No 649 Caversham Bridge www.cavershambridge.org Price 40p March 2019 Christian Unity Service at Our Lady & St. Anne This year’s Unity Service was held at Our Lady & St. Anne Roman Catholic of our suburb, including our numerous Anglican parishes, and yet – given that church. Given that the ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’ was launched by a John Wesley was author of many of our hymns – the whole ceremony had a Catholic priest from Lyon, the Abbé Paul Couturier, in the early years of the non-Conformist flavour. What was wonderful was how everyone present, not 20th century, it is fitting that from time to time a Catholic church is host to this least the choir in the organ gallery, sang with what John Keats would describe as annual celebration. Last year, when the new parish priest at South View Avenue, “full-throated ease.” Our preacher reminded us of the Catholic roots of the Unity Father Patrick H. Daly, was the preacher at the Unity Service in the Anglican Octave and said, with good reason, that all preachers – Methodist, Anglican or parish church, St. Peter’s, the ceremony, although relaxed and to some extent Catholic, Evangelical or High Church – all took their cue from Jesus’ first public informal, still was shrouded in the majesty which the Established Church alone appearance in the synagogue of his native Nazareth. The preaching, regardless can provide. The Unity Service this year was a more non-Conformist event and of which ecclesial tradition inspired the words, must focus on the values of the was held on Wednesday 23 January. Hosted in the Catholic church and with Kingdom of God. One of those values, as Paul frequently reminded the early the Methodist chair of CCT, the Reverend David Jenkins, as guest preacher, the Christian communities to which he wrote, is hospitality. And hospitality was on congregation too was drawn largely from the Catholic, Methodist and Baptist offer immediately after the prayer service in the Cenacle and enjoyed by all. communities of Caversham. We prayed of course for all the church communities [Contributed by Father Patrick H. Daly, parish priest]

LENT GROUPS 2019 More choice than ever! Thursday

10am From the Ram to the Lamb (Scripture Union) www.cavershamchurch.org.uk Five sessions commencing March 14th Sacrifice– from Abraham to Jesus Hosted by Suea, 15 Brill Close, Caversham RG4 7RD Contact: [email protected] 0118-375-8916 Monday 7.30pm The Creed: our Profession of Christian Faith 2pm The Bible Course (Bible Society) N.B. starts before Lent! March 11, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15 Eight sessions commencing February 21st <—— Fr Patrick Daly The course shows how the key books, famous characters and epic events form Our Lady and St Anne’s Catholic Church RG4 5AB one BIG story, from Genesis to Revelation. The course also provides tools and Contact: [email protected] 0118 947 1787 skills that help apply the Bible to everyday life. Wesley Lounge, Caversham Heights Methodist Church, RG4 7BG Contact: Brenda Caborn 0118-947-2404 On 5th March, Shrove Tuesday, the Flipping Marvellous Please tell us if you plan to attend so we can order the booklets! Tuesday Pancake Party 3.15-5pm at Grace Church, RG4 8TR 6.15pm Hospitality at Home 10.30am From the Ram to the Lamb (Scripture Union) Not able to commit to a weekly house group during Lent but still want to do some- Five sessions commencing March 12th thing? Then come to Hospitality at Home for home cooked food and company. Rev Colin Baker March 7th for six weeks: Come once, come all 6 weeks, the choice is yours. No Sacrifice– from Abraham to Jesus need to book except for special diets (vegetarian and gluten free will be catered The Lounge, Caversham Baptist Church, South Street for every week). During the meal there will be a short reading on the subject of Contact: [email protected] 0118-375-8916 hospitality and the option to join in or listen to a discussion if you want to. The Rectory, 20 Church Road, Caversham RG4 7AD Contact: Rev Rachel Ross Smith 0118-947-8896 or 07884-371688

