Xn November 2012

NOVEMBER 2012 ISSN 2049-4971

Good news from across the Thames Valley

REMEMBER

Where you can pay your respects on November 11

FREE!

Pi ck me up!

For you, your community, your life

SINGING

Christmas carols come to the Mall

ZINGING

Jeff Lucas shares his sparkling wit

WINNING Who’s top of the league?

Furry friends given a warm welcome at pet blessing services

ALL CREATURES Join us online

8

xnmedia.co.uk

search for xnmedia

@xnmedia

2

News

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

v Get in touch! email your stories to editor@xnmedia.co.uk Deadline for December issue Friday, November 16

Editor’s letter Phil Creighton I’VE ALWAYS loved carol singing: growing up in Canterbury, every Christmas Eve it felt like the whole city got together to sing carols in the middle of the city centre.

Come rain (snow) or shine, thousands would pack the Marlowe Arcade so they could tell the wondrous story of that very first Christmas. It was magical as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Salvation Army band and some talented young choristers helped lead the singing.

Forget the TV service from Kings College, Cambridge – this was the start of my Christmas.

So I’m delighted to announce that Xn is teaming up with Broad Street Mall and the Reading Post to hold our own community carol singing event. And it’s indoors too! Read all about it on page 5.

Book the date in your diary now and come and join us this Christmas Eve to celebrate Christmas. editor@xnmedia.co.uk

We want to hear from you!

We love hearing from you – and want to share your Good News with our readers.

Each issue of Xn is packed with news from across the Thames Valley and we welcome your help in making our pages the best they can possibly be.

You can contact us with your stories, letters and comments. It’s really easy!

If you have something to send us, you can email it to: editor@xnmedia.co.uk, or you can write to Xn Media, c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE. We’re already working on our December issue. Please send your story ideas to us by Friday, November 16. The issue will be distributed across the Thames Valley so it’s available for Sunday, December 2.

We look forward to hearing from you!

v Correction In last month’s issue, we didn’t let you know that Kingdom Coffee’s Roland Norman was sitting next to the Reading-based firm’s managing director, Darren Rayner.

Apologies. For more on Kingdom Coffee’s work and its support for Fairtrade Plus, log on to www.kingdomcoffee.co.uk. Picture: Lynda Bowyer Xn is published by Xn Media. ISSN 2049-4971 c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE www.xnmedia.co.uk Twitter: @xnmedia Editor & publisher Phil Creighton editor@xnmedia.co.uk Reporter Steve Curtis steve@xnmedia.co.uk Distribution Judith Creighton judith@xnmedia.co.uk Contributors Lynda Bowyer, Michael Penny, Steve Vaughan-Turner, Sally Hamblin, Steve Prince, James Hern, Chris Carter, Laura Bigoni, Jenny Owen Thanks to Michael Penny, Alan Magness, Louise Cole, Mary Brockington, Sharon Elliott, Paul Burnish

Advertising Hinton Media Services Ltd 01932 888417 advertising@xnmedia.co.uk Printed by Trinity Mirror Reading Xn is an independent community publication that aims to reflect church life across all denominations 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.

Remember the fallen CHURCHES from all over the Thames Valley area are inviting people to come along to their Remembrance Sunday services this month.

This year, Remembrance Sunday is November 11 and churches everywhere will mark the occasion with readings, prayers and a two-minute silence.

There will be a Remembrance Day Parade in Binfield. The march will start at Binfield Club Car Park at 9.30am, and will arrive at All Saints Church at 10am.

A Sunday parade led by the Reading Central Band of the Salvation Army will take place in Sonning. The parade will depart from sPearson Hall and arrive at St Andrew’s church at 10.30am, where the service of Remembrance will take place.

All Saints Church, Wokingham, will have a Civic service of remembrance with Churches Together in Wokingham.

There will be a Remembrance parade before the service, beginning at the town hall. Everyone is welcome to join the parade, which begins at 3pm.

People in Finchampstead have two services they are invited to attend. St James’ Church will join the service starting at 10.50am at the Village War Memorial.

St Mary & St John’s Church service starts at 9.45am at their building.

Bracknell have a number of Remembrance events. There will be a British Legion service at the

Parish Church of St John the Baptist, 10am.

The United Reformed Church will also have a service starting at 10.45am from outside the church.

All Saints are hosting an all-age service, starting at 10am on Church Hill.

St John Bosco Church in Woodley will hold a Sunday Mass with a Scouts parade at 10am.

There will also be a blessing of graves at Henley Road Cemetery at 3pm.

Churches in Reading are also holding Remembrance services. Greyfriars on Friar Street begin their service at 10.30am.

The Salvation Army are teaming up with the Royal British Legion to host their annual Remembrance service. This starts at 6.15pm at the Salvation Army building.

Abbey Baptist Church in Abbey Square are also having their Sunday service of Remembrance, starting at 10.30am.

St Nicholas Church in Earley will have their remembrance service at 10am, with a two minute silence at 11am.

Meanwhile, in Goring, Goring Free Church starts their Remembrance service at 10.45am. v For more information on Remembrance Sunday, the Poppy Appeal and national events, log on to www.britishlegion.org.uk.

STEVE CURTIS

v Chorus gives a night to remember v Poppy concert Reading Festival Chorus will, later this month, perform a special Remembrance-themed concert as a way of supporting both the Poppy Appeal and Help For Heroes.

The concert, entitled A Night to Remember and taking place on Saturday, November 10, features Fauré’s Requiem and part of Karl Jenkin’s The Armed Man. The evening will also include songs from Baritone soloist, Ed Ballard (currently at the Royal Academy of Music) and organ music from local organist, Chris Cipkin. The conductor will be

Edward-Rhys Harry.

It will be held at Wesley Methodist Church, at 7.30pm on November 10.

It is expected to be an atmospheric evening and organisers hope to raise funds for two causes aiding servicemen, Tickets cost £13, £11 for concessions or £2 for under 16s.

They can be bought by calling Alison Mackay on (0118) 983 4523 or logging on to the Chorus’ website readingfestivalchorus.org.uk.

Tickets will also be available on the door.

A SPECIAL concert in aid of Crowthorne District Poppy Appeal is taking place in early November.

The Crowthorne branch of the Royal British Legion will celebrate its 90th Anniversary t St John’s Church.

The concert will begin at 3pm on Saturday, November 3 and feature special guests include South Berkshire Singers and Sandhurst and District Corps of Drums.

Tickets cost £6 and are available from the RBL Club, Wellington Road or by calling Sue McIntosh on (01344) 778627.

News

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

Wokingham is THE place to be – and Woodley is pretty good too WOKINGHAM and Woodley have been listed as the top two locations across England and Wales to raise a family, according to a report.

The New Family Investments report which was released last month, identifies the best postcode for young families to live, based on analysis of 67 factors.

Factors included school inspection outcomes, local crime figures and parks and green spaces.

Wokingham came first in the list, while Woodley finished second. Twyford also came into the top 20, ranked 17th in the list.

The Revd Nick Thompson, from Wokingham Methodist Church, agreed with the report and said: “Wokingham is pretty safe. My children can walk around the area at any time of day and feel safe.”

He also felt that the presence of churches in Wokingham contribute to the findings.

“There’s a high level of community identity in the area,” he explained.

“Churches are relatively strong here. They are heavily involved in the community and I’d like to think that has something to do with it.”

Kate Moore, Head of Savings and Investments at Family Investments said: “Wokingham’s place at the top of our table reflects its combination of excellent school results, relative affordability for young families and low crime levels.

“Everybody has different ideas about what makes a great location to start a family and bring up a child and we have tried to be as comprehensive as possible in gathering information on the factors parents have told us are most important.”

In 2007, Wokingham was named as having the best quality of life by Halifax Estate Agents.

The survey found its residents were the healthiest people in the country. v For more on the report or to download a copy, log on to Our survey said … Wokingham, represented here by its Town Hall, is the www.family.co.uk/hotsports STEVE CURTIS place to raise a family according to New Family Investments research

3

v Marvellous concert ROALD Dahl won’t be there, but the Chorate Chamber Choir will be raising money for George’s Extra Marvellous Medicine Fund this month.

The Advent Concert, held at St John and St Stephen’s Church in Orts Road on Saturday, November 24 from 7.30pm.

Entry is free and there will be a collection in aid of George’s charity.

George, from Earley, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in June 2009 and has fought throughout.

He and his family set up George’s Extra Marvellous Medicine Fund, which raised £8,000 for the Royal Berks Hospital Children’s Oncology room.

They are now raising money for CLIC Sargent, a children’s cancer charity.

Chris Tarrant presented George with The Child of Courage trophy at the Pride of Reading Awards for his charity work. v www.chorate.org.uk

Xn needs your help … NOW!

Our first anniversary is coming up in January and each month we’re distributing 16,000 copies – not bad from a standing start 8 months ago! But we need your help, now!

Each issue costs £5,100 to produce – a start-up grant has been a big help as we work towards self-sustainability through advertising; it’s taking a little longer than expected, but with your help, we can get there by March 2013.

Can you help Xn in one or more of these ways?

Our vision is wider than Thames Valley and bigger than the paper in your hands. Will you be a part of the success?

Advertise in Xn

Sponsor Xn or give a gift

Xn is free because we are funded by advertising: advertisers are reporting great results – and we have been inspired by their increasing support of our mission.

Every month, at least 16,000 copies are printed locally and distributed by volunteers.

Xn is committed to bringing you the latest news from across the Thames Valley.

We have a vision of offering more than just a monthly magazine: we want to help the community share its great stories.

To do this we need to invest in people and in equipment and to continue building strong community relations.

Advertising is booked through Hinton Media Services who are committed to helping Xn by offering a first class service.

They’re happy to answer any questions and offer advice. So why not get in touch today?

Call 01932 888417 and speak to Cas, Fiona or Jono.

‘Join me in this journey as we share our Good News with the community,’ says Xn founder and director Phil Creighton You can make a gift to Xn Media online: A/c: 35879203 Sort code: 09-01-28

Thank you!

Why not help Xn and sponsor a monthly edition (and get free profile or advertising in that edition) or a gift toward getting Xn into the community? For more info or to chat with us please email founder and director Phil Creighton: editor@xnmedia.co.uk.

You can send gifts (payable to Xn Media) to: Xn, c/o Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE. Thank you.

Be a Friend of Xn & get it delivered Adopt Xn as your community newspaper. By subscribing, you’ll never miss an issue. We’ll post you a copy each month hot off the press. Your support of £10 for six issues will help Xn report your community news Yes, I’d love to support Xn by taking out a six-month subscription. I enclose a payment by cheque, payable to Xn Media Ltd, for (please tick) £10 Other (please write amount, min £10) Name .......................................................................................................

Address ................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................... ........................................................... Postcode .....................................

Email ........................................................................................................

We will enter your details into a database and may contact you from time to time about Xn, but we will never share or sell your details to any third parties.

Please tick this box if you wish to decline this communication.

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

4

Advent

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

v Christmas preparations Craft Fayre & Christmas Shopping Event Saturday 10 November, 1pm-4pm

All are invited to a fun packed afternoon Lots of stalls, games for children, unusual crafts on display, plus all you need for Christmas.

Buses 20 and 21 stop nearby

Trinity Church, Lower Earley

Continental Christmas Market St Michael’s Church Hall, The Meadway, Tilehurst Friday December 7th 6-9 pm Mulled wine, sausage sizzle, handmade gifts, soaps and cards Big raffle and tombola Santa’s grotto Further information ring Jackie on 07783 815 124

Abbey Baptist Church

Christmas Fayre Saturday, November 24 10am-2pm Home-made Cakes and Jams, Crafts, Jewellery, Refreshments, Traidcraft – and Father Christmas in his Grotto!

More details at www.abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk

Nativity ready to return IT MAY be the 56th year running, but the Aldermaston York Nativity is still going strong.

Planning for the annual nativity began in July, and it has been announced that the production will return next month.

The York Nativity Play uses Medieval costumes, songs and words to retell the story of Christmas. Most of the cast and the support team come from Aldermaston and surrounding villages making the York Nativity Play a community event.

Some of the cast have performed in the play for many

years and generations of families have taken part.

Joseph, for instance, is played

by Nick Caiger-Smith. He was at one time First King, having taken over the role from his father the distinguished potter Alan CaigerSmith.

The first production of the York Nativity Play took place in the Church of St Mary the Virgin in 1957. It was never intended to last for more than three performances but has, in fact, taken place annually in unbroken sequence since then.

The director for this year’s show is, just as it has been since 1957, Pat Eastop MBE.

Hosted in the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Aldermaston in early December, the production is hugely popular, meaning that although it is free, tickets need to be reserved to be sure of a seat.

Performances take place on Thursday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8. Thursday and Friday shows are at 8pm, weekend shows start at 7pm. v For tickets and further information, email aldermastonnaivity@hotmail. co.uk or write to R Fowler, 40a The Street, Aldermaston RG7 4LW. STEVE CURTIS

Brain tumours helped by Livas Quartet A CHRISTMAS concert will raise funds for brain tumour research next month.

The Livas Quartet will be performing at St Paul’s Parish Church, Wokingham and joined by local drama group Platform Young Professionals to raise money for the Ollie Young Foundation.

Clarinet player and teacher Karen Ayton said: “Our clarinet and saxophone concert in June

was a great success, and raised a lot of money for Helen and Douglas House.

“We felt very strongly, however, that we should put on another concert, specifically for The Ollie Young Foundation.”

The family-friendly concert will be part traditional carol service and part popular music performed by the Platform choir.

Stephen Willis, Director of Music at The Abbey School,

Reading will be conducting the concert.

The concert, on Sunday, December 9, will last an hour, with refreshments afterwards. It starts at 3pm.

Tickets are £10, £5 for concessions and under 12s are free. v To buy tickets, phone (0118) 989 3133 or (0118) 979 2122 or email karen.ayton@btinternet. com.

Carols by Salvation Army Sangeeta Bhabra, from ITV’s Meridian News, will be the guest compere for this year’s Reading Central Salvation Army carol concert.

Taking place at The Hexagon theatre in Reading on Saturday, December 1, the concert will also feature massed choirs, a timbrel group and children who will present the Christmas story.

It takes place on Saturday, December 1, and is so popular that the Salavation Army organised two performances –at 3pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £9, or £5 for under 16s and can be bought from the Reading Arts box office on (0118) 960 6060 or logging on to readingarts.com.

Carol concert

v Christmas crafts

Saturday, Dec 1

With the Reading Central Salvation Army Corps and Meridian Tonight’s Sangeeta Bhabra

UNIQUE handmade art and crafts made by local artists will be available to buy early next month.

