BVRA £1, free to Members

Issue 119 Spring 2017 Newsletterfrom the Barkham Village Residents Association http://www.barkham.org.uk A Barkham sunset

See page 17

Easter Egg Hunt Easter Sunday 16 April 3pm Junipers Play Area - see page 11

Barkham Clean Up – Sunday 2 April See pages 4 and 7

2017 Subscrip?ons 2017 BVRA Membership Fees are now due and remain at £2 per household If you have not already done so, please pay your distributor, who is: In this issue…

Quiz 2 Barkham Clean Up 7 Ramblers 14 Editorial 3 Borough Councillor 8 Music societies/concerts 15 Parish Council 4 Social 10 Gardening 16 Neighbourhood Plan Walks in Barkham 12 Quiz answers 18 survey results 5 Church 13 Diary 18 New Parish office 6 Joe Kinnagan 14 BVRA 2017/18 GENERAL residents who responded to the Barkham Development Watch COMMITTEE MEMBERS Neighbourhood Plan survey (and probably those that didn’t) will Helping to protect Barkham’s distinctive character Chairman: Stewart Richardson (acting) be interested to see a summary [email protected] of the results on pages 5-6. This email list is only used to send out periodic email alerts if we wish to bring any development Secretary: Christine Leigh plans to the notice of Barkham residents. Often the time allowed by Borough Council 977 4333 There is news from the parish for comments on a specific planning application or more general plan will expire before the next [email protected] council (including the annual Barkham Newsletter is published so these alerts give residents a timely chance to comment on Treasurer: Ian Overton Parish Clean-up 2 April) which issues that may concern them. We currently have about 150 Barkham households on the list. 973 4806 [email protected] includes a photo of the new Bo- hunt School under construction. Please join the mailing list today by going to the BVRA website (www.barkham.org.uk) and follow the Social: (contact) Gill Powell Editorial The parish council is also keen to instructions to register for the alerts on the home page. 978 3373 [email protected] promote local walks and details Membership: Jim Butler Welcome to the spring 2017 edi- of these can be found on page 12. Also, if you have previously registered for these alerts but have changed your email address, please 978 3572 tion of the Barkham Newsletter! don’t forget to resubscribe via the website. Can I start by reminding residents [email protected] We have our regular update Newsletter: Stewart Richardson that the annual BVRA Member- from our WBC councillor, John 979 1914 ship Fee of £2 per household is [email protected] due so please pay your distributor Kaiser, who among other news, Web Site: Dave Clements as soon as possible. If you don’t announces his plan for a new 989 2198 have their details, please contact monthly councillor “surgery”. [email protected] the Membership Secretary. Development Watch: vacant Joe Kinnagan always provide [email protected] You will see from the Social report an unusual article for the spring that we still do not have a new edition of the newsletter and Social Secretary to replace Judith this time (page 14) he is mak- Collins who has stepped down ing us aware of a referendum to The Quiz and is moving out of Barkham sort out the thorny topic of local after 7 years in the role (and in boundaries. The theme this time is “Musical Rivers” – for each question or answer there is reference to a river (or Advertising and other roles previously). We will name of a river) and a piece of music or musician. Simple! Newsletter Contributions miss her greatly and as a small Thanks also to my regular con- token of our appreciation we tributors covering gardening, Newsletter articles / contribu- made a presentation to her at rambling, church, music and other local societies. 1. “Ol’ Man River” is a song from which musical? tions for the Summer edition the quiz (see photo on page 10). should be in by 12 May 2017. It The Social Committee has kindly 2. Who sang of “Fog on the Tyne” in a 1972 number 1 album? helps if these can be submitted agreed to share the duties, with As always, we have a quiz, this a lead member for each social time on the theme of “Musical 3. Which song starts with the lines – “When I was a little girl I had a rag doll…”? in electronic form by email to [email protected]. event. Gill Powell is the “point Rivers” – not necessarily a topic 4. Who wrote “Ferry Cross the Mersey”? They may also be sent to the of contact” and the person to you will have seen before (!) but Editor, Stewart Richardson, at contact for tickets. Obviously not hopefully one to exercise your 5. Nile Rodgers is one of the most prolific record producers over many years but which disco/ 342 Barkham Road, Wokingham, all our events are ticketed. The grey matter. R&B band did he co-form and have many hits with including “Le Freak”. RG41 4DE. annual Carols in Park is free to 6. Who wrote “The Blue Danube Waltz”? all residents and we usually get Finally, if you have any com- For trade adverts, contact 100+ attendees to join in singing ments (good or bad, but hopefully 7. Who had a number 1 hit with “Runaway” in 1961? Ian Overton by email to carols to the live band. Similarly, constructive!) on the contents of no ticket is required for the Easter 8. In the English folk song, “There was a jolly miller once lived…” - where? [email protected], or the newsletter please email me call 973 4806. We offer three Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday every at [email protected]. 9. Which river is central to Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” operas? landscape sizes, 64mm x 54mm year, although there is 50p per child entry fee to search for all 10. And finally….., what was the name of Doctor Who’s wife? at £22, 124mm x 105mm at £52 Stewart Richardson and 190x130mm at £100, for 4 the hidden tokens which can be Editor quarterly insertions. converted into eggs.

