Coronation Square. May Fair. All welcome. Noon-4pm. Details: (0118) 954 7964. THEALE – Holy Trinity Church. Professional harpist Robin Ward in concert. 7.30pm. £10, £5 concessions. Details: 07824 337999. TILEHURST – Methodist Church, School Road. Eisteddfod Music Festival 9.30am-1.20, 2.30pm5.20pm. Details: (0118) 932 3650 or www.tilehursteisteddfod. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Sunny Saturdays presentsThe Hands On Company puppet show. 11am-1pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc. gov.uk. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Rose Street

Keeping you in touch with each other

Gardeners present a plant sale, outside the church, weather permitting. 10am-noon.

Sunday, May 5 BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church. Binfield Singers spring concert: music for all tastes. £5, £4 concessions. 7.30pm. In aid ofJubilee Sailing Trust. BRACKNELL – Bracknell Gardens including Devonia and 10 Shaftesbury Close. Open gardens in aid of NGS. £3.50. 2pm-5pm. Details: www.ngs.org.uk. LAMBOURN – Inholmes, Woodlands St Mary. Open gardens in aid of NGS. £3.50. Noon-4pm. Details: www.ngs.org.uk. MAIDENHEAD – Stubbings House, Henley Road. Open gardens in aid of NGS. £3. 10.30am-4.30pm. Details: www.ngs.org.uk. READING – Reading Deaf Centre, Cardiff Road. Reading Deaf Church. 10.30am. All welcome.

May Day, Monday, May 6 BRACKNELL – Bracknell Gardens including Devonia and 10 Shaftesbury Close. Open gardens in aid of NGS. £3.50. 2pm-5pm. Details: www.ngs.org.uk. CROWTHORNE – Morgan Recreation Ground. St John The Baptist Church presents the village May fair. 2pm-4.30pm. All welcome. MAIDENHEAD – Stubbings House, Henley Road. Open gardens in aid of NGS. £3. 10.30am-4.30pm. Details: www.ngs.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Town Centre and Elms Field. Lions present Wokingham May Fayre. 10am-5pm. Details: www.wokinghamlions.org.uk.

Tuesday, May 7 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Breastfeeding Network offering support and information, tea and a chat. Bumps, babies, siblings and Mums welcome. 12.30pm-2pm. Details: katemeads@tiscali.co.uk. READING – St Andrew’s URC, London Road. Service of celebration for the Royal Berkshire Hospital chaplaincy and to welcome the Revd Richard Becher and the Revd Steve Snakey into the team. 6.30pm. All welcome.

Wednesday, May 8 READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Coffee & Chat

coffee morning. 11am-12.30pm. Details: (0118) 957 2197. READING – The Hexagon. The English Concert: Mozart, Pugnani and Haydn. 7.30pm. £16-£32. Concessions available. Student standby £5 hour before concert. Details: (0118) 960 6060 or www.readingarts.com. SONNING – St Sarik Room, Pearson Hall. St Andrew’s Church book group. 11am. Details: John Schoble (0118) 926 5138. SONNING – The Buttery, Reading Blue Coat School. Bugsy Malonethemed wit and whimsy evening. 7pm. Details: (0118) 933 5828.

Thursday, May 9 BINFIELD – All Saints Church. Dawn service: come and sing Ascension Day hymns with church choir up the church tower. 6.30am. BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church. Rend Collective Experiment Campfire Tour. 7pm. Details: www.kerith.co.uk. CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road. Ascension Day festival eucharist followed by wine and nibbles. 7.30pm EARLEY – Trinity Church. Chalfont Afternoon Social Group meeting: Caleva Club: makers of walking sticks and shepherds’ crooks, a talk by David Taylor. 2pm-3.30pm. £1. All welcome. Details: Rosemary (0118) 987 3755. FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James Church Centre. Mothers’ Union branch meeting. 2pm. Guest speaker: Yvonne Stanley from Pets As Therapy Dogs. Followed by afternoon tea. All welcome. READING – Reading Minster Church, St Mary’s Butts. Ascension Day dawn celebration up the Minster Tower. 6.45am. WHITLEY – St Barnabas Church. Ascension Day celebration service. 7.30pm.

Friday, May 10 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Quiz Aid for Christian Aid. Ploughman’s supper served, but bring own drinks. £5 each. 7.45pm. Details: (0118) 973 6129 or email slwhite4@btinternet.com. GORING – Canterbury Room, St Thomas of Canterbury Church. Come-on-Board Scrabble club. 3.30pm-5.30pm. All abilities welcome, including newcomers. £2.50. Details: www.st-marysstreatley.org.uk.

Submit your events to editor@xnmedia.co.uk READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street. Blood donation service. 11.30am-2.15pm, 3.45pm-6.30pm. Details: www.blood.co.uk or 0300 123 2323. SONNING – Pearson Hall. Joint celebratory dinner for the Revd Alison Waters and the Revd Jamie Taylor. 7.30pm. £15. Details: www. sonningparish.org.uk. SONNING – The Buttery, Reading Blue Coat School. Junior Public Speaking summer soirée. 7pm. Details: (0118) 933 5828. TILEHURST – St Catherine of Siena, Wittenham Avenue. The Power of Pentecost with Trevor and Sharon Baker. Open service. 8pm. Details: Denis Smith (0118) 942 7786 or revdenissmith@hotmail.com.

Saturday, May 11 BINFIELD – From car park of Binfield Shopping Centre. Men’s monthly country walk. From 7.45am. Duration around an hour. Come dressed for the weather. Details: Clive Betteridge (01344) 450260 or clive.betteridge@ntlworld.com. BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church. Unique Women’s word and worship brunch. £2.50. 10am. Details: www.kerith.co.uk. CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church, Gosbrook Road. Spring Fair. 2pm-4pm. CROWTHORNE – St John the Baptist Church. Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra strings workshop, 2.30pm-5.30pm. £10, £5 students. Details: Faye Aspinall 07858 280673 or workshop@ crowthorneorchestra.com. EARLEY – St Peter’s Church. Music of England and Venice: a concert by the Erleigh Cantors Chamber Choir with Rachel Porter and Sally Goodworth. In aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and the church. 7.30pm. £11, £10 concessions, £5 under 16s, Details: 07946 620560. GORING – Canterbury Room, St Thomas of Canterbury Church. Art exhibition by Michelle Griffin. All welcome. 10am-6pm. Details: www.michellegriffinart.com. READING – RISC, London Street. RISC roof garden open day in aid of NGS. Noon-4pm. £3. Details: mary@risc.org.uk. SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael’s Church. Art For All exhibition featuring work by local artists. 10am-5pm. Details: (0118) 988 3366 or id.clarke.mays@

btinternet.com STANFORD DINGLEY – Rushall Manor Farm. Bluebell Walks round the Farm’s grounds in aid of MS Reading. 11am-5pm. Refreshments available. Details: (0118) 986 2591. SONNING – Reading Blue Coat School. Men’s Breakfast: Ethiopia and Berkshire – an ongoing conversation. Speaker: Andrew Proud, Bishop of Reading. £7.50. Details: (0118) 986 1917. READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street. Barn dance in aid of school building in south Sudan. £10, includes a Ploughman’s supper. 7pm. Details: (0118) 954 6534. READING – St Mark’s Church, Cranbury Road. Cultural Evening: regional dishes, music and entertainment. Dress code: pirate. 6.30pm. £8, £4 children, £21 family of four, under fives free. Details: Pat 07769 915177. READING – The Oasis, Baker Street. Men’s Breakfast with the Revd David Potter MBE. £4. Details: Pete Jeanes (0118) 942 2260. READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road. Gospel Rock Music Concert. 3pm-9.30pm. £5, under 12s free. Details: 0844 504 8871 or www.gospelrock.co.uk. TILEHURST – St Catherine of Siena, Wittenham Avenue. The Power of Pentecost conference with Trevor and Sharon Baker. 10am4pm. £12. Evening celebration 7.30pm. Details: The Revd Denis Smith (0118) 942 7786 or revdenissmith@hotmail.com. WINKFIELD – St Peter’s Church. Film club. 2pm. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Sunny Saturdays presents The Retreat Singers 11am-1pm. Woodley Concert Band 2pm-4pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Rose Street Gardeners plant sale, weather permitting. 10am-noon. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Spring fair in aid of Reading Samaritans. 10am-1pm.

