Xn September 2012

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Pi ck me up!

LINVOY PRIMUS

Royals star makes return to Reading

TReasureS

Plenty to discover at Heritage Days

ART WORKS

Christine gets on Wokingham’s trail

FOOL YOU

Penn & Teller star swaps Vegas for Caversham

REVVING UP

Biker to make Thames Valley pit stop

How one man played a part in the world’s biggest parties

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SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSN 2049-4971

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September 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

v Get in touch! email your stories to editor@xnmedia.co.uk Deadline for October issue Friday, September 14

Now, on the main stage…

Editor’s letter Phil Creighton AN OLD friend of mine crossed my path the other day. It’s the first time we’d met for ages. But instead asking me what I am doing now, she already knew: she’d received a copy of Xn through her door, delivered courtesy of her local church (thank you to that church!).

If you one of the many readers picking up a copy of Xn from somewhere that’s not a Sunday service, welcome! I hope you enjoy finding out what’s going on across our communities.

There’s a lot going on. So much so, that I’m keeping this note very brief. It’s a busy month ahead with heritage days, book launches, visits from authors, magicians and footballers. In fact, there’s something for everyone – enjoy the read.

PS - last month, I forgot to thank Paul Barnfather for his sterling work with photos over the past few issues. Thanks Paul! editor@xnmedia.co.uk

A weekend to remember Flower Arrangers' Prayer,

by Helen Simmonds and Sue Sampson, was one of many floral displays at St James’ Church for its patronal festival

A FINCHAMPSTEAD church made the most of a sunny weekend to celebrate its patronal festival.

With a flower festival, a concert and the chance to climb the church’s bell tower, St James’ Church enjoyed a packed weekend.

Held over July 20-22, the flower festival theme was Queen And Country, and a breathtaking range of displays were on offer.

Musical interludes were given by The Madding Crowd, a group of minstrel singers who perform church and secular music of the English village bands and choirs in the period 1660 to 1861.

On the Sunday, as is the church’s custom for the Patronal Festival, the bell tower was opened to the public. The church said there was a long line queueing all afternoon waiting to see the stunning views.

To complete the weekend of celebrations, Andrew Bosley performed on the organ.

At the end of the weekend just over £2,000 was added to the church’s Conservation Fund.

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 Distribution Judith Creighton judith@xnmedia.co.uk Contributors Lynda Bowyer, Michael Penny, Steve Vaughan-Turner, Vicky Wong, Neville Hollands, Sally Hamblin, Steve Prince, James Hern, Lyn Bliss, Salim Yakub Thanks to Michael Penny, Alan Magness, Louise Cole, Mary Brockington, Matt Hearn, Sharon Elliott Advertising advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

Printed by Trinity Mirror Reading Xn is an independent publication and is a community publication that aims to reflect church life across all denominations in the Thames Valley without bias.

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

Xn is funded by advertising.

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.

THE first act on Reading Festival’s main stage this year wasn’t The Cure, Paramore or Florence and The Machine – it was group led by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud.

Also appearing was Barry Kirk from Reading Christian Network, Michael Penny from Churches Together Reading and representatives from Street Pastors.

Phil Creighton, editor of Xn, was also present.

The group prayed for the Festival, held over the August Bank Holiday weekend at its usual Rivermead site, and also for the people who help put on the Festival, for the The Bishop of Reading (second left) joined church leaders from Reading volunteers who worked over the weekend and for the Street Pastors. to pray on the main stage of Reading Festival ahead of its launch

Mencap benefits from generous donation

Members of Reading Mencap have benefitted from a generous donation from two Reading churches A READING charity that helps people with learning disabilities is celebrating after kindhearted parishioners boosted its coffers with a generous £2,465 donation.

Reading Mencap, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary, was given the money by members of St James’ and St William of York Catholic churches after the two congregations spent a year raising funds for them.

From June to June each year the churches support two charities – one overseas and one locally. This past year, as well as supporting Reading Mencap, the parishioners have been helping The Mongu Project, founded and run by Father Pat Cashin of the Church of St Peter the Rock, in Mongu, Zambia.

The project provides the only medical, health and educational services in the region, and desperately requires a maternity unit.

Reading Mencap provides services including, among others, counselling, representation with statutory bodies, leisure activities & respite care.

To help raise the funds, the churches held regular bake and book sales, quiz nights, concerts, prize draws and special collections at services. Prizes for quizzes and draws were donated by local businesses and parishioners.

In total, £4,930 was raised and each charity received £2,465.

The Mongu Project is about to start the planning stage of the maternity unit which will be built in the impoverished district of Nalwei.

They are looking forward to the arrival of Chris McClare, avolunteer builder from the UK, who will plan the unit with them. It is hoped to have the foundation laid before the rains in October. v www.readingmencap.org.uk.

v Correction IN LAST month’s issue, we stated that Bracknell Methodist Church was holding a holiday club over September 23-24.

The club actually took place over the weekend of July 23-24. We apologise for any confusion caused.

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v Heritage open days

Four days to explore the heritage on our doorstep Across the country, more than 4,500 venues will be opening their doors to take part in Heritage Open Days, an annual initiative to help people explore the past.

Running over four days – from Thursday, September 6 to Sunday, September 9, there is something for everyone from lacemaking displays to a retro market.

On Saturday, September 8, Reading’s town centre, will be taken back to the 1940s and 50s for a special retro market, selling vintage

clothing and crafts, while live music will come from It’s Jazzed Up, a group that specialises in lindy hop, jitterbug and jive.

Head further afield and you can visit

Stowe Gardens in Buckinghamshire for free on Saturday, September 8.

On the same day, Oxfam House in Oxford, where the charity was launched, welcomes visitors and the Thames Sailing Club in Kingston upon Thames is also opening.

In the Thames Valley, a number of churches are also joining in – for a list of participators, see the box below. v For more details, or to plan your visits, log on to www.heritageopendays.org.uk.

New books reveal surprising secrets of Reading’s heritage Three new publications about Reading will be launched as part of the Open Heritage Day events at venue that forms part of the town’s heritage.

Waterstones in Broad Street – home to the old Broad Street Chapel – will welcome the authors for a series of talks and signings, while also giving visitors the chance to make a print on a genuine Victorian printing press.

The books, published by local imprint the Two Rivers Press, explore aspects of Reading: 1970s Newtown in wonderful black and white photographs; the Broad Street Waterstones building’s past incarnation; and the architecture and history of many local places of worship.

Residents of Newtown will be fascinated to see Terry Allsop’s Newtown: A Photographic Journey. This collection of evocative black and white images of the streets, the houses, the canal and the people of Newtown in the 1970s, reveals glimpses of a vibrant

society on the brink of change.

Children play on the streets and intricate brickwork details contradict the fragility and decay already apparent in the buildings.

Geoff Sawers’ book celebrates the very building now occupied

by Waterstones: Broad Street Chapel And The Origins Of Dissent. The beautiful façade of Broad Street Congregational Chapel is said to be one of the jewels of Reading’s town centre, but it conceals a fascinating past.

Few shoppers appreciate the Christian significance of

the building or know about the people whose livelihoods have centred on it. In this comprehensive and detailed account, the story of the building is told in its entirety, right up to the present day.

Believing In Reading by Adam Sowan explores Reading’s places of worship, from the three medieval parish churches, to the present-day mosques and temples. Illustrated by Sally Castle with strikingly atmospheric linocut prints of the buildings and embellished with

Get on the trail … Thames Valley churches taking part v St Mary’s Eversley Church Lane, Eversley Grade I listed church where Charles Kingsley, author of The Water Babies was rector for 33 years. Cream teas and tour. Sunday, 2pm-4.30pm.

v St Bartholomew’s Lower Basildon A 700 year old church near the Thames. Historical talk at 2.30pm on Sunday.

Thurs-Sun, 10am-5pm.

v Greyfriars Friar Street, Reading Built by Franciscans in 1311, the main elements of Greyfriars are the most complete example of Franciscan architecture

in Britain. Fri noon-4pm, Sat 10.30am-3.30pm, Sun 2pm-4pm

v St Giles Southampton St, Reading St Giles is one of three medieval parish churches in Reading. The interior of the Church is in Gothic style, redesigned in 1872.

Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday noon-2pm

v Christ Church Christchurch Road, Reading One of architect Henry Woodyer’s finest churches. Sat 10am-6pm

v Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin St Mary's Butts, Reading

The church dates from 979. Most of the church was refaced in 1551, the north aisle is from the 19th century. Thurs & Fri, 11am-3pm, Sat 10am-4pm

v St Mary’s Chapel Castle Street, Reading Unusual late 18th Century chapel open for guided tours. Exhibition for the 350th anniversary of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Thurs, 10am2pm. Fri 10am-4pm. Sat 9.30am-4pm

v Sacred Heart of Jesus Watlington Street, Reading Previously the Church of St John the Evangelist, this is a Grade II listed

building. Sat & Sun, 1pm-5pm

v St Bartholomew’s London Road, Reading Built in 1879 on a site presented by George Palmer. Sat, 10am-4pm

v Newbold College Popeswood Road, Binfield Tour the gardens and its historic architecture. Sun, 2pm-5pm

v St Michael & St Mary Magdalene Crowthorne Road, Easthampstead The site has been associated with worship since at least 1159. Thurs-Sun 10am-4pm. Festal Evensong Sun 6pm

exquisite drawings by Martin Andrews, this book sheds new light on our often overlooked ecclesiastical heritage.

The book reveals some surprising truths, including the secular past of Greyfriars Church, the connection between Huntley and Palmer and the Friends’ Meeting House and the church that has a rood screen from a Birmingham cathedral.

The three authors will be in residents from 12.30pm on the day.

v Book launch for St James St James Church in Forbury Road, Reading is one of thousands of historic buildings throughout the country that will be welcoming visitors once again for this year’s Heritage Open Days.

The church, situated next to the ruins of Reading Abbey in Forbury Gardens, was the very first to be designed by the famous 19th century architect, Augustus Welby Pugin.

It is of particular interest because of its simple Norman style design, which contrasts greatly with the Gothic Revival style for which Pugin was later to become well known.

The church is currently being refurbished to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the laying of its foundation stone in December 1837 and visitors will be able to see the restoration work in progress.

A fascinating book documenting the return of the Catholicism to Reading after the Reformation and the founding of St James Parish has been written by two parishioners – and Xn columnists – John and Lindsay Mullaney.

Copies will be available to purchase for the first time during the Heritage Open Days at the special introductory price of £8.

St James Church will be open from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, September 8 and from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, September 9.

R U O Y DO BIT!

Help collect for the Poppy Appeal.

Please call Francesca Yates on 0118 9761255 or e-mail: fyates@britishlegion.org.uk

H P w

For our Armed Forces, past and present.

Registered Charity No. 219279

59 PoppyPeople Ad 50mm COL AW.indd 1

09/12/2011 15:5

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v Pedal power

TOUCHING HEAVEN, CHANGING EARTH

HISTORIC churches will be given a leg-up – and a pedal-up – thanks to a special event taking place later this month.

Ride & Stride is an annual sponsored cycle, run or walk that raises funds for the Berkshire Churches Trust. The charity helps ancient and historic churches with repairs and the day is a major fundraiser for them.

It takes place on Saturday, September 8, and hundreds of churches across the Thames Valley will be taking part.

People from across the country take part by being sponsored to ride, walk or run between churches.

Participating churches will be open for visitors, with many providing refreshments. v For more details, visit www. berkschurchestrust.org.uk/ ridestride

Heaven comes

v Sale day A CHURCH is gearing up for a hat-trick of events, all taking place on the same day.

St George’s in Owlsmoor will hold a table top sale, a flower arranging worship and be open to visitors taking part in the Ride and Stride event on Satruday, September 8.

The sale starts at 11am and runs to 3pm. Tables can be booked in advance for £5 or cost £10 on the day.

For more details, call (01344) 777893 or email events@ stgeorgeowlsmoor.org.uk

MORE THAN 350 people from across the UK came to Rivermead Leisure Centre for a weekend that aimed to touch heaven.

Organised by local churches and supported by Reading Christian Network, Touching Heaven, Changing Earth saw more than 20 church leaders lead a variety of sessions from Thursday, July 26 to Saturday, July 28.