Distribution of the next issue will We have our usual wide range Answers on page 18 take place in early June. of articles in this issue. Those 2 3 precedent for development of Some members of the Parish The Sam Hosgood tecting open spaces (29%) and other sites outside the settlement Council were invited for a tour Sporting Endeavour Fund absorbing development (18%). boundaries. The concept of the of the school which is currently Unsurprisingly all three of these SDLs was to provide limited and under construction. We were The Parish Council were de- of these challenges relate to the contained areas of major develop- all so impressed with the lovely lighted to present a local young rapid increase in new housing ment with the accompanying in- modern building which will be person with a grant towards in the area. frastructure. We urge residents to equipped with every possible her training. Ali Castle is only Traffic Congestion write in to Wokingham Borough teaching facility available. The 12, she swims competitively for Council to oppose this applica- school was light and spacious The vast majority of journeys to Bracknell and Wokingham Swim- work were by car (86%) and so tion. The access road (off Park with modern science labs, music News from Your Parish ming Club and trains for 14 hours it is hardly surprising that there Lane) will be entirely via exist- and drama rooms and fantastic Results of Residents’ Survey every week. Ali swims for the is congestion on the limited road Council ing roads that are already over sports pitches. The facilities were County and hopes to reach the network available to serve the stretched, including congestion truly second to none and we were Firstly, the Neighbourhood Plan regional finals. We wish her every community. The percentage is Keep up to date with all the lo- hot spots such as the Barkham all quite envious that we were Steering Group would like to success. Ali was presented with probably an understatement as cal news and information at our thank residents for responding Street/Barkham Road junction, not starting our education again. a cheque by Sam Hosgood, the some residents using the train website. to the Neighbourhood Plan ques- Barkham Road/Bearwood Road The children will move from the previous Chairman of Barkham drive to the station and are not tionnaire which was carried out junction, Biggs Lane/Langley Legacy Building during the sum- Parish Council and the current specifically identified. Parish Clean Up Common Road and California mer along with the new intake Chairman Pam Stubbs. at the end of 2016. In total there Crossroads. This is even before in September to the new school. were 525 responses. Clearly this The dependence on car transport is clearly explained by the com- I am always amazed at the the full impact of the SDL has We are proud to say that this is is a substantial number and con- firms that there is a lot of interest plexity of commuting journeys amount of litter that is thrown been absorbed. the first secondary school to be in how the parishes evolve. with most destinations not being from cars and lays in the ditches built in Wokingham for many readily accessible by public trans- years and it is in Barkham. We The Rural Location in our lovely village spoiling the Wokingham Borough Council are port. Excluding the “not appli- urge any Barkham parents with countryside. This year’s Parish currently undergoing a review The first major theme to emerge cable” group (basically retirees) children of that age to take a look, Clean Up will take place on Sun- of their assets. The only asset is that residents have a strong at- the distribution between the 12 you will be impressed. day 2nd April, between 9.30 a.m. which is owned by Wokingham is tachment to the rural and village options was spread remarkably and 12.30. We meet at Barkham Elizabeth Park Open Space which character of the area. There was evenly. The largest group was Village Hall, all you need to bring comprises of a medium sized cut strong support for the proposi- home workers (11%) and the larg- is some gloves as we will provide grass area with a small play area. tion that the rural setting makes est destinations were Hampshire you with sacks, litter pickers and It is early days but rest assured If you are under the age of 18, live and Barkham good and Surrey (11%) and London jackets. If you have young chil- that the Parish Council will vig- in Barkham and represent your places to live, with 98% of re- (10%). Central Wokingham and dren we will allocate you a safe orously fight this to prevent any County at a sport, we would be spondents agreeing. Meanwhile Reading towns are 7% each while area such as a park. All the weary development of this land. delighted to hear from you. 91% strongly agreed and a further other parts of the towns were volunteers will be rewarded with 8% agreed that the unique iden- higher (9% and 8% respectively). bacon rolls, homemade cakes, tea, Bohunt Secondary School History Book tity of the area is best preserved Just 9% of residents work locally coffee or squash. Please support by retaining open spaces around in Arborfield and Barkham. this Clean Up and give one hour the villages. This is about as near We are delighted to inform you The free format box demonstrated of you time, as it keeps Barkham a unanimity as it could be! that the Parish Council still has the complexity of modern life, lovely litter free place to live and a stock of “Barkham A History”. Other important reasons why with cases of residents who makes a huge difference. The history book has now been Arborfield and Barkham are worked in more than one place, reprinted with a new Foreword considered good places to live work within a radius of home or Planning Application at which details the REME move of