Sunday, May 12 BRIMPTON – Manor Farm. Rogation Sunday service and procession. 10.45am. CAVERSHAM – Caversham Heights Methodist Church, Highmoor Road. Christian Aid service led by John Madeley and a representative from Christian Aid. 6.30pm.

Take time out and enjoy a cuppa and a chat!

Launches Wednesday, April 10 11am

You can’t beat a good cup of coffee and a chance to chat – and that’s what you can enjoy at Coffee & Chat, a brilliant new coffee morning in Reading’s town centre! • Meet old friends, 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 GORING – Canterbury Room, St Thomas of Canterbury Church. Art exhibition by Michelle Griffin. All welcome. 11.30am-4.30pm. Details: www.michellegriffinart. com. GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury Church. Service for Christian Aid Week. 5.30pm. NETTLEBED – Sue Ryder Nettlebed. Chilterns cycle challenge. Details: www.sueryder.org/ rideforrydernettlebed. READING – Starbucks, Buttermarket. Sunday Night Live: live entertainment with a twist of faith. Live music with Wayeta Pilgrim. 7pm. Free, all welcome. Details: www.facebook.com/SNLReading. READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Musical Genesis for ages 5-8 and their families: a time for children to learn about music and Christian stories. 3.30pm-4.15pm. Details: music. noteworthy@yahoo.co.uk. READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Reading Central Salvation Army presents the North York Temple Band, from Canada, in concert. 7pm. £10, under 16s free. 4pm. READING – St Giles in Reading, Southampton Street. May Devotion with procession of Blessed Virgin Mary followed by tea. Guest preacher Bishop Lindsay Urwin. Details: www.sgilesreading.org.uk. READING – St Bartholomew’s Church, St Batholomew’s Road. Prayer Café: enjoy tea, cake and discuss life with a slice of faith. 4pm4.45pm. All welcome. STANFORD DINGLEY – Rushall Manor Farm. Bluebell Walks round the Farm’s grounds in aid of MS Reading. 11am-5pm. Details: (0118) 986 2591. WARGRAVE – Scotlands, Warren Row. Open gardens in aid of Air Ambulance. 2pm-5pm. £4. Details: 0300 999 0135. WINDSOR – Frogmore House Garden. Her Majesty the Queen’s private royal garden open to the public for NGS. £5.50, under fives free. Details: 01483 211535 or ngs. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – 23, 25 & 27 Glebelands Road and 5 Brookside. Open gardens in aid of Air Ambulance. 2pm-5pm. £4. Details: 0300 999 0135. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Rose Street Gardeners plant sale. 10am-noon. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Messy Church for children. 4pm-6pm. Details: (0118) 926 4380. WOODLEY – St James. Messy Church for children. 4pm-6pm. All welcome. Details: 07880 656443. WOOLHAMPTON – Monksmead Farm Barn. Rogation Sunday service from 11.10am. A procession leaves from St Peter’s Church, Woolhampton, from 11am.

Monday, May 13 EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close. The Marriage Course launch night: first of seven weeks. Details: www.trinityearley.co.uk.

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | May 2013 READING – United Bible Societies, 6th floor, Reading Bridge House. Reading@Work prayer lunch. 12.30pm. Details: www.readingatwork.org.

Tuesday, May 14 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Breastfeeding Network offering suport and information, tea and a chat. Bumps, babies, siblings and Mums welcome. 12.30pm-2pm. Details: katemeads@tiscali.co.uk. SONNING – St Sarik Room, Pearson Hall. Sonning parish coffee morning. 11am. All welcome. SONNING – The Buttery, Reading Blue Coat School. Junior chamber concert. 7pm. Details: (0118) 933 5828. UPPER BUCKLEBURY – All Saints’ Church. Messy Church for chidlren. All welcome. 3.30pm. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road. Fashion Show in aid of the Children’s Society. 7.30pm. £8, includes a drink. Details: (0118) 978 1044.

Wednesday, May 15 READING – Wesley Methodist Church, Queens Road. Churches in Reading Women’s Centre 21st anniversary celebration, including AGM. Guest speaker: the Revd Joel Thomas. Noon. Details: 0781 737 3773. READING – Concert Hall. Lunchtime Organ recital. 1pm. £4.50. Details: (0118) 960 6060 or www.readingarts.com. READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Coffee & Chat coffee morning. 11am-12.30pm. Details: (0118) 957 2197. ROTHERFIELD PEPPARD – Springwater Church. The Point: Understanding series. A talk by the Revd Chris Lewis. This month: cults, sects & rites. 7.30pm9.30pm. Details: (0118) 972 4519. UPPER WOOLHAMPTON – Douai Abbey. London Community Gospel Choir in concert. 7.45pm. £25, £20. Details: 08455 218218 or boxoffice@cornexchangenew. co.uk.

Thursday, May 16 BRADFIELD – The Wardens’ Room, Bradfield College. What Can We Believe About Heaven And Hell? A lecture by the Revd Canon David Winter and hosted by the Bradfield Deanery Spiritual Development Group. 8pm. All welcome. EARLEY – Trinity Church. Chalfont Afternoon Social Group coach trip to Bath. 9.15am-6.15pm. All welcome. £12. Details: Rosemary (0118) 987 3755. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall. Lecture: St Crispin’s School and the Millett Murals. Speaker: Robin Copps. 7.30pm. £5. Tickets from Information Centre in Town Hall.

Friday, May 17 READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Hard of Hearing club: friendship & more. 2pm-4pm. TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church Hall, The Meadway. Quiz night

with fish and chip supper. 7pm. £7. Bring your own drink and glass. Details: (0118) 941 3404.

Saturday, May 18 BRIMPTON – St Peter’s Church. Spring plant sale and swap 10am-noon. Details: denis843@ btinternet.com or (0118) 982 0894. BINFIELD – Primary School. Family barn dance and line dancing. £4, £3 children. Includes chilli and hot dogs for children. 6.30pm-10pm. In aid of Friends of Binfield School. Details: friendsofbinfieldschool@ hotmail.co.uk. BINFIELD HEATH – From car park of the Bottle and Glass Pub. Christian Rambling Club nine-mile walk. 10.15am. Details: www. reading-crc.org.uk BIX – Village Hall. Annual walk for Christian Aid. Registration from 8.30am-10am. Routes of 5, 10 or 15 miles round Oxfordshire countryside. £10 minimum donation. Details: www. christianaid.org.uk/walks. BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church. Messy Church: fun for families including crafts, stories and song. 3.30pm, followed by tea. Free. Details: www.stmarysburghfield. org. CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road. Rich man/poor man supper in aid of Christian Aid. 7pm. Details: www. standrewscaversham.org. CROWTHORNE – St John’s Church. Bring and share tapas night to celebrate May Fayre. 7pm-9pm. MIDGHAM – Village Hall. Quiz night including fish ‘n’ chip supper. £10. Teams of six. Details: (0118) 971 3415 or email claire@ beventive.org.uk. READING – St Laurence Church, Friar Street. The Rahab Project presents an interactive awareness day on issues around prostitution and trafficking of adults in the UK. 10.45am-4pm. £10. Booking essential. Details: volunteer@ rahab.co.uk. READING – Argyle Community Church, Argyle Road. An evening of illusion with magician Todd Alexander. 7pm. £4, or two tickets for £7. Details: 07881 487163. READING – Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road. Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra concert includes works by Elgar, Ives and Gershwin. 7.30pm, £12, £10 or £5 under 16s. Details: 07532 217325 or boxoffice@ aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk. READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Quiz night. 7.30pm. All welcome, £5 entry, includes refreshments. SONNING – Meet on verge opposite Stonor House Main Gate. Sonning Parish walk, via Southend. 10.15am. Details: Jean Milbourn (0118) 926 8035. THREE MILE CROSS – South of Reading Christian Fellowship. David Pawson’s 12-part series on The Book of James. 9.30am-2pm. Continues June 15, 29 and July 13. Details: (0118) 988 4508.

THEALE – St Luke’s. Churches Together breakfast with guest speaker David Taylor from Tearfund. 8.30am. TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church. Maidenhead’s Tuesday Singers choir and Reading Accordian Group in concert. 8pm. £5. Details: raggroup.co.uk or (0118) 934 0795. WHITLEY – St Barnabas Church. Ascension Day parish walk. Time tbc. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church and St Paul’s Church. Wokingham Two Choirs Festival: celebrating Penetcost weekend with music. Details: www. wokinghamtwochoirs.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Sunny Saturdays presents Rajiv RnB singer 11am-noon, 1pm-2pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc. gov.uk. WOKINGHAM – Grays Farm, Heathlands Road. Open gardens in aid of British Red Cross. Free entry. 10am-4pm. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Rose Street Gardeners present a plant sale, outside the church, weather permitting. 10am-noon.