Speakers included the Revd Grenville Overton, team leader of the Southern Counties Baptist Association, Billy Kennedy, the leader of the Pioneer Network and Chris Cole, leader of Cross Rhythms.

Also speaking were local church leaders including Bishop Joel Thomas from The Globe,

v Riots lecture AN MP from an area affected by last year’s London riots will give a lecture in Binfield next month.

David Lammy, the MP for Tottenham, will give the 2012 Beach Lecture at Newbold College on Tuesday, October 16.

Starting at 7.30pm, he will explore diversity in Britian after the riots.

All are welcome to attend.

v Join the song

Abbey Baptist Church

A place of prayer, discovery and refuge.

Open for prayer Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm Sunday Service 10.30am We look forward to welcoming you!

Spaces available for 2½ – 5 year olds We are open term time from 9.15am – 12.15pm Contact us at littleowl@mail.com

www.abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk

The Little Owl Pre-School, Employees Social Club, 2 Earley Gate, Whiteknights Campus, Reading, RG6 6AU

Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BE

west Reading, Rob Gardiner from Network Vineyard, Yinka Oyekan from Reading Community Church and Neville Hollands, leader of LifeSpring church.

Sessions looked at everything from the nature of Jesus to ways in which delegates could step out in ministry. There was a chance to explore ways in which initiatives and moves can fit together regionally, culturally, nationally and globally.

It was more than just a series of seminars and sessions: an art corner allowed people to create paintings, pictures and images, while on Friday the morning session closed with a shared meal.

Friday also saw the conference join in All The Bells,

Ofsted Registration No: 148691

Registered Charity No: 292726

A SONGS of Praise event is being planned for later this month.

St Michael’s Church in Tilehurst will be the venue for the service, organised by Michael Penny, the chair of Churches Together in Reading.

All are welcome and it takes place at 6.30pm on Sunday, September 30. The church is in New Lane Hill.

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TOUCHING HEAVEN, CHANGING EARTH

Take care!

Make the most of life with Philip Keohane

Making the most of mealtimes

to Rivermead

a mass bell-ringing held to launch the start of the Olympic Games. Delegates brought along bells to ring for three minutes at 8.12am. At the same time across the country, thousands of bells joined in the peel as part of Martin Creed’s Work No 1197.

Children had their own programme and were able to join in the closing celebration on Saturday evening.

Afternoons were free to allow people to enjoy some free time, including using the leisure centre, nearby golf course or visiting a nearby funfair.

The three-day event was judged a success by organisers who are now planning how to

follow it up.

One of the conference organisers, Yinka Oyekan, said on his Facebook page: “Thanks to everyone who has invested so much in Touching Heaven Chaning Earth conference it has been the most amazing time.”

Pictures by Lynda Bowyer. For more photos, log on to xnmedia.co.uk

Seriously Funny night

Band ready for concert

TWO writers are promising an evening of conversation that will be so Seriously Funny there will be laughter and tears.

Jeff Lucas and Adrian Plass are teaming up with singer/songwriter Nicki Rogers for the evening, which comes to Greyfriars Church, Reading on Thursday, November 29.

The evening will be full of honesty, anger, despair and joy from the two well-known authors. v For more details or to book tickets, log on to www.seriouslyfunny.org or call 01903 705367.

MUSIC from stage and screen will be performed by a local community band later this month.

Trinity Concert Band will perform pieces from composers such as John Williams and Andrew Lloyd Webber at the concert. It takes place at Trinity Church, Lower Earley on Saturday, September 22 from 7.30pm.

The band will team up with the Reading Central Salvation Army band for a bandstand marathon in Reading’s Forbury Gardens on Sunday, September 9 from 1pm. Details: www.trinityband.co.uk.

For all of us, widely available good advice on maintaining a healthy and varied diet rings true. This advice is equally valid for our older people as well. However, for some, following this advice has its challenges.

As we get older, the physical triggers that make us want to eat change. With our changing metabolism and other factors such as medication regimes and our own psychological state, our eating habits will alter.

Encouraging our older relatives to continue to enjoy mealtimes can therefore be a real challenge. There are though some useful things to consider in making mealtimes more enjoyable.

Our senses of smell and sight inform us in advance that the plate of food we are about to eat will be a good one.

In many older people, these senses start to diminish so we can try to make the meals attractive looking on the plate by ensuring there is plenty of colour in the components of the meal and the individual elements of the dish are easily identifiable.

Look to reduce the size of the portion. Sometimes, when your appetite is not so good, the prospect of a large meal can be quite daunting. There is always the option of second helpings.

Also, think about other factors that might affect someone’s appetite.

Sore teeth or a sore mouth caused by dentures that don’t fit as well as they once did will quickly reduce the enjoyment of eating a meal.

Cut food up into smaller pieces, especially fruit. A few slices of apple or segments of an orange are far more appealing than a whole one.

Also, look at amending the eating routine slightly. Sometimes four or five snacks throughout the day is a far more appealing prospect than three main meals.

Finally, there is a wealth of advice and assistance available to help make mealtimes more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to ask.

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

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DISCOVERY COURSES

v Ask your questions FINCHAMPSTEAD Baptist Church is launching a Christianity Explored course from Wednesday, October 3.

Held over seven weeks, the course offers you to chance to ask any questions you have about the Christian faith.

The church says that everyone is welcome - even if they are a convinced atheist.

To find out more, log on to www.finchampstead.com

v Get looking JUST LOOKING is the title for a new course starting at St Sebastian’s in Wokingham Without later this month.

Sessions will be held over six weeks on Wednesday evenings from September 12. It offers participants the chance to investigate the Christian faith and is aimed at those who do not normally come to church and have questions.

The course is free, informal and includes refreshments.

Places are allocated on a firstcome first-served basis.

For more details or to book, call the church office on (01344) 761050 or log on to www. stsebastians.org.uk.

v Meal time READING Central Salvation Army launches its Alpha Course on Monday, September 10.

Each evening includes a meal, a talk and a chance to discuss aspects of the Christian faith.

Sessions will be led by Major Iain Hudson.

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

v All welcome AN ALPHA course launches with a free meal at Wycliffe Baptist Church, east Reading on Thursday, September 20 at 7pm.

All are welcome.

For details, call the church on (0118) 929 9911.

Fall in to hear Major General’s life story over cheese & wine A BRITISH soldier who helped plan operations in Iraq is coming out of retirement to speak at a cheese and wine evening planned by a Bracknell church later this month.

Major General Tim Cross CBE has commanded the British Army at every level, including leading a bomb disposal team in Northern Ireland and a division of 30,000 soldiers between 2004 and 2007.

He has also worked in Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo in 1999, being awarded the CBE for his work in leading the NATO response to the humanitarian crisis.

He retired from service in 2007.

The Major General is the special guest at Kerith Community Church’s launch event for its autumn Alpha course.

He will share his fascinating life story at the event, which takes place from 8pm at the Church Road centre.

Tickets cost £5 and can be booked by logging on to www. kerith.co.uk/alphacourse.

The church’s Alpha course starts on Wednesday, October 3 and everyone is invited. v For more details on these events, call (01344) 862699 or log on to www.kerith.co.uk.

Celebrate the Best of British WITH the Paralympics bringing to an end a great summer of celebration, a Reading church is getting ready to toast the Best of British.

That’s the theme of the Alpha launch party for Greyfriars Church in Friar Street.

It’s hosting a party with food, drinks and some very special party games to enjoy.

Taking place on Saturday, September 22, the evening will see a magician perform and the chance to take on a large scale

game of Kerplunk! and a giant buzzer game for steady hands.

There will also be live music.

Previous participants of the Alpha Course will talk about their experiences and there will be a brief introduction to the 10-week course, which starts at the church on October 1 from 7.30pm.

Entry to the launch party is £5 in advance or £6 on the door. v For more details, call the church on (0118) 951 6700 or log on to www.greyfriars.org.uk.

PEOPLE in Wokingham who would like to join an Alpha course this autumn are being invited to contact Kings Church.

The church, which meets on Sundays at Wokingham Youth and Community Centre, Reading Road, is encouraging interested people to get in touch to arrange a date.

“We usually only fix the start date and day of the week once we have consulted those who would like to attend to see if

we can agree on a time which suits most people,” explained Catharine Newport, the church’s administrator.

All are welcome to come along and enjoy the 10-week course, which includes an opportunity to ask questions about any aspect of the Christian faith. v For more details, call Catharine on (0118) 961 9876, email: admin@kingschurch.org. uk, or visit kingschurch.org.uk.

Planning a Kings welcome

ELC London Street

ENGLISH COURSES

www.elclondonstreet.co.uk Tel: 0118 958 2247 78, London Street, Reading RG1 4SJ

ELC London Street

Host families wanted Students: 16-60 yrs (2-24 wks) B&B + eve. meal only Tel: 0118 958 2247 email:elc@elclondonstreet.co.uk

Talk to Tom for a night of laughter A MAN called Tom is inviting you to come and laugh with him.

The comic is bringing his unique blend of comedy and magic to South Street Arts Centre in Reading later this month and everyone is invited.

The evening with Tom Elliot takes place on Saturday, September 22 from 7.30pm and is being organised by Reading Family Church.

The event also serves as the launch of the church’s Alpha Course and will include information on how you can sign up for it. The course starts the following Tuesday at the church’s London Street home.

Tickets cost £4 and can be reserved by emailing the church on churchoffice@readingfamilychurch.org.uk. v For more details, log on to www.readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

Peppard Common course RESIDENTS of Sonning Common and Peppard Common are invited to a meal on Saturday, September 15.

Starting at 7pm and hosted

by Springwater Church, Blounts Court Road, the evening will give an overview of Alpha.

The course starts on

Wednesday, September 26 and continues over 10 weeks.

Entry to the meal costs £5 and the course is free. v For more details, or to book a place, call the church office on (0118) 972 4519, email office@ pepcon.plus.com or log on to www.springwater.org.uk.

CORNWALL – HOLIDAY COTTAGE

Beautiful, spacious barn conversion in central Cornwall.

Great location for North & South coasts and attractions.

Sleeps 6 Contact Hilary & Bill Box, Tel 01872 510552 www.goenrounsenbarns.co.uk

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Skills boost for young people makes a start

Royals’ Primus makes return

AN evening out promises to be Premier League status: it features a talk by a former Reading FC player.

Linvoy Primus, who played for the Royals between 1997 and 2000, will be returning to the town on Friday, September 7 to give a talk about the highs and lows in football.

The star will also share stories from

A NEW project aimed at supporting young people to boost their skills will start receiving its first clients this month.

Starting Point Reading, which launched in June, aims to help NEETs (people not in education, employment or training) aged 16 to 25 through mentoring and providing entry level work placements.

It has been launched by the Mustard Tree Foundation, in conjunction with Reading Family Church and the Reading Local Strategic Partnership and is partnering with Jobcentre and Connexions.

Through the Reward Your World initiative, Starting Point Reading is providing young people with reward points for taking part in voluntary

across his career, which also included spells playing for Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic.

He will speak from 7.30pm at the Reading Central Salvation Army in Castle Hill. Entry is free and includes refreshments. v For more details, log on to www.readingcentral.org.uk.

work placements.

This is through the generosity of local sponsors in backing the work of Starting Point Reading by purchasing the reward points for individual placements.

Greyfriars Church in Reading’s town centre is the first to provide this valuable resource.

A spokesperson for the church said: “We are glad to support Starting Point Reading and look forward to seeing many young people gain much needed work experience through this initiative.

“We had been exploring with other agencies how we might help in this area and know how hard it is to

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power - 1 Corinthians 2:4

Would you like to spend a year...

• Training in Kingdom/Supernatural principles?

• Developing a deeper relationship with God? • Seeing God move in miraculous and prophetic ways?

• Stepping out and leading people to Christ?

Well, now you can.

Rob Gardiner (founding pastor of Network Vineyard Church) and Mark Iles (church-based prophet with the Pioneer group of churches) are both experienced church leaders who move in God's power and believe that this is the normal state for all believers.