were access to motorways (63%) who commute to overseas loca- Reading FC Training Ground the Garrison to RAF Lyneham. If and good schools (35%). In the tions (presumably on a weekly free format box, community spirit you are new to the area and do not or monthly basis). and village atmosphere were Some of you may be aware that own a copy of the history book No simple solution is apparent mentioned several times, which a planning application that has they can now be purchased from to enable people to work closer is nice to hear. been submitted to Wokingham the Clerk for £8.50 each, or they to home is apparent though there Borough Council no.163547 for are on sale at Henry Street Garden Challenges facing Arborfield is considerable support (26%) for the development of 140 dwellings Centre and Barkham Post Office. and Barkham better broadband which would at this site. This is in addition to Concern about development re- enable more home working. the development at Arborfield Judith Neuhofer lated issues is widespread. The Bus travel Green. The key issue is that it is Clerk to Barkham Parish Council most important challenges faced Commuting by bus covers a very outside the settlement area, and [email protected] by Arborfield and Barkham are low proportion of residents (3%) could be an extremely dangerous traffic congestion (49%), pro- cont... 4 5 ... but nearly a quarter of residents first time buyers received strong New Parish Office (23%) use buses at least monthly. support at 77% of responses. The proportion is higher for Ar- There was also strong support I am delighted to announce that, at borfield residents which reflects (91%) for life time homes (i.e. long last, Barkham Parish Council the more intense bus services homes where people can continue have been allocated a new office in available to Reading. to live independently when they the Community Centre situated become old or disabled). These Different improvements are re- on the Development at Arborfield two concepts clearly need to be quired in Arborfield and Barkham Green, on the former garrison addressed in the Neighbourhood to encourage bus travel. For site. We have been searching for a Plan. Barkham residents the priority home for some considerable time is frequency (41%) while more Data notes but discovered that there was no direct routes (29%) and fares Responses were split roughly half office or conference space within (24%) are more of a factor in and half between Arborfield and Barkham. Arborfield. In both parishes 20% Barkham (54%/46%), which is to of respondents said they would be expected as the two parishes The Department of Defence have never use the bus. are about the same size. About very kindly made an office and Cycling two thirds of respondents were small conference room available The proportion of residents cy- working age (66%). A similar for our use and as soon as we cling at least monthly is less than proportion (64%) of respondents can organise a telephone line into 20% though there is a hard core of have lived in the two parishes for the office we will be moving in. commuters (2%). Cycling, wheth- more than ten years. Presum- Until that is completed any ques- er for leisure or work, would be ably longer term residents feel a tions and problems for Barkham encouraged by dedicated cycle stronger attachment to their local- residents can be made in the new ways (72%) or road side cycle ity. The number of students who Office by making an appointment ways (38%). responded was disappointingly to meet at the Office by telephon- small at just over 1%. Footpaths ing the Clerk, Judith Neuhofer. A more detailed analysis will There was a split verdict on be posted on the Arborfield We hope that this will enable the whether or not connectivity of and Barkham Neighbourhood Parish Council to serve the Com- footpaths and pavements is ad- www.arbarplan.com Plan website munity more efficiently, as all our equate (51%/49%). shortly. documentation, including local Community Facilities Conclusions for the maps will be available to view. There is a strong sense that nurs- Neighbourhood Plan ery provision is adequate (72%) There are some interesting con- We look forward to seeing our and also play facilities for children clusions emerging which will residents in the future. The new up to 12 years (60%). However, help with writing the Neighbour- facilities on Arborfield Green are a majority felt that there was a hood Plan. Hardly surprising are in place for all Barkham residents. shortage of recreation facilities the concerns about traffic conges- for teenagers (77%). tion. The results would have Satisfaction with local medical been even more extreme if the facilities is low (38%) but the re- survey had been carried out this Pam Stubbs sult splits by parish. Arborfield month, in view of the long-term Chairman residents have the benefit of small road works suddenly sprung on Barkham Parish Council doctor’s surgery facility which the parishes. It is also interest- explains higher satisfaction at ing to see where there is or is not 45% compared with just 31% in satisfaction with local facilities. Barkham. The support for starter homes and lifetime homes will undoubtedly Parks and recreational spaces are influence policy on what types considered adequate (68%) and of housing need to be provided. also community centres (62%). Laurence Heath Housing The proposition that there should be a policy to provide housing for 6 7 The phasing of the scheme has the council will not be slow to act. approach and I will continue to lowing meeting is on Wednesday been designed to ensure that each press for this during the develop- April 5th with a talk “All about section is dealt within manage- Work on the Bohunt School has ment and planning period of the Namibia”. able