Sunday, May 19 CAVERSHAM – Caversham Heights Methodist Church, Highmoor Road. Visit by the Revd Lord Leslie Griffiths. 10.30am. ENGLEFIELD – St Mark’s, Englefield Road. Family church: Lift Off. 4pm. All welcome. SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael’s Church. Messy Church for families. 4pm. PURLEY – St Mary’s Church. Recreate: fun, food and friends, an event for all ages. 3pm-5pm. All welcome. £1. Details: www. stmaryspurley.org.uk. READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Come and Sing evensong for Pentecost. 3pm rehearsals, 6.30pm Evensong. Details: 07722 826253. WINNERSH – Bearwood College. Open gardens in aid of NGS. 2pm-5pm. £4, children free. Details: (0118) 974 8300. WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church and St Paul’s Church. Wokingham Two Choirs Festival: celebrating Pentecost weekend with music. Details: www. wokinghamtwochoirs.org.uk.

Monday, May 20 SOUTHCOTE – Southcote Mission. Women Aglow meeting with guest speaker Jane Berry. 7.30pm. SOUTH ASCOT – All Souls Church. Cruse Bereavement Training session for clergy, LLMs, pastoral visitors etc. 10.30am-1pm. £3. Details: 01344 625908 or pam@ telanova.com.

Tuesday, May 21 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Breastfeeding Network offering suport and information, tea and a chat. Bumps, babies, siblings and Mums

welcome. 12.30pm-2pm. Details: katemeads@tiscali.co.uk. GORING – Oriel House, Thames Road. Bread and soup lunch for Christian Aid. Fairtrade stall. Noon-2pm. WINCHESTER – Royal Winchester Golf Club, Sarum Road. Cafod Golf Day. Details: 01252 329385 or portsmouth@cafod.org.uk

Wednesday, May 22 READING – Venue to be confirmed. The Family Business gathering: support and mentoring for small businesses in Reading area. All welcome. 7.30pm. Details: www. thefamilybusiness.org.uk. READING – The Hexagon. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with soloist Arianna Zukerman. Music by Mozart and Mahler. 7.30pm. Pre-concert talk 6.15pm. Tickets £16-£32. Details: (0118) 960 6060 or readingarts.com. READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. All Saints Open Group presents a talk by Jonathan Brown, archivist from MERL, the Museum of Rural Life. £1. 7.30pm. All welcome. Details: www.rdg.ac.uk/merl. READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Coffee & Chat coffee morning. 11am-12.30pm. Details: (0118) 957 2197. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall. REME Lunchtime recital: Woodwind Quintet. Noon-1pm. £2 on door, proceeds to Mayor’s Charity.

Tuesday, May 21 MARLOW – Methodist Church, Spittal Street. Revived Hymns Tour concert with Michael Robert. Free. 7.30pm.

Wednesday, May 22 READING – St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, London Road. Revived Hymns Tour concert with Michael Robert. Free. 7.30pm.

Thursday, May 23 EARLEY – Trinity Church. Chalfont Afternoon Social Group meeting: A talk on travel by John Goddard. 2pm-3.30pm. £1. All welcome. Details: Rosemary (0118) 987 3755. KNOWL HILL – Layby, off the A4 near the Seven Stars pub. Reading Central Salvation Army walking group meeting: four-mile walk around Bowsey Hill, Juddmonte Farm and Lots Wood. 10am. Details: 07887 982618.

Friday, May 24 READING – Broad Street. Reading Central Salvation Army band to perform. 11am-2.30pm.

Saturday, May 25 BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church. Men’s Breakfast: Perspective: It Depends On How You Look At It. 7.30am. Details: binfieldchurches.org.uk. GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury Church. Coffee and Cake friendship morning. All welcome. Secondhand books for sale. 10.30am12.15pm. All welcome.

calendar

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

EARLEY – Trinity Church. Trinity Walking club - a four-mile walk including optional pub lunch. All welcome. 10am. Details: www. trinityearley.co.uk. READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Jumble sale. Time TBC. UPPER WOOLHAMPTON – Douai Abbey. Christ Church Cathedral Choir in concert including world premiere of new work by Mark Simpson. Details: 08455 218218. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Sunny Saturdays presents Grandpa’s Spells dixieland band. 10.30am-12.30pm. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Rose Street Gardeners plant sale, weather permitting. 10am-noon. WOKINGHAM – Howard Palmer Gardens off Cockpit Lane Car Park. Free children’s fun day. 10am-4pm. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Quiz night. 7.30pm. Details: (0118) 926 8143.

Sunday, May 26 CAVERSHAM – Baptist Church. Messy Church for families. 3.45pm. Details: (0118) 954 5353. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall. Men Behaving Dadly: connecting Dads (and men) in the local community. 8pm-9.30pm. Details: Kevin: kevinli4877@hotmail.com or Neil: neilandemmie@hotmail.com.

READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Musical Genesis for ages 5-8 and their families: a time for children to learn about music and Christian stories. 3.30pm-4.15pm. Details: music. noteworthy@yahoo.co.uk. READING – The Globe, Portman Road. Love Sax and All That Jazz Chapter 1. £15 advance, £20 on door. 7pm. Details: (0118) 950 8534.

Bank holiday Monday, May 27 ASCOT – Sunningdale Park, Larch Avenue. Open gardens in aid of NGS. 2pm-5pm. £4, children free. Dog friendly. Details: www.ngs.org.uk.

Tuesday, May 28 BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church. The Silver Service: short service followed by hot lunch. Noon. Help with transport available. Details: www.binfieldchurches.org.uk. FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Breastfeeding Network offering suport and information, tea and a chat. Bumps, babies, siblings and Mums welcome. 12.30pm-2pm. Details: katemeads@tiscali.co.uk.

Wednesday, May 29 WARFIELD – LarksHill Car Park, off Harvest Ride. Bee Wild at Larks Hill, a day to discover more about

Don’t miss an issue! FREE! Pick me up!

For you, your community, your life

Her Majesty makes an Easter visit

THE ROYAL WELCOME PLUS: FREE CRE TICKETS xnmedia.co.uk

FOR EVERY READER!

search for xnmedia

@xnmedia

Henley, Reading & Wokingham districts APRIL 2013

Adopt Xn as your community newspaper. By subscribing, you’ll never miss an issue. We’ll post you a copy each month hot off the press. Your support of £10 for six issues will help Xn report your community news

ISSN 2049-4971

Thames Valley region

Be a Friend of Xn & get it delivered Yes, I’d love to support Xn by taking out a sixmonth subscription. I enclose a payment by cheque, payable to Xn Media Ltd, for (please tick) £10 Other Name .............................................................................. Address .......................................................................... ......................................................................................... ................................................... Postcode ..................... Email ............................................................................... We will enter your details into a database and may contact you from time to time about Xn, but we will never share or sell your details to any third parties. Please tick this box if you wish to decline this communication.

Send your form with a cheque payable to Xn Media to: Xn Subscriptions, c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE

bees. 2pm-4pm. £3.50. CAVERSHAM – Caversham Heights Methodist Church, Highmoor Road. Holiday at Home. Details: www. cavhmc.org.uk. READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Coffee & Chat coffee morning. 11am-12.30pm. Details: (0118) 957 2197.

Thursday, May 30 BINFIELD – All Saints Church. The Julian Meeting for silent, contemplative prayer. 8pm-9pm. Details: 07855 074594. EARLEY – Trinity Church. Chalfont Afternoon Social Group meeting: The Soliders’ and Airman’s Scripture Readers Association, a talk by Mark Powell. 2pm-3.30pm. £1. All welcome. Details: Rosemary (0118) 987 3755. FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall. The Finchampstead Support Group for the Duchess of Kent House Charity spring lunch, with Philip Littlejohn who will speak on the Titanic Disaster. Noon. Details: www.dokhc.org.uk. THREE MILE CROSS – South of Reading Christian Fellowship. School of Prayer: A Long Weekend of practical training on corporate prayer with Lance Lambert and Chuck Cohen. 7.30pm-9pm. Details: (0118) 988 4508.

Friday, May 31 THREE MILE CROSS – South of Reading Christian Fellowship. School of Prayer. 7pm-9.30pm. Details: (0118) 988 4508.