By coming on this school, you will experience personal freedom and transformation, and you will be equipped to heal the sick, cast out demons, prophesy and lead people to Jesus.

It doesn’t matter whether you have done any of these things before or not, or what church you are a part of, everyone is welcome.

So book today at sse@networkvineyard.org.uk Applications by September 30th. Term starts 9th October 2012 Time Commitment: 3 terms of 1 evening per week for 10 weeks, and 1x a month during term time on the streets of Reading practicing what we preach!

Cost: £85 per term or £225 annual fee

find that first job.”

Starting Point Reading is keen to receive expressions of interest to get involved with the mentoring programme, or offers of work experience placements in addition to those that have already been secured.

The scheme’s organisers add that offers of financial support to place a young person in work experience will also be gratefully received.

A full-time, fourweek placement can be sponsored for £140. v For further information, call Rachel Green on 07864 040466 or email rachel.green@ themustardtree.org.

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v Get talking about English CLASSES helping people get to grips with speaking English will take place next month.

Argyle Community Church in Argyle Road, Reading is hosting the eight-week course from Monday, October 1.

Sessions are for those who know some English but want to improve their communication skills. The small classes are taught by qualified and friendly teachers. Sessions cost £2. v For details, log on to www. argylecommunitychurch.com

v Krish Kandiah at Kennet Valley WELL-KNOWN Christian speaker Krish Kandiah will make a visit at Kennet Valley Free Church next month.

After his 45-minute talk, he will then answer pre-prepared questions. Guests will be able to text these in on the night.

It take place at the Calcot church in the evening of Thursday, October 11.

More details next month.

Darren’s epic trip helps school A KEEN cyclist from Calcot has pedalled across the country to help build classrooms so children in Nicaragua can go to school.

Over 11 days last month, Darren Allwright travelled from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for a project run by child development charity Compassion.

Darren and nine others hoped that their pedal power will raise more than £2,300 to build two classrooms in the Rayitos de Sol Child Development Centre, north-east of Nicaragua’s capital Managua. As Xn went to press, he had already reached 96% of his target.

In June, Darren visited Nicaragua where he sponsors two children, Katherine and Andru, through the child development charity Compassion. During his trip Darren was deeply moved by the plight of the children in the country.

“Meeting Katherine and Andru was both humbling and inspiring,” he explained. “I was astonished at the difference my sponsorship is making in their lives, by providing them with food, education and healthcare, but I was also aware that the facilities they were learning in were incredibly inadequate.

Darren was so moved that he signed up for the trek, which took place from August 18-31.

Speaking ahead of his ride, he said: “By cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats I hope to raise enough money to rebuild the

Darren travelled with Compassion to meet Katherine, the child he sponsors, and her mother.

Inspired by his visit, he has cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats to help build her a classroom classrooms and improve the educational access for children. It will be a tough ride, but the difference it will make to those children’s lives is immeasurable.”

Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Central America. Life is particularly tough for youngsters: a third of all Nicaraguan children are malnourished and only 29 per cent of them finish their primary schooling.

In some cases, children are forced to work for a living, with an estimated 167,000 of them currently involved in child labour.

The Rayitos de Sol Child Development Centre is run in partnership with the local church and Compassion, to ensure that

the poorest children in the community have access to healthcare, education, food, clothing and social care. Due to a lack of space three classes are taught simultaneously in the church building.

“Currently, the space is small and crowded,” says Angie Reyes, project director at the centre. “There are more children in need in our community and, as a church, we have the vision to reach them. It will be possible when we have an improved space to give them the attention that they deserve.” v For more information, log on to www.justgiving.com/darrenallwrightcycle

We are a group of Christians drawn from various churches across Reading, with a shared vision to release God’s passion, concerned to make positive change in our communities, and with resources to help get things started.

Share your desire to make a difference with others and explore ways to put faith into action.

If your desire is to use gardening or horticulture to benefit others:

join us at Bill’s, St Mary’s Church House, Chain Street, Reading RG1 2HX Thursday 20th September, 7.30pm-9.30pm Dinner included!

If you feel called to pray for the communities of Reading:

come along to South Street Arts Centre, Reading Saturday 20th October, 10am-noon Refreshments included!

If you have a different concern or project:

join us at our next Open Space event at Bill’s, St Mary’s Church House, Chain Street, Reading RG1 2HX Monday 12th November, 7.30pm–9.30pm Dinner included!

To book for any of these free events visit our website www.springboardreading.org.uk For more information about the events please email admin@springboardreading.org.uk

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9

Olympic logos and London 2012 images on this page are © London 2012

OLYMPIcs

Graham’s Olympic double A DRUMMER from Priestwood says he’s proud to be British after completing an Olympic double.

Bright spark Graham Orriss took part in the London 2012 Games twice over: he drummed at the opening ceremony and marshalled at the closing ceremony, wearing a blue suit with a lightbulb-topped bowler hat.

“I can’t believe I took part in both – it’s utterly surreal,” the 67-year-old said.

The drummer, who plays at services at Priestwood’s Mosaic Church, only got involved in after an announcement was given during a service. “[Organisers] were short of drummers,” he explained. “They had to be able to move and drum at the same time.”

Graham was fortunate to be selected, saying that around 3,000 people audtioned, but just 1,000 were accepted.

“A lot of professional drummers didn’t get in,” he said.

Signed up to the Opening Ceremony, called Isles of Wonder, Graham was given a low-tech drum to play.

“It’s actually a plastic bucket turned upside down, with straps on,” he chuckled.

Graham Orriss, from Priestwood, took part in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games Picture: Lynda Bowyer

The opening ceremony, lauded the world over, offered a whistlestop tour of British history.

The stadium was transformed into scenes telling the country’s story, including a large hill onto which flags were planted after the parade of athletes.

“I ended up on the hill – the Tor,” he said. “Then I had a 20-minute change, went underneath the stadium, got changed and was a marshal for the athletes.”

At the closing ceremony he

was within touching distance of the biggest names in music including The Spice Girls.

“I didn’t get to met any, but they came close by,” he said. “I was there to control the athletes mainly. They were very well behaved – they all wanted to take pictures of us, of course!”

Graham really enjoyed the experience and will cherish his memories of the day.

“It’s been a wonderful experience and I’m proud to have done it.”

Picture: More than Gold UK

Rower Debbie honoured with Liddell award AN ESTIMATED 300 people saw Reading-based Olympic rower Debbie Flood receive The Eric Liddell Award at a national prayer breakfast, held in London before the end of the Olympic Games.

The award honours one male and one female Olympian who display outstanding character at home, in their community and on the field of competition.

It was presented to Debbie and US athelete Bryan Clay at the event, organised by More Than Gold and held on Friday, August 10, at Westminster Central Hall.

Ready to walk the walk for climate justice A CHURCH in Crowthorne is preparing for blisters as it makes final preparations for a sponsored walk.

Members of St John the Baptist Church will be putting on their walking boots for a fivemile trek around the village as part of its support for the Time For Climate Justice Campaign.

“The idea is to raise awareness of the problem of climate change and to promote walking in our local area,” says organiser

Hannah Brooks. “Walkers are welcome to gain sponsorship to raise money for Christian Aid who also support this campaign, but are also welcome to just come along for pleasure.”

It starts at 9.30am on Saturday, September 15. Walkers will set off from the church and will end up at a special stall which the church is holding outside the village library, next to Crowthorne Baptist Church, on Crowthorne’s High Street.

The Time for Climate Justice stall, held as part of the village market, runs from 10am to 2pm and features information on climate change, photographic entries from a recent competition and some freebies.

“All are welcome to the walk and the stall,” Hannah added.

“Please come along and support our efforts to raise awareness of the injustice of climate change.” v For more details, visit www. crowthorneparishchurch.org.uk

Pipe Band look on the bright side

The Reading Scottish Pipe Band joined Eric Idle for a song at the Olympics A PIPE band have plenty of reasons to look on the bright side of life – they were seen by billions of people worldwide.

The Reading Scottish Pipe Band joined Monty Python star Eric Idle for the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, just one of a number of engagements related to London 2012.

Their moment of fame formed part of the celebration of British music and saw them perform on a bill that included The Who, Beady Eye and Annie Lennox.

The band, which rehearses at St Andrew’s URC in London Road, Reading, also piped out the Praise Bus when it visited Reading ahead of the Olympic Flame on Tuesday, July 10.

The following morning, they played for more than 30 minutes at Caversham Court Gardens as the Torch prepared to leave Reading on its journey to Salisbury.

“We were adding to the build-up of the atmosphere for

1948 Olympic Torch bearer Bob Tutton showed his Torch to the Pipe Band in Caversham everyone during the send off,” Gerry McDonald, the band’s spokesperson, explained.

“Whilst there we met up with Bob Tutton, now 82, from Yeovil in Somerset, who was only 18 years old when he became a torch bearer in his home town during the 1948 Olympic Games, the last time we played host to the games.

“Bob showed us the torch that he held, 64 years after his oncein-a-liftetime run.” v For more details on the band, visit www.readingscottish.org.

10

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v Scratch sing A RARE opportunity to sing with an established choir could be yours.

Reading Bach Choir is holding a Come And Sing day on Saturday, October 13 and a limited number of places are available.

The focus will be on Brahms Requiem, and will see rehearsals during the day build up to an informal concert at 5pm.

Taking place at Caversham Heights Methodist Church, the choir will be singing the English Ivor Atkins version.

Places cost £20, and refreshments will be available.

You will need to bring a lunch. v For details, call Barbara Morris on (0118) 987 1452 or log on to www. readingbachchoir.org.

v Music night AN evening of a cappella music is coming to Finchamsptead later this month.

Apollo5, who tour the country with their lively mix of music including jazz, pop, sacred classical, nostalgic folk, and atmospheric spirituals, will be performing at St James Church on Saturday, September 22.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12, including a finger buffet. v For more details, call the parish office on (0118) 973 0133.

Pop star pops in to open Prospects store Kelle Bryan, who sang in girl band Eternal, found a Good Thing when she officially opened the new Causeway Prospects charity store in Reading on Tuesday, August 7. The Oxford Road-based shop sells a range of books, clothes, glassware and crockery and will raise much needed funds for the charity, which supports people with learning disabilities so that they live their lives to the full. Kelle said: “It’s a great shop. I’ve been shopping already.”

Kelle is now an actor and will be seen in the BBC’s forthcoming sitcom Mr & Mrs Jones, alongside Sarah Alexander and Neil Morrissey.

Campolo’s justice challenge AN INTERNATIONALLY renowned speaker is teaming up with one of the country’s greatest living songwriters to challenge people living in the Thames Valley about their attitude toward consumerism, justice and poverty.

Dr Tony Campolo and Graham Kendrick are travelling the UK this autumn as they

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Thursday,20 20Sept Sept2012 2012–––8:00pm 8:00pm–––Barts BartsGrill Grill&& &Restaurant Restaurant Thursday, Thursday, Sept 2012 8:00pm Grill Thursday, 2020 Sept 2012 8:00pm – Barts Barts Grill &Restaurant Restaurant Thursday, 20 Sept 2012 – 8:00pm – Barts Grill & Restaurant Thursday, 20 Sept 2012 – –8:00pm – Barts Grill & Restaurant To book your place, email dave@readingatwork.org

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Christians at Work is a national organisation helping to mobilise Christians to live out their faith both in the world of work and the world at large www.readingatwork.org http://www.caw.uk.net/index.php

seek to help combat child poverty in the concerts, which are hosted by international child development charity Compassion.

During the evening, which comes to Greyfriars Church in Reading town centre on Thursday, October 18, Dr Campolo will use his mix of humour and poignant tales to unpack some of the issues relating to life in the 21st century.

“We live in a culture where ignoring both the poor and Jesus is the norm,” said Dr Campolo. “But Jesus himself warned that how we treat the poor is exactly how we treat Him. If we want to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, then watching out for ‘the least’ of Jesus’ brothers and sisters has to be a high priority for us.”

Tony Campolo will visit Greyfriars Church in Reading next month to talk about poverty and how it can be tackled Fellow performer, Graham Kendrick, has written and recorded hundreds of songs over the past 30 years, many of which are well known around the world, including Shine Jesus Shine and Amazing Love.