sections, rather than having progressed well despite wet win- local plan. extended lengths of traffic signals. ter conditions and the new build- We meet at Barkham Village Hall These lights are being manually ing is on schedule to be finished On another note Barkham Par- on the first Wednesday evening controlled at peak times based for summer 2017. Road safety is ish Council have taken a room upon ‘tidal flows’ i.e. traffic head- of the month at 7.45pm. Visitors the big issue and I will continue in the community center on the are welcome so if you are new to ing towards Wokingham in the to campaign for improvements to garrison which will act as a Par- Our meeting in January was the area why not come along and morning and the opposite in the safer walking/cycling routes to ish office along the lines of the a card making workshop. We meet us for an evening and then evening. I am pleased to say that school. In addition the Council one Arborfield parish council learned how to do “tea bag fold- SGN have made good progress have agreed the infrastructure has in the Arborfield village hall. ing” and all managed to make a see if you would like to join. to date. package with the Marino trust As such it will serve as a central card. One evening we enjoyed Borough Councillor’s Re- for the final 1500 houses which point for anybody who wishing a meal at the Bull at Arborfield. Pam Edwards port The recent closure of the A327 complete the garrison Strategic to speak to members of the parish Arborfield Road was to complete Development Location and will council about any matters in the Our February meeting was our Trinity Concert Band the final resurfacing of the new deliver the balance of infra- parish. In addition to this they We are seeing traffic delays across AGM. I am pleased to report roundabout and the final resur- structure required to support have kindly offered me the op- that we have a full committee the borough and this is due to the facing of the new road. This has the development, this includes portunity to use the office for a Trinity Concert Band is a commu- for next year and a healthy bank build out of the various develop- unavoidably lengthened the time schools and roads as well as the few hours each month to enable nity band, its members spanning balance. We played a game, and ment locations across the borough the two way signals have been additional homes so we should me to hold a surgery where resi- a wide range of musical ability, in addition to the new roads be- required which have a knock on be seeing submission of reserved dents can come along and voice held a silent auction which raised from professional musicians to ing constructed to upgrade the effect to the surrounding area matter (detailed plans) applica- any issues and ask any questions some money for the club by sell- talented amateurs. Founded in road and utilities network. Crest including Barkham. However, tion coming forward to support which relate to the borough. ing unwanted items donated by July 2001 to bring together mu- Nicholson continue to develop where possible all signals have the outline planning permission members. sicians who enjoy playing in a parcels of land at the Arborfield been off peak and only used already granted after which the group of friendly, like-minded Garrison and this entails all sorts My intentions are to hold these during such times as work re- start of construction should fol- surgeries once a month on a Satur- We have a visit to Wokingham and mutually supportive people, of highway works, meaning vari- quires it. Due to the nature of low shortly. ous roads in and around the area day morning between 10 and 12. Theatre booked in March. the band now comprises over 40 construction work and health I will be accompanied by one of playing members whose enthusi- have temporary traffic lights, and safety requirements in con- this is in addition to SGN main Wokingham Borough Council your parish councilors who will The next meeting is on Wednes- asm and dedication has resulted struction it is not always possible continues to work on the updat- be there to answer any questions in presenting and performing replacement work. for work to be take place during day 1st March and the talk is ing the Local Plan which will set which relates to parish issues. entitled “Poetry for all”. The fol- concerts to a very high standard every minute of the lane closure out where new homes need to be SGN are undertaking work across so this creates situation which built in the borough in the next Meetings will be appointment the borough including Barkham infuriates all of us whereby no Our Spring Concert will take 20 years. The Call for Sites has only. If you want to come along to replace the aging metal gas work seems to be going on but place on Saturday 1st April 2017 brought forward a large number to discuss any matter just send me mains with new plastic mains the traffic control measures are at 7:30pm in All Saints Church, of sites in and around Barkham an email or call me on my number that will last a minimum of 80 in place. The reason for this can Wokingham. and Arborfield for development both of which are at the end of this years. These works have been be where operating machinery and although many of these sites article. Remember I am always programmed for some time but requires frequent breaks or the will be deemed unacceptable due available to provide support for We are returning to this beauti- have been delayed due to the need to obtain material or await to location, it still shows the ap- any issues you may have with ful church in Wokingham for presence of other works in the the delivery of material. In such petite of developers to build in regards to the borough council, our concert, where we will have area, the resurfacing of