Saturday, June 1 BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church. Men’s event: games, grub and gladiators. 7.30pm. Details: mathew@rangerz.co.uk. Hambleden – Car park beyond Stag & Huntsman pub. Christian Rambling Club 10½ mile walk near Henley. 10am. Pub lunch available at The Frog, Skirmett. Details: www.reading-crc.org.uk. READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. SatCaf: tea, coffee, cakes, games and craft. 10.30am-12.30pm. All welcome. READING – Emmanuel Methodist Church, Oxford Road. Coronation Day mini-market and table-top sale. 11am-2pm. 20p, children free. Tables £5 advance. Details: Paul (0118) 958 4131 or Rita (0118) 967 6202. READING – Carey Baptist Church. Look At The Birds group presents a day trip to the Arne RSPB reserve in Dorset. Details: www. lookatthebirds.co.uk. THREE MILE CROSS – South of Reading Christian Fellowship. School of Prayer. 10am-4pm, 7pm-9.30pm. Details: (0118) 988 4508 WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Sunny Saturdays: Borderline Morris. 11am. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

Sunday, June 2 BISHAM – Historic Houses and Gardens across village. 2pm-5pm.

Venues include Bisham Abbey, Bisham Church and Grange Cottage, Temple Lane. £4 entry, river trips extra. In aid of Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Details: 0300 999 0135. COLEY PARK. Coley Park Community Fun Day. From 11am. UPPER WOOLHAMPTON – Douai Park Playing Fields. Sports day and fete to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

Tuesday, June 4 BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church. CAP Money Course launch. Get help managing your finances. 7.45pm. Details: www.kerith.co.uk. READING – Reading Minster, St Mary’s Butts. Service for 60th anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. 4pm. THREE MILE CROSS – South of Reading Christian Fellowship. School of Prayer with Lance Lambert and Chuck Cohen. 10.30am and 6.30pm. Details: (0118) 988 4508.

Monday, June 3 THREE MILE CROSS – South of Reading Christian Fellowship. School of Prayer with Lance Lambert. 7.30pm-9pm. Details: (0118) 988 4508.

Tuesday, June 4 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Breastfeeding Network offering suport and information, tea and a chat. Bumps, babies, siblings and Mums welcome. 12.30pm-2pm. Details: katemeads@tiscali.co.uk.

Wednesday, June 5 CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church. Illustrated talk by the Revd Donald Wittich, chaplain to Mission To Seafarers in Namibia. 7.30pm. All welcome. READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Coffee & Chat coffee morning. 11am-12.30pm. Details: (0118) 957 2197.

Thursday, June 6 EARLEY – Trinity Church. Chalfont Afternoon Social Group meeting: Police Dog Handling, a talk by Simon Williams. 2pm-3.30pm. £1. Details: (0118) 987 3755. HENLEY – Badgemore Park Golf Club, Badgemore. The Filling Station meeting. 7.30pm. Details: www. thefillingstation.org.uk/category/ henley.

Friday, June 7 HENLEY – Church of the Sacred Heart. Bridge Day. Tables of 4. £60, includes lunch. 01491 572118. READING – The Pavilion, Oxford Road. Touching Heaven, Changing Earth. Guest speaker Alan Scott. 6.45pm. Continues over weekend. Details: (0118) 941 5557 or www. barnabasengland.org.

Saturday, June 8 BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church. K4 Charity Fashion Show: pre-loved for sale. 7.30pm. In aid

of social justice projects. Details: www.kerith.co.uk. FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Churchyard Trust fundraising tea plus country walks: 1½ miles and 7½ miles. Times to be confirmed. Details: r.owen111@ btinternet.com. READING – The Pavilion, Oxford Road. Touching Heaven, Changing Earth. Daytime. Details: (0118) 941 5557 or www. barnabasengland.org. READING – The Hexagon. The Halle orchestra in concert: music by Weber, Stravinsky and Sibelius. 7.30pm. Pre-concert talk 6.15pm. £16-£32. Student standby £5. Details: (0118) 960 6060 or www.readingarts.com. READING – Concert Hall. Henley Choral Society: Verdi’s Requiem. £16, under 18s £12. Details: Jan French 01491 572795 or www.readingarts.com. SWALLOWFIELD – All Saints Church. Church fete. Times tbc. WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Sunny Saturdays: Wokingham Choral Society. 11am-1pm. Trinity Concert Band. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk.

Sunday, June 9 BINFIELD HEATH – Across the village. Open gardens in aid of Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Includes 6, 13 and 16 Heathfield Avenue, Gosbrook House, Common Lane, Binfield House, Edwinstowe, Kiln Lane, Homeside, Kiln Lane. 2pm5pm. £4 for all gardens. Details: 0300 999 0135. SILCHESTER – Heathfield, Bramley Road. Open gardens in aid of British Red Cross. £3.50 combined with Macartneys (see below). 2pm-5pm. Details: www.britishredcross.org.uk/ opengardens. SILCHESTER – Macartneys, Kings Road. Open gardens in aid of British Red Cross. £3.50 combined with Heathfield (see above). 2pm-5pm.

Tuesday, June 11 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Breastfeeding Network offering support. 12.30pm-2pm. Details: katemeads@tiscali.co.uk.

Wednesday, June 12 READING – Workhouse Coffee, King Street (enter via The George Hotel). Family Business client taster evening. 7.30pm. Details: www.thefamilybusiness.org.uk. READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Coffee & Chat coffee morning. 11am-12.30pm. Details: (0118) 957 2197.

Sunday, June 16 BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church. Father’s Day special services complete with kids’ farm. 9am and 11am. All welcome. Details: www.kerith.co.uk. BRACKNELL – Oakwood Centre. Father’s Day evening campfire organised by Kerith Community Church. Wild West theme. Details: www.kerith.co.uk.

PUZZLES

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

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.

Steve Vaughan-Turner www.drawingfromexperience.blogspot.com

STR8TS

Str8ts

SUDOKU

Suduko

Tough

4 2

4 3 2

4 5

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

7 4

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

Easy

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.

We don’t have a service planned as the preacher took ill suddenly, but young Phillip here is going to Google one!

Answers are now on page 31!

SPORT

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

Trades directory

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

6 MONTHS JUST £75!

Every month, Xn gives you the chance to reach thousands of potential customers. Our service directory connects your business with our readers. Book for 6 months for just £75 –that’s just £12.50 per month for up to 30 words, plus an insertion on our website. For details, call Fiona on 01932 888417 or email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk For more details, visit xnmedia.co.uk

v Carpets callaghan carpets and flooring. Home pattern service from a reliable family company. Carpets, vinyls & commercial flooring 40 years’ experience. www.callaghanflooringandcarpets. co.uk or (0118) 962 8527.

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

v Double glazing

Mention Xn and 5% of total order goes to YeLDALl manor

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

v Resources Faith in the Community (Wokingham) – helping Christians work together to transform their local communities. Phone Sharon Elliott 07843 091950 CHURCH NEWSLETTER ARTICLES. Great selection, new every month. Specially written and drawn. www. thesheepdip.co.uk

ABBEY WINDOWS. Windows, composite, pvc, Bi Fold doors Featuring A rated Energy glass Trading Standards and Fensa approved. Also repairs to glass, locks, handles. Competitive prices 0118 956 6866 info@abbeywindows.co.uk

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

v For sale Electric shine red guitar £65 (plus case and power lead) and Roland cube 60 amp £75. Please contact Mireille on 07702 553606.

v Driving lessons

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

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

v Marketing Creative thinker inspires results. • Award winning copywriting • Business development • Creative network • Mentoring Contact Hyperbole. 0118 966 6600. john@hyperbole.co.uk

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

v Counselling Loddon Counselling & Psychology Service. Accredited counsellors, supervisors, trainers. Over 20 years experience NHS and other settings. CBT available. 07092 022294

The Royals’ Prince

At Reading FC with Steve Prince

Hope for the future

fter witnessing many positives in the performance against Liverpool, the Royals lost at Norwich. Our short-term destiny is all but confirmed and we’ll be playing Championship football again next season. The battle is on to avoid finishing bottom and so, by the time you read this, we’ll have hopefully beaten QPR! Manchester United are to be congratulated on a 20th League title and in so doing we perhaps saw the best goal of the season from Robin van Persie. At Reading we are getting a glimpse of the type of football Nigel Adkins wants us to play and I am impressed by a manager who is generous in his encouragement of all the playing staff at the club. After all the excitement and success of last season it feels something of an anti-climax to be heading back from where we came. Watching the scenes as Cardiff City secured promotion to the Premier League reminded me of our celebrations a year ago. Dealing with disappointment can be difficult but deal with it we must. It was great hearing the fans have something to cheer about in the Liverpool game. What a performance by our goalkeeper, Alex McCarthy. I only know too well from some of my recent experiences that having high expectations crushed can be tough. We can choose to stay in disappointment and frustration – or we can choose to look for things to be grateful for and to celebrate. When we feel let down we can get angry but perhaps this is the time to consciously re-direct our feelings on to positive things. As well as being a chaplain, I help to lead a church and it can be a real challenge to source motivation when life is difficult. One of my fundamental beliefs is that God is my Father, and He is good – all of the time. This doesn’t mean I don’t ask questions of Him. Indeed, I join the Psalmists in posing many enquiries heavenward. At the Madejski we still have many reasons to be thankful. While we may have our questions, we can be grateful for our recent history. We can celebrate the foundations that have been laid for a good future. We have a manager who can rebuild where he needs to and who has a proven record of building well. We also have what ESPN viewers have voted the best medium size stadium in Europe. As fans we can play a massive part in supporting the whole team forward into new levels of success. Let’s deal with any lingering disappointment and push forward into the new era before us.

