Xn sept13

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For you, your community, your life

CHANGED LIVES Centre is helping men battle drugs

THE BIG FEAST

ROYALS

You’re invited to a grand meal!

Special visitors for the Mad Stad

Giving youngsters a stable influence

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SEPTEMBER 2013 Thames Valley region ISSN 2049-4971

Henley, Reading & Wokingham districts

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NEWS

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

v Can you help?

The Age Concern Day Centre in Twyford is in urgent need of volunteer drivers on a Monday, Tuesday and Friday, to enable their members to attend the centre.

If you are able to help, call 0118 934 4040.

v Re-opening

A DOUBLE celebration to mark the end of a rebuilding project will take place later this month.

Bracknell Methodist Church has spent much of this year extending and refurbishing its premises and it’s now ready.

On Saturday, September 7 it will hold an opening celebration led by Cllr Patricia Brown. Running from 2.30pm-5.30pm, there will be face painting, a barbecue, displays and a bouncy castle.

The following morning, a dedication service will be led by the Revd John Hellyer, who chairs the Methodist South East District.

v On the farm

Gray’s Farm in Wokingham will be the venue for an exciting family fun day later this month.

Members of Crowthorne Baptist Church will be holding a Farm Fest from noon-3pm on Saturday, September 14.

The fun day for all ages will allow youngsters to enjoy a range of craft and fun activities as well as cream teas and cakes, live music and the chance to buy from the pick-you-own selection on the farm. All are welcome, just turn up.

Set your Sat-Navs for Goring

BY PHIL CREIGHTON THE SWEET once asked if anyone knew the way – and if you’ve ever tried to find somewhere before you had a sat-nav, you’ll sympathise with them.

Now, a month-long initiative is coming to Goring and there will be plenty of people willing to show you the way to a blockbusting series of events.

Operation Sav-Nav is being organised by members of St Thomas’ Church in Goring and is a series of community events that will encourage and challenge.

It includes concerts, comedy shows, children’s events, an art exhibition and a men’s breakfast, all with special guests.

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard will officiate at a Sunday service.

The month-long series of events take place at various times so that everyone can come along – and best of all, most events are free.

Children can enjoy a Messy Church on Saturday, September 7 and laugh at Roly The Clown on Sunday, September 15.

Grown-ups will also be able to laugh when illusionist Steve Legg – who publishes men’s magazine Sorted – comes on Saturday, September 14.

Sorted readers will also enjoy a men’s breakfast, costing £3 and taking place at the Village Hall, on Saturday, September 28. The guest speaker will be Andrew Wingfield Digby, chaplain to the London Olympics and Paralympics.

Women can enjoy a talk by Fiona Castle, a much-loved author.

The village church is welcoming an artist-in-residence, Paul Hobbs, who will exhibit his new installation Ten Words, comprising 165 wooden blocks.

Music includes a visit from the worldfamous All Souls Orchestra, conducted

by Noel Tredinnick, and a performance of the musical Jailbreak by Worcester choir the St Andrew’s Singers.

Children from Goring Primary School

Steve Legg, the All Souls Orchestra and Roly The Clown are just three of the acts appearing in Goring this September will also take part in the finale service, on Sunday, September 29.

The event is endorsed by the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, the Bishop of Dorchester.

He said: “The programme has something for everyone. In many ways it is a natural development of all that has been going on at St Thomas’s in recent years.

“I encourage you to enjoy Operation Sat-

Nav and to make full use of it.”

Church warden Brian Loveridge wants as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the events being organised.

He said: “We’re saying the church is here – come and see us, if you like it come and join us!” v For more details on the festival, log on to www.thomandmary.org.uk.

v A month of adventure ... Operation Sat-Nav at a glance v Sunday 1

10am Launching The Church into Mission with Michael Beasley

v Thursday 5

10.30am Organ recital with Richard Parkinson

v Saturday 7

3.30pm Messy Church with Sue Price

v Sunday 8

v Saturday 14

6.30pm Illusionist Steve Legg

v Sunday 15

10am Special communion service with the Rt Revd John Pritchard, the Bishop of Oxford 3.30pm Visit from Roly The Clown

v Tuesday 17

3pm A service of praise with All Souls Orchestra, Noel Tredinnick and Rico Tice

10am Women’s meeting with Fiona Castle

v Monday 9

10.30am Pick A Flick

8pm Sports quiz for all the family

v Wednesday 11

6pm Buffet supper with music: Janet Pound on piano and guest speaker Jill Palfrey

v Thursday 19

vFriday 20-Monday 23

10am-5pm Art exhibition with Paul Hobbs

v Friday 20

7pm Evening meal with artist Paul Hobbs

v Sunday 22 10am Ten Instructions, Plus One

v Monday 23 8pm Meet The Artist buffet and wine

v Saturday 28 8.30am Men’s Breakfast with Andrew Wingfield Digby, chaplain to the London Olympics and Paralympics (Village Hall) 7pm Jailbreak performed

by St Andrews’ Singers with John Brown, chaplain of Reading Prison

v Sunday 29 10am Final celebration with Andrew Cinnamond and the Goring Primary School Choir

Can healing happen today?

THE Bible is packed with stories of Jesus and His disciples healing people. But that was 2,000 years ago. What about today? Can it happen here in the 21st century?

Some Christians believe that it can – and they’re inviting you to join them at the School of Supernatural Evangelism (SSE) to find out more. Organisers say that the SSE is born out of the conviction that moving in signs, wonders and the miraculous should be normal for every Christian.

The year-long school meets on Tuesday evenings over 3 10-week terms and includes monthly street evangelism.

It has been carefully organised to provide practical training and knowledge in Kingdom and Prophetic principles.

In doing so, organisers hope you’ll develop a deeper relationship with God, experience His miraculous healing and prophetic power through you and experience a personal transformation that involves being released from things that are holding you back in unexpected and profound ways. The

course also aims to equip you to bring people to Christ.

Teaching is led by Rob Gardiner, the founder and Senior Pastor of Network Vineyard church, which has congregations in Reading and Bracknell, and Mark Iles, a church builder, prophet, teacher, mentor and advisor.

Steve, who attended the course last year, said that he found the course ‘life-changing’, while Carole said: “ I was very nervous about joining a class full of “super-spiritual” people and felt that I might be out of my depth. I soon found that everyone on the course was very honest and open about weaknesses and we learned a lot together.”

Nick said: ”The SSE has been absolutely amazing and I have felt enabled to do so much more because of it. I didn’t see myself doing half the stuff I have this year... without the work God has been doing in my life through the SSE.” For more information, to read testimonies and to sign up, visit www.schoolofsupernaturalevangelism.com.

This month !

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HENLEy, READING & WOk

INGHAM DISTRICTS

Ethical candles

For you, your community, your life

CHANGED LIVES

Hare Hatch centre helps fight drug addictions

THE BIG MEAL

It’s a big picnic and you’re invited!

The youngsters who are given a stable influence

xnmedia.co.uk

HORSE POWER

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JuLy/AuGuST 2013 Thames Valley region ISSN 2049-4971

This is your magazine Contact us with your stories, it’s really easy: email editor@xnmedia.co.uk write to Xn Media, 60 London Street, Reading RG1 4SQ. We look forward to hearing from you!

Brought to book 28

Xn is published by Xn Media.

ISSN 2049-4971 c/o Quench, 60 London Street, Reading RG1 4SQ www.xnmedia.co.uk Twitter: @xnmedia

Horse play 12

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, Sharon Elliott, Martin Ceasar, Jeremy Sharpe, Chris Carter Thanks to Quench, Michael Penny, Alan Magness, Louise Cole, Mary Brockington, Paul Burnish, Nick Crowder, Lynne Colman, Malc Pierce, Richard Becher, Vernon Orr, Barry Kirk Local advertising Erica Coxall 0118 328 2959 advertising@xnmedia.co.uk National 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

Comedy

Phil Creighton ‘ Call Erica on 0118 328 2959 to find out how she can help you reach our readers’

Dancing 4 Film 31 Contents From the editor 4 The main event

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ROWING UP, one of my favourite TV programmes was Knightmare.

It was a game show where young contestants would place a helmet over their head, blocking their vision.

Three young friends would then guide the blinded Dungeoneer through a series of obstacles, be there riddles from wall monsters, visits from Merlin or a whether to choose an ice pack or a gauntlet in a clue room.

It’s currently being repeated on the Freeview channel Challenge and I’m loving seeing these quests once again.

Sometimes, producing Xn makes me feel like a bit of a Dungeoneer needing help and guidance. Lots of people are helping and this month we welcome Erica Coxall to the team as our local advertising salesperson.

She is a brilliant addition to Xn and she can help you reach our thousands of readers. Call her today on 0118 328 2959. She’ll be pleased to talk to you! editor@xnmedia.co.uk

6 News 14 Business 16 News focus 18 Puzzles 19 Trades directory 20 What’s on Two pages of community events 22 Family circle 24 Sport The first fixtures for the new season 25 Travel A holiday in Turkey 26 Food Back to school 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 October issue Friday, Sept 20

the main event

PICTURES: LYNDA BOWYER

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UYING a round in pub now costs more than three pennies, but for a one party, they were able to quench their thirst at 1513 prices.

Think we’re pulling your leg? Well, almost. We’re pulling someone else’s leg as it’s got bells on.

On August 10, 1513, the wardens of Reading town centre church St Lawrence (as it was then known) recorded that some morris men paid 3d for ale. This short note is the earliest recorded reference to morris dancing in the town and one of the UK’s oldest mentions for the dancing.

To celebrate the 500th anniversary, the morris men pitched up at the town’s George Hotel – which itself dates back to 1506 – to recreate the thirst-slaying moment.

It wasn’t the only recreation that took place on Saturday, August 10. It came after a whole day of dancing in various spots around town including the Forbury Gardens, outside The Ale House pub in Friar Street and at St Laurence’s Church (as it is now known).

Morris dancing troops and their fools from across Berkshire came together for the day, much to the delight of unsuspecting shoppers.

Troops taking part included Kennet Morris Men, Redding Moreys, Aldbrickham Clog, Borderline, Fleet Morris, Icknield Way, Garston Gallopers, Mayflower, OBJ, Shinfield Shambles and Yateley Morris Men.

“A group called Redding Moreys was formed specially to try to re-create with as much accuracy as possible a morris performance of the 1513 era,” said Chris Hutchinson, one of the organisers.

“We hope that the Redding Moreys project will continue to throw light on the origins of one of Britain’s iconic traditions as well as educate and entertain people.

“The whole event was organised by the Kennet Morris Men who are based in Reading and have been dancing there for nearly 60 years.”

The morris dancers welcomed special guests including the deputy mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Jones.

As well as the dancing displays, there was a celebratory peal of bells from St Laurence.

Chris said: “To mark the anniversary, the ringers at St Laurence, got 10 of the bells ringing for rounds and call changes for about 20 minutes. “wThey would undoubtedly have been rung in 1513.”

But Chris has a warning for those looking to the George Hotel to offer another generously priced round of beer.

“These days the offer of a round of drinks for 3d is only available to genuine 500 year old morris men,” he joked.

Although the anniversary is over, both the Kennet and Redding Moreys dance troops are keen to hear from people who would like to join them. v For more details, search for them on Facebook or the internet.

the main event

Top of the clogs

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September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

v Open day

A CENTRE that gives help, advice and support to people in need is inviting you to its open day.

CommuniCare will welcome visitors on Saturday, September 14 from 10am to 1pm. Entry is free and will give you the chance to learn more about its work.

Alison Burford, one of the trustees, said: “Come to find out about what CommuniCare does and how it has grown, with more volunteers, a legal clinic and its own charity shop, CommuniShop.”

The centre is by Wycliffe Baptist Church on Kings Road, east Reading.

v Duck tails

A RUBBER duck could win you £250, and no, we’re not quackers. The Rotary Club of Thatcham is holding its annual duck race on Sunday, September 8, at the Rowbarge in Woolhampton, from 2pm.

The first duck home will scoop the £250 prize, second place will be £100 and third prize is £50.

All good ducks need a bill, and this one is no exception entry is £1. v For more details, log on to www.rotarythatcham.org.uk.

Are you the missing Link?

BY PHIL CREIGHTON

A PROJECT that helps befriend elderly people who would otherwise be on their own is celebrating a successful summer.

The Link Visiting Scheme moved into its new offices in Easthampstead Road days after receiving a large donation from the former Wokingham Borough mayor, Cllr Bob Wyatt.

Bob chose The Link to be his charity during his time in office, raising more than £8,500.

He said: “As well as raising useful money for this wonderful charity, I also wanted to raise awareness about the good work carried out by the volunteers at the Link Visiting Scheme. They give their time and friendship freely to the more isolated older people of the Wokingham Borough.

“I would like to thank everyone who made donations or personally supported one of my fundraising events.”

Marjie Walker, Link Visiting Scheme co-ordinator, said:

v Erica joins Xn

Friends, supporters and staff at the launch of The Link’s new office “Being the Mayor’s charity has been a lifeline as well as an honour."

Mr Wyatt was one of the special guests at the opening celebration for The Link's new office. The current Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Clark was present along with supporters and volunteers.

Marjie said: "We love this building! It's nice to be in a central location and it's great for our profile."

The Link aims to match volunteers with elderly people

who would love to see a friendly face on a regular basis.

Marjie said they they currently have 180 volunteers visiting 200 people a week – but there is also a waiting list.

"Wokingham Borough has a large elderly population and families are often too far away to visit relatives regularly.

“Consequently, the numbers of people being visited increases year-on-year.

“If anyone is interested in finding out more or helping us raise funds, please do get in touch.” v For more details, call 0118 979 8019 or log on to www. linkvisiting.org.

XN is delighted to announce a new team member.

Erica Coxall has joined Xn to help you with your advertising requirements.

She has already started work and is keen to hear from you.

Editor Phil Creighton said: “We’re delighted to welcome Erica to the team. Her enthuasiasm and energy is a real asset and she will help you get the best possible advert.

“Xn is funded by advertising – every advert helps!

“We have big plans for the future and with your support we can continue to improve and enhance your favourite community magazine.”

TO ADVERTISE CALL ERICA ON 0118 328 2959

You’re invited to enjoy some local food!

STUDENTS from Reading College are busy preparing a meal to go … for 1,000 people.

The Reading Town Meal is planned for Saturday, October 5 from noon to 4pm. The picnic in the park aims to promote local, sustainable food – ingredients used in the meal are coming from local allotment holders.

As well as the meal, there will be fun activities including a cookery demonstration, displays from local community groups and music from local bands. v For more details, including volunteering opportunities, log on to its website, www.readingtownmeal.org.uk

News

To advertise call 0118 328 2959 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2013

Can you tell the truth about poverty?

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Take care!

Make the most of life with Philip Keohane

Life begins at …

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Members of the Woodley Poverty Forum, from left to right: Steve Nash, Beryl Wootton, Merry Evans, Grant Evans and John Cook Picture: Dr Mary Nash

By Grant Evans Our most common beliefs about the poor have been explored in a major report by a group of Churches working together – now you can have your chance to debate the issues.

Woodley Poverty Forum will be launched on Thursday, September 5 at Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road.

The report, Truth and Lies, challenges us to rethink our attitudes towards poverty. For example, does the community find it comforting and convenient to believe that poverty mainly visits those who deserve it? Or, where is

this ‘feral underclass’ that drains the nation’s resources?

Truth and Lies looks head-on at the approach of successive political leaders who bring us the stories that suit their narrative.