Wednesday 7- 10pm Lent Film Club March 7, 14, 21, April 4, 11 10am The Commandments (C of E Pilgrim Course) Rev Judith Ryder and Rev Derek Chandler March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17 St Barnabas Church, Emmer Green, RG4 8RA St Andrew’s Church, Harrogate Road, RG4 7AW Contact: 0118-947-8239 or [email protected] Please tell us if you plan to attend so we can order the booklets! Contact: St Andrew’s Mothers’ Union- Maggie Barden 0118-954-3515 8pm Discovering Hope Using the Psalms of lament as a guide, we'll be taking some space to explore how 7.30pm Daring to See God Now (York Course) expressing our emotions to God can help us find hope. March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10: Rev James Mather & Rev Nigel Jones Five sessions commencing March 14th St Andrew’s Church Hall, Albert Road, RG4 7AW Hosted by Nicki Wisdom and Jane Robson at 268 Henley Road, RG4 6LS Please tell us if you plan to attend so we can order the booklets! Contact: [email protected] or 07813-307405 Contact: [email protected] 0118-947-2788 8pm From the Ram to the Lamb (Scripture Union) 8pm From the Ram to the Lamb (Scripture Union) Five sessions commencing March 7th Five sessions commencing March 6th Sacrifice– from Abraham to Jesus Sacrifice– from Abraham to Jesus Hosted by Martyn Strong, 30 Evesham Road, Emmer Green RG4 8RG Hosted by Richard Wilson, 7 Blenheim Road, RG4 7RT Contact: [email protected] 0118-375-8916 Contact: [email protected] 0118-375-8916

Reading Youth Orchestra ...... page 3 Bishop Andrew at St Andrew’s Church Highdown School ...... page 4 on Ash Wednesday Royal Institution at Highdown ...... page 7 Bishop Andrew of Reading is coming to St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road, Caversham Heights on Ash Wednesday March Norman Kent – a tribute ...... page 10 6th at 7.30pm to conduct the Ash Wednesday service INSIDE The Library Clock ...... page 13 marking the beginning of Lent. This will be his last service John Henry Newman ...... page 15 in Caversham before he retires in May. Page 2 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 SUNDAY Caversham Clergy TALKING POINT ANGLICAN SERVICES St Barnabas by Rev. Marion Pyke ANGLICAN Rev’d Derek Chandler, 20 St Barnabas Road. St Peter, St Peter’s Hill Tel: 947 8239. 8.00am Holy Communion – BCP (first, second and fourth www.saintbarnabas.org.uk Sundays) Matins – BCP (Third Sunday) St Andrew I write this article sitting in a house in a private road which 9.30am Holy Communion (second, third and fourth Sundays) Rev’d Nigel Jones, St Andrew’s Vicarage, has now decided to shut its gates to Caversham. Derby Road has Service of the Word (First Sunday) 6.30pm Holy Communion with Healing Prayers usually 1st Harrogate Road. Tel: 947 2788 decided to control who it lets in and who it shuts out! Sunday, Evensong (usually Choral on second Sunday) www.standrewscaversham.org Ironically my brief was to write about the theme of hospitality in St John, Gosbrook Road Caversham Thameside Ministry - 9.30am Holy Communion (first, third and fourth Sundays) St Peter, St Margaret, St John all our Caversham churches. Are the two compatible? Hospitality 9.30am All Age Worship (second Sunday)) Rev’d Mike Smith, The Rectory, 20 Church Road, Caver- is more than inviting someone into your home for a cup of tea. It Fifth Sunday – Parish wide service (check website for details) sham RG4 7AD Tel: 9479505 involves opening up, welcoming, accepting, giving, sharing, loving, St Margaret, Mapledurham [email protected] 11.15am Holy Communion (first, second and fourth advocating, even sacrificing. God is hospitable to us, if we let him, Sundays) Morning Worship (third Sunday) Rev’d Marion Pyke Tel: 947 5834 Fifth Sunday – Parish wide service (check website for details) Rev’d John Dudley Tel: 9470265 he shares his love all the time. Hospitality is making others feel St Andrew, Harrogate Road Rev’d Penny Cuthbert Tel: 07825 331810 at home. Some folks automatically make you feel at home. Others 8.00am The Eucharist Rev’d Judith Ryder Tel: 9473783 10.00am Parish Eucharist (Sung) may make you wish you were! First Sunday, Family Eucharist CAVERSHAM PARK CHURCH (LEP) The context of Christian Hospitality is love. Love, first for what 11.30am The Eucharist first Sunday BCP (Anglican, Methodist, Baptist and URC) Christ has given you with the recognition that everything you St Barnabas, Grove Road, Emmer Green Contact: Dr Alison Johnston 8.00am Said Communion (BCP) Tel: 0118 947 5152. www.cpvc.org.uk have is a gift from Him and belongs to Him. Second it is a love for 9.30am Parish Communion others. 