Come on URZ!!

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

v Join the TVCFL 25th anniversary party All ex-Thames Valley Churches Football League players, managers, supporters and committee members are invited to a special end-of-season awards evening to mark the 25th anniversary of the league. The guest speaker will be the ex-Charlton, Reading and Portsmouth footballer, Linvoy Primus and it will be held on Saturday, May 18 at Wycliffe Baptist Church, East Reading. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance. Email tvcfl.secretary@gmail.com for more information.

SPORT

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

Thames Valley Churches Football League

v Take part in a question of sport

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

Brace could swing league title

f a season can be defined in only a few minutes, it occurred on Saturday, April 20 at about 12.20pm. Jamie Carstairs, having already scored 35 league goals for West Reading CFC, got up and dusted himself down having been fouled 25 yards out from goal. Down to 10 men and with only five minutes of play remaining, West Reading CFC were losing 1-0 to title rivals Brookside St Laurence FC. Given the moment, Carstairs could have been forgiven if he had blazed the ball over the crossbar, but after two deep breaths his low fiercely struck shot curled around the wall and past the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper into the far corner. Less than four minutes later Carstairs was again dusting himself down and, having this time been fouled in the penalty area, found the same bottom corner with the resulting spot-kick. 2-1 to West Reading CFC and the title is only a win away.

West Reading FC are in pole position for their first league title for 25 years

Greyfriars, Tilehurst Albion too can now no longer retain the title, having paid the price for a slow start to the season. Bethel United have struggled since the Christmas break but put a halt to a pril made up for the washout that four-match losing streak with victories was March in terms of excitement, over Reading Saints and West Reading unpredictable results, dramatic last-minute CFC Reserves. These two wins have kept goals and wayward shots. them in touch with a slim hope of claiming We entered April with six teams still in second place. with a chance of winning the league, and There has also been plenty of action as May comes around, this will have been down at the bottom end of the table: whittled down to two. Norreys have struggled all season but had Wycliffe Wanderers’ title challenge a fantastic April which saw them collect wobbled after a 6-1 loss to Greyfriars FC, seven points from a possible nine; the two and came to an abrupt end after further victories coming against teams challenging defeats to Kerith Community Church and for the league title. Norreys. They now sit only two points behind In perhaps the most bizarre game of Greyfriars FC with a game in hand and the season, Brookside St Laurence, having could climb as high as seventh if they can lost the previous week to Tilehurst Albion, beat both Friars and Saints in May. were beaten by Norreys 8-6. Their third Finchampstead Baptist Church only defeat of the season, the 2-1 loss to West managed one game in April; a battling 4-0 Reading, put an end to their title chase for defeat to Kerith. West Reading Reserves the season meaning they will have to wait now sit at the bottom but with a crunch at least another season to secure their first game coming up in May against Greyfriars, league title. they will be looking to climb off the bottom Despite back to back 3-1 victories over of the table just in time.

FIXTURES KICK OFF 10.30am on Saturdays v April 27 – Lowry Trophy semi-final

v Wednesday, May 8

S Ealing & Brentford v Carey Corinthians

v May 11

v April 27 – Philmar Cup semi-final

Tilehurst Albion v St Paul’s, Ealing

TVCFL All Stars XI v SACFL XI 7.15pm at Reading Town FC Tilehurst Albion v Wycliffe Wanderers

v May 18

v May 4 – League

B’side St Laurence v Wycliffe Wanderers

Tilehurst Albion v Kerith Community Wycliffe Wanderers v West Reading

Plus – TVCFL End of Season Awards with Linvoy Primus - 6.30pm @ Wycliffe Baptist Church

v May 4 – Cup finals at Binfield Town FC

3pm Lowery Trophy, 5.15pm Philmar Cup

v June 15 (tbc)

TVCFL five-a-side Tournament

And so to Kerith Community Church: the only team that can pip West Reading CFC to their first league title in 25 years. Currently on an 11-game winning streak, they faced their rivals in a Philmar Cup Semi-Final on April 24 – after this edition went to print. Who knows what will happen in May: with the way things have gone this season, it’s unlikely to be straightforward!

v Cup Finals

The Philmar Cup and Colin Lowery Trophy finals will be held at Binfield FC, Hill Farm Lane, Binfield on Saturday 4th May. The Colin Lowery Trophy kicks off at 3pm, with the Philmar Cup at 5.15pm. Everyone welcome: £3 entry fee.

v League Rep Game

The might of the TVCFL will play the Southern Areas Christian Football League on Wednesday , May 8 at the home of Reading Town FC, Scours Lane, Tilehurst. Kick-off is at 7.15pm. Everyone is welcome and entry to the game is free! James Hern and Chris Barltrop

league TABLE P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS West Reading 19 8 0 2 41 14 7 1 1 30 12 45 46 Kerith Community 17 6 1 1 41 13 6 1 2 43 17 54 38 Tilehurst Albion 17 6 0 2 40 11 6 1 2 37 18 48 37 B’side St Laurence 17 7 1 0 39 13 4 1 4 29 24 31 35 Bethel United 17 5 1 3 15 12 6 1 1 29 13 19 35 Wycliffe Wanderers 16 5 2 1 32 21 4 0 4 29 23 17 29 Reading Saints 18 2 1 6 17 38 3 1 5 20 32 -33 17 Greyfriars FC 17 3 0 5 28 18 1 0 8 11 26 -5 12 Norreys 16 1 1 6 17 44 2 0 6 20 40 -47 10 Finchamp’ Baptist 17 2 0 8 13 39 1 0 6 9 43 -60 9 West Rdg Reserves 17 1 1 6 13 44 0 2 7 10 48 -69 6 Table correct as of April 24, 2013

A SPORTY quiz night is on the cards next month – and the special guests will be two Olympic medal winners. Peter Chambers and Debbie Flood, who both scooped silver medals for rowing in the London 2012 Games, will be appearing at Reading’s very own Question of Sport. Peter will be the host for the evening, while Debbie will give a talk as part of the event. Tables cost £20 and teams can be between six and eight people; the entry fee includes a Ploughman’s supper. It takes place on Friday, June 14 from 8pm at Greyfriars Church in Friar Street Reading. v www.greyfriars.org.uk.

v Knock-out night

A SKITTLES evening for all the family is being held in Knowl Hill Village Hall on Saturday, May 4. Organised by the churches of St Peter’s and St Paul’s, the event starts at 7pm. Entry is £8.50 and £4 for children. v For more details, call Valerie on 01628 822977.

v Bridge for fun

FANS of Bridge are invited to take part in a special day devoted to the popular game. It will be held at the Parish of the Sacred Heart in Bracknell on Friday, June 7. Running from 11am, the day is for tables of four. It costs £60, including lunch. v For more details, call June Holt on (01491) 572118 or Eileen Preston (01491) 574107.

top SCORERS Jamie Carstairs West Reading

Ben Findlay Kerith Community

Neil Healy Wycliffe Wanderers

Steve Hannah Tilehurst Albion

Courtenay Isaacs B’side St Laurence FC 16 Ben Sheppard B’side St Laurence FC 15 Danny Lawrence Tilehurst Albion

Lee Berry Kerith Community

James Hern Greyfriars FC

Ross Thompson Wycliffe Wanderers

Matt Blake Reading Saints

Mark Priest, Declan Larkin & Ben Blackledge all have 9

Food

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

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

v Supporting the Coeliac plus FREE ticket offer!

oeliac Awareness Week runs from May 12-19. Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease of the small intestine triggered by gluten – a protein found in wheat, rye and barley products, such as pastries, cereals, pastas, breads, flours, some dressings, sauces, condiments, drinks, ready meals and processed foods. It is estimated that CD affects around 1% of the population (one in 100 people) yet research suggests only 10-20% of people with CD have actually been diagnosed. Many suffer with gluten sensitivity or intolerance and experience a similar range of symptoms. I regularly work with people suffering with CD as well as regional Coeliac UK groups running supermarket tours, nutritional talks and cookery demonstrations. Many gluten free products can be highly processed and high in sugars and fats. Rather than resorting to a shop bought cake why not make your own?