The first forum meeting will explore six myths of poverty and ask where is the evidence? They are: • ‘They’ are lazy and don’t want to work • ‘They’ are addicted to drink and drugs • ‘They’ are not really poor – they just don’t manage their money properly • ‘They’ are on the fiddle • ‘They’ have an easy life • ‘They’ caused the deficit.

The Truth and Lies

report also aims to reassert the Gospel.

It says: “We are called to tell the truth. The truth is that every human being is valued, honoured and loved

by God, regardless of their material wealth.

“We are all created to be interdependent upon one another. And we have a responsibility to speak these truths even when they are uncomfortable or unwelcome.”

The report is published by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. v For more, visit www. christ-church-woodley.org.uk

New job club launches Kerith Community Church is partnering an award-winning national charity to help people in the Bracknell area get back into work.

The church has been running an informal Job Club for some time aimed at equipping clients of Bracknell Foodbank and the church’s Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Advice Centre to find employment.

Now, having undergone specialised training from CAP, it can offer free weekly workshops to boost the job-hunting process for unemployed people across the Bracknell area by equipping them with the tools, skills and confidence to find work.

Job Club manager Richard White said: “We will offer a personal service which provides practical and emotional support for people to find work again.

“We have been partnering with CAP for

seven years in providing free debt advice to the community and are looking forward to partnering with them in this venture.”

Kerith Community Church is one of more than 30 churches across the UK who will be running a CAP Job Club.

CAP Job Clubs will be a weekly course that combines one-to-one consultations, group support and practical sessions that cover topics such as identifying strengths, CV writing and interview techniques.

Richard added: “We hope that we can help people to gain the confidence and skills they need to find employment, particularly those who may have been out of work for a long period of time.”

The club runs weekly 10am on Wednesdays at The Kerith Centre, Church Road, Bracknell. v For more details, visit www.kerith.co.uk

hen do you get to that point in your life that you think you are too old to accomplish anything of lasting importance? In recent months I have championed a number of issues which have a significant bearing on our ageing population. As we move into the autumn, I wish to celebrate the fact that age need not be a barrier to achieving great deeds…

Rachel Carson is the godmother of the environmental movement Greenpeace. Her book Silent Spring is regarded as a landmark publication in the movement’s history and was published when she was 55.

Edgar Rice Burroughs is famous for having created Tarzan and a number of other sci-fi novels. What is less well known is that Edgar Rice Burroughs was also a war correspondent during the Second World War. As a 66-year-old, he regularly reported on action from his base in the South Pacific.

Jessica Tandy was 80 when she won her Best Actress Oscar for Driving Miss Daisy in 2010. The American painter Grandma Moses on the other hand, did not get her first exhibition until she had reached that same age. Having said that, she only picked up brushes and paints for the first time when she was 75.

Barbara McLintock is one of the most important figures in the history of genetics. She was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine at the age of 81.

Mother Teresa was 69 when, in 1979, her tireless endeavours in India and 120 other countries across the globe with the Missionaries of Charity order were acknowledged with a Nobel Peace Prize.

In 2008, the picture Le Bassin Aux Nymphéas (Water Lilly Pond) was sold at auction for £40.9m. It was painted by the French Impressionist painter Claude Monet. He was 79 when he painted the picture in 1919 and he was still painting regularly until his death seven years later.

Winston Churchill is roundly feted for his achievements as PM during the Second World War. He was also re-elected to the post in 1951 at the age of 77.

No less impressive is the fact that Golda Meir became the first female Prime Minister of Israel at the age of 70, eventually resigning five years later.

Finally, nearer to home, the irrepressible Sir Bruce Forsyth was ‘getting down with the kids’ at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. This ‘up-and-coming’ entertainer is only 85!

You see, it is never too late to try something for the first time.

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

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News

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Open sesame!

v Help shape the neighbourhood YOUR help is needed to shape neighbourhood services to older people who live in North Reading.

A special drop-in session is being held at St Andrew’s Hall in Albert Road, Caversham on Saturday, September 7 from 3.30pm-5.30pm. At the event, you can have your say and share your ideas.

Entry is free and there is no need to book. v For details, call 0118 937 2383 or email transformation@ reading.gov.uk.

v Do mention the interchange

Reading Düsseldorf Churches Interchange is a group that promotes links with the twinned towns.

Next August, it is inviting members of the German team to stay in Reading, then vice versa in 2015.

The group is looking for host families, churches and groups – especially if you are interested in travelling to Düsseldorf.

A buffet and information evening will be held at St Michael’s Church, Honey End Lane, Tilehurst on Friday, November 15 from 7pm. v For more details, contact Doreen Woods on 0118 926 5672 or email rdchurches@ btinternet.com

v Welcome, Jo

Jo Turnbull has been appointed the new schools worker for Learn4Life.

She took up her post from September 1 and will be formally commissioned at a special service which will be held on Wednesday, October 23, from 7.30pm. It takes place at Argyle Community Church in West Reading. v For more details, log on to www.rscwt.org.

v Corrections & clarifications

In the last issue, we referred to speaker Rico Tice as Tico Rice. Apologies for being off-the-boil. v if you spot an error, please email editor@xnmedia.co.uk.

BY GEOFF WRIGHT

Meet generous George BUCKLEBURY’S latest resident is a bouncy baby boy ... who also happens to be a future king.

Prince George of Cambridge, who was born on July 22, is the first child for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The first official photo to be released by Kensington Palace was taken in the garden of the Duchess’ parents in Bucklebury and show the royal couple with their son and their black cocker spaniel Lupo.

In a statement from the Palace, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have encouraged people to make a donation to a children’s charity.

The spokesperson said: “To harness this extraordinary generosity of spirit, they suggest

people might at this time look to support those more in need; perhaps a children’s charity local to them, as a way of marking the birth of their child.

"Alternatively, you could look to support Imperial College Healthcare Charity, which is the charity of the hospital where The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby was born. Your donation to this charity would help women, their newborn babies and young families from London, across the UK and beyond to benefit from the latest research to ensure they receive the best possible care.” v To find out more about supporting this charity visit www.imperial.nhs.uk/imperialcharity

Caversham woman’s campaign goes national

CSA errors challenged

By Phil Creighton A CAVERSHAM woman is spearheading a call to the Coalition Government to change errors on Child Support Maintenance calculations which are leaving estranged single parents in severe financial difficulties.

A two-year campaign by Christine Dugdale, a member of Caversham Heights Methodist Church, was recently picked up by members of the national Methodist Conference, which met in London in July.

As a result of the vote, a letter will be sent by the President of Conference on behalf of all Methodists calling for the Government to rectify the errors. The Church says that enormous financial stress comes to separated parents with low paid jobs. Most will have few if any qualifications.

“This is a very significant

and ongoing problem which will only get worse if the regulations are not changed,” said Christine, who is delighted that the Church has picked up on her campaign.

She said: “I could not have hoped for anything better.”

Christine had picked up a lot of research as she has spearheaded the campaign.

Responding to article about a suicide inquest in the Daily Mail, a separated parent wrote: “I’m in a similar situation, and while my ex takes both of our kids on numerous holidays every year and to every theme park in the country, when it is my turn to have the kids I barely have enough money to buy them an ice cream. I feel alienated to the point that I think my kids think I don’t care enough for them, which tears me up inside.”

Back in October 2008 the BBC One programme The One

Show produced this response from another separated parent: “I am left with £5 a week to live on ... It’s actually getting to the point where I can’t see my boys. I can’t feed myself let alone them. So I lose out on seeing them and they lose out on seeing their dad.”

Currently non-resident parents have to pay the full CSA assessment if they earn more than £200 a week net of tax. This figure was set in 1998 and not indexed with inflation.

The letter calls for this to be changed.

Allowing for inflation, it should now be £298.28 per week – the basic living wage for a single person is currently £273.86 per week.

In March 2012 there were 1,210,500 parents with CSA arrears and as of December 2012 there were 141,940 active Deduction from Earnings Orders.

AN ARCHITECTURALLY important church that has just undergone a complete refurbishment is one of the many gems taking part in this year’s Heritage Open Days scheme.

St James’ Church, located on the site of the original Abbey Church of Reading, was the first to be designed by the famous Victorian architect, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, and is in the Norman Romanesque style, rather than his subsequent Neo-Gothic style.

The Catholic church has recently undergone a complete refurbishment to restore it to its full Puginesque glory as it was when it was completed in 1840 – and now it’s inviting you to come and see it from Thursday, September 12 to Saturday, September 14 between 11am and 4pm, and again on Sunday, September 15 from 1pm to 4pm.

As part of this, well-known local historians, John and Lindsay Mullaney, will give short ad hoc talks at various times. At 7.30pm on Friday, September 13, they will give a presentation on aspects of Catholicism in Reading.

On the Sunday, at 1pm, internationally famous organist Richard Lester will give a recital of music from St Mark’s, Venice.

Visitors this year will also be able to see the new contemporary artwork for the Shrine of St. James, which was blessed by Parish Priest, Father John O’Shea, during Mass on Sunday, July 21 this year. v For more details, log on to www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

Get Messy!

THE national team leader for Messy Church will be coming to Woodley later this month to share her knowledge and insight with those looking to launch one or improve their sessions.

It will be held on Saturday, September 21 from 10am to 4pm at St James’ Church, Kingfisher Drive, Woodley. v To book, log on to www. oxforddiocesemessyfiesta. eventbrite.co.uk/

FOOD BANKS

To advertise call 0118 328 2959 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2013

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v Why Food Banks need your help

by Malc Pierce, ReadiFood director

A BUMPER collection of food donations has helped the work of food banks across the country.

Over the first weekend in July, Tesco stores nationwide took part in a special food bank collection.

As shoppers entered stores they were given shopping lists for food bank store cupboard items, while posters throughout the stores reminded people of goods they could buy.

Volunteers then collected the items as shoppers went through the checkouts.

The resulting collection was shared across the food banks, ready to help needy people.

Henley launches food bank

BY PHIL CREIGHTON A COMMUNITY project that supports Henley families at a grass roots level is planning to branch out by launching its own food bank, thanks to a £5,000 grant.

Nomad Youth & Community Project is making preparations for the new scheme which will, like all food banks, help people who need emergency food parcels.

Non-perishable and in-date food for the parcels is donated by schools, churches, businesses and individuals.

It is then sorted and stored by the volunteers, ready to be packed into parcels.

Recipients are referred by care professionals, including doctors, social workers and the police.

They are given a voucher which is then exchanged for the parcel, which includes store cupboard essentials such as UHT milk, pasta, soup, tea bags, tinned fruit, jam and instant mashed potato.

As well as the food, food banks can offer help and

advice to signpost people to agencies able to help with the longer-term issues.

Nomad is based in Henley’s d:two centre in Market Place and has been given the £5,000 donation from the Santander Foundation’s Community Plus Scheme.

The money was given after suggestions from staff and customers of the Henley branch of Santander.

The food bank, which will be called Light House, is backed by Henley Baptist Church, Henley Lions, Churches Together in Henley and Waitrose.

It is being co-ordinated by Sue Prior. She told the Henley Standard: “This community project sits under the Nomad umbrella but also enables us to work in partnership with other local groups and organisations.”

Food donations can be left at the d:two centre and collection points will be set up across the town. v For more information or referrals, call (01491) 635734 or email food bank@nomadhenley.co.uk

v Wokingham Food Bank gets ready to open for business A NEW food bank for people in Wokingham is set to open this month.

Based from Rose Street in the town centre, it will be staffed by volunteers from churches across the town and will provide emergency food parcels for those in desperate need.

Now, collection points for donations of food are being set up across the borough so the food bank’s cupboards are ready to meet the growing demand.

These will include boxes in Wokingham churches and the foodbank’s offices in Rose Street.

Organiser Andy Knight is excited that the project has come together and even has its own base to work from.

He said: “Richard Worth estate agents has given us a great deal on the rent and the property provides all we need – storage space, a front office, kitchen and

toilets plus a lovely little garden area.”

“Once the food bank is open donations can also be dropped in there. Opening times to start with are 1.30pm to 3pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.”

The food bank is organised by Churches Together in Wokingham, but is open to all. v To help raise awareness, a website has been created. Log on to www. wokingham.foodbank.org.uk

As we move into what has traditionally been a time of Harvest Thanksgiving, when we often think of helping those less fortunate than themselves, it is a good time to reflect on what has been a year of incredible growth for ReadiFood, Reading’s food bank.

The need for emergency food parcels to help people in financial crisis has sadly rocketed during 2013. This seems to have been brought about by a lethal combination of changes in Government policy aimed at reducing public expenditure; more regular use of sanctions and review of people’s benefits; removal of crisis loans; and of course rising food, fuel and housing costs.

For the food banks, this has required a huge raising of their game in order to supply what is currently – in Reading – about 110 parcels per week to families and individuals.

That equates to almost £5,000 worth of food every month. Public donations of food through regular monthly collections at local Waitrose stores really helps with this, as has a recent weekend at the two large Tesco stores in Reading. However that involves a lot of hard work by staff and a team of dedicated volunteers.

Can you help with supermarket food collections? Dates are: October – Thursday 17, Friday 18 November – Saturday 16, Sunday 17 December – Saturday 7, Sunday 8, Sat 14, Sun 15.

v ReadiFood also needs regular volunteers to help with food sorting, parcel packing and deliveries during the day. This is rewarding work for anyone, especially if you are retired and looking for something to do that will really help the community.

For details, call Alison on (0118) 987 2672. v For more, visit www.readifood.org.uk.

10

NEWS

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

v Family fun FAMILIES are invited to a free community fun day taking place in West Reading.

Quirk’s Animal Roadshow, a bouncy castle, games, food, pool and face painting are all on offer at the event, which will take place on Saturday, September 7.

Starting at 10.30am, the fun continues until 1.30pm and is at Argyle Community Church, Argyle Road, Reading. v For details, visit www. argylecommunitychurch.com or call 0118 962 2550.

Hello

OVER the August Bank Holiday weekend, 90,000 people came to Reading to enjoy the annual rock festival – but only a handful of people actually got to hear the first musician on the main stage.

At 7am on Wednesday, August 21, a group of church leaders visited the site to pray for the event.

It was just one of a number of ways in which the town’s churches

v House talk

AN OPPORTUNITY to learn more about the work of Helen and Douglas House will take place later this month.

The charity was the first children’s hospice in the world when it opened in 1982, while Douglas House is a hospice for young adults aged 16-35 and opened in 2004.

Georgina Fisher, a local volunteer for the charity, will be the guest speaker at a meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 25.

It will be held at The Cornerstone in Norreys Avenue from 7.45pm.

v Marriage help

IF YOU want to give your marriage an MoT, then a new course in Calcot could be the answer.

Reading’s Network Vineyard is launching a seven-week course from 8pm on Sunday, September 15.

The course looks at everything from good sex to the impact of families and how to resolve conflicts.

Places are limited. v For more details, log on to www.networkvineyard.org.uk.

supported the festival.

Caversham Baptist Church and Emmanuel Methodist Church offered food and support, while ReadiFood and Greyfriars worked together on the Saturday.

Carey Baptist Church gave out maps and free drinks to those on their way to the festival, and the Salvation Army had a food stall and prayer tent on site.

New Heart means a new start

BY PHIL CREIGHTON A POPULAR village church is currently 99 not out and is looking for a knockout way to celebrate its centenary next year – by giving it a New Heart.

Crowthorne Baptist Church has been a High Street fixture since 1914, originally a tin hut and then a purpose-built brick building built for its 40th. It was extended in 1987, but now it has plans to replace the building with the New Heart Centre, designed to put the needs of the community first.