Wokingham Library is hosting an Arts Market on Saturday, December 1. The event begins at 10am and finishes at 4pm. taking part in the Organisations

Friday 9th December 10—4.30pm 10.30am Rose Street Nursery Christingles Produce and Gift stalls Tree Colouring Competition Tree Quiz Bradbury Centre entrance:

v Depot for Shoeboxes READING will have its own collection point for Christmas shoeboxes for the first time this year, and is seeking volunteers to help with delivery and packaging.

Operation Christmas Child – Love in a Shoebox will be hosted at 84 Queen’s Road, Reading.

The warehouse will be open from November 5 to 29, and it is hoped that as many people as possible will take up the opportunity to get involved.

Samaritans Purse, the organiser of Operation Christmas Child, is encouraging people to spare an hour or two during weekday afternoons to help with checking and crating up shoeboxes; or collecting filled shoeboxes from schools or groups and delivering them to the collection point.

Donations are also needed of filers, such as toothpaste, sweets or cash to buy items which are required. v For details, e-mail pennyshaw@hotmail.co.uk or call Julie at (0118) 986 6765.

v Markets A MAN from Reading is organising Christmas market events to raise money for three different charities.

Paul Farmer, a member of Emmanual Methodist Church, is holding the markets in the Downshire room of All Saint’s Church Hall, Reading.

On Saturday, December 1 from 2-3.30pm the Christmas market will be raising money for the Duchess of Kent Hospice charity. Admission will be 30p.

On Saturday, December 15 from 2-3.30pm the event will raise money for the Sue Ryder and Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service charities.

v More fairs this Christmas

decorating of the Christmas trees

You’re invited to The Hexagon on Saturday 1 December to enjoy the Carol Organisations taking part in the Friday 9th December Concert presented by Reading Central Salvation Army Corps. decorating of the Christmas trees 10—4.30pm 10.30am Rose Street Nursery You’ll be able to join in by singing some of your favourite carols, Christingles Produce and and enjoy hearing Christmas music performed

by Gift thestalls massed choir Tree Colouring Competition and the Reading Central band. The timbrel group will be taking part Tree Quiz

and the children will present the Christmas story in their Saturday 10th December own inimitable way. 10—4.30pm 11am Live Nativity by Stage Fright Nativity sets and nativity story There will be two performances,Produce 3pm and andgift 7.30pm stalls stall Tickets cost £9 for adults and £5 forTraidcraft children under 16 Fiona’s Gifts Helen & Douglas House stall 0118 960 6060 or www.readingarts.com Tree Colouring Competition Tree Quiz Musical entertainment SE Berkshire Singers Handbell Ringers Concord Singers

Bradbury Centre entrance:

Reading Male Voice Choir

Wokingham Flower Club

Wokingham Flower Club

Upstairs Landing

Wokingham Art Society Wokingham Horticultural Association

Matthew

Cancer Research UK Contact Loddon Valley Ramblers

4th Wokingham Beaver Scouts Saturday 10th December Concord Singers Upstairs Landing 10—4.30pm Mark Wokingham Art Society 3rd Wokingham Brownie Pack 11am Live Nativity by Stage Fright Ashridge Nursery Wokingham Horticultural Association Nativity sets and nativity story WADE Produce and gift stalls Wokingham Embroiderers Guild Matthew Traidcraft stall St Paul’s Junior School Project Gateway Cancer Research Fiona’s Gifts UK Youth Cafe Helen & Douglas House stall Contact Link Visiting Scheme Tree Colouring Competition Dimensions Loddon Valley Ramblers Tree Quiz Berkshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers Musical entertainment 4th Wokingham Beaver Scouts Luke SE Berkshire Singers 3rd Wokingham Methodist Guide Company Concord Singers All Saints CE (Aided) Primary School Handbell Ringers Anthony Toby Homes Concord Singers Church Art Group

in Concert with Perfect Note Community Choir Saturday 17 November, 7pm

Mark

Tickets £8 or £10 on the door.

Ring (0118) 975 7441 for tickets or more info Buses 20 and 21 stop nearby

Berkshire County Blind Society 3rd Wokingham Brownie Pack NSPCC Sunday 11th December Wescott Infant School Ashridge Nursery Wokingham District Mencap 12—4.00pm WADE Keep Mobile Traidcraft stall Guild Tree Colouring Competition Wokingham Embroiderers Guild Trefoil National Childbirth Trust Winners Display Church (Main Hall—Sunday) St Paul’s TreeJunior Quiz School Rose Street Toddler Group (large tree left in church) Project Gateway Rose Street Nursery Group All Day Lunch (£3) MORS Youth Cafe Wokingham Lacemakers Take-away option The Hawthorns Primary School Link Sandwich/Pizza Visiting Scheme Bacon Slice Helen & Douglas House Baked Potato with Topping Dimensions Vestibule Homemade Soup & Roll Junior Church Berkshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers CLASP

Trinity Church, Lower Earley

Luke

Friday Art Group Shinfield Players

3rd Wokingham Methodist Guide Company All Saints CE (Aided) Primary School Anthony Toby Homes Church Art Group Berkshire County Blind Society

FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS TREES

40 Christmas Trees 40 decorated by the Community Christmas Trees for the Community decorated by the Friday Community FESTIVAL OF 9 Dec 10am-4.30pm for Saturday the Community CHRISTMAS TREES 10 Dec 10am-4.30pm Friday

Sunday 11 Dec 12noon-4pm

9th December 10—4.30pm

Saturday 10th December 10—4.30pm wokinghammethodist.org.uk

40 Christmas Trees decorated

Sunday

11th December 12—4.00pm

CHURCHES everywhere are holding festive fairs and markets this month.

We’ve rounded up as many of them as we can and listed them in our packed What’s On guide, which starts on page 20.

Advent

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

5

v Christmas preparations

& Broad Street Mall plan carols event

READING is being invited to save the date so the town can come together to celebrate Christmas at an inaugural carol singing event.

Community Carols In The Mall will take place at 4.30pm on Christmas Eve in Broad Street Mall, Broad Street, Reading and will be an opportunity for all ages to unite to sing a selection of festive music.

The event is backed by Xn, Broad Street Mall and the Reading Post.

Lasting about 40 minutes, the Community Carols In The Mall will see the Reading Minster Boys Choir lead the singing, accompanied by members of the Reading Central Salvation Army Brass Band.

There will also be a range of surprises to make the event extra special – and organisers hope to get a very busy Santa to make an appearance as he prepares to make his deliveries to good boys and girls.

And you don’t need to worry about carol singing in the dark, cold, rain or snow as the whole event

will take place in Broad Street Mall itself.

Organisers hope that people will make a note of the date now and come and join in the fun community event to help them get into the full festive spirit.

The event is based on a similar initiative that has been held in Canterbury since 1951, and sees the Archbishop of Canterbury take part.

The Reading event is being organised by Phil Creighton, editor of Xn.

“Everyone loves singing carols to celebrate Christmas, so what better way to get ready for the big day than coming together as a town to sing of the season?” he said. “We hope the whole town will dress up, come along and join in.”

The Reading Post is also adding its backing to the fun event.

The Christmas Eve Community Carols In The Mall is just one of a number of special events being held in Broad Street Mall in the run-up to Christmas Day. The Reading shopping centre, which is already home to the popular Has Reading Got Talent?, will switch on its Christmas lights at a star-studded ceremony on Saturday, November 17.

It is also teaming up once again with Reading Post and Microsoft for the Giving Tree appeal, which sees Reading people donate presents to children who would otherwise go without. v For more on the Mall’s Christmas events, log on to www.broadstreetmall.com

Enjoy some Christmas glee at tree festivals v Twyford Following the success of last year’s first Christmas Tree Festival in Twyford organisers have planned an even bigger and better festival this year.

It takes place over four days and once again will be held in St Mary’s Church in the centre of the village.

The festival opens on Thursday, December 6 and continues until Sunday, December 9. Admission is free and it is open from 11am to 4.30pm.

On Thursday, December 6 Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band will give a ticket only performance at 7.30pm.

On Friday the festival will be

open until 9pm as part of the annual Twyford Village Fayre and the High Voltage Singers will be performing.

On Saturday comedy illusionist Steve Price will be appearing. Tickets are required.

Between 2.30pm and 4pm on Sunday a full Christmas tea will be available – again tickets are required.

Paul Bromley, who organises the event together with wife Pam, said: “Our theme this year will reflect the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics, with lots of gold, diamonds and of course red, white and blue.

“All village organisations, clubs and businesses are invited to

Some of the trees that were decorated for last year’s event take part by displaying their own tree. We had 2,000 visitors last year and we hope to do better than that this time round.” v Tickets will be available from

November 7 from Brighton’s newsagents in the village, from the church office at St.Mary’s and by calling (0118) 934 4792 or (0118) 934 0642.

Wokingham groups ready to decorate 40 festive firs v WOKINGHAM CHRISTMAS trees that have been decorated

by Wokingham community groups will be on show for a weekend next month.

Wokingham Methodist Church and Bradbury Community Centre will have 40

seasonal spruces on show for charity.

Taking place from Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 11, all funds raised by the event go to two charities, the global reaching Motivation and a local Youth Café.

There will also be stalls, singers and a Live

EXCEPTIONAL CRAFT MADE ARTICLES FOR THE HOME

Nativity by StageFright on Saturday.

The festval is open from 10am-4.30pm over the weekend, except Sunday when it starts at noon. v For details, call (0118) 977 6898 or visit www.wokinghammethodist.org.uk.

v WOODLEY MEMBERS of Christ Church in Woodley are looking forward to its Christmas tree festival, which will raise funds for Tools For SelfReliance.

Taking place over the wekeend of December 15-16, the event features trees decorated by groups within the church and from the wider community.

The church will be open to view the trees on Saturday from 10am to 4pm and refreshments will be available.

On Sunday, the church also holds its Junior Church gift day and young people’s service to which everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be available after the service.

In the afternoon the trees can be viewed from 2pm to 5pm and more refreshments available.

“We invite anyone to come and view the trees and see something of the work of Tools for Self-reliance,” says a spokesperson for the church. v christ-church-woodley.org.uk

visit us: Online & On the A44 in Woodstock IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CRAFTMAKERS’ COOPERATIVES, SINCE 1979  01608 811811

Hand made baskets, placemats

Cotton duvet covers: Hand blockprinted Lampshades

Ikat weaving

Throws & much more online Handloom fabrics

Hand embroidered cushion covers

6

News

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

A roofraising concert in Southcote has rasied vital funds for Africanbased projects

The best throughout the night: quality concert helps African projects BLACK History Month was celebrated in song and in style last month as Voices4Africa raised money for the people of Africa.

The Revd Richard Becher, minster for the United Reformed Church and University of Reading Chaplain, was in the audience at Grange URC in Southcote.

He said: “It was a great evening in which the

Join fight against injustice CHURCHES across the Thames Valley are being invited to learn how to battle global injustice through an award-winning course.

The Iota Course is a free eight-session multimedia course for small groups, designed to help Christians explore how to respond to global injustice.

The course, produced for the Methodist Relief and Development Fund, consists of a series of short films and related discussion guides.

MRDF’s Acting Executive Director, Simeon Mitchell, received the award along with Phil Knox from Purple Flame Media, which produced the films for the Iota resource.

After the ceremony, Mr Mitchell said: “We did not produce Iota in order to win awards, but to change hearts and minds.

It is great to have this recognition of the power and quality of the materials. We hope it will be an encouragement for even more people to use them.”

The course won the Interactive category for a Charity and Social Enterprise at the 2012 Clarion awards.

The awards were presented by the International Visual Communications Association (IVCA).

The IVCA Clarion Awards are not-for-profit and recognise best practice in communicating the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility, diversity, community development, ethical, health and welfare issues. Previous winners have included BP, Honda, and Al Gore’s film An Inconvenient Truth. v www.mrdf.org.uk STEVE CURTIS

audience got involved.”

Though the figure raised is not certain, Richard said that the money raised was near the £500 mark, which would go towards their projects in Africa.

“The quality of singing was really fantastic,” he said, “Everyone really appreciated that.

“People say save the best until last, but it was

the best all the way through.”

Plans for a similar event next year have not been thought about yet, but Richard says that it would be well worth doing, considering its success.

Another Black History Month celebration took place at The Globe, just off Portman Road on October 28.

STEVE CURTIS

£70,000 raised in 1 day

by Warfield churches WARFIELD churches are celebrating after raising a staggering £70,000 in just one day.

The parish churches are attempting to raise £100,000 to help renovate St Michael the Archangel.

On Sunday, October 14 each of the parish’s seven congregation took an offering for the project – and the event didn’t take place on a whim.

The day came after 18 months of planning, and speaking to more than 100 people to plan how to best renovate the church to suit their needs.

Priest in Charge of the Warfield Churches, the Revd Dr Mark Griffiths explained: “We now have six months to raise the remaining £30,000. So at our next joint Warfield Church service, there will be an offering for this, and a range of fund raising activities will soon click in.”

He said that the churches has until Easter 2013 to reach their £100,000 target. As we went to press, £78,000 has been raised.

The planned changes to the building hope to make it more welcoming to a wider range of people in the community.

Park United Reformed Church and Community Centre Palmer Park Avenue, RG6 1DN

Six rooms/halls for your meeting suitable for small and large groups (1-140 people) Discounts available Contact Centre Manager, Julie, 0845 463 6426 centremanager@parkurc.org.uk Further details: www.parkurc.org.uk

v Costa on downturn AN INTERNATIONALLY respected businessman will be addressing the issue of moving on from the economic downturn when he speaks in the Thames Valley later this month.

The talk, which takes place at St Michael the Archangel, Warfield, wants to encourage people to move on from the financial crisis.

It takes place from 6.30pm on Sunday, November 11.

Ken Costa has worked for more than 30 years in the UK’s financial services, including as Chairman of Lazard International.

He is a regular speaker at international conferences dealing with the current financial crisis, and is author of God At Work and chairman of Alpha International. v For more information about the talk, phone (01344) 886 900 or email admin@ warfield.org.uk.

Help wanted for holding crosses PSYCHIATRIC patients are being encouraged to literally embrace their faith at Prospect Park Hospital.

The Revd Rachel Wadey, Chaplain at the hospital, has developed a religious care resource box for patients, and is encouraging churches to donate holding crosses towards the box.

As an example, Rachel said the box would contain a prayer mat and compass to show the direction of the Mecca.

The Chaplain said: “When people come into a psychiatric hospital, they

are often very distressed, and for some people, prayer can be a help.

“Christian patients have found these really helpful, giving them a sense of being held by Christ, and a sense of being grounded; a sense of not being alone in times of suffering.”