For more than a decade Graham has been working with Compassion to raise awareness of child poverty and encourage Christians to live out their faith.

“I believe that sharing what

we have with some of the world’s poorest children is a vital part of true worship,” said Graham.

Organisers promise that the evening will have you laughing, crying and dying to get out and change the world.

The event will start at 7pm and tickets cost £10 and can be purchased from www. christiantickets.co.uk or by calling 029 2051 2247.

v Concert for a quid

v Answers needed

STUDENTS can enjoy an afternoon of live classical music for a quid. That’s the price of tickets for students for the West Forest Sinfonia’s latest concert.

The programme includes Debussy’s La Mer as well as performances of Berlioz’s Overture Les Franc-Juges, Chausson’s Poème and Ravel’s Shéhérazade.

The show starts at 4.30pm on Sunday, September 30 and takes place at St Paul’s Church, Reading Road, Wokingham.

Tickets for non-students cost £15 or £13 for concessions. They can be bought from the Wokingham Town Hall information centre or by calling (0118) 933 2435. Tickets will also be available on the door.

PUZZLE fans are invited to come along and test their grey matter at a fun fundraising quiz night later this month.

Abbey Baptist Church in Reading’s Abbey Square is hosting the challenging evening on Thursday, September 13 from 7.30pm.

Money raised will go to Christian Aid. For more details or to book a place, call the church on (0118) 957 2197.

v Enjoy the fun fair BINFIELD Fete, organised by the village’s churches, takes place on Sunday, September 9 from 12.15pm.

It will be held in the grounds of St Mark’s Church.

12

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v News extra v Volunteers needed A CHARITY that works overseas says it urgently needs volunteers over here.

CAFOD (the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) works with partners in more than 40 countries across the world in an attempt to end poverty and injustice. It works with people of all faiths and none.

In the UK, its relies on volunteers to raise awareness of our work in parishes and schools and bring about a fairer world through prayer and action.

The charity says it is desperate for volunteers in the Reading area. It is particularly looking for parish contacts, volunteer speakers and campaigners.

Training and support would be provided.

For more information on the various opportunities and/or if you are interested, contact Lynda and Laura at the CAFOD Portsmouth office by emailing portsmouth@cafod.org.uk or calling 01252 329385. v www.cafod.org.uk

v Band stay

v Solar panels

The National Methodist Youth Brass Band turned a church into a hotel last month.

The band used Sandhurst & Yateley Methodist church as a base while recording a new CD. This is the band’s 25th anniversary year. To celebrate, it has toured Italy and held a day of thanksgiving in July.

A WOKINGHAM church is celebrating after its solar panels were installed last month.

All Saints installed the electricity-generating panels as part of its desire to reduce its carbon footprint.

Parishioners raised £13,652 towards the cost of the panels which are now in use.

v Father and son in tune A FATHER and son are planning to be in perfect harmony as they perform a special concert this month.

Chris and Alex Goodwin are joining forces for a piano and organ recital which will be held at All Saints’ Church, Ascot on Sunday, September 2.

Alex has recently returned from a year as organ scholar at Chichester University and will be heading off to start his music

degree course at Worcester College, Oxford where he will be the organ scholar.

The programme will include duets on the new Alison grand piano, which the church bought earlier this year, thanks to very generous donations.

The concert starts at 4.30pm.

Entry is free and a retiring collection will go towards the church’s music fund. v www.all-saints-ascot.org.

How to take lessons b As the new school year gets underway, Paul Haynes, project director of REinspired, explain how the charity is helping pupils get more out of RE

What are your memories of Religious Education (RE) in school? As a child of the 70s I remember very little, apart from a few Bible stories. It was lifeless.

Maybe it’s my age, but more likely it’s because I didn’t have teachers who were passionate about the subject. There are plenty of people who enjoyed RE, but my experience seems common.

Forty years on, and schools have changed enormously. So has RE. RE is a compulsory subject in schools and Christianity has to be taught throughout. But RE is often misunderstood and the subject of some controversy. Many atheists wish it wasn’t there claiming it aims to persuade children to believe in God. Many Christians think it misses the mark precisely because it fails to do that.

Dismissing RE misses the point, and devalues a unique learning opportunity for children and one where people of faith are uniquely able to contribute significantly to the education of a future generation.

Life in Britain today has been shaped by our Christian heritage and continues to be shaped by the diverse faiths of our increasingly multi-cultural society. You cannot understand our society without understanding these influences – let alone hope to change it for the better.

At its heart, RE is not about any particular faith.

Nor is it simply about comparing and contrasting religions. True, it does enable children to gain awareness and understanding of a broad range of religious beliefs and practice. More importantly, we think, this is in the context of enquiring into bigger

Are you looking for a Christian senior school for your daughter?

Come to an Open Morning and find out what makes Luckley-Oakfield the perfect choice

Members of the REINSPIRED team at the launch of The Story of REIN Linda Galpin, Alison Chevassut, Sue Rees and David Skinner questions such as “Do people who believe in God lead better lives?”

To answer such abstract questions pupils first need to understand concepts such as “belief” and “better” before they can look at a religion and how its beliefs and practices lead to behaviours in everyday life. Only then can pupils answer the question with any justification, and only then can they reflect on what a good life would mean to them personally. Does that sound like a tough ask?

It’s a more profound question than most of us would ask of children in church. It’s just one of the questions on the RE syllabus that primary schools must cover.

More than ever before, this aim of learning from religion is at the heart of the new RE syllabus being rolled out across Berkshire over the next year. And more than ever before, teachers are looking to faith communities to help them. There are some amazing digital teaching resources.

Reading Museum has a collection of religious

artefacts tha for learning religion is qu people of fa how their fa and answer can – and c the text boo For well o East Readin help childre inside. Unde over 100 les seeing mos At Maiden pupils as we in year 7 an year 8. We e coordinate t our volunte hours in sch

v Further studies – helping pup

Saturday Tuesday 13th 20th October March Wednesday 2nd 17thMay Oct Wednesday 9.30am to 12 noon

Education focus

‘Inspiring Young Minds’

www.luckley.wokingham.sch.uk

Tel: 0118 978 4175 Registrar@luckley.wokingham.sch.uk

Independent Christian Day and Boarding School for Girls aged 11 -18 years

Across the region, there are many groups that seek to work alongside students. Here are some of them.

mentor enabling them t about more personal th as relationships and pare v www.jacoutreach.org

v JAC Schools Work

v Wokingham ar

Wokingham based JAC (Just Around the Corner) works with young people on an Emotional Literacy Programme, which covers a range of topics including bullying, self-esteem, anger management and substance abuse.

In the one-to-one sessions students learn to build trust in their

The Wokingham Area S Christian Worker Trust w up in 1995 to provide a C presence in local second schools and works with The Holt, St Crispins, Th Luckley Oakfield and Ed schools.

The Trust holds a pray on the first Thursday of

Education focus

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13

beyond the classroom

NSPIRED, a book telling the story of the charity. From left: Julia Jones, Paul Haynes,

at schools can borrow. These are great g about religion. But learning from quite different – it needs living artefacts: aith who can tell their story, discuss aith influences their thinking and action, r questions children have as best they children have plenty of questions not in oks. over a decade churches in Earley and ng have been working with schools to en understand Christianity from the er the REINSPIRED banner, we deliver ssons to 10 primary local schools, st of the 4,600 pupils twice a year. n Erlegh School we see another 580 e deliver lessons on Holy Week to pupils nd on Christian Diversity to pupils in employ three part-time team leaders to this work but we couldn’t do it without eers who between them spent 1,200 hools last year.

More than 80 volunteers from Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, URC, Baptist and independent churches work together to help children enquire about questions such as “Why is belonging to a church important to Christians?” To answer that question you need to find out what it means to belong to a church. There’s no better way to learn that than by talking to ordinary Christians in a church setting where you can explore fonts and baptisteries, communion tables and altars, crosses and crucifixes. And ask any question you like.

It brings faith to life. It brings RE to life. And that’s just what teachers appreciate so much. They can help pupils make sense of what they see and hear, but in an increasingly secular society fewer teachers can confidently answer the questions themselves with authority or conviction.

There are now well established groups of churches working with schools in the same way in Woodley, Caversham and beyond. Founder and former minister at Anderson Baptist Church,

pils across the Thames Valley

to speak hings such ents. g

rea

Schools was set Christian dary h Embrook, he Forest, dgebarrow

yer meeting every

month at Wokingham Baptist Church from noon-12.30pm. It’s followed by a shared lunch.

Scripture Union also works in the district’s primary schools. v www.wascwt.org

v Reading area Learn4Life is a Reading-based charity that works with schools and churches across the borough.

Its full-time worker, Chrissy Towers, works alongside a team of local youth workers and volunteers. They lead assemblies, RE and SRE lessons and even

offer coffee and cakes for staff at breaktimes. v www.rscwt.org

v Burghfield Common This term, pupils at The Willink School will be welcoming School Pastors in a trial organised by Together In Mission (TiM) and The Ascension Trust.

The scheme is similar to Street Pastors: the School Pastors will be there to listen, care for and help young people and the whole school community. v www.togetherinmission.org.uk.

David Skinner has started a group in Bedfordshire where he is now a minister. Maggie Thorne, curate at Earley St Peters until the end of last year, is setting up a project in her parish in Oxford.

We are also talking to churches across the country with the aim of helping them support RE in their local schools.

The new pan-Berkshire RE syllabus which was launched in June provides more opportunities than ever before for churches to get involved in supporting RE. We’ve already had enquiries from schools beyond our catchment area that we are unable to help unless more churches are willing to look beyond the walls of their own church and engage with their local schools. All you need are a few volunteers who are comfortable in the company of children and willing to tell their story and answer their questions sensitively. REINSPIRED can help you with the rest – come along to our RE Matters taster day on Saturday, September 29 and we’ll show you that it’s not rocket science.

If you’re in a church in one of the areas where we work, or your children or grandchildren go to school there why not join us? If not, but you are excited by the opportunities we’d love to talk to you about how we could help churches where you are support your local schools. v To find out more or to arrange to see one of our lessons, call us on (0118) 966 3929 or email office@ reinspired.org.uk. Alternatively, come along to our annual celebration evening at St William of York Roman Catholic Church, Upper Redlands Road from 7.30pm on Thursday, October 4.

TWAM director Martin Humphries accepts the scholar packs made by Crowthorne Baptist Church. They are presented by church member Peter Siggery (right)

Scholar packs are a lifeline

BIG-HEARTED members of Crowthorne Baptist Church have ensured that the school year gets off to a flying start.

The church has collated a number of scholar packs which will be sent to schools in Africa that have little or no reading or writing material.

The collection was organised by member Peter Siggery and saw the church put an A4 writing pad, pens, pencils, a calculator and other basic stationery items.

Together with a £2 coin per pack, these were sent to Tools With A Mission, which then organises distribution across the world. v For more on how to make packs for pupils, log on to www.twam.co.uk.

RE Matters

A one day training conference equipping you and your church to bring RE and Collective Worship to life in your local schools

Saturday 29 September 10am-3.30pm St Nicolas Church, Earley, RG6 7JN £25 including lunch and resource CD The day includes: An introduction to RE & Collective Worship Building lasting relationships with schools Making RE lessons and assemblies effective Workshops on practical skills To find out more or book a place visit www.re-inspired.org.uk or contact us on 0118 966 3929 or email training@re-inspired.org.uk

CTEER Schools Project Registered charity no 1109291

14

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Get on yer bike for Sean

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

v Back to school with a healthy lunch

W

ith the kids back at school this is the perfect opportunity to give their packed lunch a healthy makeover.

A recent survey from the University of Leeks who analysed 1,300 packed lunches across schools in Britain found that only 1% met nutritional standards set for schools – most were shockingly low in nutrients and fibre and packed with salt, sugars and saturated fats.

Yet what your child eats for lunch is vital for improving focus and concentration in the afternoon. Key to this is including plenty of protein – this will help balance blood sugar levels preventing that post lunch energy dip.

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

Trout is an excellent source of essential omega 3 fats DHA and EPA important for cognitive function. Oily fish is also a good source of vitamin D which is not only needed for healthy bones but modulates the immune system.