A spokesperson said: “Crowthorne Baptist Church now wants to provide a flexible, multi-purpose building, still in the very centre of Crowthorne, to serve the needs of the worshipping Church community but also, very importantly, to provide new venues and opportunities for the wider community of Crowthorne.

“Our plan is to demolish the old building and replace it with a modern landmark building, which will complement the open space outside the library.”

To be built on three separate levels, the new building will incorporate a range

An artist’s impression of the planned New Heart Centre for Crowthorne’s High Street of meeting rooms that can be hired by community groups and provide purposebuilt space for concerts, the Ark preschool and other groups.

In addition, it is hoped that other organisations for all ages and backgrounds may operate from the New Heart Centre in the future, for example Brownies and Guides.

The spokesperson added: “As 2014 is the Centenary of the Church, it is hoped that a start could be made on the building next year. It is envisaged that during the build time of about one year all existing functions will continue to happen, elsewhere in the village.” v For more details, log on to www.crowthornebaptist.org.uk

Did you know? The Reading Hard of Hearing Club offers

Lip Reading Classes

They are held at Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BE and will recommence after a summer break on the 4th October!

They are held on the first and third Friday afternoons commencing with a ‘cuppa’ from 2pm.The lesson follows from 2.30-3.45pm.

Also on the 2nd Monday evening monthly from 6.30pm, commencing 14th October.

You do not need to be deaf to join – just to have an interest in learning to lip read.

Indexed to 10 favourite hymn books (upgradeable)

Phone Maureen Dickens (chairman) on 0118 926 8055 or email Kay Murray (Secretary) david.34murray@btinternet.com for more information.

You will be made most welcome!

v

Broadmoor Hospital is 150 years old this year and Mark Stevens from the Berkshire Record Office is heading to Reading’s Central Library to give a talk about some of the famous inmates.

It will be held on Monday, September 30 from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £4 or £3 for members. For details, email libraryevents@reading.gov.uk or call in to the library.

NEWS

To advertise call 0118 328 2959 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2013

Now showing: The Pavilion is open!

BY PHIL CREIGHTON

A FORMER cinema that has been converted into a community building has been given its very own star-studded red carpet premiere.

The Pavilion on Reading’s Oxford Road is the new home of LifeSpring Church and includes office and conference space.

It was formally opened on Sunday, July 7 by Pastor Cesar Castellanos, who heads up the G12 Movement to which LifeSpring is a member.

Also attending were Reading West MP Alok Sharma and Cllr Marian Livingston, who is currently serving as Reading’s Pastor Cesar Castellanos (third from right, front row) opened The Pavilion in July. Picture: Lynda Bowyer Mayor.

Reading performing.

(Guildford), and Bishop Joel UK in attendance as well as Pastor Neville Hollands, Neville added: “We had a Thomas (The Globe, Reading) old friends from LifeSpring who leads LifeSpring, said: great day together. We felt so all shared a few words.”

Church.

“Even though the opening was loved and supported by the In the evening James “Besides a short address competing with Andy Murray in many friends who came from Hollands organised a worship from Pastor Cesar, Pastor the Wimbledon final, we had a Reading and across the UK to concert at The Pavilion with Wes Richards (Kings Church, full house with many pastors bands from Leeds, London, and celebrate with us.”

Windsor), Mike Pusey from across Reading and the

11

TO ADVERTISE CALL ERICA ON 0118 328 2959 v Fun for Dads and their lads

DADS, Grandads, Uncles, carers and their children are being invited to a new Saturday get-together.

HisKidz launches at The Pavilion in Oxford Road, Reading on Saturday, September 28 and will be held on the last Saturday of every month.

Starting at 10.30am, the two-hour session will give Dads a chance to chat, snack and relax while their under fives can enjoy a safe space to play and make new friends.

The sessions cost £1 per family and no booking is necessary. v For more details, email marion.shepherd@citylifecp. org.uk.

12

News

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Stable project is in the final furlong Horse play is a good thing when it helps transform lives. PHIL CREIGHTON finds out how new stables will help JAC’s work with vulnerable youngsters ... and how you can help

A work in progress …

Rehoboth is being built by volunteer labour and you can help!

I

T’S a building project that’s been galloping along at a frantic pace and now it’s weeks away from a jump start.

JAC (Just Around The Corner) is a Wokingham-based charity that aims to help young people make positive choices by providing love, support, education and information on issues relevant to them. Some of the people it works with have been referred to them or been excluded from education. Others are looking for friendship and the chance to learn life-skills, such as self-confidence and communication skills.

Its well-known across the region for its work, which includes the JAC Pad drop-in centre in Wokingham, a stall in Wokingham’s Friday market and teams that visit the streets of Crowthorne, Earley, Woodley, Wokingham and Newtown.

Its latest big project is to develop Rehoboth, a new purpose-built Equine Assisted Learning centre in Forest Road, Wokingham. Work started on the site in March.

So far it’s been neigh bother, with the first topping off ceremony taking place in July – and plans are in place to saddle up from October, before reaching the winning post in March next year.

The 12-acre site is being totally redeveloped. Alongside stables for up to nine horses, there is a building offering spacious areas such as a craft room and a meeting room for groups to use.

Part of this will be a kitchen and garden, which JAC director Sam Milligan hopes will enable the people it works with to develop green fingers.

“With the kitchen, they can cook their own produce,” he explained.

“They can take part in the whole cycle: they can grow their own stuff and then prepare it.”

Sam is equally excited about the opportunities the extra space will give to JAC’s work.

“We have lots of big space,” he said.

“We can take lots of groups of kids – we can run two or three groups at the same time.”

Sam’s daughter Naomi looks after JAC’s six horses and she is excited about the stables, which are currently being built.

Naomi Milligan with Ralph, one of the horses used

by JAC for its Equine Assisted Learning scheme It’s not just humans that will appreciate the new stables – JAC’s horses are also looking forward to the move.

“They’ll like their personal space,” Naomi said of the new, enlarged stable areas.

Outside the stables, a tractor is ploughing the fields to prepare it for reseeding. The whole area will be returfed and a ménage will be specially and carefully constructed so young visitors can take their charges for a ride.

Naomi said that this will be perfect for the horses when they move from JAC’s current stables in Arborfield.

She added: “[Rehoboth] is a massive great big field with a lot of grass – the horses will be pretty happy.”

Naomi knows each of the horses and as she shows me round the stables she shares stories about their backgrounds, temperaments, personalities and quirks.

As she talks, there’s a big smile on her face – clearly this is a job she loves.

“Stamper is a bit cheeky,” she said, introducing one of them, while “Bluey is great with new kids”.

Bluey [pictured below] was confined to stables when we met, due to a cut sustained in an accident.

“He’s a bit of a monkey,” Naomi added. “He was the second JAC horse that we bought.

Another horse, Missy, has had two foals which makes her quite motherly.

“She hates being on her own,” Naomi

revealed. “She’s also aware of people who have attachment issues.

“She’s a very sensitive horse and picks up on all these kinds of things.

“She’s my special one,” she added.

The horses’ personalities make them perfect for JAC’s work with troubled youngsters.

They can come in, see the horses in action, relate to their behaviour and also learn how to care for and look after their charges.

“They can draw parallels with the horses’ behaviour,” Naomi said.

“Sometimes we get kids to sit down and write what they see in the fields.

They see what the horses do and compare it to what they would do.

“They can pick a horse that represents them or the person they want to be.”

It sounds so simple – but it can be life-changing as Naomi and the JAC team help build up self-confidence and boost self-esteem of the people they work with.

“Whatever a young person needs, we’ll try and tailor it,” she said.

And with Rehoboth being prepared for the horses’ arrival in October, the JAC team are busy preparing for the future.

“We’re ready for the next step,” Naomi added.

“Rehoboth is built to how we want it, it’s a place where we can expand our work and grow.

“Whatever young people want, we need to cater for it.” v You can follow progress by searching for JAC Stables on Facebook

v How you can help make Rehoboth happen One of the miracles of Rehoboth is its construction. Normally, building projects like these require a team of builders armed with strong tea. But the site, on Forest Road, Wokingham, has been transformed by volunteers, led by Sam Milligan, JAC’s Director.

Since the building started, a steady stream of volunteers have been on site from 7.30am till dinner time, to help dig foundations, raise roofs, plaster, paint, decorate or bring cake.

“The whole build has been done with volunteer labour,” said Sam. “The project excites other people,” he added, explaining why they’d had so much help. “We have a real band of volunteer helpers, but we need a new influx of them. We’d like to share that

excitement with others and put out a ‘Macedonian call’.

“We need more volunteers to help with 2nd fix carpentry, decorating, the electrics, the plumbing and the landscaping.”

And it’s not just time that JAC is after. If Rehoboth is to be finished to the highest standard, the charity needs £31,000 and every donation will help. v Donations can be by cheque, posted to PO Box 4850, Wooldey, RG5 3XJ, or made online via www.jacoutreach.org.

Donations of up to £10 can be made, up to 3 times a month, by texting JATC11 followed by the amount to 70070. v If you can give your time, or for more information, email info@ jacoutreach.org or call (0118) 941 1444.

EDUCATION

Special focus on the new school year

Even the Dining Hall matters at St Joseph’s

F

or most of us, the most exciting thing to happen in a school canteen was the giant sausage that slammed into the comic book titles of the children’s TV show Grange Hill.

But for pupils of St Joseph’s College and Prep School in Reading, it’s a different story. When they start their new term on September 4, they’ll notice the changes instantly.

Gone is the boring colour scheme and well-used benches and tables and in comes a bright, spacious and outdoor Dining Hall. A whole wall has been pulled out and replaced with floor to ceiling glass windows. Orange paint and wooden floors have replaced the outdated decor.

It’s not just the room that’s been given a makeover. Forget the stereotype of soggy semolina and cabbage boiled to within an inch of its life – the menu is being refreshed too. With the help of a nutritional expert, the College has devised a tasty new menu that also includes breakfast and afterschool offerings.

“It’s a good range of nutritional meals,” explained Andrew Colpus, the school’s headmaster. “We’re making sure it’s a varied diet and we’ll get feedback from the pupils as to what they like.”

That feedback matters. Andrew said the school’s ethos is very much a listening one.

“It’s about trying to make the lives of both pupils and parents easier,” he said.

One of the ways in which the College is attempting this – and to enrich the curriculum – is lengthening the school day.

“We’ll open at 7.45am and be open all the way through to 6pm in the evening,” Andrew said, with one eye on the parents who work 9-to-5. “Knowing that their children can have breakfast here makes the morning preparations less stressful.”

The school day will end 20 minutes later, at 3.40pm. This gives an extra 100 minutes of tuition every week, which Andrew said will benefit every student. Though he laughed: “Some pupils may not thank me for that!”

In the senior part of the College, there will also be smaller tutor groups, of around 14, keeping in within the school’s ethos of being a friendly place.

“Tutors can really get to know their students – what they do in the school and outside of it. We want to make sure we know and celebrate what they do,” he explained.

The recent exam results have come through and shown that St Joseph’s

St Joseph’s headmaster Andrew Colpus approach pays off: “We had a 100% pass rate at A-level and some very pleasing results,” he said. “All students who wanted to go to university got in and there’s quite a range of subjects they’ll be reading.”

With its emphasis on pastoral care and spiritual development, St Joseph’s is a far cry from the days of Billy Bunter or Whacko!

And that’s just the way Andrew wants it.

“We have an environment where someone cares about you,” he said.

“One of the nicest things parents say is ‘my child enjoys coming to school’.

“I’m a strong believer in the care and nuture of pupils to help them grow.” v For more details, visit www.sjcr.org.uk.

Open all hours St Joseph’s College is holding Open Days later this term, where you can see the school, meet the staff, learn more about its facilities and get your questions answered.

Headmaster Andrew Colpus said that his door is always open to visitors – not just on Open Days, and he welcomes follow-up visits.

“Call admissions and make an appointment to see me,” he said.

“Parents can come and meet me individually. Part of my job is to help parents with the difficult questions and to make sure they are given the answers.”

This open door approach means parents can make an honest appraisal of the College and its facilities.

“Come along and get a real feel and a true reflection of us,” he said.

“It’s not about a glitzy open day where everything is staged. Get to know us and choose St Joseph’s for the right reasons.” v Open days are held on Tuesday, September 17 and Thursday, October 3. For details, call (0118) 966 1000 or email admissions@sjcr.org.uk.

Open Days

Open Mornings

Tuesday 17 September10.30am-12.00pm

Tuesday 17 September 9.15-11.00am

Thursday 3 October 6.30-9.00pm

Thursday 17 October 9.15-11.00am

To reserve your place at an Open Day please call admissions on 0118 966 1000 or email admissions@sjcr.org.uk.

Alternatively you can book online at www.sjcr.org.uk/opendays.

To reserve your place at an Open Morning please call the Registrar on 0118 984 6918 or email prep@sjcr.org.uk.

Alternatively you can book online at www.sjcr.org.uk/prepopendays.

www.sjcr.org.uk

www.sjcr.org.uk

14

BUSINESS

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

BUSINESS v Bobby joins

Reading UK CIC has a new Business Improvement District (BID) Manager.

Bobby Lonergan, who has previously worked in marketing for Reading Arts and Leisure, Reading Museums and the Reading Post, took up the role last month.

One of his first duties was to help out with a family event, which saw Reading’s Broad Street turned into a zoo for the day.

The BID manager’s role covers everything from evening entertainment to Christmas lights, to extra policing and street cleaning. v www.livingreading.co.uk

Supporting the local economy together

Hear the toy story

relco FREE help for your THE manager of Reading’s onsulting organisation’s favourite shopping centre is v Steve leaves

utility costs

moving on.

Steve Fawke, who has managed Broad Street Mall for last you eight years, Øthe Are losing valuable resources through high costs? × will become manager of Swindon’s Brunel Centre.

Prelco Consulting is a Christian-based consultancy BUSINESSMAN Gary Grant, founder of The Entertainer toy It comes just weeks after and can help – at costBracknell to you stores, willno be visiting later this month to share his receiving a runner-up award story. in the national Best Shopping He willservices be the special guest at an Alpha Supper hosted by Kerith Our include: Centre manager contest.

Community Church on Saturday, September 28. The supper is a He said: “[It was the] Ø Free audit of your telecommunications prelude a 10-week courseelectricity which aimsand/ to explore the meaning hardest decision I’ve had Ø Freetoaudit of current 0118 996– 8171 of life. starts at 7.30pm and includes cheese and toTel: make in years going to orThe gasevening contracts wine, music more.

Mob: 07974 003312 miss some very special and Ø Easy toand understand comparative Entry costs £5 and tickets can be bought from the church’s talented e-mail:people.” paul.elford@ quotations reception or from management logging on to www.kerith.co.uk.

He leaves the Mall later this prelco.biz Ø Professional of future contracts v More Alpha courses are taking place this autumn. Visit our month. website for more details.

Be ready for the Windows of Opportunity GET ready to take part in a terrific Windows of Opportunity.

A special day conference is being organised for October and is aimed at members of churches and faith organisations in Wokingham Borough wanting to explore ways to engage effectively within their local communities.

There will be presentations from senior representatives of Wokingham Borough Council and health bodies who will summarise local priorities, as well as speakers with a more national perspective. Themed workshops will also be held during the day.

Guests planned are: Adam Dyer, Ambassador for Cinnamon Network and leader of Yeovil Community Church which supports families through their Yeovil4Family project in partnership with South Somerset Council.