Now Rachel is asking for donations from Churches Together to help keep the religious box filled with holding crosses. v To help, contact Rachel by emailing rachel.wadey@berkshire.nhs.uk.

STEVE CURTIS

News v A mini mass for little ones A SHORT and sweet mass is being provided for young children in Ascot every week.

Mini Mass is held every Tuesday in the Chapel of Saints Mary and John, as an alternative and more child-friendly version of a Sunday service.

The mass is for everyone with young children. It starts at 9.30am.

The service is led by one of the parish clergy or its minimass ministry team.

v Auction YOU ARE invited to a special auction taking place later this month.

St Michael’s Church in Spencers Wood is holding an auction of items and promises on Saturday, November 10.

Proceeds will go towards the church and its’ continued work in the community. Viewing is from 6.30pm, with the auction beginning at 7pm.

Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase.

Items for auction must be submitted by November 9. v For more details, call Dorothy Abrey (0118) 988 6224 or Yvonne Gripton (0118) 988 2706.

v Encounter A RELAXED and calm atmosphere can be expected in St George’s Church later this month, as they host an encounter service.

Starting at 6.30pm, the event will have snacks, music and multimedia presentations to encourage involvement with the Christian faith.

The church in Owlsmoor, Sandhurst, will host the event on Sunday, November 25. v For details, call the Revd Roy Burgess on (01344) 771 286.

v Birthday fair A TILEHURST church will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in style this month.

On Saturday, November 24, St Catherine of Siena will be hosting a Christmas fair to celebrate the occasion.

There will be stalls, games and refreshments, as well as a visit from Father Christmas.

Admission is 50p, and the fun takes place from 2-4pm at Wittenham Avenue, Tilehurst.

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

Farmer John receives OBE A LOCAL farmer left his sheep to fend for themselves for a day while he went to Windsor to collect his OBE last month.

As part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2012, John Bishop now officially has three letters after his name.

Farmer John was awarded the OBE - the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – for services to agriculture and the community in Berkshire.

John heard the news in April, but had to hold his tongue until the Queen’s birthday, in June.

He explained that, as a Christian, there was “a lot of inner searching”.

He added: “You wonder if you’re worthy. You do think ‘well, why me?’”

Before the announcement, John says that his work is done expecting no reward.

“You’re not doing it to get rich.

If you’re doing Kingdom work, you’re not expecting rewards or recognition,” he said.

Rushall Farm has been under the care of John and his wife, Lindsay, for 39 years.

In the early 80s they set up the John Simonds Trust for Education in the Countryside to encourage young people to develop a love and understanding of the countryside, and to forge stronger links between town and country.

John explains that the trust has “naturally grown” over the years, and this year alone the farm has had over 12,000 visits from children, as well as

John Bishop with his new OBE, presented to him at Windsor Castle camping trips with schools, churches and organisations including scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Awards students.

Special events, such as a Christmas Eve service and lambing Open Days with the Reading MS Society are also held.

On Friday, October 12, John travelled to Windsor Castle to collect his honour.

He said: “It was one of the few days this autumn that the sun shone. [My wife] Lindsay and I and two of our daughters Elisabeth and Nicki had a wonderful experience.

“We all dressed up really smart and then had a big family celebration back here in Bradfield.”

Prince Charles conducted the award ceremony and said to John “that he hoped the OBE would be an encouragement to carry on the valuable work we are doing from our base at Rushall Farm”.

STEVE CURTIS

500th anniversary dance THE KENNET Morris Men are hoping to break a Reading record next year as they celebrate the group’s 500 year anniversary – and are looking for people to get involved.

The oldest recorded morris dancing in Reading is in the churchwarden’s accounts for St Laurence’s church in the town centre.

On August 10, 1513, the churchwardens paid for morris men to celebrate the church’s dedication day.

Chris Hutchinson, organiser of the record-breaking event, explained that he “is trying to put together a group to dress and

perform as closely as possible to the way that the original 1513 morris dancers would have done.”

The dance will be called the Redding 1513, which was one of the spellings used a couple of centuries ago.

It will be the first time ever that a group will have attempted to reconstruct early Tudor morris dances and perform them in public.

He is encouraging people from all over Reading to get involved. v For more information, or to get involved, email strar@ strarshouse.freeserve.co.uk.

Take care!

Make the most of life with Philip Keohane

Christmas is for everyone For many of us, Christmas plans are already well underway. Present shopping has begun, we are busy sorting out where we will be over the festive period and who will be visiting us.

For many older members of our community though, this time of year is a time of dread, a time when the rejection they feel due to their isolation from the rest of society is compounded yet further.

As more family groups splinter due to marriage break up or people moving further away for work, younger people it seems, find it increasingly difficult to find time to spend with their elderly relatives over the Christmas period.

We all appreciate that Christmas time is especially one of the worst times to not to be with family. Yet somehow for many of us, our busy lives drive out the good intentions we have.

Also, for some, having to accommodate an elderly relative who may not actively contribute to the festive celebrations is an inconvenience they would rather avoid.

A poll for the Centre for Social Justice found that an estimated 370,000 over-75s, a quarter of those living alone, spend no time at all with other people over the Christmas period and over 250,000 (enough to fill the Madjeski Stadium 11 times over) will spend Christmas Day alone.

This scenario really is a modern tragedy.

Please therefore look out for some of the more vulnerable people living in your neighbourhood, the ones who may not have family and friends lined up to see them in the forthcoming weeks.

We can do our little bit and make that one special effort some time in our celebrations to invite our elderly friends and neighbours over for a mince pie and a drink and make them part of everything that is going on.

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

7

8

News

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

v Find Jesus A SERIES of talks exploring what is known about Jesus will take place this month.

The event, sponsored by the Open Bible Trust, is held on Saturday November 17 and is based around the question “What do we know of this exalted One?” Held from 2.30pm to 6.30pm at St Stephen’s Church, Upper Basildon, there will be seven talks by five speakers and it will be split into three sessions.

There is no charge for the sessions and refreshments are provided between sessions.

There will be the opportunity for donations, and to purchase books, CDs and DVDs. v For more information, call 01491 671357, email admin@obt. org.uk or visit www.obt.org.uk.

YMCA brews up cafe plan to help people get back to work A CAFE is hoping to help get people back to work by offering voluntary positions to the local community.

The cafe is offering opportunities to unemployed or underprivileged locals, and is hoping to bridge the gap to full-time employment by teaching and training people on hygiene, cooking, and running the front of the establishment.

The centre is based in Parkside Road, Tilehurst and as well as the cafe provides housing support and workshop and life skills training for young people, children’s play group, respite for young carers, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, football, table tennis, aikido, kung fu and many activities for senior citizens.

Manager Kerry McJohnston has been employed by the YMCA for five years.

She explained that there had been plans to open such a place when she first joined, but it was not until there was a change at the top that it became a reality.

Kerry said: “We’ve recently had a new CEO, and he has a different view of how things are going to run.”

To spread the news about Parkside, a

Facebook page was set up and leaflets were left in places such as church offices and information centres.

They have also formed ties with the Reading Voluntary Action (RVA), Reading College and the Youth Offending Service.

Kerry added: “We are slowly building up our customer base. We’re still learning anyway, but it’s exciting.”

Each day the establishment on Parkside Road has meat specials, vegetarian specials, and soups of the day alongside the usual items on the menu.

The Parkside Cafe is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am-4pm. v www.facebook.com/TheParksideCafe.

STEVE CURTIS

New charity’s first open day

v Family night AN EVENING of entertainment for all the family will be raising money for a church roof fund later this month.

An Evening with Friends 2, hosted by Holy Trinity in Bracknell, will raise money for the church’s roof fund.

The event, held at the church on The Ring, will start at 6pm on Saturday, November 17.

Family tickets (2 adults and up to 3 children) cost £15. Adults £5.

Concessions and children £3.

v Doh si doh Everyone is invited to doh si doh and enjoy a fun barn dance and hog roast in early November.

Hosted in Sandhurst Community Hall, the barn dance and hog roast will take place on Saturday, November 3. The dancing begins at 7.30pm and ends at midnight.

It’s being organised by members of Bracknell Vineyard Church and will feature live from the Local Yokels.

Participants should bring their own drinks and tickets cost £12. v For more details log on to www.bracknellvineyard.org.

v Autumn treat CAKES, games, tombola and more can be expected at the autumn bazaar later this month.

St Paul’s Church, Wokingham is hosting an autumn bazaar on Satuday, November 10.

The event takes place at St Paul’s Parish Rooms between noon and 3.30pm.

Entry is 30p.

Look out for LZ7!

POPULAR rap and dance band LZ7 will tour schools in Reading later this month, before playing a Friday night concert.

The Manchester-based band are heading to schools from November 12-16. The band will visit Highdown, Prospect, JMA, Kendrick and Reading Girls’ School over the course of the week.

The group, which formed in 2005, are then playing a concert at St Laurence church in Reading’s town centre on Friday, November 16 from 7-10pm.

Following the shows, St Laurence church will be running a Youth Alpha course on Friday nights.

Tickets for the show are £3 each, and can be bought from westy@saintlaurencereading.co.uk.

Top honour for Xn’s food expert Christine Well-known nutritionist, chef and author of over eight recipe and health books has been honoured for her Outstanding Contribution to the Community.

Christine Bailey, who writes a monthly food column for Xn, was highly commended in the CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) Award 2012.

Her enthusism, energy and passion through her

nutrition and health work was highlighted during the Award Ceremony at the CAM Show by editor of the CAM Magazine Simon Martin.

Not only does Christine run a successful clinical practice in Reading and London but she combines her love of healthy food and nutrition with practical support through cookery days for health care practitioners and the public. She is frequently

seen presenting and speaking at national conferences and events, in the media as well as running corporate health talks and programmes.

Christine is involved locally by supporting and training local community and health groups, sports clubs, running supermarket store tours and works with primary and secondary schools teaching cookery and nutrition.

A MENTAL health recovery programme had an open day to raise awareness last month.

Still the Hunger is a charity based at Arcade, on Glebe Road, Reading. It held its first open day on Saturday, October 6.

The charity offers a structured day treatment programme. It is run by Christians, but is open to people of any or no faith who wish to receive help and support.

Beverley Hutton, CEO and visionary of the programme said: “It is all about people coming to know their true identity.”

The charity explains on its website that it “aims to provide a supportive environment” for its patients through a series of day programmes.

Morning sessions are spent looking at better ways of coping with the problem, while afternoon sessions are spent in a more relaxed, creative environment.

The open day was an invitation for people to invite relations who might benefit from knowing a bit more about the programme, and raise awareness of the programme.

The Still the Hunger recovery programme is the only mental health recovery programme in the south outside of the NHS, and is looking at spreading across the south given enough support. v For more information, visit www.stillthehunger.co.uk.

STEVE CURTIS

News

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

9

v Are you listening?

PEOPLE are expecting to be taught how to listen in Wokingham later this month.

The Listening Course, held in the Keenan Rooms will be led by Katja Babei, advisor for Marriage and Family Life, Portsmouth Diocese.

The course aims provide an introduction to listening skills in a relaxed setting, and encourages married couples, parents, teachers and catechists to come along.

It takes place on Saturday, November 10 from 10.30am3.30pm.

If you would like more information, call Deirdre McCormack (0118) 977 5879 or log on to www. portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.

Quirky quips with a serious message AN evening of music and ministry captured a packed audience at Greyfriars, Reading, on Thursday, October 18.

Throughout his informal chatter of quirky quips, anecdotes and recollection of humorous life moments, the inimitable American pastorturned-author-turned-speaker Tony Campolo guided the evening’s proceedings with a strong emphasis on an enduring love – or in his words a love on a deep level upon which he drew similarity from the same love within a long-standing marriage.

This understanding with the audience helped to drive the message about the evening’s key emphasis – the work of Compassion UK in their child sponsorship programme and the need to show that same love to others.

Leading British worship singer-songwriter Graham

v Saturday fun for children Children from around the Ascot area are invited to cause chaos on the first Saturday of each month.

Come Alive On Saturday!

(CAOS!) is a children’s club for boys and girls aged between 7-12.

The club involves Bible bits, games, crafts and quizzes for the children.

The club meets at Ascot Baptist Church, North Ascot from 10am.

A nominal subscription fee of £1 is requested on registration with each session.

For more details, contact Phil and Janice Draper on (01344) 883459.

v Author visit AUTHOR and spokesperson Simon Ponsonby visited Reading last month to give a challenging talk on Loving Mercy.

Simon, who is based at St Aldates Church, Oxford, gave the talk challenging his audience to plan to right the wrongs, and put justice at the centre of the Christian agenda.

The talk, which took place on Sunday, October 7, and has the same title as his latest book, highlighted commendable community efforts that seek to do the same thing.

Ian Clark, a volunteer for Greyfriars Bookshop said: “Kindness is a key attribute of Jesus’ character, life and ministry. It should mark us out as Christians.”

v Paul plans festive stroll A READING man will be going on a trek in fancy dress to raise money for three charities.

Paul Farmer, a member of Emmanuel Methodist Church on Reading’s Oxford Road, will embark on his journey from his church at 11am on Saturday, December 22.

With fellow walkers, he will travel from the church to the Duchess of Kent House Hospice. From there, he will travel to Maidenhead then to Cox Green.

Paul will be raising money for hospice charity, Sue Ryder charityand the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service charity.

The charities have promised to set up online fundraising pages.

Anyone is welcome to join Paul for part or all of the walk, with fancy dress optional.

Church invites you to Alpha taster IT MIGHT not be launching until January, but plans are already being made for a new Alpha course.

The course acts as a practical introduction to Christianity and includes a meal, a talk and a discussion.

St Barnabas Church in Emmer

Green will launch the course on Monday, January 7, at 7pm.

The church is running a taster session on Sunday, November 25 after the 9.30am service. v For more details, call (0118) 947 5744 or (0118) 947 9708 or send an email to alpha@ saintbarnabas.org.uk.

Kendrick rounded off the event with a stunning set, concluding with a rousing rendition of Shine, Jesus Shine, which brought the house down. v For more on Compassion’s work, log on to www. compassionuk.org WORDS & PICTURES: LYNDA BOWYER

10

News

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

Roots of the 2011 riots were ‘two quiet revolutions’ v Witnessed David Lammy, MP for Tottenham gave the 2012 Beach Lecture at Newbold College last month. Helen Pearson summarises the talk, entitled Out of the Ashes: Building Bridges after the Riots DAVID Lammy, who grew up in Tottenham, knows from experience about deprivation.

His father left him and his mother when David was 12 and just beginning the remarkable educational career that led him to become the first black Briton to graduate from Harvard Law School and eventually became an MP and Government minister.