You can serve the trout dip in a little tub accompanied with some vegetables sticks or use it to fill wholemeal pittas.

It’s also delicious as a topping for baked potatoes or spreading on toast and crackers too.

Creamy Trout Pittas

Serves 4-6 v 200g hot smoked trout, skinned v 3-4tbsp crème fraiche or soy cream v Zest of 1 lemon v 1tbsp lemon juice v Handful of fresh dill leaves, chopped v Freshly ground black pepper v Wholemeal pitta to serve v Sliced tomato or salad to serve Put the trout, crème fraiche,

lemon zest and juice in a food processor and pulse to form a chunky paste. Do not over-process.

Add the dill and season with black pepper.

Use to fill pittas with a little tomato or salad or spoon into a tub and accompany with vegetables sticks.

The trout pate will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. v For more recipes and advice, log on to www.advancenutrition. co.uk or www.facebook.com/ advancenutrition Christine is a qualified nutritionist, a member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy and a member of Reading Family Church.

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

A BIKER is revving up to return to Reading for a special evening of stories later this month.

Sean Stillman, originally from the town but who now lives in Swansea, will be maxing the throttle as he heads down the M4 for the event, which takes place at All Nations Christian Church on Monday, September 10.

Called When Love Crosses The Great Divide, the evening will give the biker an opportunity to talk about his life amid bikers, the street community and artists.

Sean describes the event as “Just a bloke on his bike, The Sermon on the Mount and 25 years’ worth or stories from the margins”.

He added: “It’s not going to be disco or flashing lights or big PA systems, It’s just going to be me. Anything could possibly happen.”

In Swansea, Sean helps

run Zac’s Place, A Church for Ragamuffins, which aims to be a safe space for people to come along and enjoy everything from breakfast for rough sleepers to raw and honest discussions at its Tuesday evening meetings.

It also encourages artistic expressions and has hosted live gigs from guests such as Rick Elias, Bryn Haworth and poet Stewart Henderson.

Sean’s Reading date starts at 7.30pm and continues until 9.30pm. Entry is free, although donations will be accepted. v For more details, log on to www.zacsplace.org/tour or call 07918 165613.

Be fooled by John Archer A MAGICIAN who won a slot at a prestigious Las Vegas nightclub after fooling Penn and Teller on national television is swapping the bright lights of the States for the glamour of Caversham.

John Archer is an award-winning magician who has also appeared on It’s A Knockout!, Help My Supply Teacher Is Magic and Sky1’s Undercover Magic series.

He will be bringing his unique blend of comedy and magic to Caversham Baptist Church on Satruday, September 15.

Hosted by Churches Together in Caversham, the evening starts at 8pm and tickets cost £8. v For more information, or to make a booking, email robg. beardsley@gmail.com or call 07515 260019.

Learn how to be bad A VICAR is encouraging you to be a bad Christian – and he’s planning on coming to Reading to tell you how to do it.

Dave Tomlinson, who founded Holy Joe’s, a church for disaffected churchgoers that met in a Clapham pub, has written a book that unpacks the theme and promises to make you a better human being in the process.

He says that many people describe themselves as not good enough to be a Christian, thinking that faith involves going to church a lot, or believing

in a list of strange things, or following certain rules. But Dave says that being a Christian isn’t about any of that and following Jesus is a lot easier, and more fun, than most people think.

To help unpack his bold claim, he will speak at St John and St Stephen Church in Orts Road, Reading on October 24.

Starting at 8pm, the vicar of a church in Holloway, London, will give a light-hearted evening that will appeal to anyone who thinks they are spiritual, but not necessarily religious. v For more details, log on to www. badchristian.co.uk.

News

LADIES are invited to enjoy an evening of luxurious pampering … for an entry fee of just 50p.

Members of Network Vineyard Church are hosting the fun event on Thursday, October 4 from 7.30pm.

Visitors can enjoy a range of beauty treatments and have the chance to buy jewellery, cards and gifts on the night.

It takes place at Sandhurst Community Hall in Memorial Park, Yorktown Road and the church invites you to bring friends and family along to make a night of it.

For more details, log on to www.bracknellvineyard.org.

v 180th party A BIRTHDAY cake with 180 candles on it is being prepared for a Theale church.

Holy Trinity is celebrating its 180th anniversary on Sunday, September 9 with a special family service and party.

Starting at 11am, the fellowship will welcome the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard.

Afterwards, there will be a bring and share lunch. v For more details, log on to www.holytrinitytheale.org.uk.

v Family fun at St Joseph’s EVERYTHING from lace making to African board games is being planned for a family fun day later this month.

St Joseph’s School in Upper Redlands Road, Reading, is hosting the afternoon of fun which takes place from 1pm on Sunday, September 16.

There will be a host of activities, which include dance instruction, hair braiding, Eastern European crafts, bouncy castles and a cream tea.

Entry costs £1 for adults and children get in free.

v Art works ORGANISERS of an art exhibition proved that their fundraising efforts were as pretty as a picture.

St Paul’s Church in Reading Road, Wokingham, held the exhibition last month and raised £628.50 for church funds. As well as the artwork, money was raised through serving refreshments.

15

Vineyard’s day of fun and games

AFTER the Olympic Games came the Vineyard Games …

Members from the church’s three campuses – Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell – came together on Sunday, August 19 for an afternoon of sporting fun at Bulmershe Leisure Centre.

As well as traditional races there were fun activities including a bouncy castle and a visit from an Olympic Torch Bearer. And it all took place on one of the hottest days of the year.

Pictures: Lynda Bowyer

Rachel speaks to women

WOMEN are invited to book a place for a special day conference taking place this autumn.

All Nations Christian Centre will welcome Rachel Hickson for a day focusing on Faith Under Fire: Remaining Faithful When Trials Arise.

She will speak at the event which is held at the Reading church on Saturday, October 13. Entry costs £10 and the day runs from 10am to 4pm. v For more details, call the Berkeley Avenue church on (0118) 950 5661 or log on to www.allnationselim.org.

Unpack John’s Gospel A POPULAR study group is offering people the chance to spend a year getting to grips with John’s Gospel.

Community Bible Study International UK is a non-denominational group that aims to offer an accessible, in-depth Bible studies in a supportive group setting.

A daytime group has been meeting at Wycliffe Baptist Church in Reading for the past six years, comprising people from churches across the Thames Valley. Now it’s launching an evening study from Friday, September 28.

The opening night includes a meal and will explain what the course entails. The group will then meet during term-time until July for on Friday evenings, starting with an optional meal at 6.30pm or the study itself from 7.30pm.

As well as the weekly meetings, which include group discussions and study notes, there will be home study assignments, aimed at helping you make the most of the weekly sessions.

Everyone is invited to come along. For more details or to book a place, email Martin Wagner: mandlwagner@btinternet.com. v For more on Community Bible Study International UK visit www.cbsiuk.org.

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Celebrating a year of jubilee for Upper Bucklebury v Witnessed A village church has been celebrating two Jubilees this year: the Queen’s and its own. The Revd Lyn Bliss looks back on the party This has been quite a year for celebrations, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and the Olympic Games. Not to be left out, All Saints’ Church in Upper Bucklebury had a celebration of its own, as it was 50 years ago that the church was established.

Back in 1962, St Mary’s Church in Bucklebury village was no longer meeting the needs of the burgeoning satellite village of Upper Bucklebury two miles to the south. After much prayer, the vicar, the Revd David Ashburner, felt led to establish a new church. Generous gifts of land and cash resulted in a wooden building being erected, and All Saints’ Church was born.

Over the years, the church grew in number to such an extent that the building

needed to grow too – so in 1988 a brick extension was built giving a lovely multi-functional space. If you were to drop into All Saints’ today, you’d find a variety of activities designed to draw people through the doors where hopefully they receive a welcome reflecting God’s love.

There is Messy Church, Meet Monday – a service for adults with learning difficulties, a Coffee Bar offering free coffee, cake and fellowship,

Steve Vaughan-Turner

www.drawingfromexperience.blogspot.com

by more modern songs such as Give Thanks To The Lord and Our God and King. The children danced to I Will Enter His Courts With Thanksgiving Debbie and In My Heart using their Jerry Kent colourful parachute. cut the The present incumbent, the anniversary Revd Jules Gadsby, preached cake for on God’s faithfulness, and All Saints’ read a letter received from Church, David Ashburner who was Upper regrettably unable to attend Bucklebury. due to ill-health.

Jerry was Following the service, there present at was a feast! the first Many past members of the service of church had come to join in the church, the celebrations so there was back in 1962 much reminiscing and sharing of the ways in which God was working in their lives.

The 50th anniversary cake was cut by Jerry and Debbie Kent, which was very fitting as and a particular need of the Jerry had, as a small lad, been community is met through the present at the very first service Post Office which the church in 1962. hosts.

The prayer for the future is On Sunday, June 17, the that God will equip the church passing of 50 years was marked to reach out in His name to by a special service of praise those in the community, and and worship to the God who that ever more people will has so faithfully sustained and pass through the doors of All nurtured His people in that Saints’ and come to worship place. the Living God. Great is Thy Faithfulness was v Lyn Bliss is a curate for a perfect way to begin that the churches of Bucklebury, service, and this was followed Bradfield and Stanford Dingley

Then and now … All Saints’ original building (above) was expanded in 1988 and is in use today (below)

Scenes of celebration … snapshots from the special anniversary service (above) and lunch (below)

Buy your Christmas presents now time for December THE festive season might still 25. be several months away, but a “Everyone, charity is encouraging you to both adults and do your Christmas shopping children alike, now, and help give presents can join the to children who otherwise fun: churches wouldn’t have them. and Sunday Operation Christmas Child, schools/youth the annual appeal organised by groups, schools, Samaritan’s Purse, is collecting organisations like Scouts, WIs, shoeboxes filled with goodies local businesses and offices, that can be sent to needy friends and neighbours,” John children in Eastern Europe and said. some African countries.

“Most people feel the joy is Local organiser John Fung a real two-way thing and get said: “Try to imagine what it a great deal of pleasure from would be like not to receive any imagining the joy they are Christmas gifts. Imagine what it giving to an individual child.” would have been like when you John’s tips for filling boxes were a child! This is the reality include looking for suitable for many children in the world gifts at fetes and bargain shops, and is a situation that Operation Christmas Child does something toiletries from holidays can be saved (apart from liquids and to remedy.” breakable items) and you can The charity produces a leaflet keep an eye out for Olympic that contains step-by-step Starting September 2012 merchandise that has been instructions for filling a shoebox reduced. by mid-November, toTel: ensure 0118 966 7422 And Operation Christmas children get their presents in

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

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Child says that knitters can get clicking with their needles.

“We can never have too many hats, scarves and gloves for the boxes, so please do get those needles clicking,” he said. “No hand-knitted stuffed toys though, thank you, as they can cause a problem with customs officials in some countries.”

Hand puppets are popular, said John.

Patterns to make these, as well as hats, bags, snakes and others, can be found on www. operationchristmaschild.org.uk. v Operation Christmas Child also has a range of free resources for church services, group meetings and school lessons including a short presentation and a DVD. For details, email fung.johnc@gmail. com, or call 0870 011 2002 or 01392 455 036.

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Faith at work

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17

A knock on the door changed Mel’s life In the first of a new series, Vicky Wong finds out how faith can help in politics, starting with a Green councillor Sometimes people don’t understand how important local councillors are, often saying things like “They just sit in a room and argue and get paid a lot of money. I could do that!”

But local councillors are the ones who ensure the budgets are met so that there are people who keep our streets clean, empty our bins, look after our parks, make sure that our street lights are working and keep our local libraries going.

Green councillor Melanie Eastwood wants to change perceptions and remind people that we must value the fact that we have a vote.

Melanie admits that it’s hard to be positive about politics when so much of the national media paints politicians in a negative light.

Her solution to it all is to stay positive, take a step back and listen to God. For Melanie politics and religion do occasionally sit hand in hand, though sometimes you may have to put that aside and focus on the issue she adds. But for the Park Ward councillor, it was her faith that helped her through tough times to get her to where she is now.