Josie Wragg, Head of Community Sustainability, Wokingham Borough Council Daniel Webster,

Parliamentary Officer at Evangelical Alliance who recently published the report Faith in the Community.

Dr Stephen Madgwick, Chairman of NHS Wokingham Clinical Commissioning Group.

Organisers from Faith In The Community say that attendance at the event will be crucial for local churches, statutory bodies and local government departments who wish to understand how to harness the potential of working together to help those in need in the local communities.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided and attendance is free.

The event will be held at The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road, Woodley from 10.30am until 3.30pm on Tuesday, October 15. v For more information and to reserve a place contact Faith in the Community through Sharon Elliott on 07843 091950 or Jeremy Sharpe on 07970 100131.

relco FREE help for your Lottery help for growth project project internally and our houses A charity that helps homeless people onsulting organisation’s have gardens where it grows the rediscover their greenfingers is 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

celebrating after receiving a large grant to make its garden grow.

For the last six years Launchpad has run an allotment in central Reading where clients grow fruit and vegetables. It gives a sense of ownership over the space, and the chance to design and plan each part of the allotment.

A spokesperson for Launchpad said: “For the people we support getting involved in our allotment and healthy living project boosts physical fitness, increases confidence levels and health – cooking and eating the produce they are growing.”

Launchpad has evolved this

healthy fruit and veg.

The Big Lottery Fund is supporting Launchpad Reading with funding of £240,722 over five years to support the continuation and development of the allotment project.

The project, to be re-named the Horticulture and Healthy Living Project, will provide opportunities for Launchpad’s clients to learn about and enjoy gardening, improve their diet and develop useful life skills and coping mechanisms.

The grant will also enable Launchpad to extend the project to a number of other homeless charities in Reading.

EDUCATION Helping young people come up with clever solutions Special focus on the new school year

Jane Tudor, headmistress of Luckley House School, looks at the benefits of creativity in your child’s education

W

hat can school do to enable all pupils to be creative in their own way?

This is not just a throwaway question, to be put aside as the pressing business of tackling the curriculum crowds into school life.

On the contrary, it is central to the difference between an education that ticks all the qualification boxes, and an education that is excellent.

Encouraging and nurturing the creativity of all our young people is vital for all our futures.

Added to this is the wonder that all of us are created in the image of God. It is easy to overlook the fact that this means in each of us is the image of a creator God, and the logical conclusion is that we are all creative.

What is quite shocking, is that by the time we reach adulthood many of us don’t see ourselves as being at all creative.

As a teacher I see that as a loss of potential that must not be passed on to our children as we educate them to take their place in an increasingly challenging world.

As I sit to write this article it is the middle of August and, as the head of a secondary school, I am celebrating the achievements of young people as they receive their A-level and GCSE

results, at the same time as looking forward to a new school year.

In doing so I am naturally looking to new beginnings and the challenges and opportunities we will be meeting as the pupils return to school.

I can’t wait to welcome all our pupils back to school.

A large part of my anticipation is that I know that as the year progresses I will

have the joy of seeing the immense creativity of each of these young people at first hand and in many contexts.

The challenge in education is noticing creativity in unexpected contexts. It is easy to spot in art and related subjects and in performance subjects such as music and drama and this is always delightful.

However, where would we be if the great discoveries made by man had not happened because mathematicians, scientists, and engineers had forgotten to be creative?

Young people come up with clever solutions to problems all day, and every day in classrooms.

An excellent education is one that actively enables each individual to develop the creativity that they have inherited from God our Father.

Whatever the interests and ability of each young person, all must be valued and celebrated equally.

It is true to say that we are all wondrously made and every young person needs to know that.

Jane Tudor Headmistress, Luckley House School

Luckle HOUSE SCHOOL

Open Mornings Saturday 12 October 2013 Thursday 17 October 2013 Contact the Registrar to book INDEPENDENT CHRISTIAN DAY & BOARDING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AGED 11-18

Luckley House School, Wokingham Tel: 0118 978 4175 Email: Registrar@luckleyhouseschool.org www.luckleyhouseschool.org

16

New Support Group for DrugFAM

O

n Wednesday, September 11m the sixth support group for the charity DrugFAM opens at 7pm.

The venue is the Upper Room at Gosbrook Road Methodist Church in Caversham.

DrugFAM is the trading name of the Nicholas Mills Foundation, formed in 2006 in honour of one of the identical twin sons of Elizabeth Burton-Phillips. Nicholas died in 2004; he and his twin brother, Simon, were heroin addicts.

Simon, who gave up drugs at his brother’s funeral, survives and thrives and devotes much of his life, with Elizabeth, to supporting families of addicts to cope with the troubles caused by such situations.

The support groups run to help the families, friends and carers of people with substance-misuse (including alcohol) addictions to reclaim their own lives.

When people arrive at group meetings for the first time, they are in a needy and often desperate state. Many are recommended the services of DrugFAM by churches, GPs and pharmacists.

Others come via Frank and other confidential drugs-information services.

Yet others find the DrugFAM website and turn up pro-actively.

Feedback includes such words as “lifeline”, “strengthening”, “honest” and “realistic”.

The other five groups are in High Wycombe, Swallowfield, Slough, Chesham and Central London (Harley Street); at the time of writing the charity has also been offered a seventh venue in south Reading.

Elizabeth has been interviewed by television, radio, newspapers and magazines since the publication of her 2007 book Mum, Can You Lend Me Twenty Quid? – What Drugs Did to My Family.

Local libraries hold copies of it and the book is now also a hard-hitting educational play.

The whole DrugFAM team receives regular expert training.

The charity also offers other services: • Telephone support lines • Specialist counselling • Befriending • Practical support • Annual Bereaved by Addiction conference In May, the DrugFAM team and the charity’s supporters were privileged to be invited by Samantha Cameron to a reception at 10 Downing Street, with a view to promoting its services. v To contact DrugFAM’s free confidential helpline, call 0845 388 3853.

Are you affected by someone else’s use or misuse of drugs or alcohol?

We offer 6 Pillars of Support Telephone and Email Support Weekly Support groups One to One and Family Counselling A Local Befriending Service Education work in schools and prisons

Support for those Don’t be on your Bereaved own, pick up the phone.

by Addiction We are here to support you. Please don’t suffer alone, Contact us on 0845 388 3853 contact your nearest centre or at the office: 01494 442 777 / office@drugfam.co.uk and share your problems with www.drugfam.co.uk someone who will understand.

At Drug FAM our confidential Weekly Support Groups provide an opportunity for members to share their feelings, problems, ideas and information with others who are undergoing similar experiences.

Central London - Monday 7-9pm

Don’t bebeon pick phone.

Don’t onyour your own, own, pick upup thethe phone.

rugFAM card 2.indd 1

NEWS focus

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

140 Harley Street, London W1G 7LB

25/07/2013 11:07

Swallowfield 7.30-9pm We are here to(Reading) support- Monday you. Please don’t suffer alone, The Renewal Centre, Church Road, Swallowfield, Reading, Berkshire RG7 1TJ We are here to support you.nearest Please don’t suffer alone, contact your centre contact your nearest centre and share problems with someone will understand.

Chesham - Tuesdays 7-9pm and your share your problems with someone who who will understand.

The Lowndes Room, Town Hall, Chesham, HP5 IDS.

Reading (From Slough Sept 11th – Wednesday 7-9pm Central London2013) - Monday 7-9pm - Wednesday 7-9pm 140 Harley Street, London W1G 7LB

The Sycamore Room, Beech House, Upton Hospital, Albert Street, Slough SL1 2BJ The Upper Room, Gosbrook Methodist Church, corner of Ardler Road, Caversham Berks RG4 5AE Swallowfield (Reading) - Monday 7.30-9pm

Central London - Monday 6.30–8.30pm Slough (From 18th 2013 Change venue)- Reading, Wednesday 7-9pm TheSept Renewal Centre, Church Road, of Swallowfield, Berkshire RG7 1TJ 140 HarleyThe Street, London W1G117LB Kingsway Church, Church Street, Slough, West Berkshire SL1 1SZ Chesham - Tuesdays 7-9pm

Swallowfield (Reading) - Monday 7.30-9pm The Lowndes Room, Town Hall, Chesham, HP5 IDS. Reading (From Sept 11th 2013) - Wednesday 7-9pm The Renewal Centre, Church Road,Church, Swallowfield, Berkshire RG7Berks 1TJ RG4 5AE The Upper Room, Gosbrook Methodist corner ofReading, Ardler Road, Caversham Slough - Wednesday 7-9pm

The Sycamore Chesham - Tuesdays 7-9pm Room, Beech House, Upton Hospital, Albert Street, Slough SL1 2BJ High Wycombe Thursday The Lowndes Room, Town Hall, Chesham,- HP5 IDS. 7-9pm Slough Sept 18thHigh 2013Wycombe, Change of Bucks venue)Wednesday 7-9pm Oakley Hall, (From 8 Castle Street, HP13 6RF The Kingsway Church, 11 Church Street, Slough, West Berkshire SL1 1SZ High Wycombe - Thursday 7-9pm Oakley Hall, 8 Castle Street, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 6RF

Reading (From Sept 11th 2013) - Wednesday 7-9pm

TheSept Upper18th Room,2013) Gosbrook Church, corner of(Change Ardler Road, Slough (From – Methodist Wednesday 7-9pm ofCaversham venue) Berks RG4 5AE The Kingsway Church, 11 Church Street, Slough, West Berkshire SL1 1SZ Registered Charity No. 1123316

High Wycombe - Thursday 7-9pm

Oakley Hall, 8 Castle Street, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 6RF

What a differe

Stories of change – some of the placards held up at Yeldall Manor’s open day

A Hare Hatch centre that helps rehabilitate addicts is celebrating after another successful year. PHIL CREIGHTON joins the party

I

t’s a much loved song, but for a special band of brothers, the words of Amazing Grace now have an extra resonance.

It was sung to help celebrate their freedom from drug or alcohol addiction and was a stunning way to launch this year's annual celebration at Yeldall Manor, a rehabilitation centre based in Hare Hatch, near Twyford.

Held in glorious sunshine on Saturday July 6, as part of its annual open day, it was an opportunity to celebrate the centre’s pioneering work.

The charity has been providing residential rehabilitation and detoxification to men with long-term drug and/or alcohol dependencies for more than 35 years. When participants graduate from the programme, they are then supported as they go back out into the community, helping them to stay addiction free.

And the Christian-run centre knows the programme works – some of its staff are graduates.

At the celebration service Yeldall's director, Dr Andy Partington,

welcomed guests before introducing a parade of residents and ex-residents.

As the band played a modern rendition of Amazing Grace, each of the men entered the marquee holding placards.

The front side summed up their story, such as being addicted for more than 20 years. Then, to large cheers and applause from the 300-strong crowd, the boards were turned around to reveal how long they had been clean for. This ranged from days to years, depending on how long they had been at Yeldall.

"This is a really significant day," said Andy when the parade had finished and the supporters’ applause had died down. "It's about reconnecting with the people who make Yeldall happen."

Ex-residents and staff were encouraged to stand up so they could be acknowledged for their efforts.

Andy came to Yeldall three years ago and has been its director for just over a year. As part of his speech, he hailed the work that his predecessors had carried out.

"You come into a place like this and realise you're standing on the shoulders of giants," he explained.

Psalm 103 was also read, because, Andy said, it was "My statement of what we're here to do this afternoon – we're here to thank God for his blessing on our lives. Our lives may not

NEWS focus

To advertise call 0118 328 2959 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2013

nce a year makes

be perfect right now but we have lots to be thankful for."

The celebration formed the spine of the annual open day.

The fun started with a fete with stalls such as beat the goalie and skittles. Visitors could also explore the work of Chissock Woodcraft, which offers bespoke and restored furniture business and is run by a former Yeldall resident.

The workshop was open showcasing some of the beautiful chairs, tables and furniture made on site.

Food included the traditional hog roast and a strawberry and cream tea, with strawberries donated

by Gray's Farm in Wokingham.

While Yeldall's work can be funded by local drug or alcohol services, many residents' stays are only possible through donations to the charity's Good Samaritan fund and the open day is one of the ways in which it can invite supporters to see what is happening and raise funds.

A sponsored walk from

London to Yeldall in May saw 39 people raise an astonishing £20,000 for the fund.

"The Good Samaritan bursary fund enables us to create opportunities that people wouldn't otherwise have," Andy explained at the open day. v For more information, or to make a donation, log on to www.yeldall.org.uk.

17

v Yeldall’s programme of support Yeldall Manor is a residential rehabilitation centre for men aged 18-65 who have an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

It runs two programmes, lasting up to 11 months, followed by support as the men return to the community.

Participants are detoxed and receive counselling to help them combat their addictions.

At the same time, they help maintain the house and grounds to a high standard.

When they complete the programme, men take part in a rehabilitation programme lasting 18 weeks, living in a lodge sitauted in Yeldall’s estate. They also take part in voluntary work places, preparing them for a return to the community.

Residents can then take part in Yeldall’s ongoing aftercare support services, which aims to ensure they stay clear of their addictions.

lyndabowyerphotography Lynda Bowyer is a British professional photographer whose work for commercial and private clients includes Portraiture, Landscape, Architecture, Events, Lifestyle, Maternity / Baby Bump and photo journalism.

Whatever your photographic needs, contact Lynda to find out how she can help.

www.lyndabowyerphotography.com (0118) 384 2129 @ellbphotography

conceptcreatecapture

18

PUZZLES

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

BREAK TIME

Pit your wits against our brainteasers

Codeword

Kakuro

Answers are now on p31

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 Sudoku

Tough

9

7

3

1

Easy

3 5

4

8

5

4 8

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

3 5 2 1 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ 2 1 3 are formed.

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

3 8 7 6 2 9

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

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

2

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.

Harvest display? Nay, my barn fell down and I needed the storage!

CLASSIFIED

Trades directory 6 MONTHS £75!

To advertise call 0118 328 2959 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2013

BRINGING COMMUNIT Y TOGETHER To advertise in a similar feature call 0118 328 2959 v Double glazing

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.

To book, call Erica on 0118 328 2959 or email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk For more details, visit xnmedia.co.uk

v Situations vacant

Couple to head Secondary School in South Sudan South Sudan: Marol Academy Secondary School seeks an experienced couple to head up this developing Secondary School in a peaceful rural area of this LDC ("least developed country").

South Sudan operates an 8-4-4 systemmand is now developing its own Certificate of Secondary Education (SSCSE).

Marol Academy consists of a Primary (approx 800 pupils) and a mixed, day Secondary (approx 60 students in S1, 2 and 3).

The couple would need to be self-supporting to a large extent, able to oversee the Administration of the Secondary School, do some teaching, and manage the affairs of the Secondary teachers' quarters.

A basic medical knowledge would be an advantage, as would experience of living in the African "bush".

If you wonder if God is calling you to this "challenging adventure" please email Gordon Lovering at gordonandjoycelovering@hotmail.co.uk who is currently Director of Studies/Head teacher of M.A.S.S. www.marolacademysudan.org

PRE-SCHOOL JOB VACANCY We have a vacancy for a Pre-school Early Years Practitioner at Woodley Baptist Church Pre-school to start in November 2013.

Hours 9.00am – 1.00pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday plus additional Thursdays on a rota basis.

Applicants must have a minimum Level 2 Early Years Qualification with experience of working in an Early Years setting.

The Pre-school works within Woodley Baptist Church and so applicants must have complete empathy with our Christian ethos.