Mole Road circumstances it is not feasible or the area. I am available on the phone or a varied programme includ- for example. in most cases safe to remove traffic email to deal with any enquiries management temporarily just to ing music from “Harry Potter”, It just reinforces my view that or questions you may have with put it back hours later. Gustav Holst’s “Mars”, from the Unfortunately, the main is now a new settlement is required to regards to your borough council required to be replaced to ensure Planets Suite “Nessun Dorma” take the bulk of the housing in a as it is there to provide services to and a John Williams composition, that the risk of an unsafe situation The council closely monitor the location with good transport con- all the residents of the borough. “Schindlers List”. does not arise. It is only possible on-going use of all temporary nections and which will have its to undertake the work via the signals and will take the ap- own infrastructure and services John Kaiser use of portable traffic signals propriate action should they be Ticket Prices: Tickets are £12 such as schools, doctors, retail and Councillor for Barkham and the council are aware of the erected unnecessarily. Contrac- up to 24 hours before the con- community centres to ensure no Wokingham Borough Council delays that these works cause and tors are expected to manage work cert and £13 on the door. Chil- additional strain is placed upon E: [email protected] have worked closely with SGN effectively within operational existing services or infrastruc- T: 0118 976 2116 dren under 16 years are free to ensure that these are kept to a constraints and where any con- ture in and around the borough. M: 0771 419 2352 when accompanied by a pay- minimum. tractors working on our network Government policy supports this ing member of the audience. who are not following the rules, type of garden village or town www.trinityband.co.uk 8 9 Social Matters and unusually taking place on a Saturday evening (normally it’s As I write this we are well into on a Friday evening) plus com- 2017 and maybe Spring will not petition from the “Strictly” final! be too long away as snowdrops Music as always was provided by are already flowering in my gar- the excellent “Breakaway Brass” den. Judith Collins has sadly band. This was a free event but the now resigned from being Social bucket collection was gratefully Secretary for the past 7 years and received by the band who did a before that she was on the BVRA wonderful job. Many thank go to Social Committee. She has done all those who helped to serve the such wonderful work for all this mulled wine, mince pies etc. and time and she will certainly be a organising the carollers. This was very hard act indeed to follow and Judith’s last event, but a lovely will be greatly missed. But rest start to the festive season! assured the present Social Com- mittee members are all working The Family Skittles Evening together to continue with all the on Saturday March 4th will usual yearly social events so have taken place by the time things should be as before. We you receive this newsletter so will welcome Judith’s guidance more on that in the next edition. from time to time I’m sure. The annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Easter The Quiz Night last November Sunday, April 16th at 3pm in The was a successful and very enjoy- Junipers field, where the entrance able evening with the winning fee is 50p for the children. While team ‘ Les Quizerables’ consisting the youngsters are frantically of Peter and Moira Burden, Val trying to find their tokens to ex- and Colin Bradley and Josephine change for little eggs the adults and Colin Hearsay. The shield will be able to buy raffle tickets presented to them is now in for the Giant Egg Peter’s safe keeping and might be displayed next to the others Future events planned are a Barn in the Village Hall as it has had Dance with a live band on Satur- a final engraving. A new shield day 30th September, and another will be ready for the next quiz. Quiz Evening on 25th November. It was Steve, the quizmaster’s Both events include a supper, last event as he moved away and details of these events will from Barkham several years ago occur in later Newsletters. Please but has kindly travelled back contact Gill Powell by phone on each year to present the excel- 0118 978 3373 or email social@ lent quiz and we will miss him barkham.org for tickets. and his wife Anita. We will have a new quizmaster in 2017. Please do continue to support It was at this event that Judith the BVRA social functions. They was presented with a rose bush are always great fun and your and chocolates in appreciation of social committee will do their all her hard work and dedication best to continue with Judith’s over the years (see photo). great efforts and organise a varied programme for you. The annual Carols in the Park on the 17th December was another Shirley Warner successful event, and was well Social Committee member attended despite the cold weather 10 11 Walks in Barkham us – and someone else steps in and takes it all on himself instead. The Coombes Circular Walk ‘This is love’ – says John. ‘God gave his Son to do that for you. Jesus – God’s Son – came willingly to do that for you.’ So justice can be done. So our rebellion against him can be punished like it deserves. And yet people like us can live – and know this God as our Father too. What a God must be, if he pours himself out for people like us like that! And how loved you and I must be if What Is Love? those things are true! ‘This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son As I write, it’s Valentine’s Day. It may be Valentine’s Day as I as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.’ The shops are stocked with cards write, but by the time this article (1 John 4:10) and roses, the restaurants are drops through your letter box, booked, and the special meal it will be nearly Easter. What Where does God say people like you deals aimed at those who can’t better time to start looking into and I get the clearest possible sight of get out are flying off the shelves. these things some more? You his love? Where we get to see right What better time to think about would be very welcome to join into his heart? John takes us back love?! us at Barkham Church as we to a cross - on a dark, forsaken hill stop and remember and rejoice outside Jerusalem. We know from According to Google, the most in these things. history that thousands of people The Barkham Way searched-for phrase in 2012 was were crucified in time of Roman ‘What is love?’ I’m not sure Barkham Parish Council is working on a project to Empire. But John takes us to one David Horrocks whether that’s a good or a bad promote local walks. The first step, now completed, is cross in particular. ‘Do you want to sign, but clearly we want to know. to prepare some maps and user instructions. These are see God’s love?’ – he says. ‘What now available on the BPC website it’s like? How great it is? Then look www.barkham-parishcouncil.org.uk Our world certainly has answers there - look at that cross – the one in the Recreation and Leisure section and also via the to that one. Love is … waking where Jesus died. This is love.’ Barkham website up to the text your loved one www.barkham.org.uk. sent. Love is … having fun with friends but missing you. Love Where do we see more than ever The next step, which is now being prepared, is to is … thinking you’re beautiful how utterly loving and self- provide way markers and improved signposting. As doing the simplest things. Love giving God is? We see it in the many of you have experienced, it is not difficult to lose is … growing old with you. And fact that he was willing to send your sense of direction in The Coombes! It is hoped to so on! even his Son for people like us. complete this during the spring. We see it in the fact that he didn’t wait for us to love him first, but But what does God say? What The Coombes is a well known walking area, but the that Jesus came, even when we is love? other new path covers new territory for many people. still hated him. Starting on Barkham Road, down the hill from Sandy Lane, the route runs towards Barkham Church and Just two Saturdays ago I had And we see it in the fact that he then onwards to the (fairly) new country park at Rooks the privilege of preaching at the didn’t send Jesus his Son just to be Nest Wood, off Barkham Ride. wedding of some dear friends, example – but an ‘atoning sacri- who asked me to speak from a bit fice.’ In other words - exactly the Many thanks to Derek Oxborough for his work on the of the Bible that includes God’s thing we need when we’ve done signs and Paul Steel for his map making. answer to that question: something wrong and there’s a whole load of right wrath and Maps courtesy of Ordnance Survey punishment poised to crash over 12 13 Perversely, part of the area is in • Included within Barkham Barkham Boundaries on the Classic FM as “one of the most Barkham Parish but Arborfield Parish and Ward Move Again thrilling symphonies”. Ward. So, not before time, it has • Included within Arborfield been decided to do a little ration- and Newland Parish and Wokingham Borough is divided Tickets, which include an interval alising. The intention is to move Ward up in various ways. One pro- drink, are available as usual from the parish and ward boundaries Our Spring Concert was a little vides an even more local form so that they coincide with each • A separate, independent on our website. Traveltime in Crowthorne High of council, ours being Barkham Arborfield Green Parish and earlier in the year than usual Street, or on-line via the orches- other and also to bring all parts of (in mid-February) and we had Parish Council alongside thir- Ward We are looking forward to a rather tra’s website. As always, children Arborfield Green under the same a marvellous programme with teen other parish councils and special Summer Concert on Satur- of 16 and under are free. jurisdiction. Since the develop- Will the people try to claim the works by Brahms, Schumann the three town councils of Ear- day 1st July 2017, 7.30pm at The ment is well under way, this is to new development for their own and Dvorak. I hope many of you ley, Wokingham and Woodley. Old Gym, Wellington College. be done without delay. area or force it on their neighbour- enjoyed the evening. The orchestra welcomes new Wokingham Borough is also The programme will include Mo- members subject to vacancies - divided into twenty five wards. ing parish? In the spirit of Brexit, But the powers that be cannot zart’s beautiful Concerto for Flute if you are interested and are a Barkham Ward is entirely within I wouldn’t be surprised if Arbor- In May each year we run a Strings agree on which way to move and Harp and we are fortunate competent player, even if you Barkham Parish while the parish field Green gets its independence. Workshop which is always a Arborfield Green so they have to have as flute soloist our own have taken a break from playing, of Arborfield and Newland con- popular event and gives string Sally Ewins, and playing the harp please get in touch. Our regular decided to ask the people. Yes You won’t have long to wait. Vot- tains only the Arborfield Ward. players a rare chance to explore will be Jenny Hill, who not only membership is now over sixty folks, we are having another ing takes place on the first of April works written especially for has played with the orchestra on players and we have a reputation referendum. and the result will published on As you probably know, what string orchestra. This year it will previous occasions but is also as a friendly bunch with members used to be , the BVRA website the next day. be held on Saturday 13th May the wife of our regular trombone The electorate of both Barkham of all ages. Weekly rehearsals are currently being transformed Make your vote count. 