Until 2009 Melanie was working in the financial services industry and soon became a victim of the recession.

“I found myself at a bit of a crossroads and I didn’t know where I wanted to go,” she says.

“I started to get involved in the local community and started saying yes to things.

“It was a really scary time as I left school at 16 and I was coming up to 30. I was working [in financial services] for seven years and to add to that I was also on maternity leave.”

The now redundant single mum was struggling to pay the bills. But instead of getting stuck in a rut, Melanie chose to serve the community, including helping Berkshire Women’s Aid as part of an outreach programme arranged by Network Vineyard Church.

She also raised funds for the Dingley Family & Specialist Early

Green councillor Melanie Eastwood with her daughter Eve. The politician joined the party after a doorstep exchange with then prospective candidate Rob White Picture: Lynda Bowyer Years centre in Kenavon Drive, who supported her and her daughter Eve, who suffers from physical difficulties. Melanie is still actively involved with the centre and regularly helps them with their fundraising events.

But a blessing in disguise soon came in the form of knock on the door. Standing there was Rob White, leader of the Reading Green Party, who was canvassing for votes in a local election.

“Rob was a candidate at the time and he then went on to become the Green Party Councillor [for Park Ward],” she said. “He was very lively gentleman and he would turn up on the door once in a while.

“I remember him being genuinely being interested in local issues and people so I started to follow his progress and realised his work was being recognised at that time.”

Melanie soon started helping Rob with his campaign trail. After doing some odd jobs for him, she soon found herself deciding to stand for election as a local councillor in the same ward.

The Green Party traditionally doesn’t fare well in national elections compared to other parties, but they are normally quite successful in local elections – in this year’s vote, the Green Party netted more votes across Reading than the Liberal Democrats.

“We’re more active at door knocking, more so than any other party,” says Melanie. “People think all we stand for is environmental issues.

I feel what I can bring to the table is based on my own experiences.”

Inspired by Rob’s success, Melanie soon took on the daunting challenge of standing as a ward councillor in the May 2011 elections.

“I was faced with this task of going from zero profile to having to try and get myself elected in one year,” she explains.

“Rob had worked for the area for a number of years.

“It was a difficult year but we managed to do it during that year.

“I felt if God put me in that opportunity and if he wanted it or me then it would work out and I was really looking forward

Politics is a difficult game; during the campaign I was always under attack

to knowing if God wanted it for me or not.”

After months of campaigning, door knocking and speaking to local people it all came down to the night the votes in the ballot box were counted.

“The actual experience was extremely exciting, all that work and uncertainty in the year and it started to become very obvious that I was making the headway [needed] and I was on an absolute high,” she says.

“I was thankful that God lead me to this journey. I’ve been fairly

successful, but I’ve never been a high achiever in anything and the vote count was an incredible experience.”

But did Melanie pray ahead of the election? “Absolutely!” she says.

“I prayed that if it wasn’t going to be my way that I would understand that and if God wanted that for me then that’s OK. “Politics is a difficult game; during the campaign I was always under attack over how other parties were making their campaigns and you have this moment of wanting to retaliate.

At these times you just stop and listen to God; God doesn’t need me to do that or be the same as those who do.”

Melanie, who said she uses her faith as a source of guidance, only recently became a Christian.

She started attending Vineyard Church around 2006-07 and it helped her see off tough times.

“It’s full of lovely people, there’s a great atmosphere and it’s always reaching out to people and they have got so much energy and time for others there,” she said. “I will always be thankful to those who were there for me and the support they gave to me.”

Melanie also attends the Earley Christian Fellowship with her mother and sister. Melanie admits that she knows more people in the Earley Christian Fellowship, which comes in handy as the church sits in her local ward.

After a rocky few years Melanie’s word of advice to anyone for surviving tough times is this: “Say yes to things, you don’t know who you might bump into and where you will go.” v For more on the Reading Green Party, log on to reading. greenparty.org.uk

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

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18

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Announcements

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

v Farewell to Heather after three good years v Churches Together Reading AGM report

T

he AGM of Churches Together Reading was held in Grange URC Church, Southcote in July.

The organisation’s chairman, Michael Penny, opened the meeting with a reading from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, where Paul describes the Christian life as a race with a prize at the end.

Following prayers, Michael was re-elected as chairman for the third year and Mabel Boyd as vice-chair and Margaret Cassidy as secretary. Graham A CAVERSHAM fellowship to ensure the church says it is sad to report the maintains its relationship Fuller is continuing as acing treasurer, but a full-time replacement is needed. departure of its minister in with Heather.

The Revd Robert Weston of Park URC training.

“We are happy to in east Reading was elected as a trustee Heather Wilson, who pass on messages of to the Reading Faith Forum, replacing the came to the church three appreciation from anyone Revd Nigel Hardcastle who has retired. years ago, left Caversham she has met and helped Following the treasurer’s report Michael Park LEP at the end of July who would like to do so,” Penny gave his chairman’s report. presented Heather with a after a special farewell she said.

He first expressed sadness at the passing new suitcase, Marks and service.

Although Heather’s of Owen Jewiss, who made a remarkable Spencer’s vouchers and Members of the ministry in Reading has contribution, in a number of ways, to Book Tokens. church, friends and family now ended, the church ecumenism, to the debate on climate “Following this, all who gathered together to give is open for business as change, and in his campaigning for debt could stay continued in her a good send-off. usual. It meets for worship relief in the Jubilee 2000 campaign. friendly conversation over “The service contained at 11am on Sundays at Michael also shared some of his a shared lunch.” a special prayer for people Caversham Park School, highlights from a busy year (see below) Heather has returned to moving on,” explained and holds a range of At last year’s AGM it was proposed Cirencester to work until the Revd Margaret activities throughout the that CTR organise a Chaplains’ Group. It she is placed in a church Dimmick, the Anglican week. launched in March and will meet again of her own. associate priest for the v For more details, log on later this month. church. “Afterwards we Margaret is keen to www.cpvc.org.uk.

This lead into reports from groups, starting with three chaplains: the Revd Pete Jarvis, chaplain at the John Madejski Academy, the Revd Rachel Wadey, Methodist Churches, building on the work chaplain for the Berkshire Health Authority The Revd Jackie Case has been and based at Prospect Park Hospital and of the Revd Robin Selmes. appointed as superintendent to the new Una Chandler, Reading Council chaplain.

Her welcome service takes place on Berkshire Surrey Borders Circuit of the Keith Wilson reported from Churches Wednesday, September 5 at Sandhurst & Methodist Church.

Together in Earley and East Reading and Yateley Methodist Church, Scotland Hill, The new circuit – and Jackie’s Sandhurst. appointment – started on September 1.

The guest preacher will be the district Jackie will have pastoral charge of chairman, the Revd John Hellyer.

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v Inductions THE REVD Nick Hudson.

Nick will be inducted as lead minister of Wokingham Baptist Church on Saturday, September 29. Please contact Wokingham Baptist church office for further details on (0118) 978 7174 or email office@wokinghambaptist. org.uk . Everyone is welcome to attend.

v Thanksgiving FATHER Bonaventure Ndong Che. A mass of thanksgiving for the ministry of Fr Bon over the past 12 months at St Joseph’s Tilehurst will be held at 7pm on Friday, September 28 at the church. Afterwards, there will be light refreshments served. Fr Bon will move to St John The Bosco, Woodley.

Churches Together Reading chairman Michael Penny (pictured right) shared some of his favourite things from the past year. These included: • Spending a day with Ann-Marie Paterson and visiting nearly all of the CCA locations and realising just how much CCA does.

• Working with Phil Creighton in the build-up to the launch of Xn. • Easter weekend when he joined Christians in Tilehurst for their walk of witness on Good Friday; Churches Together in Caversham for the Easter sing on the Saturday; and he led the Churches Together Easter Sunday morning service.

•H e also presented Reading’s mayor with a Bible for Christmas and twice represented CTR on BBC Radio Berkshire, for the week of prayer for Christian Unity and for the Queen’s Jubilee.

v Remembering Owen Owen Jewiss’ contribution to ecumenism will be remembered with an annual memorial lecture on the anniversary of his death, Wednesday, October 24. This falls during the Reading International Festival and it will be included in the Festival programme.

The inaugural Owen Jewiss memorial lecture will take place at St Barnabas Church, Emmer Green.

The Revd Rosemary Fletcher, who knew Owen well, will give the lecture, provisionally titled The Role Of Ecumenism Is Advancing God’s Mission. how they are building up relationships in the community. This included a screening of the Olympic opening ceremony at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre.

St Andrew’s URC church on Reading’s London Road hosted an event when the Olympic Torch passed by in July.

Margaret Dimmick reported from Churches Together in Caversham.

Activities included an open air service at this year’s Caversham Fest, followed by a holiday club for 150 children aged 4 to 11.

Robert Dimmick, chairman of the Reading Düsseldorf Association, appealed for anyone who would like to host some German Christians in 2014.

The Revd Robert Barthram reported on the work of Southcote Alive and the Revd Denis Smith on Tilehurst; both communities held a walk of witness on Good Friday and the Revd John Rogers held a service for the week of prayer for Christian Unity at St Michael’s in Tilehurst.

This is also to be the venue for a Songs of Praise being organised by Michael Penny at 6.30pm on Sunday, September 30. This service is open to all.

The Revd Peter Jarvis then shared about the Diamond Jubilee street party held in south Reading and the Olympic Torch which passed by St Agnes Church in Whitley en route to the Madejski Stadium.

There were also reports from groups associated with Churches Together in Reading. Tim Clewer reported on behalf of the Mustard Tree Foundation and the Reading Christian Ecology Link.

Ann-Marie Paterson reported on CCA and Mabel Boyd on Churches In Reading Drop in Centre and the Churches in Reading Women’s Centre.

Matt Hearn of Reading Street Pastors was unable to attend sent a written report.

Matt has done a wonderful job with Street Pastors but is about to step down.

The last report came from Louise Cole, the County Ecumenical Officer for Churches Together in Berkshire.

She was amazed at just how much goes on in Reading and just how well many different churches and many different Christians are working together.

Sport

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The Royals’ Prince

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

At Reading FC with Steve Prince

We’re ready for the big kick-off

The importance of team

O

n a bright and incredibly hot Saturday afternoon, and in a fantastic carnival atmosphere of colour and noise, the Royals started their Premier League season against Stoke City. A 1-1 draw is probably alright when you think about how many top teams have stumbled against a physically strong Stoke team. The introduction of several new summer signings inevitably means it will take a few matches for the players to weld together as a team.

I am sure most of the nation felt somewhat subdued after the closure of the Olympic Games. It was so refreshing hearing the national news starting with the day’s good news stories from the Olympics – then there was the continual stream of success stories rather than our usual cynical view of such momentous occasions.

Many have spoken about legacy flowing out of having held very successful games here in the UK. It was exciting to hear interviews with children and young people about how they had been inspired to try news sports. Another inspiring development since the Olympics is that there are reports of an upsurge in people volunteering to help with community projects and charities. What a great legacy if people are able to give of themselves to others – potentially a great antidote to the oppressive nature of recession and difficult economic times.

Much of Reading FC’s success in recent years has included the development and opportunities afforded to young footballers. This is set to continue as investment from the new owner is to focus on a long term strategy of strengthening the clubs already successful academy.

SUCCESS It was interesting to hear Andy Murray (pictured) speaking about the importance of being part of Team GB and that this contributed to his fantastic Olympic success.

One of the biggest challenges any manager has at the start of a new football season is to quickly foster a strong sense of team. We have seen so often that a group of talented individuals do not necessarily make a great team, whilst a team consisting of less individual talent can achieve great things when they work and relate together well.

At Reading we have a great manager, Brian McDermott who is very able at re-building new teams. As supporters we just need to have the patience needed to help encourage this process as it unfolds match by match.

One thing the new owner, Anton Zingarevich, is very keen to see improve is the general atmosphere and singing at the Mad Stad on matchdays. Obviously good, exciting football helps a great deal but maybe us Royals fans from across the churches can also help with our background of giving our best in song singing.

There can be little that is more encouraging to a player than when he hears the whole crowd chanting his name in unison.