9.30am COGS for all ages (1st Sunday of Month) METHODIST TEAM MINISTRY Riverside Church (Reading) Rev’d Jenny Dowding, 72 Highmoor Road. Hospitality means, primarily, the creation of free space where Meeting at Hemdean House School, Hemdean Road, Caversham Tel: 947 2223 the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. 10.00am Morning Worship & Teaching Rev’d D Jenkins Tel:0118 327 1592 Hospitality is not to change people but to offer them space where CAVERSHAM PARK ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP Meeting at Caversham Park School CAVERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to 11.00am Holy Communion (1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays) Rev’d Colin Baker Morning Worship (2nd and 4th Sundays) Church office tel 0118 954 5353 our side but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines or rules All Age Worship (at Festival Times) Email: [email protected] and regulations. CAVERSHAM BAPTIST CHURCH, South Street Jesus eats with outsiders, he does not preach to them. He does 10.30am Morning Worship each Sunday RIVERSIDE CHURCH (Reading) 6.30pm House of Prayer (praise and prayer) – www.riversidechurchreading.co.uk not try to convert them. He gives them free space. What does it 2nd Sunday each month 3.45pm Messy Church – for all the family GRACE CHURCH cost us to be hospitable? How should we practice hospitality? Fourth Sunday of the month (formerly Caversham Hill Chapel) Without grumbling .This may be the hardest part! How often do we GRACE CHURCH, Old Peppard Road www.gracechurchcaversham.org.uk Tel 9474529 find ourselves struggling to serve others cheerfully? The command 10.30am Worship and Ministry, Children’s Church ROMAN CATHOLIC to be hospitable is unconditional. It does not say, “Show hospitality THE METHODIST CHURCH IN CAVERSHAM Caversham Heights, Highmoor Road Our Lady and St Anne if you have time….or, if it is convenient….” or, “if you have a 9.00am (first Sunday), 10.30am Mgr Patrick Daly, The Presbytery, 6.30pm (second and fourth Sundays) 2 South View Avenue. Tel: 947 1787. big enough house…or, if you have a complete set of matching Gosbrook Road plates”. 10.30am St Michael ROMAN CATHOLIC Fr Michael Sharkey, St Michaels, We are called to be hospitable no matter who we are and no Our Lady and St Anne, Southview Avenue Sonning Common Tel: 972 3418 matter what our circumstances are, AND we are to do it without Saturday 5.30pm, Sunday 10.00am and 6.30pm NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD complaining. Hospitality, therefore, is a concrete, down-to-earth Mapledurham House 6.00pm Mass (last Sunday of the month) Rev’d H R Gayle Tel: 946 3009 test of our fervent love for God and His people. Love can be an St Michael, Sonning Common abstract, indistinct idea; hospitality is specific and tangible. We 5.30pm Saturday 9.00 and 10.30am Monday A community newspaper produced by Caversham Christian seldom complain about loving others too much, but we do complain News Ltd on behalf of the Churches of Caversham about the inconveniences of hospitality. Hospitality is love in action. SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (Quakers) Church Street, Reading EDITORS: Dr Alison Johnston, Mrs Janet Offord, Mrs Carol Hospitality is the flesh and muscle on the bones of love. Through 10.30am (House study groups Sept-June Tel: 9475783) Moloney, Mr Stephen A Roberts, Mrs Heather Gale. caring acts of hospitality, the reality of our love is tested. NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH OF GOD c/o Church House, 59 Church Street, Caversham. RG4 8AX Church Street, Caversham Tel: 947 1703. Email: [email