2017 from 2-5pm at Oaklands player – we are so fortunate to and Arborfield will be invited to on Mondays in term time from into Arborfield Green, straddles Junior School, with our conduc- have such talented players. The vote for Arborfield Green to be: 7.45-10pm at Oaklands Junior both Barkham and Arborfield. Joe Kinnagan tor, Robert Roscoe. All competent concert will also include Mahler’s School, Butler Road, Crowthorne. string players are welcome and 1st Symphony which is probably Our website has up to date infor- you don’t need to be a member his most accessible symphony mation on concerts, rehearsals, of the orchestra to join us. The (and much shorter than his later workshops and more: www. afternoon casts £10 and includes ones!). It is a work with many crowthorneorchestra.com Loddon Valley Ramblers’ Walks tea and cake. The programme has changes of mood and plenty of yet to be finalised at the time of tunes and is aptly described by Chris Gadsby We are a very friendly, sociable group of walkers and always welcome new comers. We shall be having writing but information will be a stall at the Wokingham May Fayre on 1st March where we hope to sell Books of local walks and chat to those interested in finding out about what we do. Wokingham Choral Society A selection of our upcoming walks are listed below. For more walks, including some longer ones, visit Loddon Valley Ramblers Website: www.lvra.org.uk We made two charity cheque world. Christine Knox from the ducted by our Musical Director, presentations on 2 February, fol- ‘Wokingham Volunteer Centre’ Patrick Allies and will include Roberta Ginty lowing our Christmas Concert then spoke about how the Centre performances by a professional in December. The first cheque works to support a wide range of orchestra and soloists. Thursday 23rd March: A 4½ miles walk along lanes & byways of St. Nicholas Hurst. 10:30 CP of for £315.00 was presented to charitable groups and organisa- Wheelwright Arms (if planning to have lunch) or careful parking in nearby lanes RG10 0TR SU786716 Gwynneth Hewetson, Mayor of tions across the community such Tickets are £15.00 (£5.00 for Leader 07715 553979. Wokingham on behalf of ‘Souls- as the ‘Wokingham Transport under 18s and students) and cape’, the Mayor’s chosen char- Scheme’, the ‘Wokingham Town are available from:- www.tick- th ity for 2016/2017. The second Mobility Scheme’ and the ‘Green Thursday 30 March: A pleasant 5½ mile stile-free walk taking in Fleet Copse, Rectory Farm and etsource.co.uk/Wokingham- cheque for £315.00 was presented ‘n’ Tidy Gardening Scheme’ by California Country Park. 10:30 Memorial Hall (permission obtained). Please park at choral-society; tickets@wok- to Christine Knox on behalf of placing volunteers and promot- the rear of the hall. RG40 4JU SU793633 Leader 07761 251217 or 0118 969 2735. ingham-choral-society.org.uk; the Wokingham Volunteer Cen- ing the benefits of volunteering Information Centre, Wokingham nd tre. Following this, Jane Turner in the area. Sunday 2 April: A 4½ mile walk through Chapel Green into Garrick Plantation, returning to Town Hall; Newbury Building from ‘Soulscape’ gave a talk on Wokingham via Greys Farm. 10:00 Library CP (£1 on Sundays all day) RG40 2BY SU811683 Leader Society, Wokingham and from the work that the charity does 07913 403345. Our Easter Concert will be at choir members. for children in the area which is All Saints’ Church on 2nd April rd a new programme based on the 2017 at 4.30pm when we will be Sunday 23 April: 5½ mile walk Visit Lands End, then walk over Whistley Bridge, watch the River Julia Primarolo Loddon, near Dinton Pastures. Back through Hurst. 10:30 East Park Farm, Pavilion CP, just mental well being, enabling them performing the St John Passion to find the strength to live more Publicity Manager, past school, not village hall SU775753 Leader 0118 934 5506. by J.S. Bach. This will be con- happily in our ever changing Wokingham Choral Society 14 15 them into one of the compost getting ‘leggy’ as they seek the session between the two varieties Arborfield Gardening We had been contacted by many heaps full of ready-to-use com- light. Meanwhile the seed pota- of carrot that I grew last year and Association other associations during the post. This will keep them in de- toes are chitting in the egg boxes we decided we couldn’t tell the year & invited to their events, cent condition and frees up the in the good light of an insulated difference - they were equally including the Royal Horticultural Hello Everyone ! bed to prepare for the potatoes. window in order to avoid last good - however I know which I Society, the British Red Cross, year’s disaster of them freezing will grow this year because one Hurst Horticultural Association, Wherever possible I use the clas- in the greenhouse. of the varieties suffered rather Twyford Horticultural Associa- sic four-year rotation - potatoes, more damage from slugs etc than tion and the Group of legumes (beans and peas), bras- I eat an apple most days and the other! The Hardy Plant Society. We were sicas (cabbage and sprouts etc.), the crop is surviving well so far, also asked to participate in the and finally carrots and onions. wrapped in shredded paper in We are lucky to live in a village Reading Town Meal. In particular Actually I don’t grow many bras- the old deep freeze in the garage. in the countryside. During the we are formally invited to attend sicas because we