His lecture focused on his own experience of the inner city riots since the 1980s and his attempts to make sense of what was happening.

He described his bewilderment as a teenager trying to make sense of the 1980s riots in Broadwater Farm, Brixton, and Bristol.

David Lammy MP makes a point at the Beach Lecture, which was given at Newbold College in Binfield last month Picture: Victor Hulbert As an adult politician he sees the roots of the 1980s riots in economic deprivation, racial unrest, mistrust of the police, educational streaming and a failed youth training scheme.

But the London Riots of 2011 had different causes and the media did not understand that.

He said: “During last year’s riots, journalists wanted to write the story as if it was the old story. But it was not.”

To clarify his picture of the roots of last year’s riots, David described ‘two quiet revolutions’ .

DOWNSHIRE GOLF COMPLEX The rights revolution of the

Downshire Golf Complex

Winter Golf Days

November to March, for groups of 8 people or more

DOWNSHIRE GOLF COMPLEX

60s taught ethnic minorities and women to believe that they had the right to live their own lives.

So “bankers had the right to their bonuses, MPs to their duck houses, journalists to their hacked phone conversations and rioters to the contents of the Foot Locker store.”

The economic revolution followed. Under Thatcher and Blair and Brown people learned, “you can make as much money as you want, unregulated, unchecked”.

Workless working class communities and especially worklessness for many young people in London’s tower blocks are, David suggested, “the result of the economic liberal environment”.

“We can’t always look to the State to provide solutions to these problems,” David told his 70-strong audience in Newbold’s Salisbury Hall.

“We can use the State to ameliorate the worst effects of the economic liberal environment” but “it’s usually parents that lift children out of poverty - not the State”.

He described the challenges faced families where both parents have two jobs and neglect their

Great ideas for Christmas at Downshire Golf Complex n Advertiser’s

Be Driven...

From just...

£18.00 per person (senior, over 60) and £21.00 per person (adults) for Coffee and Full English Breakfast and 18 holes.

cial...

December spe

Coffee and Bacon Roll, 18 holes and 2-course Christmas Meal from

£31.50 per person (seniors, over 60) and £34.50 per person (adults)

Organiser goes FREE with groups of 20 people or more.

Downshire Golf Complex Easthampstead Park, Wokingham RG40 3DH Tel: 01344 302030 Fax: 01344 301020 Email: downshiregc@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Web: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/downshiregolf www.facebook.com/downshiregolf

children in order to keep the family supported.

“So who’s raising children?” he asked.

“If we allow gangster rappers to be role models, no wonder we have knife crime.”

He talked about making fathers responsible by insisting that legally their names must be on their child’s birth certificate.

The Q&A session at the end of the evening concentrated on fatherhood and mentoring and ways to develop support for children within religious communities.

David spoke quietly.

He supported his arguments with facts. He didn’t rubbish his opponents. He made people think.

He didn’t claim to have all the answers.

Most of all, perhaps, he made the members of his audience wish that more politicians of all parties brought to their analysis of British urban society his commonsense values allied with his Christian faith.

Many in his audience agreed, “This was one of the best lecturers we’ve had.”

Helen Pearson is the diversity centre co-ordinator of Newbold College, Binfield

AnnouncEment

Why not come to the Downshire Golf Complex, Wokingham, with a group of friends or work colleagues for a lovely 4-course Christmas Carvery one lunchtime in December? (various dates available depending on your group size).

At just £21.75 per person you will need to book now to avoid disappointment.

If you are struggling to find a present for your loved one this festive season, you could give our golf shop a try.

With a range of clothing and equipment for men, ladies and juniors or gift vouchers that can be

purchased for use in the shop or for golf lessons – this could be your answer.

Is the run up to Christmas too busy for you?

Are you celebrating a birthday or anniversary in the New Year/spring?

Parties at the Downshire Golf Complex needn’t cost a fortune and are hassle free.

At just £75 for the room hire (if having one of our buffets) and catering from £6.15 per head we could solve your celebration worries.

For further information on any of our facilities, please call (01344) 302030, pop in to see us, look at the website: www.bracknell-forest.gov. uk/be or find us on Facebook: www. facebook.gov.uk/downshiregolf

12

People v

Picture: Beatrice Pogoda Photography

News

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

A SELF-confessed workaholic is using her time on sabbatical to help people in the local community.

Wiola Hatak has moved to Reading from Poland for a three-month break, and is using her time to support local people.

Wiola admits that while she is not relaxing, she is free from the “ultimate responsibility” that came with her work in an outreach school programme in Poland.

She is spending her time in Reading visiting Poles who are having difficulties in adapting to life away from Poland.

During her visits, Wiola encourages

them to get involved in a nearby church.

In fact, Wiola says that the difficulty these people have in adapting to England has held them back.

“In Poland, these people would be church leaders,” she explains. “Church is a great place, a great atmosphere.

Reading is a colourful place.”

Wiola spends three days a week helping at a language school and an international Bible study, held at Carey Baptist Church in central Reading.

There is no chance of her getting homesick.

She explained: “I’m enjoying myself, very much.

Time flies, which is making me not feel homesick.”

Furry friends welcom

Mark, Daniel and Jennifer Potter with Border Terrier, Jasper

v

NEWLYWEDS picked up their guitars and played music at their own wedding recently.

Cameron and Cath Spence (née Mackrell) got married on Saturday, September 22 at Trinity Church in Lower Earley.

Cath is a curate at the church.

With a large band, a 90-minute service, modern worship songs and laughter all the way through, it was not your typical traditional service.

“There was even heckling from the congregation,” laughed Cath.

The building was full of people, and the bride described it as a family occasion, but meant as a church family.

“It was great to be able to put together,” she said.

v

MARATHONS are hard at the best of times, but for a first-timer to run a hilly course is madness.

The reason behind the madness is Chris Rock’s passion for Yeldall Manor, a rehabilitation centre based in Hare Hatch.

The charity helps men overcome their drug or alcohol addiction and provide them with “a hope and a future”.

Through his church – Wycliffe Baptist in east Reading – Chris had got to know a number of former Yeldall residents and had an ample opportunity to see the work the charity does.

He thought that his first marathon would

After the ceremony, the bride helped prepare communion while her new husband stepped onto the stage to take his place in the band.

The bride then “confiscated the bass from the bass player” whom she knew from when she worked in youth groups.

What was important for the newlyweds, however, was bringing people together.

Trinity Church is a partnership that brings together Methodist, Anglican and URC denominations together. be “the perfect opportunity to break my fundraising duck” for Yeldall.

Chris ran the Kielder Marathon, which an almost entirely off-road course around northern Europe’s largest manmade lake, Kielder Water, in Northumberland.

It took place on October 7, and Chris expects to raise nearly £400 for Yeldall.

He said: “It was my first marathon, although I’ve been running for the last five years or so.

“I completed it in a time of 4:07:31, which I thought was pretty good for a first attempt and on a hilly course.” v To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ chrisrock.

Above: Joshua and Samuel Vassallo with their hamster Cookie Left: Charlotte Baldwin with her guinea pig Fizz

Donkey, Tracy, from the Island Donkey Sanctuary in Wallingford, is walk All pictures in this spread are from St Mary’s pet service and are © www.thew

Families from across the Winkfield parish came together for the pet service, held on October 7 PETS from across the Thames Valley were given the opportunity to be blessed in October.

St Mary’s Church in Winkfield and All Saints Church in Wokingham had pet blessing services on Sunday, October 7 and encouraged people to bring their pets along for the special event.

Pet blessing services are traditionally held for St Francis of Assisi Day – October 4 – each year.

The service at All Saints Wokingham was extra special as the congregation welcomed the Town Mayor of Wokingham, Councillor Peter Lucey, as well as John Redwood MP. The guest speaker was the Revd Julie Ramsbottom, rector for Finchampstead parish.

Jo Asplin, parish administrator and organiser of the pet blessing service, said: “This year’s service was all about companion pets and the joy and friendship they bring.”

Caroline and Amy Yo service, along with hu

While there were a number of animals present, she explained: “It was appropriate that the vast majority of the animals present were dogs.”

John Redwood was delighted to attend the service and enjoyed hearing the contributions from all creatures great and small.

Writing on his website, he said: “I would like to thank the organisers for inviting me, and for all involved. Many fine dogs turned up on the day and added new tones to the singing.”

At the service, Julie gave a talk about the companionship she enjoys with her dog.

Meanwhile, the Revd Catherine Blundell (pictured) led St Mary’s pet blessing service, which saw hundreds of people of all ages come along. She was delighted with how well the service had been received by people.

ce o

pl ce

News

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

med with open paws David Blundell blesses a much-loved pet

A CHURCH has held a photography competition for its congregation to make a calendar.

An annual event, the contest encourages members to submit their photos with the aim of scooping a special prize: a place on people’s walls.

All winning photos are published in a calendar which is then sold by the St Michael and St Mary, Easthampstead, with all money raised going towards church funds.

And the latest calendar is now on sale, costing just £7 for the full colour guide to 2013.

Competition 2013 Calendar organiser Lynn Clitherow says that St Michael and St Mary

the competition aims to “capture the church all through the year”, explains.

And there is plenty to photograph as the church is built on a site that has been used for worship since 1159.

The competition has four categories: Best window, best interior, best exterior and best event.

Pictures can be taken throughout the year, and don’t need to be recent.

Judging of the photos is between Lynn and church leader Father Guy Cole, who, as Lynn says, knows what he’s doing.

“One of our best photographers is Father Guy,” explains Lynn. v For details, log on to www. stmichaelseasthampstead. org.uk.

ad Magdalene Easthampste

ad, RG12 7ER Crowthorne Road, Easthampste .org.uk www. stmichaelseasthampstead

You say… v What do you think about Jacksons?

ked up the aisle of St Mary’s Winkfield by her carer, John Roberts weddingphotographs.com

oung enjoyed taking part in the undreds of others

Community calendar on sale

The Parish Church of

Drinks were served in the churchyard

13

Eloise and Alicia Shrewsbury with their pet labrador

An animal friendly Bible reading was given by (from left) Charlotte Baldwin, Kate Gibbons, Daisy Dewsbury and Beth Gibbons

She said: “This was an amazing community elebration, thoroughly enjoyed by young and old of whatever species.

“I thank the team who put together such a well planned service and I praise God that we can elebrate his goodness towards us together.”

The pet service supported three charities: the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary in Wallingford, Lakeview Monkey Sanctuary and the Pine Ridge Dog Sanctuary in Ascot.

The vice-chair of Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary, Catherine Keogh, and donkey carer John Roberts, came with donkey Tracey to the delight of the congregation.

Founder of the Lakeview

Monkey Sanctuary, Sharon Shaw was also present.

Afterwards, refreshments were served in the churchyard.

STEVE CURTIS

A READING department store is faced with closure after 137 years of serving the area.

Jacksons is well-known as a supplier of school uniforms and its traditional shopping environment.

Our readers gave their thoughts on the closure.

Lynda Bowyer was shocked to see the news, commenting: “This is shocking. It’s an institution! Where else can you get personal service, tailoring and handwritten receipts? £It’s a prime example of how good customer services should be in our shops. I will be sad to see it go.”

Others were less sympathetic. Stephanie White said: “Closing down?

No surprise. The surprise is that it has stayed open these last 20 years!”

Elaine Maynard and Julia Hill recommended changing the building into a museum.

Andrew Waugh was slightly more suspicious, however.

He said: “No-one ever goes in or out of there. I reckon it’s a front for the Mafia, or GCHQ.” v If you want to get involved in discussions, you can tweet @xnmedia, find us on facebook.com/xnmedia or log on to www.xnmedia.co.uk.

Bringing Religious Education to life From the Lost Sheep… ...to life after death

v Who was St Francis?

St Francis was a man who had been called up to fulfil his dream of becoming a knight, but had a change of heart.

He became a Christian and was known for being a man who believed that all of God’s creations – including plant life and animals – were part of his brotherhood.

St Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals, the environment and is one of two patron saints of Italy. It’s said that he once preached to hundreds of birds.

Visit one of our sessions and see for yourself how your church can transform RE in your local schools.

Email office@re-inspired.org.uk, call 0118 966 3929

www.re-inspired.org.uk

CTEER Schools Project registered charity no 1109291

14

News

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

v Family Circle KEEP IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER | TO PLACE A NOTICE EMAIL ADVERTISING@XNMEDIA.CO.UK v Church music

v Induction

Richard joins All Saints Wokingham Baptists welcome Nick

v Inductions PASTOR JIM SNOWDEN. Community Baptist Church, Bracknell is holding an Induction Service for Pastor Jim Snowden on Saturday 10th November 2012 from 2pm-4pm at Birch Hill Community Centre, Leppington, RG12 7WW.

Richard Smith is the new director of music at All Saints Wokingham “He brings a wealth of experience and talent combined with huge enthusiasm for sharing music in many contexts, including worship.”

And Richard is encouraging members of the community to get involved.

“I will be putting together a really structured programme of singing lessons and training for the choristers, and if any local children are interested in getting involved I would be be very pleased to hear from their parents,” he said.

“Singing is a wonderful skill that will give a lifetime of pleasure, and being part of a busy choir is a fantastic extracurricular activity.”

Richard Smith takes up the role following the retirement of former director, David Rance.

Puzzles STR8TS Str8ts

Sudoko 1 2 7

1

3 6

7

2 9 4 5 9 6 7

1 3

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.

Tough

8

5 5 9 2 4 3 3

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

3 6 9 1

9

9 © 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

5

Answers on page 23

3 4 9 8 4

4 4

WOKINGHAM Baptist Church has a new minister.

The Revd Nick Hudson was inducted as team leader for the busy church at an induction service, held on Saturday, September 29.

Led by the Revd Lynn Green, a regional minister for the Southern Counties Baptist Association, the packed church heard how Nick and his family felt called to leave their previous pastorate, Bluntisham Baptist Church in Cambridgeshire, to come to the Thames Valley.

During the induction, led by Lynn, Nick confirmed his calling to be a pastor, promising to care

SUDOKU

Easy

9

Church leaders lay hands on NIck and Wendy Hudson as they commence their new ministry at Wokingham Baptist Church

9

for the weak, lift up the downcasted and care for people with all diligence and compassion.

In return, members of Wokingham Baptist Church promised to pray and support him, and renewed their commitment to Christ and the church.

Church leaders laid hands on Nick to pray for him and his family. After Lynn Green shook his hand, formally welcoming him into the pastorate, there was a spontaneous burst of applause from the congregation.

The sermon was given by the Revd Mat Wilson, a friend of Nick’s and a team leader at the Birmingham-based IMC Centre run by BMS World Mission.