Please apply to: Lisa Sweeney, Preschool Early Years Lead Practitioner or via the Church Office office@woodleybc.org.uk or 0118 969 0956 for an application form.

Closing date Friday 20th Sept 2013 & interviews 25th/26th Sept.

19

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.

Creative thinker inspires results.

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

0118 966 6600. john@hyperbole. co.uk

v Clothing alterations

Professional Carpet, Upholstery and Leather Cleaning. Trained and fully insured. Free, no obligation estimates. A.G Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning (0118) 3779149 or visit www.agcarpetandupholstery.co.uk Member of Trading Standards Buy with Confidence scheme www. buywithconfidence.gov.uk

v Counselling Philippi Trust Counselling and Training. Level 2 Introduction to Counselling courses. Starting dates September 2013, January 2014, May 2014 Contact 0118 966 7422 or reading@philippi.co.uk Loddon Counselling & Psychology Service. Accredited counsellors, supervisors, trainers.

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

07092 022294

v Relationships Christian? SIngle? Divorced?

Widowed? Call New Day Introductions on 01706 224049.

First match within a week. www. newdaydating.co.uk. Established 24 years

v Wills & Lasting Power of Attorney OMEGA WILLS. We are a Christian, family run business providing a personal caring service at a fair price.

Home visits available.

For Further information call: 0845 040 5872 or e-mail: info@omegawills.co.uk.

v Driving lessons

L

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 Marketing

DOES THAT DRESS NEED TO BE MADE WEARABLE? I can help.

Also to shorten trousers, jeans, shirts, jacket sleeves, replace zips. Anything else? Contact me!

Awesome Alterations.

0118 926 0603.

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

v Carpets callaghan carpets and flooring. Home pattern service from a reliable family company.

Carpets, vinyls & commercial flooring 40 years’ experience. www.callaghanflooringandcarpets. co.uk or (0118) 962 8527.

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

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

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

v Carpet cleaning

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

v Funeral directors A.B. Walker & Son – Berkshire’s leading family funeral and masonry service. www.abwalker.co.uk MILES & DAUGHTERS. The family funeral service. All areas covered.

Owned and run by the Miles family. www.milesfunerals.com E SARGEANT & SON. Family orientated funeral directors of distinction. Serving Maidenhead, Slough, Windsor and surrounding areas since 1712. www.esargeant. co.uk.

v Building solutions Colman and Co. Building Solutions.

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

v Property services Chambers Property Services.

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

20

calendar

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

WHAT’S ON Sunday, September 1 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James Church.

Friends of St James event: Evensong 6pm, refreshments 7pm, lecture: Three Thousand Year of Pilgrimage 7.30pm. All welcome. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

Tuesday, September 3 WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Monthly quiz afternoon. 2pm. Details: www. christ-church-woodley.org.uk.

Wednesday, September 4

Keeping you in touch with each other

REGUlAR EVENTS Mondays

Details: 01491 577414

HENLEY – Baptist Church, Market Place. Teddies Music Group for under fives: songs, stories and instruments.

10.30am. £3, £2 for siblings. Details: 01491 577414.

HENLEY – Christ Church, Reading Road. Open house for coffee & teas. Lunch from noon.

11am-2pm. Details: 01491 577733.

Tuesdays

READING – St Giles, Southampton Street. Lunchtime concert: Ian May. 1.15pm-2pm. Details: www. sgilesreading.org.uk.

HENLEY – Baptist Church, Market Place. Knit:two Together. 11am-1pm.

Thursday, September 5 CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Harrogate Road. Eucharist service with prayers for healing and wholeness and laying on of hands and anointing. 7.30pm.

HENLEY – Badgemore Park Golf Club. The Filling Station meeting.

7.30pm. Details: 07875 203409.

WOKINGHAM – The Meeting Place, Bradbury Centre, Rose Street. The Coffee House: Coffee morning in aid of Leukaemia Research. 10am.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Truth and Lies about Poverty – join the debate. First of three meetings to explore the truth and lies beneath our thinking. All welcome, 7.30pm.

Details: 0776 187 8104.

Saturday, September 7 BRACKNELL – Methodist Church, Shepherds Lane. Grand re-opening celebration with Cllr Patricia Brown from Bracknell Forest Council. With face-painting, bouncy castle, barbecue and more.

2.30pm-5.30pm. Details: www. bracknellmethodist.org.uk.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Road. Let’s Talk Care: help design neighbourhood services for older people in North Reading. 3.30pm-5.30pm. Details: (0118) 937 2383.

HENLEY – St Mary’s Church, Hart Street. Last Night of the Proms

Wednesdays CAVERSHAM – Baptist Church. Time 4U: coffee for parents, fun for pre-school children.

10am-11.30am.

Term-time. Details: www.caversham baptistchurch.org.uk.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square.

Coffee and Chat: drinks, cakes and friendly faces. 11am-12.30pm.

Free, donations accepted.

Thursdays SWALLOWFIELD – All

with Henley Symphony Orchestra.

In aid of charity. £17.50, £5 under 16s. 7.30pm. Details: 01491 576982.

READING – English Martyrs Church, Liebenrood Road. Cruse Bereavement Social group. 2-4pm.

READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road. Official reopening of building. 2pm.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Jumble sale.

1.30pm.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church Hall, The Meadway. Last Night of the Proms evening. 7pm. £7.50 or £20 for family of four, includes supper. Details: (0118) 948 1082.

TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church. Last Night of the Proms with Felicity & Liberty Buckland, Stage-Fright and Scoops. 6.30pm. £5, or £6 on door. Details: 0118 934 0642, 0118 934 4792.

WOOLHAMPTON – The Old Mill.

Aldermaston and Wasing show.

2pm.

Sunday, September 8 BRACKNELL – Methodist Church, Shepherds Lane. Grand re-opening dedication service. 10.30am.

Details: bracknellmethodist.org.uk.

WOOLHAMPTON – The Rowbarge.

Great Thatcham Duck Race. 2pm.

Monday, September 9

Submit your events to editor@xnmedia.co.uk

Saints’ Church. Church open for visitors, 2pm-6pm. Until end of October.

Thursdays HENLEY – Baptist Church, Market Place. Teddies Music Group for under fives: songs, stories and instruments.

10.30am. £3, £2 for siblings. Details: 01491 577414.

Saturdays LOWER EARLEY – Baptist Church. Saturday Morning Cafe.

10.30am-noon.

Fridays

Sundays

CAVERSHAM – Baptist Church. Friday lunches: three-course lunch that won’t break the bank. 12.15pm-1.30pm.

SILCHESTER – Methodist Church. Cream teas served during July; craft stall available.

3pm-5.30pm.

Abbey Square. Reading@Work prayer lunch. 12.30pm. Details: www.readingatwork.org.

Tuesday, September 10 CROWTHORNE – Vineyard Centre, Wellington Business Park, Dukes Ride. Ladies coffee morning. 10am.

Details: 01344 780087.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Breastfeeding support centre: information, support, tea and a chat. Bumps, babies, siblings and Mums welcome. 12.30pm2pm. Fledglings toddler and baby group resumes. 1.45pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary and St John’s Parish Centre. Tea and chat – all welcome. 2pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue. Over 50s group: East Sussex Curiosities – Pictures of unusual sights in this county captured by Alan Copeland. 2pm.

All welcome. Details: www. norreyschurch.org.uk.

Thursday, September 12 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Mothers Union meeting: The Samaritans. All welcome.

Details: Sarah, (0118) 973 3111.

Friday, September 13

READING – Abbey Baptist Church,

All welcome. Details: www.caversham baptistchurch.org.uk.

HENLEY – Christ Church, Reading Road. Coffee morning. 10.30amnoon. Details: 01491 577733.

READING – Argyle Community

Church, Argyle Street. Comedy night with Andy Kind. £5, £3 secondary school age. Details: Lynne@argylecommunitychurch. com or 07881 487163.

Saturday, September 14 CROWTHORNE – Woodmancote, Pinewood Avenue. Out To Tea: a tea party for older members of the community, organised by Vineyard Churches. Free. 2.30pm4.30pm. Details: 01344 780087.

BEECH HILL– Thrive, Trunkwell Manor. Open gardens in aid of ngs, including afternoon tea and a stroll. 2pm-4.30pm.

READING – St Mark’s Church Hall, Cranbury Road. Jumble sale. 2pm.

READING – St Mark’s Church hall, Cranbury Road. Jazz standards performed by Judy Vaughan, in aid of Cancer Research 7.30pm.

READING – Central Library. Behind the bookshelves tour including a look at rare books. 11am-noon.

12 places only, booking essential.

Details: (0118) 901 5950 or libraryevents@reading.gov.uk.

READING – CommuniCare, by Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road. CommuniCare open day: meet volunteers, learn more about its work and how you can help. 10am-1pm.

WOKINGHAM – Gray’s Farm, Heathlands Road. Farm Fest: fun for all the family. Noon-3pm. Free. www.crowthornebaptist.org.uk

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Church ramble from 10am. Details: www. christ-church-woodley.org.uk.

Sunday, September 15 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Gorse Ride Junior School. St Mary and St John’s Church patronal festival including a barbecue. 11am. All welcome.

Details: (0118) 973 6129.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Local Baptist churches events: 4pm seminar, led by David Kerrigan, General Director, BMS World Mission.

6.30pm, celebration service. All welcome.

Monday, September 16 SOUTHCOTE – Mission. Reading Aglow Encounter Night: the Revd Lorrianne Colam. 7.15pm. £3, first meeting free, light refreshments served. All welcome. Details: www.readingaglow.org.uk.

Tuesday, September 17 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Breastfeeding support centre: information, support, tea and a chat. Bumps, babies, siblings and Mums welcome. 12.30pm2pm. Fledglings toddler and baby group resumes. 1.45pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

READING – The Carey Centre. An evening with Rico Tice, creator of Christianity Explored course.

7.30pm.

WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Wokingham Art Society meeting: demonstration of landscapes using oils with Ben Manchipp. 7.30pm9.30pm. £4. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety.org.uk.

Wednesday, September 18 READING – The Carey Centre, Body Road. Reading Concert Singers open choir rehearsal. No voice test required. 8pm. Details: (0118) 942 5290 or www. readingconcertsingers.org.uk.

Thursday, September 19 CROWTHORNE – Vineyard Centre, Wellington Business Park, Dukes

Take time out and enjoy a cuppa and a chat!

Come and join us on Wednesdays!

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 Ride. Venturing into Vineyard: learn more about the church and what it does in the community. Coffee and desserts available. 8pm. All welcome. Details: 01344 780087.

Saturday, September 21 ACROSS WOKINGHAM BOROUGH – Wokingham Arts Trail. 11am-6pm.

Details: morearts.org.uk.

CHINNOR. Reading Christian Rambling Club walk. From 10am. 11 miles.

Details: www.reading-crc.org.uk.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James Church centre. Trio Treats in concert.

7.30pm. £6. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Jumble sale.

1.30pm.

READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street. Alpha Party with wild west theme. 7.30pm. £5, £6 on door.

Details: www.greyfriars.org.uk.

Sunday, September 22

To advertise call 0118 328 2959 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2013

readifood ReadiFood are teaming up with Waitrose to collect food from local stores.

Volunteers are needed to help with the collections.

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.

v For details, contact Alison Peyton on (0118) 987 2672. email readifood@fcg.org.uk. chat – all welcome. 2pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

Wednesday, September 25

ACROSS WOKINGHAM BOROUGH – Wokingham Arts Trail. 11am-6pm.

Details: morearts.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue. Talk by Georgina Fisher about the work of Helen and Douglas House. 7.45pm.

Monday, September 23

Thursday, September 26

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Harvest celebration supper and entertainment. 7pm.

Details: www.abbeybaptistchurch. org.uk.

Tuesday, September 24 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church Centre. Breastfeeding support centre: information, support, tea and a chat. Bumps, babies, siblings and Mums welcome. 12.30pm2pm. Fledglings toddler group.

1.45pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary and St John’s Parish Centre. Tea and Messy Church is a fun event for all the family. It usually includes songs, activities, stories, crafts and snacks. For more details, contact each venue directly.

Fridays (term-time) TILEHURST – Reading Community Church, The Meadway. Messy Church under 5s. 10am-11.30am.

Sunday, Sept 1 EARLEY – St Nicolas, Sutcliffe Avenue. People, Prayers and Potatoes: art and crafts, worship and free jacket potatoes. Noon.

Details: www.stnicolas.org.uk READING – Reading West Salvation Army, Oxford Road. 4pm-6pm.

Details: (0118) 957 6003.

Saturday, Sept 7 TILEHURST – St Catherine of Siena, Wittenham Avenue.

HENLEY – D:Two, Henley Baptist Church, Market Place. Towards Recovery: creating a safe space for those in recovery from addiction. Drop-in. 7.30pm-10pm.

Details: towardsrecovery.co.uk.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. The Julian Meeting for silence, reflection and contemplation. 10am-10.45am, followed by coffee. All welcome.

Friday, September 27 ALDERMASTON – The Hinds Head.

Aldermaston Walking Group: walks of around 2-4 miles. 6.30pm, return by 8pm. All welcome.

3.30pm. Details: www. stcatherines-tilehurst. org.uk.

YATELEY – St Peter’s, Reading Road. 3.30pm5pm. Details: www. stpetersyateley.org.uk.

Sunday, Sept 8 Woodley – St James, Kingfisher Drive. 4-6pm Craft, fun and food Details: (0118) 966 2568.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. 4pm.

Wednesday, Sept 11 BRACKNELL – Easthampstead Baptist Church. 4pm-6pm.

Details: www.ebc-bracknell.org.

Details: (0118) 971 3525.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church, Honey End Lane. Apollo 5 in concert. 7.30pm. Details: www. stmichaeltilehurst.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Meeting Place, Bradbury Centre, Rose Street.

The Coffee House: Coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.

10am-noon.

Saturday, September 28 BRACKNELL – Kerith Community Church. Alpha launch event with Gary Grant, founder of The Entertainer toy stores. Cheese and wine. 7.30pm. £5. Details: www. kerith.co.uk.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Heights Methodist Church, Highmoor Road. Macmillan Coffee morning.

10.30am-12.30pm.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew;s Church, Albert Road. Wine tasting evening: South African wines. 7.30pm. Details: www. standrewscaversham.org.

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close. Trinity Concert Band concert: World Tour. 7.30pm. £10, £12 on door. Under 16s free.

Details: (0118) 969 0925.

LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close. Walking group meets: walks of about 4 miles.

All welcome. Details: www. trinityearley.co.uk.

READING – The Pavilion, Oxford Road.

HisKidz: dads and lads session for under fives. £1 donation per family.

10.30am-12.30pm. Details: www. citylifecp.org.uk.

READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road. Ascot Brass in concert with the Berkshire Youth Percussion Ensemble. 7pm. £5, under 16s free. Details: www. readingcentral.org.uk.

TILEHURST – St Michael’s Church, Honey End Lane. Festival weekend: cream teas in church grounds, explore the church. 10am-5pm.

Church training day with Lucy Moore. 10am-4pm. Details: oxforddiocesemessyfiesta. eventbrite.co.uk/

Saturday, Sept 28 READING – Argyle Community Church, Argyle Road.

4pm-6pm. Details: www. argylecommunitychurch.com.

Sunday, Sept 29 CAVERSHAM – Baptist Church.

Messy Church. 3.45pm-5,30pm.

Details: (0118) 954 5353.

Saturday, Oct 5

Sunday, Sept 15

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s.