protected] 9.30am Sunday School Rev. Marion Pyke 11.00am Divine Worship ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER: Mr A Wright, 6.00pm Evening Service Tel: 947 6958. Associate Priest. St Peter’s, Caversham Email: [email protected] Caversham Bridge 2019: Copy price and subscription price Caversham Bridge is sold at £0.40 per copy. The CIRCULATION MANAGER: Mrs Carol Moloney. subscription price which includes delivery to your home Tel: 947 1370. Email: [email protected] address is increased to £5.00 / year (for 12 issues) from COMPANY CHAIRMAN: Mr Colin Ferguson. January 2019. COMPANY SECRETARY: Mr Tony Holland. COMPANY TREASURER: Mrs J Belcher. Tel: 947 4772 Caversham Bridge Email: [email protected] Contributions for the April 2019 issue should be sent to the Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham Parish Office by POSTAL SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER: Mrs D. Moore. Monday 4th March. The date for the May issue is Monday 1st Tel: 947 3713 Are you a people person? April. Email address is: [email protected] The Editors wish to make it clear that the views expressed in Caversham Good Neighbours is a group formed to Advertising copy for the April 2019 issue should be sent to Mr A. Wright, Twigmoor, Upper Warren Avenue, Caversham by Friday this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the offer essential transport to the elderly and disabled 1st March. The date for the May issue Friday 29th March. Email board. in our neighbourhood. If you would like address is: [email protected] The Editors also would like to bring to readers’ notice that the to give to the community by joining inclusion of advertisements in this paper does not mean an us as a volunteer driver or helping PARISH OFFICES endorsement of the products or of the services offered. in our office, then please do get in PARISH OF CAVERSHAM THAMESIDE AND MAPLEDURHAM Published by Caversham Christian News Ltd, Church Street, touch with us. St Peter, St Margaret, St John Caversham, Reading RG4 8AX Tel: 0118 947 1703. Church House, 59 Church Street, Caversham RG4 8AX www.cavershamgoodneighbours.org.uk Tuesday and Friday 9.30am to 2pm Typeset and layout by RP Character Graphics, 0118 948 3466 Tel: 947 1703 email: [email protected] Tel: 07949 980 982 ST BARNABAS Monday to Friday 9.30am –11.30am Printed by: Mortons Print, Media Centre, Morton Way, St Barnabas Centre Tuesday and Thursday 8.30am-10.30am Church House 59 Church Street Caversham RG4 8AX Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR Tel: 947 6310 Website: www.saintbarnabas.org.uk

13.01New ad.indd 1 16/03/2015 17:39 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 Page 3 Reading Youth Orchestra celebrates 75th Anniversary with a Spring Concert

t is said that music brings people together. Looking at Reading Youth Orchestra, one of the oldest youth orchestras in the country, this is an easy fact to observe. We have a group of students who bond over a common hobby, who grow as young people and musicians by learning and playing music together, and striving to achieve a musical outcome both accomplished and beautiful. This phenomenon has been in our very own Reading for 75 years now. In 1944, before the end of the war and shortly after the Youth Committee began Iinstrumental lessons at more modest fees, the youth orchestra was founded. It started with only 11 players, many of whom could not even read music. And yet music was made and performed, and the orchestra grew in size, talent and confidence. In 1947 the orchestra went on their first tour to Holland, and in 1949 played to two thousand people in Dusseldorf,.. the orchestra by then having 60 members. Over the years, the orchestra can find former members now in many professional orchestras and teaching positions across the country, as well for children and adults as other far flung places. Members schools & clubs have come and gone, our size has entertainment for weddings fluctuated, the political appetite for or parties music provision has been on its own journey, and yet we still bring players together every week to