“This is a fantastic occasion,” Mat said as he opened his sermon, which was based on 2 Peter 1:1-11.

Mat also took the opportunity to praise his friend’s desire to serve God and promised Wokingham Baptist Church that Nick would be a blessing to them, citing his gift for encouragement and relating stories from Nick’s ministry, which include working on missions to Albania.

“He will bring clear, thoughtful, relevant teaching to this church,” he said. “He is committed to demonstrating the Gospel.”

Mat added: “Nick is sent to you as a missionary pastor – he brings people back to God.” Nick’s first act of ministry at the church was to give the blessing at the end of the service.

Afterwards, a tea was laid on in the church hall.

Members of Nick’s old church, Bluntisham, travelled to Wokingham to support him.

Steve Vaughan-Turner

www.drawingfromexperience.blogspot.com

1 4

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

A NEW director of music was welcomed into the ministry of All Saints Parish Church in Wokingham last month.

Richard Smith is well-known to music lovers in Wokingham, having been artistic director of Wokingham Town Hall early music concert series and the 250-strong Wokingham Jubilee Chorus.

He has a rich history in conducting choirs and orchestras, including winning the College of Organists’ John Brook Prize for Choral Conducting and an M J West Memorial Scholarship.

Richard said: “I am delighted to be working with such a vigorous church and such a renowned choir. Wokingham is blessed with so many fine choirs, singers and instrumentalists and I know that All Saints Church is right at the heart of things.”

Canon David Hodgson, Rector of All Saints said: “We are very pleased to have Richard joining the team at All Saints.

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.

‘They’re Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – but we couldn’t find anything fire retardant to make them with!’

News v Faith in the workplace INTERNATIONALLY renowned speaker David Oliver will be in Reading early this month.

David Oliver, who has spoken in public to over 200,000 people and made numerous media appearances, will be visiting two churches in Reading.

On Thursday, November 8 he will be giving seminar on Christian faith and discipleship in the workplace.

The talk, entitled Love Work Live Life! will take place between 1-2pm at St Laurence church and 7.30-9.30pm at Lower Earley Baptist Church. v To register your place for free, contact LEBCminster@ yahoo.co.uk or phone (0118) 935 3598.

v See Easter this month A PLAY by popular Swedish writer August Strindberg is coming to Whitchurch-onThames this month.

Easter, by August Strindberg, will be performed at Whitchurch Village Hall on Friday, November 23.

The play, which starts at 7.45pm, is an optimistic and tender story that tells the tale of a family’s misfortunes.

Seats are £9.50 each, concessions £8.

Call (0118) 942 1144 for more details.

v Showtunes for Samaritians THE BERKSHIRE Singers will be bringing a thrilling mix of tunes from Broadway to La Scala this month.

A programme of popular arias, ensemble pieces and show tunes will be on show at St Andrews Church, Caversham.

Beginning at 7.30pm on Saturday, November 10 the show features songs by Puccini, Novello and Flanders & Swann.

Net proceeds will to go The Samaritans, the confidential emotional support service for the UK & Ireland.

Tickets cost £10 or £8 for concessions.

They can be bought on the door or by calling Graham on (01344) 628533.

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

15

Thanks for your harvest gifts … but please sir, can we have some more?

Harvest collections from churches and schools have been praised – but food banks say they still need more donations.

Woodley Food Bank has received plenty of support, and harvest collection went well.

John Honeybourne, head of the bank, said harvest came just in time: “It was a great help at a time when our supplies were running low.”

He also explained that harvest is important: “It was a reminder of people in our community. Of people who are in need. Food is not something to be taken for granted.”

Woodley Food Bank needs donations to meet referrals from various agencies, social services and self-referrals.

ReadiFood is the food bank is paired with FAITH Christian Group, which works with the homeless and poor of Reading.

They deliver 50 emergency food parcels per week across the Reading area and need continuous donations.

Malcolm Pierce, Director of the food bank, said; “Harvest has been very encouraging for us at ReadiFood this year. We rely on a large influx of food at this time of year to sustain demand for months to come.”

Giving special thanks to Piggot Wargrave, Oracle and Unison for their help, Malcolm continued: “Please, please, do not stop donating. Next year will be very demanding as changes in the benefits system begin to take effect.

“It may help to visualise 100 reusable sixed supermarket bags full of food.

That is what we give away each week.”

According to the BBC, the number of people turning to a food bank in Berkshire has risen by 80 per cent. v To donate: • Bracknell food bank at Kerith Community Church: (01344) 862699.

• Woodley food bank at Woodley Baptist Church: (0118) 969 9956.

• ReadiFood. Phone (0793) 684 5303.

A harvest gift from 2nd Finchampstead Rainbows (left) was packed by Edward and Lucy Hall (above) and donated, along with other gifts to ReadiFood

Members of St Mary & St John’s church, California, Finchampstead celebrated Harvest Festival by collecting tinned and dried foods, toiletries and cash for ReadiFood, while a similar selection of Harvest gifts from sister church, St James’ Finchampstead were donated to CIRDIC (Churches in Reading Drop-in Centre).

The church’s Fledgelings

Group and their families attended their own Harvest Festival Service at St James on October 9. During the service the children added their gifts at the altar to those already donated and afterwards tea, crafts and games followed in the Church Centre.

St James’ Church Centre was also the venue for Harvest Supper on Saturday 6th October when a sum in excess

of £450 (donations are still being added) was raised for The Mercy Centre in Bangkok, the charity supported by congregation member and Olympic torch-bearer Denise Gray. It helps children and communities in the many slums of Bangkok: offering shelter to orphans and street children, building and operating schools to name but a couple.

Waitrose stores to collect for ReadiFood SUPERMARKET Waitrose will be teaming up with a local food bank this month to host a special food collection point.

ReadiFood, which is run by FAITH Christian Group, has teamed up with the John Lewis partner to hold special food collection points.

Collection points will be available in the Waitrose branches along he Oxford Road and in Twyford on Saturday and Sunday November 25.

Friday, November 30 will have a collection

point open at the Twyford branch again.

On Saturday, December 1 the Oxford Road branch will have another collection day.

Finally, on Sunday December 2 the Oxford Road and Twyford branches will again be collecting food.

All collection points will be open from 10am4pm.

For more information, or to volunteer your help, contact Malcolm Pierce malc@fcg.org.uk or call 0793 684 5300.

Only individuals can bring about true reconciliation “True reconciliation takes place between individuals and not groups.”

That was one of the personal discoveries shared recently with over 70 men by former Billy Graham and Conservative Party Public Relations Director Harvey Thomas.

A survivor of the 1984 bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton which claimed five lives, Harvey relayed the terrifying story of his ordeal, and his subsequent friendship with the IRA officer who planted the device five feet beneath his bed.

He was addressing the Reading Churches Men’s Group at the Sonning Blue Coat School on Saturday, October 13.

The realisation of the necessity to forgive came suddenly to Harvey fourteen years later when preaching in Kentucky. It was the words of St Matthew which made the impact –“…if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Harvey’s intellectual acceptance of this made his following decision easy, and he wrote to the perpetrator, Patrick Magee, in the Maze Prison to forgive him. An enduring, respectful friendship grew, and ultimately saw the two men engage in public debates on the nature of reconciliation.

Harvey explained how animosity

dissipates when the decision to forgive is made. While his views were not shared by his fellow Brighton survivors, there was uniform respect for his decision.

“Like communication,” Harvey said, “all reconciliation is ultimately personal – as it stems from one’s own individual faith in God.” The next Reading Churches Men’s Group meeting takes place in February, with a speaker to be yet announced. On May 11, however, the Rt Rev Andrew Proud, the Bishop of Reading, will share the experiences of his ministry in Ethiopia.

CHRIS CARTER

16

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

Police elections

Who do you want to be top cop?

The Police and Crime Commissioners Election for the Thames Valley takes place on November 15 and six candidates want your vote. Here, each candidate gives a short introduction to themselves and their policies, to help you decide v Anthony Stansfield (Conservative)

v Barry Cooper (UKIP)

v Patience Tayo Awe (Independent)

Anthony has had two careers, first in the Army, joining at 17. He spent much of his time commanding helicopter squadrons, as well as being in the infantry worldwide.

He has also had a career in industry, much of it as a Managing Director of a well-known aircraft manufacturer. He has an MSc and has studied terrorism and global security at University.

Anthony was a member of the Police Authority for six years and understands the issue that Thames Valley Police face and is fully aware of how Police budgets are structured.

With this experience and knowledge Anthony is in a good position to represent the residents and businesses in the Thames Valley as their first Police and Crime Commissioner.

If elected as the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony pledges: • To reduce crime and drive up detection rates.

• To maintain the balance between urban & rural policing.

• To ensure that the Police budget is targeted effectively.

• To protect vulnerable people.

• To ensure the Police act firmly and fairly, using good judgement to deal with the public politely, gaining their respect and acting with integrity. v If you want more information about Anthony’s pledges please visit www.anthonystansfeld.org.uk

UKIP has long held reform to the criminal justice system, including introducing an element of democracy, as a key part of its domestic policy platform.

Unlike the three old parties, we do not come with decades of ideological baggage, an overbearing central party system or a legacy of failure to deliver what the public sees as priorities.

As PCC I will begin my time in office with some immediate alterations to police strategy. I will adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach to anti-social behaviour and so-called “gateway” or “petty” crime. I promise to improve detection rates across the board, especially with regards burglary.

I will move to raise police morale by cutting needless paperwork and making sure that the officers on the front line know that their PCC will insulate them from further cuts, ensure that all current cuts will be applied in the most rational way, and generally give them the tools and support to get on with their job.

If you want to vote for a mouthpiece for the old, failed parties, that is your choice. If you want a PCC who will bring actual democracy, fresh ideas and common-sense to the role, then the only viable choice is UKIP.

I will be honoured to have your vote because the PCC position is nonpartisan.

I am an independent candidate, not affiliated to any political party, completely independent of the Police, not a former bureaucrat from the Police Authority. I will represent you, without conflicting political party policies/ police authority pressure or any hidden agenda.

I have relevant, transferable skills and experience, worked in various sectors. I have Masters in IT and PRINCE2 qualifications. ICT is crucial in fighting crime and ensuring safer community.

I am passionate about people, volunteering and serving the community. I served as RVA Trustee, a charity that supports Reading’s voluntary and community sector also provides advisory services and training. I am a member of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

I just joined the Reading Criminal Justice Association and the Women’s Institute.

Party politics and policing will create avenues for partiality, unfairness and all the associated social imbalances and compromise the integrity of the police.

Party politicians cannot be trusted, made countless ‘U- turns’, expenses scandal, £14m train fiasco, G4 scandal, out of touch with the local people, even insult the police.

Where were the party politicians when resentment and frustration against the police reached boiling point and there was a nationwide riot last year?

v Tim Starkey (Labour)

v John Howson (Liberal Democrat)

v Geoff Howard (Independent)

For over 11 years Tim has worked with people in the frontline of the criminal justice system: both as a prosecutor and a defence lawyer; in police stations, courts and prisons and, above all, in bringing perpetrators of human trafficking to justice. He understands the system, and its failings, and wants to make it work better.

Top priorities include: • Fighting the 20% cuts that put at risk the police ability to respond to 999 calls and keep us safe.

• Create a more efficient service: less paper and fewer layers of management.

• Better communication: developing a website which victims can log into securely to track the progress of their cases at a time convenient to them.

• Investing in Individual Domestic Violence Advisors to support people fleeing domestic abuse.

• Working in partnership with Thames Valley’s flourishing IT industry to combat internet fraud and keep our children safe online and free from cyber bullying.

• Work with mentoring charities to provide young people with positive alternatives to anti-social behaviour and gangs.

• Protect the operational independence of the police.

Decisions over police numbers and priorities will be for the PCC, decisions over who is investigated and arrested must always be for police officers.

As Police & Crime Commissioner I would: • Emphasise improved detection rates – For years Thames Valley did not solve enough crimes • Ensure support for victims of crime is funded • Protect frontline policing including bobbies on the beat • Work with other agencies to ensure cases are progressed to court quickly • Consult the public, community groups and elected representatives • Listen to young people who cannot vote, but need a say about both crime and policing issues • Ensure value for money – but protect services to the public.

My key tasks as Police & Crime Commissioner: • Reduce crime and the fear of crime; • Improve police accountability, visibility, and work to raise public confidence in the police; • Target resources on detecting crime and cutting offending rates My background • 22 years a Magistrate in Oxfordshire • Financial experience in the public, voluntary and private sectors, including running my own company.

• National experience of criminal justice system. Led demands to stop police using out of court disposals that prevented cases coming to court.

• Expert on licensing law & effects of the night time economy.

• Been a victim of crime, including a stabbing and several burglaries.

I see this very important role, primarily, as being the ‘Voice of the People’, being the link between local communities and local police with the focus on making communities safe and holding the police to account.

I believe that my vast experience in teaching (Honours Degree), as a Slough Borough Councillor responsible for four years for the Council’s £100million budget, 20 years’ as a Berkshire Magistrate and Chair of several business and community organisations makes me the ideal candidate for such a role.

Big interview

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

17

Jeff and Adrian are ready to sparkle Jeff Lucas is teaming up with Adrian Plass for a Seriously Funny night in Reading later this month.

STEVE CURTIS found out what sparked it all off

J

EFF Lucas and Adrian Plass are heading back on tour this month and will be hoping to spark off some laughter and tears when they visit the Thames Valley.

Do not be mistaken, this tour is not simply a reading of the new book. It’s an accompaniment to it. A sidekick, of sorts.

“It’s an evening of storytelling, humour, laughter, tears,” Jeff explains, “It’s very spontaneous, quite edgy. The plan is to talk about some of the things Christians think, but don’t get the chance to explore.”

The first book, Seriously Funny, was the number one selling Christian book generated from the UK in 2010.

But this new tour is not a repeat of last year’s either.

Jeff explains: “The follow-up, which rejoices in the very unimaginative title Seriously Funny 2, is not a sequel. It wasn’t just ‘let’s do it again’, there was a desire to go deeper with it.”

This doesn’t necessarily mean more difficult topics, he explains, but a wider range of issues. Problems closer to home.

Jeff says: “I think the primary agenda is to try and constructively ask questions about some of the Disneyland-ish views of Christianity that people have.

“Often we’ve got a view of what it would be like to be a Christian, but our worry is that the reality doesn’t match a lot of the clichés and the slogans.”

Jeff explains that the tour will be drawing from the pair’s own journeys.

He continues: “We’re trying to dig deeper, which invariably includes quite a lot of laughter but quite a lot of tears as well. And just to be really honest.”