Messy Harvest. 3.30pm, tea at 5pm. Details: www. stmarysburghfield.org

HURST – St Nicholas Primary School, School Road. 11am.

Sunday, October 13

Saturday, Sept 21 WOODLEY – St James’, Kingfisher Drive. Messy

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s, Albert Road. New group launching. 3.30pm. Details: (0118) 947 2788.

Details: www.stmichaeltilehurst. org.uk.

Sunday, September 29 STOKE ROW – Independent Chapel.

Harvest thanksgiving service.

10.30am. All welcome.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road. West Forest Sinfonia in concert. 4.30pm.

Details: www.stpauls-wokingham. org.uk.

Tuesday, October 1 READING – St Andrew’s URC, London Road. Blood donor sessions.

Details: www.blood.co.uk or 0300 123 23 23.

STOKE ROW – Independent Chapel.

Art and crafts exhibition. Continues until Saturday. Details: www. stokerowchapel.org.uk.

Wednesday, October 2 CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Harrogate Road. Eucharist service with prayers for healing and wholeness and laying on of hands and anointing. 7.30pm.

HENLEY – Badgemore Park Golf Club. The Filling Station meeting.

7.30pm. Details: 07875 203409 STOKE ROW – Independent Chapel.

21

Art and crafts exhibition. Continues until Saturday. Details: www. stokerowchapel.org.uk.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Truth and Lies about Poverty - join the debate. All welcome, 7.30 pm with refreshments. Details: 0776 187 8104.

Friday, October 4 STOKE ROW – Independent Chapel.

Art and crafts exhibition. Continues until Saturday. Details: www. stokerowchapel.org.uk.

Saturday, October 5 READING – English Martyr Church, Liebenrood Road. Cruse Bereavement Social group. 2pm4pm.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Quiz night. £5, includes refreshments. Details: (0118) 950 2620.

READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road. Cornet Flourishes from Four Corners to mark launch of new band CD Voice Of The Beloved. 7pm. £5, under 16s free. Details: www. readingcentral.org.uk.

STOKE ROW – Independent Chapel.

Art and crafts exhibition, final day.

Details: www.stokerowchapel. org.uk.

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22

community

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

FAMILY CIRCLE v Kerith plans Sandhurst launch A COMMUNITY that’s currently brilliant in Bracknell is ready to shine in Sandhurst.

Kerith Community Church, which currently gathers a congregation of more than 1,000 children and adults every Sunday, is gearing up to launch a new meeting in a new location.

The church, which attracts all ages from Berkshire and Surrey, is branching out to help meet growing demand.

From Sunday, September 15, the church will be inviting Sandhurst residents to its new meeting venue which will be held at 10am at Sandhurst School, Owlsmoor.

Meetings start with tea and coffee, and there will be fun-packed children’s groups.

The church is modern in style, aiming to stay relevant to everyday life while being rooted in the Bible.

Simon Benham, Senior Pastor at Kerith says, “Kerith’s style of church is modern and user friendly, we are passionate about creating an environment where people of all ages and all backgrounds can encounter God. “If you are not already part of a church community in Sandhurst we’d love you to come join us on a Sunday.” v For more details, or to find out more, log on to www.kerith.co.uk.

Keeping you in touch with each other

v FATHER Christopher Rutledge has ended his ministry at St Joseph’s in Bracknell and is now parish priest in Basingstoke.

The church is holding a farewell reception for him on Thursday, September 12.

Father Danny McAvoy will be the new parish priest for Bracknell. Prior to coming to St Joseph’s, he has served as a chaplain to Wandsworth Prison. v The Revd Caroline Kramer was given a good send off by members of All Saints Church in Wokingham.

Her final service was held on July 21. During it, members of the congregation presented her with flowers and a special farewell thank you gift.

She has now headed to the United States, where she will serve as associate rector with responsibility for San Pablo church near Jacksonville, Florida. v THE Friends of St James in Finchampstead will be holding its annual Evensong, followed by a lecture.

Starting at 6pm on Sunday, September 1, there will be refreshments at 7pm, before Canon John Edwards gives a talk on 3,000 years of pilgrimage. Everyone is welcome to the special event.

For more details, call 0118 973 0133. v St Mary and St John’s Church in Finchamsptead is holding its Patronal Festival on Sunday, September 15.

Colin’s song Writing hymns is nothing new for local poet Colin Ferguson.

After retiring from a career in the Probation Service, Colin brought together the hymns he has written over the past 40 years and were published in two books.

Until now his hymns have been written to be sung to established tunes but this has all changed with his latest book Spirit in the Melody.

New music has been written specially, with contributions by composers from around the country, including Elizabeth Haywood, a member of Caversham Park United Church.

A barbecue will follow the 11am Family Communion Service at Gorse Ride Junior School.

For more details, call 0118 973 6129. v Kings Church in Wokingham has moved offices. It is now based at Kings Place, 9 Station Road, Wokingham. For more details, log on to www. kingschurch.org.uk. v MEMBERS of Baptist Churches across the Thames Valley are invited to a special celebration day, which will take place on Sunday, September 15 at Wokingham Baptist Church.

The event starts at 4pm

Colin is a member of St Andrew’s United Reform Church in Reading and a Methodist and URC lay preacher.

Spirit In The Melody is available at Wordplay in Caversham and Greyfriars Book Shop in Reading. v For more information or to purchase any of Colin’s books, go to his website, www.cdferguson.com

with a seminar led by David Kerrigan, General Director, BMS World Mission. He will focus on what people can learn about mission in the UK from BMS and is aimed at people exploring or in leadership roles. Then, at 6.30pm, there will be a celebration service to share what’s happening in local Baptist churches. v The Revd Lynn Green, a member of Wokingham Baptist Church, will be inducted as General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain at a special service which will take place at Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church on Sunday, September 22, at 3pm.

v ABBEY Baptist Church in Reading is launching a new evening service this month.

It will be held from 6.30pm every Sunday.

It is also holding a harvest celebration evening on Monday, September 23 from 7pm.

Everyone is welcome to both events.

For more details, log on to www.abbeybaptistchurch. org.uk. v The Revd Des Foote is retiring from ministry of the Benefice of Aldermaston and Woolhampton. A farewell service will be held on Thursday, September 5 at St Peter’s, Woolhampton from 7pm, with refreshments afterwards at Woolhampton CofE Primary School.

The Revd Patricia (Pat) Bhutta has been appointed the new Associate Priest for the Benefice. v IT’S all change for All Nations. The church in Berkeley Avenue, Reading, is launching One Big Church, a new family service which will be held on the first Sunday of the month.

It starts with refreshments at 9.45am and runs through to 11.15am. All ages are welcome to come along. v The Revd Dr Peter Day has been appointed as Priestin-Charge of Christ Church, Reading.

He is currently Assistant Curate of St Paul’s, Wokingham.

It is hoped that he will start at Christ Church later in the autumn.

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community

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23

Christians who adopt aren’t alone Breakfast is served for men A

BY CHRIS CARTER The age-old concern of how to balance work and private life, and not let either suffer, is the subject of the next Reading Christian Men’s Group (RCMG) breakfast meeting on Saturday, October 12.

The speaker, Paul Valler, former Finance Director of Hewlett-Packard, brings a unique perspective to the topic. Throughout his life in international commerce, his approach has been informed by a spiritual dimension which sees no distinction between managing a business and its people, and walking in the steps of Christ.

He claims a continual sense of the latter, profoundly integrated into behaviours, can only enrich the former.

Paul Valler lives in Finchampstead, where he is an elder at its Baptist church. Before retirement, he was founding director of the Hewlett-Packard International Bank in Dublin and General Manager of its

European Leasing business, before rising to become Finance Director.

He now works for the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC), an organisation which helps Christians form and live out a vision of whole-life missionary discipleship in the world.

He said: “We seek to serve them with biblical frameworks, practical resources and training modules, so that they can flourish, as followers of Jesus, within genuine and active disciple-making communities.”

The RCMG’s breakfast talk takes place at the Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning Lane.

Paul will speak directly after breakfast, which begins at 8.30am. The breakfast costs £7.50. v Any men interested in attending should confirm names and numbers with John Broady on 0118 954 3879. Payment should be received no later than Tuesday, October 8.

dopting and fostering children is a rewarding but sometimes challenging journey.

Young children, including babies, may struggle to cope with big changes such as moving home to live with a new family.

They will have left their birth family, and moved on from one or more foster families and will need time to build trust and bond with their new family. Changes in their lives at such a young age bring a whole host of emotions and practical upheaval, which is why adoptive parents receive thorough preparation and need to be resilient.

For Christians, their church community can provide much needed emotional and practical support to new adopters and foster carers as they do for all new parents.

Celebrating the arrival of a new child through christenings, baptisms, or dedications helps to give children a sense of belonging.

Those adopted or fostered with families who attend church receive love, care and security within their new immediate family and their wider church family. This helps those children to learn about and create strong bonds of love and trust.

Parents And Children Together (PACT) is an adoption and fostering charity, supported by local parish churches and the Oxford Diocese. More than 70% of PACT adopters have a faith including Ali who adopted her two daughters through PACT. She explains how the encouragement she received from her church provided much needed support during her adoption journey.

She says: “In Romans 8 we read that through becoming Christians, we’re adopted as God’s children.

This could be the reason that I felt so supported by my church family when adopting our two daughters – it wasn’t just  our immediate family that welcomed two new people, but our church  family as well.

“I knew early on that I would need God’s support  and guidance all the way through the process.

Through parishioners’ prayers and very practical support my local church was with me every step of the way.

“In times of stress, bad news and disappointment

through my faith and belief in God, I was given the gifts I needed to pass through those stages – patience in bucket loads, encouragement, kindness, acceptance and loads and loads of joy!

“God wants all that’s best for us, in the same way as we want the best for our children. He’s a great role model to have as a fellow adopter!”

Krish Kandiah heads up the Home for Good project, www.homeforgood. org.uk, which encourages churches to talk about adoption and fostering, and encourages everyone to do what they can to support adoption and fostering whether that is coming forward to apply, or by offering support to those who do.

Krish and his wife have 3 birth children, an adoptive daughter and

a steady stream of foster children, and have shared their experiences in the book Home for Good: Making A Difference For Vulnerable Children published by Hodder.

If you want to find out more about adoption and fostering come to any of PACT’s events, or come to its information evening for Christians on November 14, at PACT’s Reading office in South Street.

This event is also open to people who aren’t in a position to adopt and foster but would like to support those who do and the evening will also celebrate the PACT Parishes’ scheme.

For more information and details of PACT’s adoption and fostering events, visit www.pactcharity.org/ info.

24

SPORT

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

The Royals’ Prince

At Reading FC with Steve Prince

Entering my 10th season

T

his is the start of my tenth season as chaplain at Reading FC. Joking with one of the coaching staff recently he said that perhaps I should have a testimonial!

During my tenure as chaplain I have experienced four managers and lots of success as the club has enjoyed its best ever years. Three seasons in the Premier League have been a real achievement and The Royals are now a recognised footballing name globally.

The start of every season brings a renewed sense of hopes and dreams and, despite relegation last season, the feeling is that the Royals should mount a genuine challenge once again. Nigel Adkins has strengthened the team with the additions of Wayne Bridge, Royston Drenthe and Danny Williams. Alex Pearce and Hal Robson-Kanu have both signed new contracts.

At time of going to press, three games of the season have been played resulting in a victory against Ipswich Town, and two draws against Bolton and Watford. During the games we could see a new Reading emerging with some great passing football – especially in the second half of the first two matches.

There has been lots of change at Reading FC, not only have the management team changed but also the ownership and directors have been added to since Anton has arrived.

Change can be painful. Some people have lost their jobs as a result of changes and relegation. Where possible I have sought to listen to some of these people as they deal with the full impact of change. Sometimes we all get faced with changes that affect us greatly. Some changes can feel like a bereavement and it can take time to adjust.

As a Christian I take great comfort and confidence in knowing that God is at work, using every situation and challenge I face to bring some good through these times for my benefit. It may not feel that a positive outcome is somewhere ahead but because God really is a good Father, He will care for my needs – both those I am aware of and those I am ignorant of. It’s partly through living in the light of the security God provides for me that I can help people to see Him in my role as chaplain.

Another significant change at the club is the achievement of the top academy status – some Premier League teams don’t even have this. This means a better future in developing younger players and we saw evidence of the importance of this as our U21’s recently beat Newcastle 4-2.

I hope that all supporters of Reading FC enjoy another exciting and special season. Together the teams on and off the pitch can work together to produce an environment that helps the players play with the kind of confidence that brings success.

Come on URZ!!

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

Oman friendly for Royals AN INTERNATIONAL friendly is coming to the Madejski Stadium later this month – the Royals will be welcoming Oman.

The national team, who are ranked 95th in the world by FIFA, are travelling to Berkshire to take part in a special game while Reading FC take a break during the World Cup qualifying games.

The challenge match will be held at the Championship side’s stadium on Saturday, September 7 from 3pm.

This innovative fixture will see Nigel Adkins’ team take on a national side managed by former Paris St Germain and Rangers boss Paul Le Guen; who counts Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi as his captain.

A spokesperson for the club said: “The fixture gives us the opportunity to play a competitive game over a two-week international break, and comes during a 29-day gap in the Madejski Stadium fixture list.

“We are delighted to host strong opposition in

v Youth football sessions in Henley YOUNGSTERS are invited to weekly football sessions in Henley.

The Nomad Youth and Community Project organises a Monday event for children aged 9-13. Taking place from 4.45pm-5.45pm, it is held at the Tiger Turf at Henley’s YMCA. A Thursday event takes

an Omani team who drew twice with Australia in their World Cup 2014 group and took their bid for qualification right to the final game.”

Oman will be training at Reading’s training ground – Hogwood Park – for a week, as well as playing a friendly match at Crystal Palace on Tuesday, September 10.

“We have strong links with the Oman FA and are a partner club in a unique Kickworldwide Outreach Programme there, while delegates from both countries have visited each other on a number of occasions,” the spokesperson added.

“Last but not least, the game is another opportunity for our summer signings like Royston Drenthe to play at Madejski Stadium, and it should be an exciting and memorable afternoon at the home of the Royals.”

Advance tickets for the game are priced at £5 concessions and £10 adults. v For more, log on to www.readingfc.co.uk.

place at Henley Rugby Club’s Tiger Turf and is for school years 9-11. It runs from 4.30pm-5.30pm.

Both groups run during term-time only.

Nomad also runs an after-school club for school years 5-7. Held on Tuesdays at Henley Youth Centre, the sessions include games, crafts and more. Each session costs £1 and runs during term-time. v For more details, log on to www.nomadhenley.co.uk.

v Game on!

A WEEKLY five-a-side football event takes place every Thursday at Luckley School.

Organised by members of Arborfield and Barkham churches, all men are welcome to come along.

Sessions run from 8.30pm9.30pm, cost £3 and players often enjoy a beer afterwards. v For more details, log on to www.abch.org.uk.

Forget a marathon, this is no mean feat!

IF YOU’VE ever thought about competing in a marathon but decided that 26.2 miles was too much, spare a thought for those who competed in the Endure 24 race in June.

Members from Wokingham’s Catenians group took part in the ultra run – a 24-hour race run over a five-mile loop.

Eight people from the church formed a team that ran through woodland trails in Wasing Park Estate in Aldermaston. The fit runners completed an impressive 29 laps in the 24-hour period, clocking up a distance of 145 miles.

The group, which is attached to Corpus Christi

Catholic Church in Wokingham, were raising funds for the President’s charity, HCPT – The Pilgrimage Trust, which works with disabled and special needs children. The group have raised £1, 305 through sponsorship.