For healthy options, why not look at my gluten free and paleo EBooks on www. advancenutrition.co.uk? I will be demonstrating some healthy gluten and dairy free recipes at the Allergy and Free From Show on June 8. v For your free ticket visit www.allergyshow.co.uk/go/ christinebailey

Chocolate Citrus Cake A delicious, moist dessert cake, which is fabulous, served warm or cold and accompanied with a dollop of soy or natural yogurt. Using the whole oranges including the peel ensures plenty of citrus flavanones, which tend to be concentrated around the pith and peel. Using almonds instead of flour keeps this cake gluten free and high in protein.

Serves 12 n 2 small oranges left whole n 200g almonds n 50g cocoa powder n 2tsp baking powder n 4 free range eggs n 75g xylitol n 3tbsp agave nectar or honey n ½ tsp. sea salt n 1 tsp. bicarbonate of soda Wash the oranges and boil them whole for 1 ½ hours, or until soft Grind the almonds in a blender or food processor until very fine and flour like Place whole oranges (peel and all) in a food processor and blend until smooth Add the eggs, xylitol, agave nectar, almond flour, salt, baking powder bicarbonate of soda until thoroughly mixed Pour batter into a greased 9-Inch round cake pan Bake at 180°C, gas mark 4 for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick stuck in the centre comes out clean. Cool in the pan before taking out. Per serving: 175kcal, Protein 6.6g, Carbohydrates 12.5g of which sugars 10.7g, Total Fat 12.1 of which saturates 1.8g

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

FOOD NEWS

Excellent quality long-grain kilombero rice from Malawi is one of the items being stocked at Greyfriars Bookshop in Reading. The rice tastes great and, being fairtrade, also brings improved prices to Malawi farmers enabling them to invest in the education of their children. For more on the story behind the label, www.justtradingscotland.co.uk v For more details, visit www.greyfriarsbookshop.org.uk or call the shop on (0118) 951 6703.

In her latest book, Delia’s Cakes Delia Smith has given her backing to Fairtrade. Published at the end of February, the new book sees Delia recommend using Fairtrade ingredients. Above a display of a range of Fairtrade goods, Delia writes: “There is something communal about making a cake, and to know that buying ingredients from small suppliers around the world whose livelihoods depend on it is very satisfying. “I am a huge supporter of the Fairtrade movement and, wherever possible, we have used their ingredients (dried fruits, sugars, vanilla extract and so on) which [are] superb quality.”

Ethical food supermarket The Co-operative has demanded more from Divine – and it’s happening as two new flavours have been introduced into stores. Divine Chocolate is co-owned by Fairtade cocoa farmers and is now supplying the Co-op with its 70% Dark Chocolate with Ginger & Orange, and 70% Dark Chocolate with Raspberries bars. The Dark with Ginger & Orange bar, and Raspberry bar – both made with Divine’s acclaimed intense rich 70% cocoa chocolate and bursting with spice and natural tangy fruit flavours, are two of the popular and growing 100g range of 12 bars which recently added new flavours 70% Dark Chocolate with Chilli & Orange, and 38% Milk Chocolate with Toffee and Seasalt.

The farmers at Steve’s Leaves are celebrating the launch of its new Perfectly Pickable pots; living leaves in a classic pea and mint combination which are ready to be eaten or planted out. The classic pea and mint combination brings spring right into kitchens and, with little or no preparation needed, Perfectly Pickable pots are a quick standby for madein-minute recipes such as pea and mint pesto and apple, pea and mint smoothie. Pots of Perfectly Pickable Living Pea Shoots & Mint will be available from Ocado from May with a recommended price of £2.75.

FASHION

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

ETHICAL LIVING

Changing the world, one purchase at a time

From Fairtrade clothes maker People Tree comes this Frieda Ditsy floral top, £2. A dress version is also available for £52. Details: www.peopletree.co.uk. As the Global Ambassador of the Because I am a Girl initiative, singer Kate Nash travels to developing communities to improve the lives of millions of girls and leads Kate Nash’s Rock ‘N’ Roll for Girls After School Music Club. “A girl gang gets you through everything,” Kate says. The £20 necklace is made from bronze and is UK made. It can be bought www.myignorantyouth.com.

X Factor winner Leona Lewis has teamed up with The Body Shop to release a new range of limited edition and cruelty free beauty products. The shimmer palate comes in three shades to give a shimmering glow to face and cheeks. Use them together or individually. £16 and in store while stocks last.

These skinny fit Nudie Jeans are made from organic stretch cotton denim and are suitable for everyday wear. £89 from Asos.com

H&M has come out in support of paying a living wage. The fashion store, which recently launched the Conscious ethical range, says it believes that everyone in the garment industry should earn enough to live on. “One of the basic requirements set out in our Code of Conduct, is that factory workers must be paid at least the minimum wage guaranteed by law,” says a spokesperson for the company. The range includes this dress, at £19.95

Keep your tickets safe – or your business cards – with this gold ID card holder, made with fairtrade leather and organic cotton. £22 from www. bettyandbetts.com

New in store at Primark this month is this embellished crop vest, £14. Primark is part of the Ethical trading initiative. Pioneers of the mineral make-up movement, bareMinerals offer makeup ‘so pure you can sleep in’. Free from preservatives, talc and oil, the range comprises of foundations, eyeshadows and lipsticks alongside a skincare line. This bareMinerals Matte SPF 15 Foundation Light Shade is £25 from Asos.com

puzzles

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

ARTS

Music, drama, comedy with a local perspective

v Be Glee-ful and join Gloree A GLEE-type choir has vacancies and is looking for new members to join it. The Gloree group, which meets at St John’s Church in Crowthorne, wants people who can sing a little, a lot or just want to try to come along and have fun. The group sings a mixture of inspirational, uplifting and contemporary tunes. Rehearsals are held on Sundays from 11.30am and Wednesday evenings from 7pm. Both sessions last an hour. v For more details, email Zellah on zellah@gemius.net or call 07719 300167.

EVENT

Todd’s tricks are mind-bending!

v Requiem will mark 40 years HENLEY’S Choral Society will mark its 40th anniversary with a special concert next month. Conducted by Will Dawes, the Society will perform Verdi’s Requiem on Saturday, June 8. It will take place at Reading’s Concert Hall and will see the choir joined by Sophie Bevan, Kate SymondsJoy, David Butt Philip, James Oldfield. There will also be members of the public who took part in a workshop day held at St Mary’s Church in Henley on Saturday, April 27. The evening of music starts at 7.30pm and tickets are already on sale, at £16 or £12 for under 18s. A coach from Henley to Reading is also being organised. v For more details, call Jan French on (01491) 572795 or log on to www. henleychoralsociety.org.uk.

v Stay sharp for the harp A HARP recital is planned for 1pm on Wednesday, June 12. The lunchtime concert will take place at St Thomas’ Church in Goring.