Honesty is a key issue. Honesty helps the audience to connect and feel at ease, he says.

“The big response to the book and to the tour was a sense of relief from people, where people have said , ‘I’m so glad I’m not alone in thinking some of the things that I think’, so that’s a big part of it.”

After all, we are all human. “Humanity is God’s idea,” Jeff says. “He’s not trying to make us more spiritual, he wants us to become more healthily human, which includes our spirituality.

“There’s a difference – some Christians are trying to get away from being human.

We’re saying ‘no, actually, the human condition – fallen as it is – is God’s idea, so what does it mean to be a healthy human?’ and knowing God is a primary part of that healthy humanity.”

Just a glimpse into what Seriously Funny has to offer. But why, in the book, use letters?

Jeff Lucas is looking forward to visiting Reading later this month to share an evening of spontaneous, edgy storytelling and humour “The idea is that we would spark each other, we would provoke each other, and there’s some fairly straight talking in some of those letters,” Jeff says, “particularly towards the end.”

Letters certainly give the reader a sense of conversation while reading.

You can feel the spark, the friendliness, the warmth.

It invites the reader to participate and have a laugh (or a cry).

How did the Seriously Funny project start, though?

It must have taken some time to arrange and organise.

“We were at a publishing convention which was numbingly boring,” he recalls.

“Adrian was on the shortlist to get an award so he was sitting on the table next to me at this event, banquet, practising trying to look humble because he thought he was going to get this award.

“Turns out he didn’t get the award so his humility skills were not required.”

A shame for Adrian, but something else was gained from the convention.

“We were both sitting there clearly quite bored. I leaned over to him and said, ‘Adrian why don’t we write a book together, why don’t we just write backwards and forwards and talk about

the joys and pains and thrills and spills of Christian life, and let’s just be radically honest and pretend that no-one will read it, and we just say what we think?’

“On my left was a publisher and I leaned over to him and said ‘Adrian and I want to do this’ and he pushed a serviette over to me and said ‘sign here’. So the whole idea was birthed in about 90 seconds, including the contract.”

Ninety seconds is quick, but the writing process was slower, taking six months, despite not actually being written in letter form.

Jeff says: “Who writes letters these days? It was email backwards and forwards.”

Jeff explains that the emails were deliberately sent in a short space of time compared to the first, trying to be “sparkier”, to have more of a flow to it.

Back down to business, though. What’s the message of the tour?

“God blesses and uses fragile and flawed people. He’s got nothing else to choose from and we all need to get a bit more honest and real about what Christianity actually is,” Jeff says.

“We’re showing that Christianity is a life of faith and God is not endlessly chatting with us all day everyday. And every day is not epic and loaded with

We’re trying to dig deeper, which includes a lot of laughter and tears

fireworks supernaturally, but a lot of the time Christianity is a lot about trusting God through darker times.”

Talking of trusting God through darker times, there is a big statement in the book about God being nice. Why did the pair feel the need to make it so obvious? Isn’t it anyway?

“I don’t think most Christians think that he is,” explains Jeff. “Although it should be the foundation of our Christian lives, the truth is Christians are pretty good at feeling like rubbish a lot of the time, why is that?

Why is it that a lot of us have got this idea that no matter what we do and no matter however much we sacrifice and serve that God is still going to mark our exam paper with a red pen and C- could do better.

“I think this affects everything. We’re not going to share the Good News, if the Good News has not been that good for us.”

So you’re looking to make sure people believe this fact. But believing isn’t good enough, Jeff wants us to feel it.

“Somebody said the only thing that God likes about us is Christ in us, and I think that’s a perfectly horrible statement.

“God loves us, now, and wants us to continue to walk a pathway of growth but he absolutely totally loves us now. I don’t think that message emotionally lands as much as it should.”

Tickets at the Reading date, which is at Greyfriars later this month, have nearly sold out, and look as if they will be sold out by the time the pair team up.

Is there a nervousness?

Jeff says: “There is, because it’s unpredictable and because we want to do our very best with an evening that is unpredictable and actually really serves and helps people that are coming.”

Any coping mechanisms? “Just get on with it,” he says.

There’s slightly more to that, though.

“We do pray. We try and quieten ourselves down a bit and reflect on other evenings but we genuinely do pray and hope that the evening is going to be useful.”

As part of the tour, Seriously Funny is teaming up with Spring Harvest, Compassion and Toybox. The pair are convinced by the work of the charities and will be promoting their work on separate evenings.

“How great would it be if people don’t just come along and were encouraged and entertained, but actually if children around the world and their lives were impacted?”

Describing touring as “exhausting”, Jeff says that there are no parties to spa visits to unwind.

“After that, we get on with life. It’s part of the portfolio lifestyle we both have,” Jeff says. “We’re excited about it, looking forward to it.”

We are too, and we can’t wait to be sparked into life. v Tickets for the tour are running out fast.

To book, go to www.seriouslyfunny.org or call 01903 705 367.

18

Food/sport

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

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

The Royals’ Prince At Reading FC with Steve Prince Gary Speed, the manager of Wales, who committed suicide last year

v Pecan Pumpkin Tart

I

love cooking with seasonal produce and just because pumpkins are associated with last month’s Hallowe’en does not mean we can’t enjoy their sweet buttery flavour.

I developed this fabulous dessert to make it gluten free and dairy free – it is also a big hit with children.

For speed I suggest you use a can of pumpkin purée but you can also steam pumpkin or butternut squash and purée it yourself.

If you are interested in some ideas for festive gluten and dairy free treats then book onto my Cookery Day on Sunday, December 2 in Wokingham.

See my website for details: www.advancenutrition.co.uk For the base: n 250g pecan nuts n 60g pitted soft dates n 1tbsp Vanilla extract n 2-3tbsp agave nectar or honey For the filling n 400g can pumpkin puree n 2 eggs n 125ml Vanilla Rice Dream or Coconut milk n 1tsp ground cinnamon n 1tsp allspice n 1tsp ground ginger

Picture: Jon Candy/ Flickr

Footballers are humans too!

n 1tbsp vanilla extract n 60g soft brown sugar Place the pecan nuts in a food processor and process until very fine. Add the dates and agave and process until the mixture comes together.

Press the mixture into a greased loose bottom 20cm round cake tin.

v READER OFFER goodness Direct – an online health and special diet food store – is offering 10% off your next order. Log on to www.goodnessdirect.co.uk and quote the voucher code 32234FCJ. Offer runs until June 30, 2013.

Place all the filling ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

Pour into the cake tin and bake for 1 hour until the filling has puffed up in the centre and turned light golden.

Serve warm or cold. Decorate with a dusting of icing sugar, cocoa powder and crushed pecan nuts Calories per serving 311kcal, Protein 4.9g, Carbohydrates 19.9g of which sugars 18.9g, Total Fat 23.8g of which saturates 2.3g Christine is a qualified nutritionist, a member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy and a member of Reading Family Church

I

t’s been almost a year since the sad death of Gary Speed (Wales manager and ex-Premier League player). It was reported that Gary had suffered from depression.

I heard an interview by a friend of mine on Radio 5 Live leading up to the anniversary of Gary Speed’s death. Matt Baker, the pastoral support director for English Football, Sports Chaplaincy UK, was asked by Peter Allen on the Radio 5 Live Drive programme as to why people who earned such a lot of money might need help with emotional matters.

The question itself betrayed a commonly held view that if we have money and fame, everything else in our lives should take care of itself.

Wrong!

Footballers (and any other celebrities for that matter) have the same human needs as everyone else.

When you add into the mix of their lives the pressure of needing to perform and living in the spotlight, along with big questions over people you can really trust, there’s a recipe for potential emotional difficulties.

We are all made with emotional needs for such things as encouragement and affirmation to name but two and in the world of football it can be difficult to hear and receive these (when they are offered).

Added to this, every football stadium becomes a cauldron of expectation and so when players make mistakes or perform below par, fickle fans can soon grow critical of individual players. And then there are horrible scenes such as happened to Chris Kirkland, the Sheffield Wednesday player recently. He was punched in the face and taunted by a Leeds fan after Leeds scored an equalising goal.

Traumatic

A A Functional Nutrition Practitioner focusing on all aspect s Functional Nutrition Practitioner focusing of health and chronic disease

on all aspects of health and chronic disease

Personalised Nutritional Consultations Personalised Nutritional Consultations Body Composition Assessments Body Composition Assessments Diagnostic Testing Diagnostic Testing Corporate Health, Sports Nutrition, Chronic Disease, Children's Health, Weight Loss, Cardiovascular Health, Healthy Ageing Corporate Health, Sports Nutrition, Chronic Disease, Children's Health, Weight Loss, Cookery Demonstrations and Seminars Cardiovascular Health, Healthy Ageing

Christine Bailey MSc, PGCE MBANT CNHC

Cookery Demonstrations and Seminars Qualified Nutritionist, Chef and Cookery Consultant.

Graduate Member of Institute of Functional Medicine (AFMCP).

Christine Bailey MSc, PGCE MBANT CNHC Author of Numerous recipe and health books, Speaker and Journalist Cookery Consultant. Graduate Member of Institute of Qualified Nutritionist, Chef and Clinics in Reading and London.

For more information contact Christine Functional Medicine (AFMCP). www.advancenutrition.co.uk christinembailey@hotmail.com Tel. 0118 926 2051 Author of Numerous recipe and health books, Speaker and Journalist

Vitality, Longevity and Health Aging

Clinics in Reading and London. For more information contact Christine www.advancenutrition.co.uk christinembailey@hotmail.com Tel. 01189262051

Vitality, Longevity and Health Aging

Chaplaincy exists in part to be available to help with some of the emotional and occasional traumatic life experiences people have.

We all need people we can trust and have confidence in to help us on occasion, even if it’s a trustworthy ear to listen to how we are feeling. It’s generally harder for men to understand and express their feelings and so it takes much longer to build trusting relationships.

Premier League football has been frustrating for the lack of games because of international football but now we are back in business with fixtures coming thick and fast.

The Royals season resumed with a narrow defeat at Liverpool and, despite the lack of a Premier League victory to date, the boys remain in good heart.

It’s tough to make the step up a level and, after a season of winning lots of games in the Championship, we are adjusting to a league where every game is like a cup final.

I recently went along to watch my team play their Thames Valley Churches Football League game recently. I was impressed by the quality of the football on display. No prizes for guessing ‘my team’ as I am pastor and team leader at this church!

I commend all involved in this league – why not get along to one of the TVCFL games sometime soon?

I am sure you will enjoy the experience as we as show support for all the work and effort being put in by the teams involved.

Come on URZ!!

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

Sport

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

19

v Thames Valley Churches Football League For the latest on the league, log on to tvcfl.footify.com

Bethel go four points clear – but will Brookside leapfrog ‘em?

O

ctober picked up where September left off in the Thames Valley Churches Football League.

Having brushed aside last year’s champions, West Reading CFC have been setting the early pace and looked to be extend their lead at the top of the table after 6-2 victory over Wycliffe Wanderers in the first week of October.

The following week they came across an inspired Bethel United team who, having finished mid-table last year, were also unbeaten. Bethel came out 1-0 winners in the top of the table clash.

Having succumbed to defeats to West Reading CFC and Bethel United, Tilehurst Albion managed to overcome Kerith Community Church 3-2 to keep in the title race. Another unbeaten team, Brookside St Laurence face Kerith in early November.

Brookside have kept a low profile to the start of the season, but a decent run into Christmas may see them top the league going into 2013.

There are some exciting games scheduled for November, so if you’re free on a Saturday morning, why not pop down to a game near you and support your local team? v Player of the month October’s player of the month award goes to Louis McClean of Bethel United. Louis has been instrumental in propelling Bethel to the top of the league following a difficult season last year for the Coley Park based team. v Saturday, September 29 League action took a back seat to the group stages of the Philmar Cup. In celebration of the TVCFL’s 25th anniversary season, five guest teams have been invited to participate; South Ealing & Brentford, Carey Corinthians, Reading Community Church, St Andrews of High Wycombe and St Paul’s from Ealing.

Jamie Carstairs was on top form for West Reading CFC, scoring four times in a

v West Reading CFC 1st team comprehensive 7-2 beating of St Andrews.

Current Philmar Cup holders Kerith Community Church went goal-crazy at Norreys, winning 17-3. Toby Frodsham, Jacob Potter and Liam Vaessen scored for a shellshocked home side who could not compete with Kerith’s power. The goals came from James Charlton (5), Ben Findlay (5), Lee Berry (4), Rob Dangerfield, Oliver Strasburger and Harry Wade.

Last season’s league champions and cup runners-up Tilehurst Albion started with a tough fixture against St Pauls, Ealing, champions of the Ealing Churches Football League.

Albion scored first through Danny Lawrence before St Pauls struck back either side of half time with goals from Will Roderick and Nick Taylor. Jonny Darby equalised for Albion late on to earn a 2-2 draw.

Reading Saints went behind to a Mark Lyons goal for West Reading CFC Reserves but Matt Blake and Ryan Nicol turned things around in the second half as Saints also won 2-1.

Wycliffe Wanderers eased to a 4-0 win over Finchampstead Baptist Church with goals from Owen Bravey, John Hearn, Mike Sharp and Michael Bembridge. v Saturday, October 6 Jamie Carstairs doubled his league tally with

FIXTURES KICK OFF 10.30am on Saturdays v November 10

ycliffe Wanderers v B’side St Laurence W Bethel United v Kerith Community W Rdg Reserves v Greyfriars FC

W Reading v Finchamp’ Baptist Reading Saints v Tilehurst Albion

v November 17

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

Norreys v Reading Saints

B

five goals to keep West Reading CFC top of the table, and ended Wycliffe Wanderers’ unbeaten start to the season in the process.

After the break Neal Healy and Ross Thompson pulled two goals back as Wycliffe threatened a comeback, but Chris Gibby hit West Reading’s fourth and effectively sealed their win. Carstairs put the gloss on his performance by adding two more late on, and leave the final score 6-2.

Tilehurst Albion put their stuttering start behind them after an excellent 3-2 victory over previously unbeaten Kerith Community Church, but it was not without a nervy finish.

The visitors did not allow Kerith to settle in the first half and, controlling possession, deservedly led 3-0 at the break. However, Kerith could not do enough to break down Albion and the reigning league champions held on for the win.

Greyfriars FC took almost 20 minutes to get going but then ran riot, racking up seven first half goals on the way to 10-0 rout of Finchampstead Baptist Church.

Reading Saints and West Reading Reserves served up a true dish for the neutrals, one of those games that was, in contrast, a rollercoaster for the two managers.