Chris Beesley wrote on his JustGiving page after the event: “We are very tired but we had a wonderful time. Many thanks to all who have so generously donated.” v To donate: www.justgiving.com/chris-beesley. v The Catenians meet on the fourth Monday of the month at East Berkshire Golf Club from 7.30pm. For details, visit www.wokcat.org.uk.

Thames Valley Churches Football League fixtures 10.30am on Saturdays v September 14

West Reading v W Rdg Reserves Finchamp’ Baptist v Tilehurst Albion

Norreys v Bethel United B’side St Laurence v Kerith FC Wycliffe Wanderers v Greyfriars FC

v September 21

WReading Reserves v Reading Saints

Tilehurst Albion v West Reading

Bethel United v Greyfriars FC

Kerith FC v Finchamp’ Baptist B‘side St Laurence FC v Norreys

v Sept 28 Philmar Cup v October 5

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

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

LEISURE

To advertise call 0118 328 2959 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2013

v Treasure hunt

Your TV times could be long-lost treasures

F

OR years, Thursday night was Top of the Pops night.

Every week, musical giants would perform their latest singles while teenagers danced along in the studio and dads danced, embarrassingly, in living rooms.

Launched in the 1960s, with the first episodes made in an old church in Manchester, around 500 editions were made in its first decade.

Of these, just 20 are known to exist.

Top of the Pops is not alone. Virtually every show of the 60s and 70s, from The Avengers to Z Cars has missing episodes – even entirely missing series.

Some shows do not have a single surviving episode.

In the 1970s, old television programmes were routinely destroyed – tapes wiped and films placed in rubbish tips. The programmes were thought to be worthless in the days immediately before the start of the home video revolution: how wrong this view was.

Extensive searches by dedicated individuals and television enthusiast groups have recovered material which would otherwise remain forever lost.

Now, the raiders of the lost archives are turning to you, in case you may have recordings of shows which were once lost forever.

Early video tape recorders, such as the reel-to-reel CV2000 or later cassette formats such as the Philips n1500 or n1700, the Grundig SVR, even Betamax, Video2000, and VHS machines may have well recorded programmes which exist nowhere else except forgotten in a dusty box in someone’s loft. Some film collectors may have telerecordings, which are broadcast quality copies of television episodes on 16mm film. Some shows are so absent and mysterious that even audio recordings or

photographs taken off screen have provided a rare glimpse into an otherwise entirely missing production. And material has turned up in the most unusual and unexpected places – car boot sales, old films thrown out by schools, and one programme, missing for decades, turned up in the basement of a Mormon Church.

Both Doctor Finlay and Doctor Who currently have more than 100 episodes missing.

To mark the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, the Radio Times have launched its own search for missing examples of the programme, and can be contacted at lostwho@ radiotimes.com.

They're not the only group looking for lost TV. The non-profit group Kaleidoscope enjoys unequalled support from every major television company in the UK, and is always on the look out for material known to be lost.

They can be emailed: post@ kaleidoscope.org.uk.

If you have any old recordings, you can check their archive status at www. lostshows.com.

This should only be used as a rough guide, and is not necessarily a definitive guide to what is currently being sought.

Dedicated television enthusiasts like those mentioned above, and myself, are always thrilled and delighted to follow any lead or idea, and never feel as if any time has been wasted, even if the material turns out to be known to exist.

Roughly speaking, any recording made before 1990 may be of great interest.

Even if the material exists, an off-air recording may be more complete or of higher quality.

If you have old Philips tapes, or something you think may be of interest, you can contact me by emailing missingtv@outlook.com.

CHARLES DANIELS

25

A holiday for refreshment

Want to get away from it all and enjoy a time of refreshment?

A Christian holiday in Turkey may make all the difference.

GAYNOR BURTON explains

W

hy would you go on something that labels itself as a Christian holiday?

Any old break in the sun with some friends would do, wouldn’t it?

Dare to take the opportunity and you may just find that the unrivalled experiences, conversations and revelations will lead you into a new sense of relaxation, freedom, insight and experience which you haven’t highlighted on your holiday bucket list.

The resort run by Richmond Holidays in Aspat Beach, Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey is very well groomed with bright, luscious tropical plants continuously being watered and providing shade for hammocks, bean bags and sun loungers scattered around the spacious grounds.

There is a private beach offering serene swimming and views across to Greek Islands. A river runs through the resort and this is where the spacious bungalow accommodation with private balconies, water features and more tropical plants are located.

From start to finish you are looked after in style and clearly the holidays in Richmond’s strapline of Quality Christian Holidays are the important word to the company. The Richmond team only seemed to have your needs – and fun – in mind.

Ben Turner, the company’s CEO, explained on the first night of our visit; sometimes there’s a guilt factor about taking time out, but it is so important to make space for refreshing and fun.

Rob, the dynamic, witty, trendy and contagious (I’ll stop now…!) ministry leader, said: “The first thing that God called holy was a day off!”

In addition to relaxing on-site, enjoying the wonderful fresh and healthy buffet and making the most of the state of the art windsurfing, kayaking and sailing equipment you can venture off to do trips to Ephesus, Bodrum and Turgetries, a beautiful local harbour town with market stalls, restaurants and tantalising ice-cream parlours overlooking the water.

You can also experience a Harram, a typical Turkish Bath. Treated like royalty throughout,

you’ll make your way through a myriad of saunas, plunge pools, massage rooms, sun decks and the Turkish bath area where you receive a full body exfoliation and soaping.

Richmond says it prides itself in offering those quality Christian holidays, believing that Christianity isn’t an excuse for amateurism but should go above and beyond in service to guests in every way.

It’s Christian because of the way that the company operates through the core of its organisation, the way that it trains and looks after both teams and guests and the important, but also very informal, inclusion of evening sessions of worship and a short talk in a beautiful area alongside the river.

Many guests use words like family, community, perfect, second-to-none, freedom, attractive, safe, social, fun and welcoming to explain the holiday and their reasons for loving it so much.

Breaks from our day-to-day, especially those more luxurious ones (like this), aren’t without financial costs of course, but you’ll be left wondering whether you can afford not to take a holiday? If such change and refreshing can come about in a few days what could a week or a fortnight bring?

It’s worth looking them up for a holiday that refreshes you in every way – even ways that aren’t on your holiday wish list. v Gaynor travelled to Turkey with Richmond Holidays. For more details on the destination or to discover the other places Richmond offers holidays to log on to www.richmond-holidays.com.

Gaynor Burton is the founder of Fit Fish, www.fit-fish.co.uk

26

Food

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

ADVANCE NUTRITION

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

v Back to school Start the new school term with healthy, happy kids. Nutritionist Christine Bailey offers some nutritional advice

I

t’s that time of year again.

After the summer break it’s time to get your child ready for the new school term.

As well as the practicalities of school uniform and kit, are you making sure your child gets the essential nutrients to help them function better and feel healthier?

Brainy nutrients Good nutrition is vital for a healthy brain. Without the essential nutrients it is unable to produce neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that are necessary for brain function.

With learning difficulties and behavioural problems seemingly on the increase ensuring your child’s diet is rich in brain boosting foods will help improve their concentration, learning and mental energy.

Your first step should be to ditch the sugary, processed foods, additives

and stimulants and focus on complex carbohydrates like wholegrain breads, rice and pasta with plenty of fruit, vegetables and high quality proteins. This will supply vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, magnesium, antioxidants and zinc as well as essential amino acids all necessary for brain function.

There are also a range of ‘smart’ nutrients which can help. Choline for example is needed to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine important for boosting memory. It also forms a vital part of nerve cells, cell walls and the sites on cells that receive brain chemicals.

Found in egg yolks, pulses, grains, nuts, and fish such as sardines and available in lecithin granules, a useful brain supplement, which can be sprinkled over cereals or stir into soups and stews.

If your child is prone to

Healthy Cookery Workshops

With Nutritionist & Chef Christine Bailey ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥

Want to give your diet a makeover?

Need new ideas for healthy meals for your family?

Looking for advice on what makes a nutritious diet?

Discover how to cook a range of nutritious and delicious dishes, treats and snacks with our cookery demonstrations and hands on courses

For details and bookings see www.advancenutrition.co.uk Tel. 01189262051

v Tropical Breakfast Bars This recipe is from one of my recipe books The Top 100 Finger Foods (Christine Bailey 2012, Duncan Baird Publishers), which includes a whole range of delicious, nutrient rich ideas suitable for packed lunches.

The delicious combination of pineapple and cashew nuts (in the form of a butter) makes these a perfect ‘grab and go’ breakfast bar – perfect for breakfast when time is short in the morning.

Adding nut butter to the flour mix greatly increases the protein and minerals in this bar and will help to satisfy even the hungriest of toddlers.

It is equally delicious as a mid-afternoon snack and great in packed lunches.

These can be kept in the fridge for 1 week or frozen for up to 1 month.

Make these gluten free by using quinoa flakes and gluten free self-raising flour.

MAKES 12-16 50g light olive oil, plus extra for greasing 175g/1 ½ cups dried pineapple pieces, chopped ¼ ripe pineapple, diced anxiety or finds it difficult to unwind try a combination of calcium and magnesium, well–known calming minerals.

Make their evening meal rich in foods containing tryptophan which the body converts into serotonin.

This has a mood enhancing, calming effect and can induce sleepiness.

Good sources include turkey, milk, potatoes, bananas, cheese and soya beans.

For older children consider supplementing with theanine.

100g cashew nut butter 175g/1¾ cups porridge oats 175g/scant 1¼ cups wholemeal self-raising flour 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds 2 tbsp sesame seeds 100g/1 cup desiccated coconut Preheat the oven to 180ºC/Gas 4. Lightly grease a 25cm x 30cm/10in x 12in shallow baking tin with oil and line it with baking parchment.

Place the dried pineapple pieces in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 15 minutes, then drain.

Place half of the dried pineapple into a blender with the fresh pineapple, nut butter and oil and process to form a thick puree.

Place the oats, flour and baking powder in a bowl.

Stir in the seeds, coconut and remaining chopped pineapple. Pour in the purée and mix thoroughly.

Spoon into the prepared tin and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown.

Leave to cool in the tin, then cut into slices.

This is a non-essential amino acid known to promote a relaxed and restful state without diminishing alertness and can aid concentration as well balancing mood and emotion.

Fishy business 60% of the brain is made up of fat and in particular the essential fatty acids.

Recent research has found taking essential fats omega 3 and omega 6 and their active components EPA

(eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) can promote mental health, boost IQ and treat specific behavioural and learning disorders.

As these essential fats cannot be made by the body they must be obtained from the diet. Oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herrings etc) are one of the best sources while walnuts, hemp, chia seed and flaxseed are useful vegetarian sources.

Snack Attack Children have high energy requirements relative to their size so it’s important to provide them with energydense, nutritious foods in small, regular amounts.

Regular meals and healthy snacks will help keep blood sugar levels steady provide a constant source of glucose to the brain to aid concentration and prevent mood swings and energy dips.

Ensure they are getting sufficient protein rich foods at each meal and snack.

For snacks try nuts, seeds, chunk of cheese, hummus, natural yogurt or a protein rich smoothie. Homemade bars such as the one in this month’s recipe make healthy treats for kids and adults alike.

Fluid alert Most children don’t drink enough water – whether it’s because they simply forget during the day or dislike the taste. Drinking it is crucial for maintaining energy levels, dehydration can lead to headaches, constipation, lethargy and poor concentration. Ditch the cans of carbonated drinks and switch to healthier alternatives – coconut water, plain or fizzy water, milk or milk alternatives protein based smoothies are simple healthy options. v Stuck for meal and snack ideas or want to get your kids cooking more? Then book them on to our Cooking With Your Children day later this month or come along to one of our cookery days based in Wokingham. For details, log on to www.advancenutrition.co.uk

FASHION

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ETHICAL LIVING

27

Changing the world, one purchase at a time We can shed some light on new stock at the World Shop in London Street, Reading.

This autumn, you can brighten your home with a colourful range of candles, and have fairtrade candles on your birthday cake. The range starts at 99p.

Details: www.risc.org.uk.

A new range of ethical furniture has arrived at the World Shop in London Street, Reading. The range includes sideboards, chairs and tables. Details: www.risc.org.uk.

Betty & Betts, the ethical bag makers, have launched their autumn collection, which incudes this England-inspired tote bag. For details, visit www.bettyandbetts.com

casa nova

The Cock & Bull & Co shop is opening just off Brick Lane, London later this month and will offer the stylish gentleman a selection of design-led independent menswear made to the highest quality.

The Cheshire Street store opens on Septemnber 12.

Fairlytraded silver jewellery has arrived in the UK. Mined in Sotrami in the Andes, the makers receive a fair price plus a premium to benefit their community – work planned includes schools and a dental facility.

Cred Jewellery’s range is now avaialble from La Jewellery. Prices range from £27 to £122. www. lajewellery.co.uk

Rapanui Clothing has designed a bee T-shirt exclusively for the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) in support of their Save the Bees campaign.

The T-shirts are made in a wind powered, ethically accredited factory and they are printed on 100% organic cotton. For more details, visit www.rapanuiclothing.com

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LEISURE

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

ARTS

Music, drama, comedy with a local perspective

v Get on the trail and meet artists

A WEEKEND of art is on the cards as artists throw open their studios and homes to welcome visitors on a special arts treasure hunt.

There are pop-up art galleries in Hurst, Charvil, Ruscombe, Shinfield and Wokingham, each showcasing the work of a different local artist.

A total of 34 artists are taking part and the disciplines include silversmithing, textiles, oils and watercolours: there is something for everyone.

Venues include the Virgin Active gym in Denmark Street, Dinton Pastures and High Copse Farm in Shinfield.

Entry to each venue is free and works by the artists are available to buy.

The Wokingham Arts Trail is held over September 21 and 22 from 11am to 6pm each day. v For more details, or to download a leaflet detailing all the venues, log on to www. wokinghamartstrail.co.uk.

v Three great concerts MUSICAL treats can be like buses – they come in threes.

St James’ Church Centre in Finchampstead will be hosting a performance by Trio Treats on Saturday, September 21.

Starting at 7.30pm, the evening of music includes light refreshments during the interval. Tickets cost £6 and everyone is welcome. v For more details, or to book, call (0118) 973 0133.

v Art on show

WORK by local artists and craftspeople will go on show at a special exhibition next month.

Stoke Row Independent Chapel is the venue for the show, which will be held from Tuesday, October 1 to Saturday, October 5.

The chapel also hosts a weekly art group, at 10am on Wednesdays. Everyone is welcome. v For more details, log on to www.stokerowchapel.org.uk.

COMEDY

A Kind of comedy to look forward to

A COMIC who has toured with Milton Jones and Tim Vine is getting ready for a more intimate gig.

Andy Kind will be bringing his quick fire gags to Reading – and he’s hoping that you’ll bring along the laughter.

The rib-tickling comic will perform his stand-up set for one night only at Argyle Community Church in West Reading from 8pm on Friday, September 13.

And in these credit crunched times, the price is no joke: tickets are just £5 or £3 for those of secondary school age.

As well as making people laugh, Andy also runs workshops for young offenders, helping them build up their sense of self-worth and value.

For more details, or to reserve tickets, contact Lynne Colman at Lynne@ argylecommunitychurch.com or 07881 487163.

LITERARY FESTIVAL

Big names are brought to book

A

LTHOUGH the use of ebook readers and tablet computers is on the increase, a forthcoming festival proves that we’re still a nation of bookworms.