By the time this article is published, we’ll have played three of four games already. Whatever happened in these games, we know we are involved with a team that is well able to sustain good form when it really matters. As the off-pitch team of supporters and followers, let’s give our best to creating a fantastic atmosphere for the team to perform.

Come on URZ!!

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

B

19

The new season of the Thames Valley Churches Football League gets underway later this month The forthcoming Thames Valley Churches Football League (TVCFL) season is promising to be just as exciting as last year.

Having won the league title with a 3-0 victory over Wycliffe Wanderers in their last game of the season, Tilehurst Albion will be looking to secure their second league title in their second season.

As per last season, it is expected that Kerith Community Church will maintain pressure on Albion, and having beaten them twice in the closing stages of last season (in the league and Philmar Cup final), they will have the confidence that they can win their first league title.

The great thing about the TVCFL is that you never know what improvements each squad have made over the summer period.

Having finished third last season and with recent rivals Warfield FC having dropped out of the league this year, Brookside Saint Laurence (BSL) will be looking to maintain the pressure on both Albion and Kerith and will certainly have a big say on who wins the league.

Having finished in the top four for the past three seasons, BSL will be looking to go one better and sneak their first league title.

An outsider for the title this year will be Wycliffe Wanderers.

A slow start to last season, losing three of their first four games, cost them a chance of winning the league. A slight improvement in the games

against the teams who finished above them last year will certainly see them in with a chance.

It is difficult to tell who else will emerge from the rest of the chasing pack.

Having been challenging for the league title for many years, Bethel United are in a period of rebuilding, but still dangerous.

They just finished ahead of West Reading CFC last season who themselves have been steadily building their club up and will enter a second team into the league, West Reading CFC Reserves.

Greyfriars FC have proved to be erratic over the past three seasons, but with their young squad slowly getting older, perhaps it’ll be their time to shine.

Reading Saints were also erratic but had a stronger second half of the season, so will be looking to keep that momentum going.

Last year’s newcomers Vineyard FC have merged with Finchampstead. The former champions took a break last year, but are back, hoping to pick up from where they left off.

The TVCFL also welcome back Norries FC into the league after a long absence. Norries will start the season with a young squad, mixed in with some experienced players. As the saying goes, ‘you don’t win anything with kids…’ We’ll see!

Look out for match reports, results and tables across the season.

JAMES HERN

forthcoming FIXTURES KICK OFF 10.30am on Saturdays v September 8

v September 22

v October 13

Tilehurst Albion v Norries

Wycliffe Wanderers v Rdg Saints

Wycliffe Wanderers v W Rdg Reserves

Finchampstead v Rdg Saints

Tilehurst Albion v Bethel Utd

Greyfriars FC v West Reading Kerith v W Rdg Reserves

Norries v West Reading

West Reading v Bethel United Reading Saints v B’side St Laurence

Finchampstead v B’side St Laurence

B’side St Laurence v Bethel Utd

Tilehurst Albion v Finchampstead

v September 15

v October 6

v October 20

West Reading v Wycliffe Wanderers

Bethel United v Norries

B’side St Laurence v W Rdg Reserves

Norries v Wycliffe Wanderers

West Reading v Tilehurst Albion

Bethel United v Greyfriars FC

Greyfriars v FC Kerith

Norries v Kerith

Bethel United v Wycliffe Wanderers

Kerith v Tilehurst Albion

B’side St Laurence v Kerith

Greyfriars v Finchampstead

Finchampstead v W Rdg Reserves

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20 September 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

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

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

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

Monday, September 3 EASTHAMPSTEAD – St Michael and St Mary Magdalene.

Day of prayer for the academic year ahead. 7am9pm. Details: (01344) 425205.

Tuesday, September 4 CAVERSHAM – Milestone Centre. Over 50s coffee morning. 10am-noon.

CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church, Dukes Ride.

Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10am-noon.

Wednesday, September 5 SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yateley Methodist Church, Scotland Hill. Welcome service for the Revd Jackie Case led by the Revd John Hillier. Includes inauguration of the new Berkshire Surrey Borders circuit. 7.30pm.

WOODLEY – St James’ Church.

Induction and institution of the Revd Nick Jackson. 7pm.

Details: (0118) 966 2568.

Thursday, September 6 CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street.

Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10.30am-noon.

PANGBOURNE – St James The Less. Background To The Old Testament, a five-week course by the Revd Tony Naden. 8pm-9.30pm. All welcome.

Friday, September 7 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Baptist Church. Café Evening with live music. 7.30pm-10pm.

Details: www.finchampstead. com.

READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Castle Hill. Talk by former Reading FC player Linvoy Primus.

From 7.30pm. Details: www. readingcentral.org.uk.

Saturday, September 8 ACROSS BERKSHIRE – Ride & Stride 2012. Take part in a number of cycle rides and walks to help protect historic churches and chapels across the UK. Details: Clive Betteridge on 01344 450260 or clive.betteridge@

berkschurchestrust.org.uk.

ALDERMASTON – Kiln House, 22a The Street. Barrow market in aid of St Mary’s Church, Aldermaston.

10am-noon. £5 per pitch or bring and buy. Details: (0118) 971 3525 or email cln@ aldermaston.plus.com.

BRACKNELL – Methodist Church, Shepherd’s Lane.

Social evening to welcome the Revd Jackie Case. 5pm.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Heights Methodist Church, Highmoor Road. Action For Children quiz night. 7.30pm. £10., £8 concessions. Details: www.cavhmc.org.uk.

KNOWL HILL – St Peter’s Church, Bath Road. Book sale. 10am-noon.

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

Time tbc.

READING – St Mark’s Church, Cranbury Road. Thames Valley Chorus in concert.

READING – Broad Street.

Reading Central Salvation Army band perform. 11am.

READING – St James Church, Abbots Walk. Heritage open day. 11am-4pm. Details: (0118) 957 4171.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road.

Monthly church ramble.

Details: (0118) 929 8590.

WOKINGHAM – Gray’s Farm.

Farmfest 2012: a celebration for harvest including live music, face painting, a scarecrow contest, cream teas and crops to buy. Noon3pm. Details: (01344) 775927 OWLSMOOR – St George’s Church. Table top sale. Setup from 10am. Sale 11am3pm. Tables £5 in advance, £10 on day. Flower Arranging Workshop and a chance to explore the church as part of Ride & Stride. Details: (01344) 777893 or email events@ stgeorgeowlsmoor.org.uk.

Sunday, September 9 BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church, Popeswood Road. Binfield Church Fete. Open air service from 11.30am. Fete 12.15pm3pm. Includes traditional games, cream teas and more.

READING – St James Church, Abbots Walk. Heritage open day. 2pm-4pm. Details: (0118) 957 4171.

THEALE – Holy Trinity Church.

180th birthday service and party. Guest preacher: the Bishop of Oxford. 11am.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road.

Messy Church for families.

4pm-6pm. Details: (0118) 926 8143.

Monday, September 10 READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Castle Hill.

Alpha Course launch night, including meal, talk and discussion. 7pm-9pm. Details: www.readingcentral.org.uk.

READING – All Nations Christian Church, Coley Avenue. Biker Sean Stillman presents When Love Crosses The Great Divide. 7.30pm9.30pm. Free, donations accepted. Details: www. zacsplace.org/tour or call 07918 165613.

Tuesday, September 11 CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church, Dukes Ride.

Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10am-noon.

Wednesday, September 12 WOKINGINGAM WITHOUT – St Sebastian’s Church, Nine Mile Ride. Just Looking course launch night. First of 6 weeks. Free. (held in a member’s home, contact church for booking details).

Details: (01344) 761050 or www.stsebastians.org.uk.

Thursday, September 13 CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street.

Churches Together Crowthorne coffee morning.

10.30am-noon.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Quiz night in aid of Christian Aid. 7.30pm.

Friday, September 14 GORING – The Canterbury Room, St Thomas’ Church.

Scrabble club. All abilities welcome. 3.30pm-5.30pm. £2.50. Details: www.stthomas-goring.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue. The Link Visiting scheme & The Earley Charity monthly sing along of songs from the 20th Century. £2. All welcome. 2pm-4pm. Details: (0118) 979 8019.

Saturday, September 15 BASINGSTOKE – St Bed’s Primary School, Pepley Way. Cafod supporters’ meeting: All you wanted to know about CAFOD’s international work but were too afraid to ask, with Clare Dixon. 10am-1.30pm. Details: 01252 329385 or email portsmouth@cafod.org.uk.

CAVERSHAM – Baptist Church.

An evening of comedy and magic with John Archer. £8.

8pm. All welcome. Details: 07515 260019.

CAVERSHAM – 12 Lowfield Road. Reading Düsseldrof Twinning Association

presents a coffee morning with German style refreshments to meet new members and those who went to Düsseldorf this summer. tell of our experiences. 10.30am-noon.

Parking in nearby Farnham Drive shopping area.

TILEHURST – English Martyrs Church, Liebenrood Road.

Parish church autumn fair. Stalls include cakes, handicrafts, bric-a-brac, toiletries, books, tombola, raffle. Children’s craft activities and face painting, barbecue. Noon-4pm.

Details: (0118) 957 2149.

TILEHURST – English Martyrs Church, Liebenrood Road.

Pasta and quiz evening in aid of English Martyrs School building fund. £6, under 10s £3. Details: (0118) 957 2149.

WOODLEY – Baptist Church, Hurricane Way. Celebration of 25 years of Woodley Baptist Church Pre-school – formerly Playgroup.

2pm-5pm. For all past and present children and families, refreshments will be served.

For further information contact Church Office on (0118) 969 9956 or email preschool@woodleybc.org

Sunday, September 16 READING – St Josephs School, Upper Redlands Road.

Patron’s Day: Catholic Parish fun day including African drumming, African tales, African board games, Eastern European craft, dances, bouncy castle and a cream tea. Bring a picnic lunch.

1pm-4.30pm. £1, children free. Details: (0118) 957 4171.

Tuesday, September 18 BRACKNELL – Kerith Centre, Church Road. CAP Money Course starts. INVest course starts. Details: (01344) 862699.

Thursday, September 20 GORING – The Canterbury Room, St Thomas of Canterbury Church. Pick-aFlick club meets. Screening of The Artist. 10.30am-2pm. £2. Details: www.st-thomasgoring.org.uk READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road. Alpha Course launch night. 7pm.

Free, includes meal. booking: (0118) 929 9911.

Saturday, September 22 BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church.

Men’s Breakfast: Why Are Men So Keen on Sport?

7.30am-8.45am. Noon.

Details: (01344) 421079.

BRACKNELL – Kerith Centre, Church Road. An evening with Major General Tim Cross, with cheese and wine and Alpha course launch. £5.

Details: (01344) 862699.

CAVERSHAM – St John the

Calendar Baptist Church, Gosbrook Road. The MillsTones Dance Band. Dance or listen to the music of Glen Miller, Count Basie and Duke Ellington Big Band era. 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

Details: (0118) 947 5120.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Laughing With Tom, an evening of comedy and illusion, hosted

by Reading Family Church.

7.30pm. Details: www. readingfamilychurch.org.uk or (0118) 933 7961 FINCHAMPSTEAD – St James.

Apollo5 Concert: including jazz, pop, sacred classical, nostalgic folk, atmospheric spirituals. 7.30pm. £12.

Details: (0118) 973 0133.

SOUTH STOKE – St Andrew’s Church. The Ballad of Diamond Lil: a comic verse playlet and singalong featuring boys from the Oratory School. In aid of church development fund.

Cocktails 6.30pm, play 7pm.

Details: www.st-andrewssouthstoke.org.uk WHITLEY – Christ The King, Northumberland Avenue.

Quiet day including prayer, exposition, talks and Mass. All welcomed. 9.30am-4.30pm.

Sunday, September 23 READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square.

Harvest thanksgiving service followed by lunch. 10.30am.

WOKINGHAM – St Sebastian’s Church. Harvest Festival for all-ages. 9.30am. Details: (01344) 761050.

Monday, September 24 UPPER BASILDON – St Stephen’s Church. God or Mammon? Christians and Economic Life, a lecture by Revd Canon Dr Edmund Newell. 8pm.