Both sides went all out for a winner but, in the end, 3-3 was a fair result.

v Nov 24: Philmar Cup St Paul’s, Ealing v Reading Saints West Reading v Norreys

St Andrews v Kerith Community Bethel United v Finchamp’ Baptist S Ealing & Brentford v Wycliffe Wanderers Tilehurst Albion v W Rdg Reserves B’side St Laurence v Rdg Community Carey Corinthians v Greyfriars FC

v December 1

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

v Saturday 13 October 2012 In the battle of the top two, Bethel United leapfrogged West Reading CFC after a closely-contested 1-0 win. Both teams played attacking football from the outset, but West Reading found it difficult to break down a solid Bethel defence marshalled well by Ira Wilson

league TABLE

and Dominic Atherley-Smith.

Bethel controlled the game in the second half and even survived the dismissal of Atherley-Smith with 15 minutes to play, keeping the ball in their opponents’ half to see out a well-earned win.

Brookside Saint Laurence remain the only other unbeaten team following a convincing 4-0 win over Reading Saints.

Kerith Community Church responded to last week’s defeat and moved up to third in the table after thrashing Norreys 12-1.

An Ian James double helped Tilehurst Albion on their way to an 8-0 victory over Finchampstead Baptist Church.

Having lost to the former leaders West Reading last time out, Wycliffe Wanderers got back to winning ways by beating West Reading CFC Reserves 3-1.

Away from the league, in the final game of the Philmar Cup first round, Reading Community Church beat Greyfriars FC 4-3. v Saturday, October 20 Bethel United held on to top spot with what turned out to be a hard-fought 4-3 win over Wycliffe Wanderers.

The Coley Park side raced into a four goal lead after only half-an-hour. However, Wycliffe settled down and, before half-time, having hit the bar and post, Neil Healy scored from a free kick.

Soon after the interval, Healy hit his second and Michael Roberts added a third to set up a nervy finish, but Bethel held on for the win that leaves them four points clear.

Brookside Saint Laurence eased into third place with a 7-1 victory over West Reading CFC Reserves.

Reading Saints came from behind to beat Greyfriars FC 3-2 but, in a close game throughout, were holding on at the end.

Finchampstead Baptist Church bounced back from two recent heavy defeats to beat Norreys 4-3.

Chris Barltrop and James Hern

top SCORERS

P W D L F A W D L F A GD PTS

Ben Findlay Kerith Community Church 10

1

Bethel United 6 3 0 0 9 4 2 1 0 4 2 7 16

Jamie Carstairs West Reading

10

2

West Reading 5 2 0 1 8 4 2 0 0 7 1 10 12

Ben Blackledge Brookside St Laurence

5

3 Brookside Saint Laurence 4 1 1 0 8 2 2 0 0 10 2 14 10

Ben Sheppard Brookside St Laurence

5

4 Kerith Community Church 4 1 0 1 10 4 2 0 0 15 1 20 9

Matt Blake Reading Saints

5

5

Tilehurst Albion 5 2 0 1 15 5 1 0 1 4 4 10 9

Neil Healy Wycliffe Wanderers

5

6

Wycliffe Wanderers 5 2 0 0 9 5 1 0 2 9 11 2 9

7

Reading Saints 5 0 1 1 3 7 2 0 1 9 8 -3 7

8

Finchampstead Baptist 6 2 0 2 11 11 0 0 2 0 18 -18 6

9

Greyfriars FC 5 1 0 3 13 8 0 0 1 1 2 4 3

Matthew Whittle Kerith Community Church 4 Ross Thompson Wycliffe Wanderers

4

Brady Lily Tilehurst Albion

4

James Kirby Finchampstead Baptist

3

10

West Reading Reserves 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 6 26 -20 1

James Hern Greyfriars FC

3

11

Norreys 6 0 0 3 2 21 0 0 3 6 13 -26 0

Jeff Hallett Greyfriars FC

3

barts grill & restaurant

Reading’s newest and most exciting Mediterranean restaurant is an ideal choice for your Christmas party or corporate event

GREAT LUNCH LS A E D Two courses from £9.95.

See www.bartsgril.com for details and menus

21 Wokingham Road, Reading RG6 1LE | (0118) 966 2268 | info@bartsgrill.com | bartsgrill.com

20 November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

v What’s on These are some special events taking place in the community over the next month.

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

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

Friday, November 2 READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road. A Musical Celebration to raise funds to support Reading Citizens Advice Bureau.

Features Retreat Singers, NewTowners and Voices of Reading. 8.30-11pm. Phone (0118) 950 8331 or email stephanie@readingcab.org.uk for more information.

Saturday, November 3 CROWTHORNE– St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road. A Royal British Legion Crowthorne Branch 90th Anniversary Concert in aid of Crowthorne District Poppy Appeal. Special guests South Berkshire Singers and Sandhurst and District Corps of Drums. 3pm. Tickets £6, available from RBL Club, Wellington Road or call Sue McIntosh: 01344 778 627.

SANDHURST – Community Hall, Memorial Park.

Network Vineyard presents Barn Dance and Hog Roast with live music by the Local Yokels from 7.30pm. Tickes £12, bring your own drinks.

Details: (01344) 780087.

WOODLEY – St John Bosco, Western Avenue.

Remembrance service for departed loved ones at 9.30am mass.

Sunday, November 4 BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church. Commemoration service to remember those who have died.

Everyone welcome. Held in churchyard, dress warmly.

3pm. Details: The Revd Gill Lovell, (0118) 983 4433.

CROWTHORNE – St John the Baptist. All Souls’ Service.

Service of remembrance for loved ones who have died. 6pm. Details: vicar@ crowthorn eparishchurch. org.uk.

EMMER GREEN – St Barnabas.

All Saints Service 4.30pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church. All Souls’ Service to remember loved ones who have died. 6pm. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

SWALLOWFIELD – All Saints’ Church. Annual Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance. Opportunity to remember departed friends and family to light a candle in remembrance.

Light refreshments follow.

3pm. Details: (0118) 988 5923 or office@loddonreach.org.uk.

TILEHURST – Tilehurst Methodist Church. All Saints Service from 3pm.

WHITLEY – St Agnes Church.

Annual Memorial Service. If you would like your loved one to be remembered by name. 3.30pm. Sign up at the church.

Wednesday, November 7 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary and St John’s Parish Centre.

First of Teach Us To Pray course. Inviting people to explore prayer. Continues on November 14, 21 and 28.

Details: Janet Clements on (0118) 932 8679.

READING – University of Reading Chaplaincy, Reading Centre. Sensory walk through Harris Garden.

2.30pm. Details and booking: relax@reading.ac.uk.

Tuesday, November 8 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church. Mothers’ Union meeting with talk by Julia Arscott on The Great Wall of China. Followed by afternoon tea. Details; (0118) 973 3111.

Saturday, November 10 CAVERSHAM – St Andrews Church, Albert Road.

Berkshire Singers concert.

7.30pm. Tickets £10, £8 concessions. Details: (01344) 628 533.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church.

Vigil for Peace. Time for prayer, quiet and reflection.

8pm.

READING – Wesley Methodist Church, Queens Road.

Reading Festival Chorus presents A Night to Remember: a concert for Remembrance weekend. £13, £11 concessions. £2 children.

Detailsl: (0118) 983 4523.

SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael’s Church. Auction of items and promises. Viewing from 6.30pm, auction begins at 7pm. Entry of items to be completed by November 9. Refreshments and snacks available for purchase.

Details: Dorothy Abrey (0118) 988 6224 or Yvonne Gripton (0118) 988 2706.

Wokingham – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road. St. Paul’s With St Nicholas’ autumn bazaar.

Noon-3.30pm. Entry 30p.

WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road.

Listening course led by Katja Babei, advisor for Marriage and Family Life, Portsmouth Diocese. Aims to provide introduction to listening skills in relaxed setting. Details: Deirdre McCormack (0118) 977 5879.

Sunday, November 11 BRACKNELL – All Saints, Church Hill. Remembrance service. All age service. 10am.

CROWTHORNE – St John the Baptist. British Legion service 10am. Peace Eucharist 6pm.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Earley. Remembrance service. 10am.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James’ Church. Remembrance day service. 10.50am at Village War Memorial. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Village War Memorial.

Remembrance day service.

3pm. Further details from church office (0118) 973 0133.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – St Mary & St John’s Church.

Remembrance day service.

9.45am. Details: (0118) 973 0133.

GORING – Goring Free Church. Remembrance service, 10.45am.

HARMANS WATER– United Reformed Church.

Remembrance Sunday shared service. 10.45am outside church.

READING – Greyfriars, Friar Street. Remembrance service. 10.30am.

READING – Holy Trinity, Theale. Remembrance service. 10.10am.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square.

Sunday service of remembrance. 10.30am.

READING – The Salvation Army, Central Reading.

Annual remembrance service with Royal British Legion.

Starting 6.15pm.

READING – All Saints Church, Rotherfield Peppard. Service of remembrance, 10.45am.

WARFIELD – St Michael the Archangel. Ken Costa visits to give a talk on moving on from financial crisis. 6.30pm.

Details: (01344) 86 900 or admin@warfieldorg.uk.

WOODLEY – St John Bosco, Western Ave. Sunday Mass with Scouts parade. 10am.

In the afternoon, members of the church will attend a blessing of graves at Henley Road Cemetery at 3pm.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church. Civic service of Remembrance with Churches Together in Wokingham. Remembrance parade from town hall to church beforehand. Everyone welcome. 3pm.

Tuesday, November 13 WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue.

50+ meeting with refreshments served from 2pm. Topic for this event is Cat Tales: stories about famous cats portrayed by

Calendar

EARLEY – Brookside Church.

Trustees of Just Around the Corner (JAC) Limited hosting AGM. Refreshments and updates on recent activities after formality of accounts.

Attendance needs to be registered, contact sue@ jacoutreach.org to book.

Billing Avenue. Wine tasting and light-hearted quiz evening. Tickets £10 each.

Details and tickets: (0118) 973 0556.

TILEHURST – St Mary Magdalen. Christmas Market.

7.30pm-10pm.

Whitchurch-on-Thames – Whitchurch Village Hall. EASTER by August Strindberg. Optimistic and tender play. 7.45pm. Seats £9.50, concessions £8.

Details: (0118) 942 1144.

Saturday, November 17

Saturday, November 24

handmade examples from Sue Reed.

Wednesday, November 14

BRACKNELL – Holy Trinity Church, The Ring. An evening with Friends 2. In aid of Holy Trinity Church Bracknell Roof Fund. Evening of entertainment for all the family. 6pm. Family (2 adults up to 3 children) £15. Adults £5. Concessions, Children, performers £3. Refreshments available.

READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Castle Hill.

Chelmsford Salvation Army Band in concert at 7pm. Free admission. Collection will be taken.

UPPER BASILDON – St Stephen’s Church. Open Bible Trust study day: what is known about Jesus? 2.30pm6.30pm. Details: (0149) 167 1357 or admin@obt.org.uk.

WARGRAVE – St Mary’s, Wargrave. Annual concert of classical and contemporary music from musicians of Wargrave and nearby area. Tickets £5 or £2.50 for children. Details and tickets: Andy Ferguson andyferguson1@btinternet. com or 078 4800 4833 to purchase.

WHITCHURCH-ON-THAMES – Village Hall,. Annual exhibition of Art and Craft.

Entries and volunteers wanted. Details: Peter Smith on (0118) 984 3340 or at peterbsmith@fsmail.net or whitchurchonthames.com/ groups/artscrafts.html.

WOODLEY – St James Church Centre, Kingfisher Drive.

World Craft Fair: crafts from all over the world, plus cakes and lunches as well as a car wash. 10am-2pm.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square.

Christmas Fayre including craft, cakes, gifts and refreshments. Warm welcome and mince pies.

10am-2pm.

READING – St John and St Stephen’s Church, Orts Road. Chorate Advent concert in aid of George’s Extra Marvellous Medicine Fund. 7.30pm. Free admission.

READING – St Joseph’s School, Upper Redlands Road. Christmas Fayre for everyone. Stalls for adults and children, opportunity for early Christmas shopping.

11am-2pm.

READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street. Local and global craftspeople offering different Christmas gift ideas at Greyfriars Christmas fair. 10.3-am3.30pm. Children’s area, craft workshop and storytelling on offer. Refreshments available. Details: www. greyfriarsbookshop.org.uk TILEHURST –St Mary Magdalen Church Hall, Rodway Road. Christmas Market Saturday 24th November 2.30pm.

TILEHURST – St Catherine of Siena, Wittenham Avenue.

50th Anniversary Christmas Fayre: lots of stalls, games and refreshments. Father Christmas will make a visit.

2pm-4pm. Entry 50p.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road.

Organ concert. Part of regular series promoted by Berkshire Orgaists’ Associaton. Free admission with retiring collection. 7.30pm.

Sunday, November 18

Sunday, November 25

EARLEY – St Peter’s Church, Earley. For The Fallen commemoration in poetry and song to all victims of war, and members of the Parish who sacrificed their lives in two World Wars. Presented by St Peter’s Play Reading Group. for Royal British Legion.

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road.

Bereavement service. 3-4pm.

Contact parishoffice@ allsaintswokingham.org.uk for more information.

Friday, November 23 FINCHAMPSTEAD– St Mary & St John’s Parish Centre,

EMMER GREEN – St Barnabas Church. Alpha Course taster event: come along and learn more about Alpha at this relaxed introductory session.

9.30am. Details: (0118) 947 5744 or (0118) 947 9708 or alpha@saintbarnabas.org.uk.

SANDHURST – St George’s Church, Owlshurst.

Encounter service to encourage involvement with Christian faith. 6.30pm.

Contact (01344) 771 286.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Library. Winter carnival.

Santa’s Grotto, music played

by Berkshire Maestros, Cards for Good Causes.

Refreshments available to purchase. 11am-4pm.

Wednesday, November 28 BRACKNELL – Kerith Church, Church Road. An evening of worship with Matt Redman and the Rend Collective.

SOLD OUT. WOODLEY – Waingels College, Waingels Road. Concert of carols and music wit the Reading Central Salvation Army Band. 7.45pm. £6, includes coffee & mince pies.

Details: (0118) 969 2428.

Thursday, November 29 READING – Greyfriars Church, Friar Street. Jeff Lucas and Adrian Plass present Seriously Funny 2. SOLD OUT. Details: www.seriouslyfunny.org or 01903 705367.

Friday, November 30 TILEHURST – LifeSpring Church, Routh Lane.

Christmas games and craft for children aged four and under. 4.30-6pm.

Saturday, December 1 WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Library. Christmas Arts Market: handmade art and crafts made by local artists.

10am-4pm.