don’t like them There is also plenty of fruit in the winter we have had some excep- the / meet- Alan’s Patch that much, so I plant sweet corn new deep freeze in the house - tional sunsets so I’ve included one ings, which are held on the second It may be a little late , but Happy and squashes instead. Neither do including plums, damsons, rasp- photograph [see cover page – Ed]. Thursday of the month and is the New Year to you all !! As I write in mid February we I grow onions because the plot berries. Quite a lot of fruit was The days are getting a bit longer reason we all voted in September have had another mild innocuous suffers from the long-standing converted into jam in the Autumn now and I’m looking forward to to change our own meetings this After our last report in the winter winter with just one cold snap fungal disease called white rot so - blackberry, blackcurrant, rasp- the Spring and the renewal of year to the FOURTH Thursday of newsletter, we had a wonderful of a week or so. This has meant I grow shallots and leeks instead. berry, damson, plum and a new life in the natural world. That the month. Hopefully some of talk on Hebes by Derek Leary, that I’ve been able to work on one for us - crab apple jelly. This should have started by the time them will join us in our Arborfield then it was suddenly Christmas my patch pretty much when I’ve The October sowing of broad latter has become a firm favourite, you read this. meetings also. and our annual Christmas meal in wanted to. beans has done really well. They often replacing redcurrant jelly December this year was enjoyed are in great condition. I will be alongside savoury dishes. Also Alan Edwards Our affiliation to the RHS gives at the Bull in Arborfield. During this winter my main planting some more any day on the menu at the moment are us one free group-entry to any task has been to renew the paths now. The only plants in the patch apples, potatoes, shallots, beet- of the RHS gardens and reduced We laughed a lot at a really fun between the vegetable beds and at the moment are these and the root, carrots, parsnips, spinach, entry to Shows. It also ensures we evening with Alan Goold from under the fruit trees by replacing are insured for any unfortunate Henry Street Garden Centre in the mixture of decayed remains events our members may suf- January and are now fully up- of the old wood chippings, weeds fer, while participating in AGA to-date with all the latest inno- and soil with new wood chip- activities. Membership in AGA vations to help us look after our pings. Conveniently these were also allows us to take advantage gardens. On 9th February it was sourced locally from a tree that of the lower prices for common our AGM, which was followed we had to fell recently. The photo- garden requirements obtained by wine & cheese, etc., before graph shows the final result of the by bulk purchases at both the our exciting 4-part challenging paths with the pristine cultivated Shinfield and Wokingham Trad- quiz (not all gardening questions beds before any vegetables go in Barkham web site ing Stores, just by producing out either!) Prizes of cyclamens were and ruin it all! You may be able membership cards. I hope you like our website awarded to the winning team & to spot the over-wintering broad www.barkham.org.uk there was a raffle afterwards. beans at the far end of the bed Our next meeting is “Back to the with the posts and also the leeks We are constantly looking for Fuchsia” – a talk by Christine at the far left edge trying to get ways to improve it and would Most of the committee were re- Leary on Thursday 23rd March. in on the act. welcome your suggestions. elected. We had 36 registered All our events are advertised Members last year and attend- at various popular locations More photos please! ance had varied throughout Last year I built a leaf cage along- throughout the local area. So butternut squash, leeks and a the year (14 – 26, an average of side the compost heaps and when spinach which has over-wintered We are always in need of attrac- keep your eyes open and do come reasonable range of herbs. 19 members per meeting), the I came to empty it there proved very well. tive images of the Barkham area along if any appeal. We will be “Spring Show and Container to be a fine batch of really good for both the web site and newslet- very happy to welcome you. Gardening” meeting attracted leaf mould much of which I have In the greenhouse the cucumber, I can’t stress enough the fantastic ter, so if you have some interesting most members (26). Members distributed on the vegetable beds tomato and aubergine seeds sown flavour of fresh home grown car- photos and would like to share Happy gardening! of the committee and others who to enrich the soil when I prepared only a couple of weeks ago in rots, the same for leeks. Although them please get in touch. happily move chairs and tables them. the propagator germinated well I enjoy the exercise and being Catherine Breen, Chair Dave Clements for the meetings and labour in and are growing nicely. My au- outside the main reason I do all [email protected] this is for flavour and quality! In the kitchen, were thanked in Last week I lifted the remaining tomatic lights artificially extend fact last week we had a tasting particular for their participation. carrots and sprouts and moved the daylight to prevent them 16 17 Barkham Diary Barkham Village Hall Next to St James’ Church, beau- CJM PLUMBING & DECORATING

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The views expressed in this newsletter, unless signed by a BVRA committee member, are not necessarily those of the Barkham Village Residents Association Copyright © 2017 Barkham Village Residents Association. Extracts may be reproduced if the source is acknowledged. 20