A night of spellbinding illusions will make you wonder if you can believe what you’re seeing. PHIL CREIGHTON picks a card

UEEN might once have pondered over real life and fantasy in their popular song Bohemian Rhapsody, but now a king of conjurors is coming to Berkshire to sort out the truth from the fiction. Todd Alexander is a master magician who has no need for glamorous assistants – he can saw himself in half. Give him a spoon and within seconds it’ll be bent double. Lock him in police handcuffs and he’ll wriggle out with a single bound. But he’s very clear that while everything he does is spellbinding, it’s all just a trick. “I’m an illusionist with a twist,” he says of his show. “It’s a unique opportunity to see some illusions being performed and I’ll really explore what is real and what is true and ask how we really get to the bottom of that.” Todd’s Reality Check show will be coming to Argyle Community Church on Saturday, May 18. Starting at 7pm, the family-friendly evening will be fascinating and fun. However, like all good magicians, he’s keeping his playing cards close

to his chest. “Most of it will be a surprise,” he says, adding excitedly: “There will probably be a brand-new illusion, which has never been performed anywhere else. “There will be quite a lot of comedy in there. I really want people will come along and enjoy themselves.” The magician aims to make his shows family friendly, but at the same time he’ll use the tricks in the show to explore what is reality and what is just fantasy. “I’ll look at some extraordinary claims and some psychic claims,” he promises, adding that in the second half he’ll also explore some of the claims Jesus made and the evidence to back it up. This isn’t the first time that Sheffieldbased Todd has been in Reading, having performed here last year. “I’m definitely looking forward to coming back,” he said. “I really like your part of the world. “I do enjoy the travelling aspect of what I do, but it can be quite tiring as it’s a long day and late night for me.” No wonder if he’s travelling up North afterwards. It’s all for a life-long love of all things conjuring: Todd’s interest in magic started as a boy. “My parents bought me a magic set and I really enjoyed playing with it,” he says. Over time, he bought more tricks from a

local joke shop and then honed his act by performing it in front of others. “I started with a friend’s birthday party,” he recalls. “Then I did tricks at old people’s homes.” From small hats are big rabbits produced: those residential homes have given way to theatres, churches and halls. Todd now performs all over the country and has even magically appeared on our television sets. Like many 35-year-olds, Todd grew up watching magicians such as Paul Daniels and David Copperfield. So it was with some excitement that Todd recently spent a day with Paul, who lives in Wargrave. “I had the chance to go to his house and, for eight hours, talk about illusions,” Todd says. Now Todd is following in the footsteps of his childhood influences and people like what he’s doing. “A lot of people who come and see my show are amazed and amused, they have an incredible time,” he says. “They appreciate exploring the issues that we all face.” It sounds like a magical night out. v Todd Alexander will be at Argyle Community Church on Saturday, May 18 from 7pm. Tickets cost £4 or £7 for two. For details or to book your tickets, call Lynne Colman on 07881 487163 or email lynne@argylecommunitychurch.com.

ARTS

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

ENTERTAINMENT

Have some very Sunny Saturdays!

OKINGHAM’S Sunny Saturdays programme is returning later

this month. Each week, over the summer months, there will be a series of live entertainment events taking place in Market Place. It’s an eclectic mix of entertainment and includes Woodley Concert Band (May 11), Trinity Concert Band (June 8) and St Sebastian Wokingham Band (August 31). Children’s entertainers will also be in attendance, including Matthew Garrett (June 15 and September 7) and The Hands On Company puppet show (May 4). The fun takes place from 11am-1pm, unless stated otherwise. The acts are:

May 4 Hands On Company (puppetry) May 11 The Retreat Singers 11am-1pm, followed by Woodley Concert Band 2pm-4pm May 18 Rajiv (RnB) 11-noon, 1pm-2pm May 25 Grandpa’s Spells Dixieland band 10.30am-12.30pm June 1 Borderline Morris Dancers June 8 Wokingham Choral Society, 11am-1pm, followed by Trinity

WORK by talented local artists will be going on show later this month. St Michael's Church in Spencers Wood will be hosting its annual Art For All exhibition on Saturday, May 11. Running from 10am to 5pm, the day is a chance for artists to showcase their latest work and for the public to buy it. As well as pictures there will be craftwork and gifts for sale. During the day, demonstrations will be held so you can see how the artists create their amazing works. St Michael’s welcomes entries for exhibiting. Artists should submit works by May 7. For more details, call Dawn Clarke on (0118) 988 3366 or email id.clarke.mays@ btinternet.com.

v All that jazz comes to The Globe A SMASH-HIT comedy is coming from the West End to Reading later this month. Alan Charles’ Love, Sax and All That Jazz Chapter 1 will be performed at The Globe in Portman Road on Sunday, May 26. The play focuses on five friends who face five dilemmas ... all with the same old story. Doors open at 6.30pm and the play starts at 7pm. Tickets cost £15 in advance or £20 on the door. v For more details, call the box office on (0118) 950 8534 or Nicholas Walker on 07941 356476.

The Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band will be one of the Sunny Saturday performers this year Concert Band 1.30pm-3.30pm June 15 Matthew Garrett children’s entertainer June 22 Singhealthy Wokingham Choir, followed by Berkshire Maestros from 3pm-5pm June 29 Alison and David Fenner with Simon Diegan 2pm-4pm July 6 Cookie The Clown 11am-12.30pm July 13 Cloudglider July 20 Aldbrickham Clog and

Step Dancers July 27 OBJ Morris Dancers 11.30am-1pm, Berkshire Bedlam Morris Dancers 2pm-4pm August 3 Pauly Zarb folk rock August 10 Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band August 17 Rachel Howard steel pan instrumentalist August 24 Sparkle balloon modelling August 31 Frei Zinger 11am-1pm,

St Sebastian Wokingham Band 1.30pm-3.30pm September 7 Matthew Garrett children’s entertainer September 14 Paul Zarb folk rock September 21 Bracknell and Wokingham Community Band 1.30pm-3pm September 28 Bagg’s Tree Buskers 2pm-4pm

v For more details, log on to www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

EXHIBITIONS

v Local artists get chance to showcase works

Wander through Michelle’s woodland glades AN ARTIST who creates clay heads as well as gorgeous paintings is getting ready to show off her work. Michelle Griffin, who is based near Reading, has a bold, distinctive, impressionistic style, with which she explores colour and landscapes. She's chosen 20 landscape and figurative paintings, along with some pen and ink drawings, that she will display at a special exhibition which will be held in Goring later this month. It takes place from Saturday, May 11 to Sunday, May 12 at the

v Music for all tastes in Binfield THE JUBILEE Sailing Trust will be the beneficiaries of a concert from the Binfield Singers. The group will perform on Sunday, May 5 at St Mark’s Church in Binfield. The choir promises that the programme will include a selection of music to suit all tastes. Tickets cost £5 or £4 for concessions and the concert starts at 7.30pm.

v A taste of Italy comes to Earley

Canterbury Room in St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Goring. Sessions run from 10am6pm on Saturday and 11.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday.

Michelle will be in residence so you can discuss her work. v For more details, visit www. st-marys-streatley.org.uk.

Get on the trail and meet Henley’s great artists A CHANCE to meet artists in their natural habitats is yours this bank holiday weekend as the Henley Arts Trail returns. Taking place from May 4-6, 20 venues will host pop-up galleries, including Twyford URC Church hall, Shiplake Church and Christ Church

Centre in Reading Road, Henley. Exhibits include paintings, textiles, jewellery, sculpture and millinery. Some venues will also have refreshments available. v For full details, visit www.henleyartstrail.com.

A CHARITY concert is taking place later this month and promises to bring a taste of Italy to Earley. The Erleigh Cantors Chamber Choir will perform works by Gabrieli, Vaughan Williams and George Shearing at its Music of England And Venice event. As well as the choir, there will be music for oboe and piano from Rachel Porter and Sally Goodworth. It takes place at St Peter’s Church in Earley on Saturday, May 11 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £11, £10 for concessions and £5 for under 16s. v For details, call Maggie Nunn on 07946 620560 or Ian Westley on (0118) 947 8382.

ARTS

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

v School days

MEMBERS of a Sonningbased school are gearing up for a series of public performances this month. Reading Blue Coat School is holding a Bugsy Malonethemed Wit and Whimsy evening on Wednesday, May 8. Then, on Friday, May 10, the Junior Public Speaking club will host a summer soirée. On Tuesday, May 14, there will be a Junior Chamber Concert. All start at 7pm and are held in the school’s Buttery. v For details, call Marjie Thorne on (0118) 933 5828.

v Past masters

A celebration of 450 years of English history and music takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 27, as part of an English Music Festival in Sutton Courtenay. The concert starts at 10.45am and will be given by actor Lance Pierson, sporano Belinda Yates and pianist Heather Chamberlain. Tickets cost £17.50. v For details, visit www. englishmusicfestival.org.uk.