Sunday, December 2 HARMANS WATER – United Reformed Church. Hanging of the Greens Christmas Service. 5.30pm.

WOODLEY – Woodley Library.

Winter extravaganza. Winter stories, seasonal music from members of Reading Symphony Orchestra and craft activities for families.

11am-3.30pm.

Saturday, December 8 BRACKNELL – St Peters Church, Hatchet Lane.

Zumba class, fundraising in aid of kitchen project for the church. 2-4pm. Adults £5, under 14s £2.50.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Toy and gift service. Bring gifts for patients who will be in Royal Berkshire Hospital over Christmas. 10.30am.

WOODLEY – Christ Church.

Concert in aid of 2012 project Tools for Self-reliance.

Choir joined by girls from St Joseph’s College who will give items from forthcoming musical, and a couple of items with Male Voice Choir.

Sunday, December 9 WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Church. Livas Quartet Christmas Concert.

3pm. Tickets £10 adults, £5 concessions, under 12s free.

Details: (0118) 989 3133.

Classifieds

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

v Situations vacant THE PARISH OF ST MARK AND ALL SAINTS, READING seeks to appoint a

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Our two churches in the catholic tradition are looking for an enthusiastic Director of Music who will:

v Be a horror

Grow your business with Xn

IF YOU have ever wanted to be an actor or a singer in a musical, a local company wants to hear from you.

Reading’s Progress Theatre is producing the black-comedy musical Little Shop of Horrors next year – and it’s looking for strong actors and singers to audition for their parts of the play.

Auditions for the musical, which is packed with faithrelated allegories, take place at the theatre, which is at The Mount, just off Christchurch Road and are open to all.

Full rehearsals start in January 2013, with the production taking place from April 18-27.

Every month, Xn gives you the chance to reach thousands of potential customers.

Whatever service you provide, Xn has a space for you.

Our service directory is your chance to reach our readers with details of your business.

• creatively use their gifts to enhance our liturgy; • develop the choirs of our churches and encourage them in their ministry; • draw upon a breadth of musical traditions to foster congregational participation.

It costs from just £12.50 per month for up to 30 words.

And every advert helps Xn’s mission.

Usual weekly commitments: two Parish Masses and Choral Evensong each Sunday, and choir practice (one hour per week).

RSCM rates plus fees.

For further information contact Fr Nicholas Cheeseman: frnicholas@btinternet.com (0118 9572000)

21

Initial auditions take place at the following times: Saturday, November 17, 2pm to 5pm Wednesday, November 21, 7.30pm to 10.30 pm Saturday, November 242, 2pm to 5pm (Primarily main characters and call-backs)

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

v For more details, log on to www.progresstheatre.co.uk/ littleshop.

v Local services directory Xn’s services directory is an opportunity to connect local people with local businesses.

We’re sure you’ll find these pages invaluable.

To advertise call Cas on 01932 888417 or email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk v Plumbing Patterson Plumbers.

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

v Construction Kingsmen Limited.

Construction services, extensions, renovations, new builds, electrical, plumbing. www.kingsmenlimited.co.uk (0118) 958 5777.

v Driving lessons Driving Tuition.

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

L

v Piano accompaniment

MATHS TUITION. Experienced, friendly tutor available for students in KS2-4. Boost your child’s confidence in the comfort of your own home!

Contact: Liz Sawyer on 07721 090994.

v Piano tuition individual piano tuition.

Lessons for all levels and ages from experienced Reading-based piano teacher. Judith Creighton www.judithcreighton.co.uk or 07957 193366.

v Pearlstringing/ jewellery Pearlstringer/Jeweller.

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

v Funeral directors

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

v Maths tuition

EXPERIENCED PIANO ACCOMPANIST available for music exams and recitals.

Judith Creighton www. judithcreighton.co.uk or 07957 193366.

A.B. Walker & Son – Berkshire’s leading family funeral and masonry service. www.abwalker.co.uk MILES & DAUGHTERS. The family funeral service. All areas covered. Owned and run by the Miles family. www.milesfunerals.com

v Counselling Reading Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Margaret Hutton www.asafeplace2talk.co.uk Loddon Counselling & Psychology Service.

Accredited counsellors, supervisors, trainers. Over 20 years experience NHS and other settings. CBT available.

07092 022294

v Marketing Creative thinker inspires results.

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

0118 966 6600. john@hyperbole.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.

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

22

Arts

November 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 01932 888417

Daniel Craig returns for Skyfall, his third outing as James Bond

v Theatre review

Picture: ©2012 Danjaq, LLC, United Artists Corporation, Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc

Ben Ashton, Robin Hemmings & William Edelsten rehearse a scene from Twelfth Night Picture: Reading Between The Lines

What a glorious night

Reading Between The Lines: Twelfth Night

S

hakespeare came to town late last month, as local theatre company Reading Between the Lines brought Twelfth Night to Reading Minster church in St Mary’s Butts.

The play’s director, Hal Chambers, says that the play was originally titled What You Will, but due to a clash at the time of creation, Shakespeare had to think of a new title. Hal wanted to go back to the original title. “The spirit of ‘what you will’ is tremendously toxic,” he says.

The Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin is an outstanding building with beautiful décor all over. The windows, the doors, the pillars, it’s wonderful. The acoustics in the building are great.

Of the 16 actors in the production, 12 were from the Reading area. Clear pronunciation, great body language and not one of them seemed out of character for a second. Each actor as strong and confident in their performance.

They’re good singers, too.

Sound effects were made at the side of the stage, using a variety of different instruments. The songs were attention grabbing. The music was lovely.

Everything was well timed.

The lighting was great and the directing was brilliant. The play was a rollercoaster of emotions. Some of these should be put down to Shakespeare, certainly, but the delivery and timing was just right and for every laugh you had there was a frown.

This was a job really well done by everyone involved in Reading Between the Lines. I’ll be keeping an eye out for any future productions.

STEVE CURTIS v For more on the play, visit www.readingbetweenthelines.co.uk

Skyfall is Craig’s weakest link v Skyfall (12A) Stars: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris The ticket was booked and the days were being counted down till I could see Skyfall, the 23rd Bond film: I was really looking forward to it.

It centres round a top-secret list of spies that goes missing, putting all MI6’s operations in danger from an enemy who stays hidden for half the film.

In trying to retrieve the list, Bond is shot by his partner and declared missing, presumed dead.

He turns up alive, but not so well, three months later when he sees a news broadcast of an explosion at MI6’s headquarters.

Crossing the world from Turkey to London to Shanghai and Macau before ending up in Scotland, it becomes clear that the mystery villain is on a mission of revenge against M (Judy Dench).

At the risk of being branded a Bond heretic and after all the anticipation, Skyfall was disappointing.

Although many are saying this is the best Bond ever, I’m not so sure: it’s certainly it’s the weakest of Daniel Craig’s outings as 007.

Unlike others, villain, Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem) is unconvincing and more like a cartoon character than anything else and, with a running time of 143 minutes, the film itself is a bit too long.

Moviewatch Cinema with Martin Ceaser There were also some similarities with other films recently released, such as The Dark Knight Rises and even Avengers Assemble.

There are some good bits – the ubiquitous chase scene at the start is far more realistic than the one using cranes in Casino Royale. There is some unexpected but good use of humour (look out for the “welcome to Scotland” line – the highlight of the film).

Also in the mix are some superb special effects involving Tube trains and a helicopter, some very clever cinematography and an excellent last 20 minutes with an unexpected twist at the end.

Bond fans will also appreciate the references to earlier incarnations of 007, and the filling in of his back story, and his relationship with M. The changing face of terrorism and security dominate the plot, and the London location brings some realism, although maybe a little too close to home for those who remember the 7/7 bombings.

The revenge motif is strong, leading to the inevitable violent conclusion. The difficulty of fighting against an unknown enemy is laid bare and Bond’s patriotism is on show as never before.

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

A chance to buy ethically this Christmas A SMALL group of women in Peru have been making Christmas cards for a decade this year.

The Esperanza group produced their first Christmas cards in 2002, and create the Christmas cards as a means of providing for their marginalised families.

The cards are on sale at Greyfriars Bookshop in Friar Street, Reading and will also be available at the Greyfriars Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 24 (see story, below right) Debbie Thompson, Greyfriars bookshop manager, also coordinates the project. She said: “It’s great to reach this 10 year mark and enjoy the wonderful quality of their handiwork.

“Those who bought Christmas cards from the beginning have seen the huge improvements in skill and quality over the years,” she explained, “and so you can imagine the increase in selfconfidence and empowerment that these work opportunities have brought to the group over the years.” v As well as from the Greyfriars shop, the cards are sold through volunteers and online at www.cardsfromperu.com.

Find some perfect presents

CRAFTSPEOPLE from all over the world will be offering all sorts of Christmas gift ideas later this month.

Greyfriars Church, on Friar Street, Reading is inviting everyone to grab some unique gifts at its Christmas shopping on Saturday, November 24.

From 10.30am-3.30pm, the church’s bookshop will offer a fun shopping experience for all the family.

A children’s area, craft workshop and storytelling will also be on offer. Refreshments will be available. v For more details, visit www.greyfriarsbookhop.org.uk.

Arts

To advertise call 01932 888417 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | November 2012

Ice Warrior comes in from the cold AN ICE Warrior was welcomed into the warmth as part of a week-long arts festival last month.

St Peter’s Church in Cranbourne welcomed popular polar explorer Jim McNeill to talk as part of the event.

McNeill founded the Ice Warrior project in 2001, which intends to help ordinary people become polar explorers.

He has been involved in numerous television programs, from ITV News to Channel 4’s Predators in Paradise.

He spoke about his role behind the production of the BBC’s Frozen Planet series.

The church wasn’t the only venue to take part in the arts week: buildings from across Warfield, Winkfield and Binfield welcomed the community to the festival , which was held between October 28 and November 4.

There were more than 40 events in this year’s programme,

Jim McNeill visited St Peter’s Church in Cranbourne to talk about his work including organ recitals, hiphop workshops and stage productions.

For more information about the annual arts week, visit www.arts-week.org.

vDevotional

Chris launches new CD devotional A LOCAL lay minister has launched a CD of uplifting and challenging readings.

Chris Ledger is from Greyfriars church in Reading, and her writings draw upon the key truths of Psalm 139 and the Inspiring Women Every Day Bible notes.

v CDs & DVDs

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The CD blends words and music which are ideal for everyday use and contain encouraging messages for women.

Chris is a regular contributor to Crusade for World Revival’s (CWR) devotional notes for women.

v Top reads

For the Sake of the World

v The author of The Shack is back with Cross Roads.

Wm Paul Young’s new book is due for release on November 22, and Quench is offering £4 off all pre-orders.

For details, visit Quench’s website, goo.gl/VqT7j

Bethel Live

Forever Reign Hillsong Chapel

Father of Lights (DVD)

October Baby (DVD)

Cornerstone Hillsong Live

10,000 Reasons Matt Redman

God My Rock Brenton Brown

Pure and Simple The Gaither Vocal Band

Jesus at the Center Israel & New Bread

Hymns for the Christian Life

Keith & Kristyn Getty

She also teaches Insight days at CWR’s headquarters in Farnham, on a wide range of subjects including anger and self-esteem. v The CD is £9.99 and can be bought from the Greyfriars bookshop by emailing debbie. thompson@greyfriars.org.uk or by visiting www.cwr.org.uk.

1 2 3

Cross Roads

Wm. Paul Young (Pre-Order)

The Reason William Sirls

Seriously Funny 2

Adrian Plass and Jeff Lucas

4

Neighbours, Transform Your Street!

Rebekah Brettle

5

Unstoppable Nick Vujicic

6 7 8 9 10

Hosting the Presence

Bill Johnson

Heaven is for Real

Todd Burpo

Living the Lord’s Prayer

David Carr

Jesus Today Sarah Young

NKJV Gaither Homecoming Bible

v Concerts v EVERYONE is invited to a powerful organ recital later this month.

David Pether will be playing music by J S Bach, Merkel, Boëllmann, Wolstoneholme and others at St Paul’s Church in Wokingham on Saturday, November 24.

The recital, which is part of a series promoted by the Berkshire Organists’ Association, will last just under an hour and starts at 7.30pm. David is St Paul’s organist.

Admission is free, and a collection will be held at the end. v A concert of classical and contemporary music will be held in Wargrave later this month.

The evening, at St Mary’s Church, will feature a mix of different musicians from Wargrave and surrounding areas.

Artists include cellist Virginia McMurtrie, soprano Susie Buckle and a cappella group Apollo5.

The church choir will also take part, leading some items where the audience can join in.

The concert takes place on Saturday, November 17 from 7.30pm. Tickets for the event are £5 or £2.50 for children.

Str8ts Solution

7 6 ANSWERS

v Northern Parishes

23

3 2 1 4

8 7 6 5 4 2 1 3

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

3 1 8 7 9 6 5 4 2

To book, call Andy Ferguson at andyferguson1@btinternet.com or call07848 004833. v AUTUMN fruits is the theme for a concert by Tamesis Chamber Choir later this month.

Hosted by Greyfriars Church in Friar Street, Reading, the concert celebrates 10 years of the choir.

It takes place on Saturday, November 17, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12 or £8 for concessions. For details, log on to tamesischamberchoir.co.uk. v A MUSICAL evening will be held in Woodley in early December, in aid of the 2012 project Tools for Self-reliance.

The concert, at Christ Church on Saturday, December 8, will feature a choir from St Joseph’s College. They will give items from a forthcoming musical, and a couple of items with Male Voice Choir.

Tools for Self-reliance gives people a chance to learn the skills needed to get them out of poverty and into work.

It starts at 7.30pm. For tickets, call Beryl Wootton on (0118) 977 2037 or buy on the door.

Sudoku Solution

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

1 4 3 2 5 8 9 7 6

4 5 2 3 9 8

1 2 8 7 6 9 4 5 3

4 3 6 2 1 5 7 9 8

9 7 5 4 8 3 6 2 1

2 6 3 9 4 8 1 7 5

8 5 1 3 7 6 2 4 9

7 9 4 1 5 2 3 8 6

5 1 7 6 9 4 8 3 2

3 4 9 8 2 1 5 6 7

6 8 2 5 3 7 9 1 4

TICKETS *

ÂŁ1C2H EA

AND with Nicki Rogers

in an evening of conversation about life, love and God Nottingham (Southwell) 27th November Bristol (Clifton) 28th November Thames Valley 29th November

London (Westminister Central Hall) 30th November Bangor, N. Ireland 14th December

For more information or to purchase tickets visit: www.seriouslyfunny.org Ticket Hotline: 01903 705367 *booking fees apply. Selling out fast - book now to avoid disappointment