Tuesday, September 25 BINFIELD – St Mark’s Church.

The Silver Service, followed by lunch. Noon. Details: (01344) 411681.

READING – Reading Family Church, London Street.

Alpha Course launches.

8pm. Details: www. readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

Friday, September 28 ASCOT - All Saints’ Church.

Biggest Coffee Morning in the World at All Saints Church, London Road and at King Edwards Hall, King Edwards Road, Noth Ascot.

11:00am - 12:00 noon.

Coffee, tea and cakes.

READING – Philippi Trust, Kings Road. Counselling & Training Course: Develop your counselling skills.

Intermediate level. Details: (0118) 966 7422.

Saturday, September 29

ASCOT – All Saints’ Church.

Messy Church at King Edwards Hall, King Edwards Road, North Ascot. Art & crafts followed by a short story, worship time and a snack lunch. No charge.

Donations welcome. 9:30 11:30am.

EMMER GREEN – St Barnabas Church Hall, St Barnabas Road. Harvest barn dance with dancing to Liz Scholey. £10, includes Ploughman’s supper and refreshments. All welcome. Evening. Details: (0118) 954 5368 or email secretary@cpvc.org.uk.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square.

Jumble sale. 1.30pm.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road.

Induction of the Revd Nick Hudson as its new minster.

Details: (0118) 978 7174.

Sunday, September 30 WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road.

West Forest Sinfonia in concert. Programme to include Berlioz, Ravel and Debussy. 4.30pm. £15, £13 concessions, under 18s and students £1. Details: (0118) 933 2435 or tickets@ westforestsinfonia.org.

Wednesday, October 3 FINCHAMPSTEAD – Baptist Church. Christianity Explored. First of seven weeks. Details: www. finchampstead.com.

Thursday, October 4 SANDHURST – Community Hall, Memorial Park, Yorktown Road. Network Vineyard presents a pampering evening for women. Includes beauty treatments, jewellery, cards and gifts. 50p. 7.30pm.

Details: www. www. bracknellvineyard.org.

Saturday, October 6 BINFIELD – Binfield CE Primary School, Benetfeld Road. Nearly New Sale, for toys, children’s clothes etc.

Entry £1. 2.30pm-4pm.

Saturday, October 13 ALDWORTH – St Mary’s.

Moonrakers in concert: an evening of Celtic music. £10. 7.30pm. Details: (01491) 874399.

Tuesday, October 16 BINFIELD – Newbold College.

The 2012 Beach Lecture: Out of the Ashes, Diversity in Britain After The Riots. To be given by David Lammy, MP for Tottenham. 7.30pm.

All welcome. Details: www. newbold.ac.uk.

News/classifieds v A King’s bike ride STAFF from Kingsmen Ltd are checking their bikes and their puncture repair kits in preparation for a long bike ride.

On Saturday, September 8, the Readingbased company will see its staff will head to Didcot to start an epic 102km (63 mile) route.

They will travel through villages that the company works in, including Streatley, Cholsey and Woodcote and back again.

The kind-hearted builders are hoping to raise £3,000 for Help For Heroes.

This charity was chosen by the workforce as some are ex servicemen and some have relatives serving in the forces. v Pledges can be made at www.justgiving. com/KingsmenCycleEvent

v German coffee Members of the Reading-Düsseldorf Churches’ Interchange will hold a coffee morning on Saturday, September 15.

The event will give members a chance to share about their recent visit, held in June, while enjoying some tasty German snacks.

Everyone is invited to come along.

It’s held from 10.30am to noon at 12 Lowfield Road. Parking is available in the nearby Farnham Drive shopping centre.

To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2012

v Situations vacant Be part of the Xn story

Deliveries Volunteers needed to help us share our Good News!

21

Be part of the Xn story

Advertisement sales person Xn has a mission to share encouraging, inspiring and informative Good News across the Thames Valley. Now we’re looking to expand.

We are looking for someone to help sell adverts into Xn magazine and its website.

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

As a key part of the Xn team, you will help establish relationships with local businesses and help build up their businesses through Xn’s pages.

We are looking for a reliable, determined individual who can bring results. We are open to exploring options, including parttime and commission only roles.

We need your help to get the magazine into the community.

If you could spare a couple of hours once a month to help us deliver copies to a cluster of churches, it will help us – we can tell even more good news stories.

You will be joining Xn as it establishes itself in churches across the Thames Valley and there are exciting opportunities for the right person.

Think you could help? Get in touch with us today!

Interested?

For details, email judith@xnmedia.co.uk

Please email your CV with a covering letter to Phil Creighton at editor@xnmedia.co.uk.

v Sharing talents God has given each of us unique gifts and skills. Xn’s talents directory is an opportunity to connect local people with local businesses. We’re sure you’ll find these pages invaluable.

v Piano tuition

To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

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 Plumbing

v Violin tuition

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

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 Piano accompaniment

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 Host families

Violin lessons for beginners learning up to grade 1. One to One tuition.

Reasonable rates in the Reading areas. Contact: Tim Bishop 0752 505 4700 or email timbis2@gmail.com.

Host families wanted

by ELC London Street language school. Students: 16-60 years (2-24 weeks).

B&B + evening meal only. Tel: 0118 958 2247. email:elc@elclondonstreet. co.uk

v Pearlstringing/ jewellery

v Funeral directors

v Construction Kingsmen Limited.

Construction services, extensions, renovations, new builds, electrical, plumbing. www.kingsmenlimited.co.uk (0118) 958 5777.

v Counselling

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 Marketing Creative thinker inspires results.

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

0118 966 6600. john@hyperbole.co.uk

v Financial services Dunamis Accounting Solutions. Helping you to prosper in business and financial security. E-mail dungerabb@live.co.uk or phone 07952 302737.

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

v English tuition Pearlstringer/Jeweller.

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

ENGLISH COURSES with ELC London Street. www. elclondonstreet.co.uk.

Tel: 0118 958 2247.

78, London Street, Reading RG1 4SJ.

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

v Ted’s offer for Xn readers A LOCAL carpet company will help Yeldall Manor for every order placed through Xn. Callaghan Carpets and Flooring has made the generous offer as it seeks to support the community.

“For every job I do as a result of advertising in Xn magazine I will donate 5% of the total invoice price to Yeldall,” says Ted Callaghan, the company’s MD. “We believe our prices are very competitive – so what have you got to lose?” v For details, call (0118) 962 8527 or log on to www.callaghanflooring

andcarpets.co.uk.

Arts

September 2012 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk

v Exclusive ticket offer for

readers

Baroque concerts will delight Royal College of Music will performing music by JS Bach, CPE. Bach and GP Telemann on March 27.

Soprano Elizabeth Dobbin sings early music on April 24, while Lynda Sayce, principal litenist with the Kings Consort, will perform on May 29.

The season ends with a visit by baroque trumpeters Gareth Hoddinott and Laura Garwin on June 26. Their focus will be on 16th and 17th century master composers from southern Europe.

The season has been curated by Richard Smith, an organist and harpsichordist. He will also be the principal accompanist for the sessions.

“We are delighted to be bringing some of the UK’s finest early music performers to Wokingham for the September 2012 – June 2013 season,” he said. v Concerts last around an hour, with no interval.

Tickets cost £12.50; a season ticket is £72. These can be bought from Wokingham Library, or from www. liturgicalmusic.co.uk.

v Special offer

XN readers can buy a season ticket for £67.50, instead of £72. To take advantage of this offer, send a cheque, made payable to Wokingham Concerts, to Wokingham Concerts, 28 Tanhouse Lane, Wokingham, RG41 2RL quoting ‘Xn offer’.

There’s no limit to the number of discounted season tickets ordered like this.

Alternatively, email wokinghamconcerts@gmail. com stating the number of season tickets required and quoting ‘Xn offer’. You will be sent a special link for credit/debit card payment.

Puzzles STR8TS

Str8ts

SUDOKU

Sudoko

Tough

2

7

5 4

7 4 2

6

5

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6

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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.

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Answers on page 23

9 6 5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

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© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

Sounds from viols, harpsichords and lutes will heard in Wokingham Town Hall as the popular Baroque Music series of concerts returns for a new season later this month.

The instruments from yesteryear will be played by some of the finest early music performers in the UK and each concert will bring quality chamber music to the town.

Taking place on the last Wednesday of each month, the season starts on September 26 with a performance by Charles Medlam, who has an international reputation as a baroque cellist, conductor and gambist. He will be playing music

by JS Bach and the English composer Charles Simpson.

Then, on October 31, The Larkin Quartet will perform music from the late 18th century.

Tenor Philip Salmon will be the guest on November 28, performing madrigals.

After a festive break, the season continues on February 27 with a visit from Ensemble Tramontana, who will perform early music using a variety of historic instruments, including viols, recorders, harps, percussion and voices.

Ashley Solomon, the Head of Historical Performance at the

© 2011 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.

22

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.

Arts

To advertise email advertising@xnmedia.co.uk | www.xnmedia.co.uk | September 2012

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make the church more outward facing and more inclusive.

One way of encompassing the younger generation is Jigsaw Praise, held every six weeks. It sees the children and younger end of the congregation worshipping in different parts of the church building and through different media and then collectively sharing together.

And as part of this, the next service, held on Sunday, September 30, will see Roly The Clown pay a visit. v For more details, visit www. wokinghammethodist.org.uk. v For images of Christine’s work, visit www.brandywineart.co.uk. v For details of the trail, visit www.wokinghamartstrail.co.uk.

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Sudoku Solution

eyes.”

Christine’s use of colour is evident once more in the church’s Prayer Room where a framed piece of her work uses hues of blues, purples and lilacs to create a soothing piece which encapsulates part of Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.” Christine speaks candidly about the work she has done in the church, and how she is pleased to be part of the changes taking place which

Str8ts Solution

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“In my work, I wish to express the joy that I have in my life. I express that joy through the use of colour and see it as a way of giving people an opportunity to see things through my

1 3 4 2 5 9 6 8 7

One of the pieces of artwork created by Christine Morgan that is on display at Wokingham Methodist Church. More of her work features in the Wokingham Arts Trail this month. Pictures: Lynda Bowyer

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ARTISTS from across Wokingham are busy putting the finishing touches on everything from canvasses, sculptures and jewellery as they prepare to turn their homes into pop-up art galleries.

The Wokingham Arts Trail is returning to the town over the weekend of September 15 and 16, and sees 40 artists exhibit their creative creations in 16 venues across the district.

Artists taking part include Christine Morgan, who creates sculptural ceramics, fused glass and mixed media work.

Her work will be on show at 4 Purslane, Wokingham, where she is exhibiting with Caroline Marriott, who specialises in textiles and jewellery.

Christine has been a Christian since childhood and remembers being brought to Sunday worship as a young girl.

A member of the Wokingham Methodist Church in Rose Street for 18 years, Christine is a lay preacher and takes an active part in making its worship services more user friendly

and openly welcome.

Christine is anything but ordinary; some years ago she spent a couple of years in America and, on finding herself unable to teach, she attended watercolour classes to develop a skill. Returning to the UK, she attended various courses and workshops to gain a wider repertoire in her skill-set. Now Christine works in a variety of mixed media from painting, ceramics and glasswork.

Christine’s work has been showcased in various exhibitions and displays around the area in recent years. In addition to her display as part of this month’s Arts Trail, Christine will be giving a demonstration of her skills at 4 Purslane, Wokingham, on Tuesday, September 11.

Two pieces created by Christine take pride of place in the town centre church.

A particularly eye-catching piece is a four panelled glass composition which stands in a first floor atrium. The vividity of colour and texture is stunning and Christine says that she finds the way light reflects through her glasswork inspiring and pleasing.

Scripture and colour are two things that the artists says can inspire her.

“I feel very blessed”, Christine

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Later this month, Wokingham artists will team up to show their works.

Here, Lynda Bowyer catches up with a ceramic specialist

Pop into your local store Monday-Saturday Or visit us online at quenchshops.com Store addresses & opening hours are on-line Maidenhead 01628 621985 Reading 0118 957 6078 Slough 01753 538999 Wokingham 0118 977 6715

TICKETS *

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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