Enjoy the Two Choirs Festival TWO choirs are joining forces with a host of special guests for an amazing weekend of music later this month. The Wokingham Two Choirs Festival will bring together choirs from All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road and St Paul’s in Reading Road for four very special concerts over the weekend of May 18 and 19. Each of the events is being held to mark Pentecost and features a range of popular sacred music, all sung and performed to the highest possible standards. On the Saturday, the weekend starts with a choral evensong at All Saints Church. The free service starts at 4.30pm and will include Orlando Gibbons Come, Holy Ghost and Charles Villiers Stanford’s Magniciat and Nunc Dimittis in C. Afterwards, the bellringers from All Saints and St Paul’s will ring the 1,260 changes of Grandsire Triples. In the evening, a range of choral classics will be sung by a joint choir, comprising members of both churches. Accompanied by the Alfredston Brass Quintet and Christopher Cromar on the organ, the choirs will raise the roof with a fantastic programme. During the concert, which starts at 7.30pm, there will be works by Elgar, Rutter, Mozart, Faure and Bach.

Tickets cost £12 or £5 for under 18s. On Sunday, the action switches to St Paul’s Church. An afternoon recital at 2.30pm will see soprano Louise Turner team up with Richard Smith and Paul Bellingham on the organ and Hazel Todd on the oboe. Entry costs £8 or £4 for under 18s. Then, at 6.15pm, the church will hold a Festal Choral Eucharist. Entry is free and the music will again be sung by a joint choir. Music will include Mozart’s Missa Brevis in D Minor and a peformance of Plain Bob Major by the bellringers. The guest speaker will be Angela Tilby, a regular on BBC Radio Four and a Canon at Christ Church, Oxford. The weekend is being masterminded by Richard Smith and Louise Turner, who are directors of music at All Saints and St Paul’s respectively. Richard also runs the Early Music series of concerts that are held in Wokingham’s Town Hall. v For more details or to book tickets, log on to www.wokinghamtwochoirs.org.uk. Tickets can also be bought from Bookends in Peach Street and from All Saints parish office (mornings only). They will also be available on the door, subject to availability.

v Pentecost sings TO CELEBRATE Pentecost a church is inviting people to take part in a Come and Sing Evensong. Held on Sunday, May 19, the music includes Orlando Gibbons’ Come Holy Ghost and Canticles: The Short Service. Everyone is welcome to the event, which is being held at All Saints Church, Downshire Square, Reading. It is hosted by by the church’s director of music, Katharine Phillips. Rehearsals start at 3pm and the evensong starts at 6.30pm. v For more details, email music.noteworthy@yahoo. co.uk or call 07722 826253. ANOTHER Come and Sing event is taking place on Sunday, May 5 in Goring. St Thomas of Canterbury Church is the venue for a Come and Sing Evensong. The music includes Stanford’s Magnificat. A practice will be held at 2pm, followed by tea and cake, then the service itself at 4pm. The choir will also meet on Friday, May 3 from 7.30pm. v For more details, log on tostmarys-streatley.org.uk.

v Beautiful Remnant Group to perform AN ALL-Star Gospel music concert will be coming to Reading later this month. Wycliffe Baptist Church in East Reading will be the venue for Gospel Rock Music Concert, which takes place on Saturday, May 11. The line-up includes the Beautiful Remnant Group (BRG), five girls from London who have turned a 16-year friendship into a professional quintet. They’ve recorded in Nashville, toured the UK and are now heading up the bill for the concert. Also on the line-up are Enobong and Karen McManus, Kieron Bygrave, Sarah Drizen, Kathryn Adams, Madina Tshibola, Torishe and Mishael Lazarus. Karen won the 2012 Gospel Rock competition and comes from Peterlee. With so many great acts to perform, it should come as no surprise that the show starts at 3pm.

Beautiful Remnant Group will perform at the Gospel Rock concert Family friendly, it will end at 9.30pm and under 12s can get in free – adults pay just £5. Tickets are available now and can be bought from gospelrockuk.eventbrite.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0844 504 8871. v For more details and to learn more about the artists, log on to www.gospelrock.co.uk.

v Eisteddfod is back in Tilehurst Tilehurst Methodist Church is the venue for the Tilehurst Eisteddfod, which takes place on Saturday, May 4. For full details of the day of music, log on to tilehursteisteddfod.org.uk

What do you think? Have your say on our Facebook page or tweet us @xnmedia

ARTS

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

Moviewatch

Cinema with Martin Ceaser

Who can save the White House? v Olympus Has Fallen (15)

A terrorist attack is the backdrop for new action flick Olympus Has Fallen

Stars Gerald Butler, Aaron Eckhart and Morgan Freeman

he three words Olympus Has Fallen form a code for “The White House Has Been Taken”. Set around very topical tensions between the USA and North Korea, Gerard Butler stars as Mike Branning, a special agent unfairly removed from presidential protection duties and reassigned to the Treasury. As he watches from his window, North Korean terrorists take the White House by force, taking his old friend the President (Aaron Eckhart) hostage, along with members of his security staff. At the same time the President’s son, Connor, (Finlay Jacobsen) is lost in the building, being pursued by the terrorists and in need of rescue, just like his Dad. Only one man can mount a rescue... It’s a good action movie, with the quintessential damaged hero coming good and saving the day. Added gravitas is provided by Morgan Freeman as the Speaker of the House of Representatives who ends up as acting President (danger of typecasting here?), and a chilling performance by Rick Yune, as terrorist leader Kang, determined to punish the US for its interference in Korea.

Somehow Kang manages to get one of the President’s close security guards (David Forbes, played by Dylan McDermott) on to his side, and infiltrate the visiting South Korean delegation. Mystery piles on mystery! Things we can think and talk about: Issues of, and perspectives on, right and wrong; standing up for what you believe is right – if both sides are convinced of their causes; who is in the right? And is violent terrorism really the right way to achieve your ends? Have we, in doing what we felt was

right, actually done wrong to others? Kang quotes Romans 6:23, “The wages of sin is death”. to justify his actions, blaming America for North Korea’s problems; yet we in the West would define what he was doing as a sin. Then there are issues of betrayal, redemption, courage, patriotism and security. You could use the film to prompt discussion on these things. Or you could just enjoy it as a really good action flick. The Revd Martin Ceaser is minister of Crowthorne Baptist Church

v Up Pompeii! Henley’s Picturehouse is teaming up with the British Museum for a unique screening of the new Pompeii Live exhibition.

You can explore the exhibition from the comfort of your cinema seat and see specially made films of what Pompeii is like today.

BAND MUSIC

Canadian band get ready for Berkshire date A BAND is so keen to perform to you that it’s travelling over from the other side of the pond. The North York Temple Salvation Army Band will be coming over from Canada to give a concert in Reading later this month. Formed in 1970, the band is world-renowned for its sound and it has worked with a wide range of groups and artists including Michael Burgess and the Toronto Mendelssohn

Choir. It has also performed the Canadian national anthem for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now it’s coming to Reading. The band will be performing on Saturday, May 11 at All Saints Church,

Downshire Square, Reading. Led by Glenn Barlow, the music starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £10. Under 16s can enjoy the show for free. The band will also be heard the following day, as they help lead services at both the Reading West Salvation Army and the Lower Earley Salvation Army. v To order tickets, call Allister Parker on (0118) 983 1528 or log on to www. readingcentral.org.uk.

SOLUTIONS

The screening takes place on Tuesday, June 18 from 7pm. For more details, log on to www.picturehouses. co.uk.

v Abbey to welcome choirs THERE are two concerts coming to Douai Abbey this month, as part of the Newbury Spring Festival. First to visit the Upper Woolhampton venue is the London Community Gospel Choir, who celebrate their 30th anniversary this year. They’ll be performing their uplifting joyful and spirited music on Wednesday, May 15. Then, on Saturday, May 25, it will be the turn of the Christ Church Cathedral Choir from Oxford. They will be closing the festival with an all-English programme built around Vaughan Williams rarely performed masterpiece, his Mass in G minor and giving the world premiere of a new piece by Mark Simpson. The two concerts form part of a fortnight of events for the Festival. Other venues include St Michael & All Angels Church, Lambourn and Englefield House. v For more details, log on to www.newburyspringfestival. org.uk or call the box office on 01635 32421.

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

Codewords

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

Str8ts Str8ts Solution

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

4 6 8 5 2 7 3 9 1

2 5 1 4 9 3 7 6 8

3 9 7 8 1 6 5 2 4

1 2 3 7 5 4 9 8 6

7 4 5 9 6 8 1 3 2

Suduko Sudoku Solution

6 8 9 2 3 1 4 5 7

9 1 4 6 8 5 2 7 3

8 3 2 1 7 9 6 4 5

5 7 6 3 4 2 8 1 9

Kakuro