The Henley Literary Festival is a week-long extravangza which sees a host of big names and big books turn up in some surprising locations.

It takes place from Monday, September 30 to Sunday, October 6.

Talks will br held in venues such as the Hibernia by the River Thames, in the community-minded Christ Church in Reading Road, the Town Hall, the D:Two coffee shop attached to Henley Baptist Church as well as more traditional venues such as the Kenton Theatre.

Guests giving talks include Douglas Hurd, Barry Norman, Max Hastings, Irvine Walsh and Ann Widdecombe.

On Monday, September 30, highlights include Stella Rimmington, the former

From left: Peter Snow, Ann Widdecombe, CS Lewis and Lucy Worsley Lucy pictured by Georgie-Gillard director of MI5, who will give a talk about her new career as an author of a series of books about a female spy, while ex-Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross gives his thoughts on why we’re so fascinated with crime.

The Tuesday sees a travel writing seminar take place at Bix Manor, while Alister McGrath shares insights gleaned while writing a biography of Narnia author and noted theologian CS Lewis.

Former Daily Telegraph editor Max Hastings will be at Christ Church to explain the events that led up the First World War. On Wednesday, Ann Widdecombe will appear in a

sell-out evening at the Kenton Theatre, talking about her life with John Stapleton, while Miles Jupp, star of the sitcom Rev, is at the Red Lion.

Thursday’s highlights include a look at Pride and Prejudice in the 200th anniversary since it was first published and a visit from Andy Kershaw, who hosted Live Aid. Former swingometermeister Peter Snow will be at Christ Church on Friday, later in the day, the venue will host his son, Dan and a visit from Kate Adie, who will look at the women in the First World War. Children’s author Gareth

Edwards will share his very digusting sandwich at d:two on Saturday morning, while Lucy Worsley will look at historic royal palaces at Christ Church.

Steve Jones will be at Christ Church to explain why he sees the Bible as a scientific textbook, while Craig Brown will make an appearance with Eleanor Bron at the Kenton Theatre.

The final day of the festival includes a seminar on selfpublishing, and visits from Melvyn Bragg, Roy Hattersley and Floella Benjamin. v For more details, or to book, log on to henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk.

LEISURE

To advertise call 0118 328 2959 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2013

PROMS

Get ready to celebrate the Last Night

By Phil Creighton YOU’RE invited to fly the flag, celebrate being British and raise money for a good cause all at the same time … at the request of the Mayor of Henley.

The Henley Symphony Orchestra will be performing at a Last Night of the Proms concert taking place in the town on Saturday, September 7.

Cllr Stefan Gawry is organising the very special event which will include performances of Gershwin’s Strike Up The Band, Handel’s Water Music and

Walton’s Crown Imperial.

The second half of the performance will include a live link-up to the Royal Albert Hall for the finale of the BBC’s Last Night of the Proms, which will include Rule Britannia and Auld Lang Syne.

Money raised will go towards AgeUK, the Chiltern Centre, Sue Ryder, Riverside Counselling Service and Headway.

“Please come,” said Stefan. “Fun, flags and bunting are provided.”

The venue for the concert is St Mary’s Church in Henley and the music starts at 7.30pm. Tickets, which have

limited availability, cost £17.50 or £5 for under 16s. They are available from Henley Town Hall, by emailing j.brazil@henleytowncouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01491 576982.

v And also in Tilehurst!

St Michael’s Church Hall on The Meadway, Tilehurst, will also host a Last Night party.

It starts at 7pm and includes a homecooked supper including Union Flag cakes.

Individual tickets cost £7.50 and a family ticket costs £20. For details or to book, call 07793 815124.

ON STAGE

The greatest Shakespeare is in love story Bonnie Caversham of all time

Young superstars take to the stage

v Enjoy going Over The Rainbow A CHANCE to go Over The Rainbow is coming up later this month as the Farley Singers come to Earley.

The chamber choir, directed

by David Walder, will perform Judy Garland’s famous song alongside Duruflé’s Requiem and works by Schubert at a concert to be held on Saturday, September 28.

The choir will be accompanied by Simon Dinsdale.

Starting at 7.30pm, the concert takes place at St Peter’s Church in Church Road and entry is free. Donations will be welcomed and go towards Macmillan Cancer Support.

v Musical night will be Lifted

A QUINTET of musical talent will be tuning up to come together for a very special fundraising event next month.

Members of Lifted Gospel choir, rock band Broken State, funkalicious rock band High Top Heroes and solo artist Andrea Hull will be joined by the Vineyard Band for the concert at The Pavilion, Oxford Road on Saturday, October 19.

Starting at 7pm, there will be canapes and non-alcoholic drinks available. v Tickets cost £10 and can be ordered from musicalextravaganza. eventbrite.co.uk.

WHAT price is love? For Romeo and Juliet, the cost is their young lives – but you can put your own price on it.

Reading Between The Lines theatre company is once again turning Reading Minster Church into a theatre space for its latest production and, for one night only, it’s inviting you to pay what you want (minimum £5).

Shakespeare’s play about a pair of lovestruck teenagers needs little introduction, but this performance is, says the group, inspired by contemporary imagery of riots across the globe.

The high octane, modern production will be bolstered by the musical dexterity of DJ and electronic composer, Benjamin Hudson.

The soundtrack will be a feast of feisty, original music inspired by Shakespeare’s words.

You can catch the show, which promises to be every bit as stunning as last year’s Twelfth Night, from Thursday, September 19. The run continues until Saturday, September 28.

Tickets cost £16-£20 and concessions are £13. They can be bought from www. readingbetweenthelines.co.uk

TALENTED youngsters know what’s the buzz as they prepare to present their production of a much-loved musical.

Masquerade theatre group will be treading the boards of the Kenton Theatre in Henley from Tuesday, September 10

29

v Abba-tastic!

to Saturday, September 14.

They will be presenting their version of Andrew LloydWebber’s musical Jesus Christ Superstar.

The rock opera, with lyrics

by Tim Rice, has been a firm favourite since its first performance in 1971 and

traces the last seven days of the life of Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas.

Curtain up is at 7.30pm each night and tickets cost £15 or £12 for concessions. v For more details, log on to www.kentontheatre.co.uk or call 01491 575698.

SUPERTROUPERS are invited to be somewhere in the crowd when the lights are shining like the sun at a family fun night out.

Whitley residents are being invited to a special 70s Abba Evening, which is being held on Saturday, September 21 at St Barnabas Hall, Elm Road.

Although there won’t quite be 20,000 friends in the audience, it’s sure to be a popular night.

Organisers are inviting guests to dress up, with a prize for the best costumes. There will also be a buffet, quizzes, dancing and more, all based on the 70s theme.

Tickets cost £3, or £2 for children. v For more details, log on to www.saintapb.org.uk.

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ARTS

September 2013 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 2959

Sing up for choir festival PLANS are already well underway for a special choir festival to take place early next year.

Ten groups have signed up to take part in the Henley Choir Festival, which brings the voices together to form a superchoir which will sing Vivaldi’s Gloria – and with an open door policy, you can also be part of the performance.

In the first half of the programme, each of the choirs will have a chance to showcase their talents, so there will be a varied and interesting range of music to enjoy.

The festival is also a fundraising event for local charities and is organised

by Elizabeth Hodgkin, who is a former mayor of Henley, and David Butler, who is the organist of All Saints Church in Peppard.

Also taking part will be conductor Jonathan White, who has been an organist for Canterbury Cathedral, David Old, organist of

Easthampstead and members of the choirs of St Mary The Virgin Church in Henley; All Saints Rotherfield Peppard; St Nicholas, Rotherfield Greys; a united choir from Christ Church, Harpsden, Shiplake and Dunsden; the Hambledon Valley Choir Group; St John the Baptist, Kidmore End and Aliquando.

Soloists came from the local community and give their time freely, ensuring as much money as possible is raised for charity.

The setting will be St Mary the Virgin church in Henley itself, and the event is held on Saturday, January 26.

A rehearsal for the Gloria is at 4.30pm and the performance is at 7pm.

Tickets for both performers and audience are £5 and can be obtained on the door from 2pm on the day. v If you would like more information, contact the organisers Elizabeth Hodgkin on 01491 573192 or David Butler on 0118 972 4065.

ROUND-UP

Do you want to join in a panto?

Ascot Brass

v

IT’S nearly panto time again. Hands up if you thought our next words would be ‘Oh no it isn’t’.

Oh yes, it is. Oh no it isn’t.

And members of a Wokingham church are calling for singers and actors to get ready to slap their thighs in preparation.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church performs an annual show and auditions will take place on Saturday, September 21, from 10am to 2pm. It’s open to everyone from Year 6 upwards and no experience is necessary, just enthusiasm.

Auditions will be held in the church’s Keenan Rooms. v For details, email parishpantocc@gmail.com.

v

THREE big local names in the local music scene will be performing in a Wokingham venue this autumn.

The West Forest Sinfonia will be the first to visit St Paul’s Church in Reading Road for a concert on Sunday, September 29, which starts at 4.30pm.

Aldworth Philharmonic will perform next, on Saturday, October 19. This concert starts at 7.30pm.

Reading Symphony Orchestra will then perform on Saturday, November 9, again at 7.30pm. v For more details, log on to www. stpauls-wokingham.org.uk.

v

THE Reading Central Salvation Army’s refurbishment is complete and the town centre venue is gearing up to host its first two concerts.

First up is a visit by Ascot Brass on Saturday, September 28. They will be accompanied by the Berkshire Youth Percussion Ensemble.

Then, a week later, the hall will host musicians who have travelled from all corners of Great Britain for a cornet concert.

Held to mark the launch of a new band CD, Voice Of The Beloved, the evening sees Irishman David Corry, Scot Keith Johnston, Welshman Eric Williams and Englishman Paul Mortlock team up for the night of music.

Both shows start at 7pm and tickets cost £5 each, with under 16s getting in free. v For more details, log on to: www. readingcentral.org.uk.

v

USUALLY when people complain of musicians murdering the tunes they only mean it metaphorically, but for one night only in Emmer Green this month it’s actually going to happen.

Well, almost.

St Barnabas Church is raising funds to restore its organ and it is hosting a Music Murder Mystery evening from 6.45pm on Saturday, September 14.

Organisers are promising an evening like you’ve never seen before with music to die for (literally).

Tea and cakes are served before the show, which will start at 7.30pm sharp. v For more details, log on to www. saintbarnabas.org.uk.

v

TRINITY Concert Band will be taking audiences on a world tour for their September concert.

The band will perform Global Variations by Nigel Hess, Oregon by De Haan, medleys from Fiddler on the Roof, and An American in Paris by George Gershwin at its first show of the autumn season.

It will be held at Trinity Church, Lower Earley on Saturday, September 28 from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 in advance or £12 on the door, under 16s get in free. v For more details, call 0118 969 0925.

v

READING Bach Choir is looking for new voices, particularly tenors and basses.

The group are commissioning a new work from Gabriel Jackson which will be performed in Reading next summer.

Members must be able to sight read or work on the music between rehearsals. v For more details, visit www.readingbachchoir. org.uk or call Cathy Carr on 0118 947 0104.

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

ARTS REVIEWS

To advertise call 0118 328 2959 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2013

Moviewatch Despicable? No, it’s very lovable!

Cinema with Martin Ceaser

v Despicable Me 2 (U)

“recruited” by the Anti-Villain League to solve the puzzle of a stolen top secret Arctic laboratory.

At the same time, Gru struggles to keep an eye on his daughters while falling for the eccentric Agent Lucy Wilde (Kirsten Wiig) and failing to

Stars Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan

T

here is always a risk with sequels that they fail to match up to the first film, but that is not the case here.

If anything, Despicable Me 2 is by far the better film in the animated franchise.

We pick up the action with Gru (Steve Carrell), influenced by his three adopted daughters, turning away from a life of crime and dedicating himself and his Minions to producing jam.

However, his past comes back to haunt him when he is

notice that his Minions are slowly disappearing.

The film has everything – adventure, romance, family tension and, of course, lots and lots of laughs.

Steve Carell might be the leading man (abeIt an animated one) but it is, without doubt, the Minions who steal the show.

If you wanted to analyse the movie and draw out some discussion points, you could look at Gru’s redemption story, begun with the love of the girls and completed through his transfer to the side of good; you could reflect on the make up of the modern family; you could discuss the ongoing battle of Good versus Evil and what motivates people to do good or bad things.

Or you could, like me, simply sit back, enjoy the silliness and the slapstick, and have a really good laugh.

My favourite part? The Minions’ reaction to the name of the Head of the Anti-Villain League. Sorry :) The Revd Martin Ceaser is minister of Crowthorne Baptist Church

CONCERTS

Christian bookshops’ boost from charity scheme that bookshops benefit from increased sales as Speaking Volumes pledges to matchfund any order they take on behalf of the scheme. And it is already proving popular, with churches and shops alike.

Paula Renouf, director of Speaking Volumes, said it’s a two-way relationship that benefits both parties.

“Bookshops are in touch with churches and encourage them to reach out to their community through our scheme,” she added. “The bookshops benefit from extra sales.”

The process is easy.

A charity that helps churches give Christian books to libraries is now working through Christian bookshops, giving them a much-needed boost.

Speaking Volumes will pay half the retail value of new books that a church or individual wants to donate to any library where books are available to a wide readership.

Speaking Volumes is a scheme run by the Christian Book Promotion Trust, a charity that makes Christian literature available to inspire and encourage readers of all ages and backgrounds.

The new partnership means

Individuals and churches place their orders from the list of Speaking Volumes titles, paying the bookshop half the shelf price. Speaking Volumes reimburses the rest.

Both Quench and Greyfriars bookshops are taking part.

Books and DVDs can be purchased for any type of library – including prisons and schools.

Paula added: “It’s good news all round and the biggest winner is your community.” v For details and a list of participating bookshops, visit www.speakingvolumes.org.uk or call 07914 301481.

SOLUTIONS

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v Sing with the Singers IF YOU like Gilbert & Sullivan, Abba, Lloyd Webber, Handel, Rutter and Flanders and Swann then you could be in tune with a popular choir.

Reading Concert Singers is holding an open choir rehearsal on Wednesday, September 18 and everyone is welcome, even the Empress of Song ready to deliver her seventh encore.

Whether your technique is perfect or just your larynx, the Singers invite you to join them at 8pm. It will be held in The Carey Centre, Reading.

No voice test is required and the choir is looking for new voices in all parts. v For more details, call Mary Munday on (0118) 942 5290 or Tim Munday on (0118) 962 2676 or log on to www. readingconcertsingers.org.uk.

v Jazz night

St Mark’s Church Hall in Reading will play host to a small celebration of Jazz Standards performed by Judy Vaughan on Saturday, September 14 at 7.30pm.

Everyone is welcome to come along and the evening is in aid of Cancer Research and the work of the church.

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Codewords

4 5 6 7 8 9 3 2 1

9 7 8 2 4 3

5 6 3 4 6 9 7 8 5 2

Str8ts Str8ts Solution

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

6 4 1 7 2 9 8 3 5

7 3 2 8 1 5 4 9 6

9 8 5 6 3 4 7 1 2

4 2 7 3 9 8 5 6 1

8 9 6 5 4 1 2 7 3

Suduku Sudoku Solution

1 5 3 2 7 6 9 4 8

2 6 9 4 8 3 1 5 7

3 7 4 1 5 2 6 8 9

5 1 8 9 6 7 3 2 4

Kakuro