learn, enjoy and [email protected] play music. Reading Youth Orchestra exists today with the same focus it has always had - providing young musicians in 0118 947 4244 www.maypoledancing.co.uk the area with the opportunity to develop by playing fantastic repertoire in a friendly and sociable environment. There is a prestige READING Gill Madeley NAHort. in enabling our students to appear with PLUMBING & HEATING Garden Design & Maintenance accomplished professional soloists, but also in giving them the means to be soloists ALL ASPECTS OF PLUMBING, HEATING • Garden Design • Planting themselves. AND GAS WORKS UNDERTAKEN. • Maintenance • Advice We are delighted to present our 75th OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. • Seasonal Clearance Anniversary concert featuring talented ALL WORK GUARANTEED. members of our ensemble as soloists. Led DISCOUNT FOR SENIOR Caversham, Reading, Berkshire by Euon Mallett, the first half will present CITIZENS. t. 0118 947 1178 m. 07971 742 053 111613 solos from flautist Michi Aneez, oboist MOBILE: 07702556790 [email protected] Abbey Hardy and baritone David Cox. The EMAIL: [email protected] second half will be the cheerful and full-of- life 8th Symphony by Dvorak, inspired by Czech and Slavonic folk music. Join us on Saturday 16th March 2019 at Old fashioned 7.00pm in St Joseph’s College, Reading RG1 5JT to hear the results of our members’ hard work. Tickets for this 75th Anniversary Values Spring Concert are available on the door from a modern (cash only): Adult £10, Concession/Child Estate Agent KitchensKitchens & & Bathrooms Bathrooms £5, Family ticket £20. CompleteComplete Design Design & & Installation Installation Service Service Programme: Chaminade Concertino for At Walmsley, we pride ourselves on our personal OrOr Supply Supply Only Only Flute and Orchestra, Bellini Oboe Concerto approach, our local knowledge, commitment Fully Equipped Showroom in Eb Major, Dvorak Symphony No.8 in to our customers and the recommendations Fully Equipped Showroom that we receive from our many happy clients. 7 Reading Road Henley-On-Thames G Major. The Orchestra is conducted by 7 Reading Road Henley-On-Thames Contact us for a valuation of your home and for Oxon RG9 1AB Paul Cox. Enquiries about the concert or Oxon RG9 1AB some sound advice on the local property market. 01491 411990 membership to reading.youth.orch@gmail. 0118 947 0511 and email [email protected] 01491 411990 Local References Available com info@sLocalteepalo Referencesfhenley.c Availableo.uk Website: www.readingyouthorchestra. [email protected] co.uk www.steepalbathrooms.co.uk www.steepalbathrooms.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/reading. youth.orchestra Page 4 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 Highdown School - Caversham’s hub for secondary education Highdown School was established as a collected their GCSE and A Level certificates. There were also prizes shows that there are increasing numbers comprehensive school in 1971. Currently given out to recognise outstanding achievements and the prize looking for places in our area and Highdown some 1350 students are enrolled from 11 winners are pictured with Headteacher Ms Cave and the special wants to offer local families real choice. to 18 years of age. The school includes guest, adventurer Charlie Walker (cwexplore.com). Thames Water Visit: Thames Water three Grade II listed buildings within its 32 Out and About in English! Year 9 Micklands Trip: At the visited during February to discuss their acre grounds, and is very proud to be at the end of term 2, thirty Year 9 students visited Micklands Primary efforts in the workplace to help support the heart of its community. The school estate school. The Year 9 students had worked hard to prepare exciting, mental health and wellbeing of their staff. is buzzing all day and every weekend and inspiring and engaging Christmas narratives during their English Year 11 students had an assembly focused holiday many members of ‘Highdown Sport lessons and during their visit, they worked with Year 4 students in on this, followed by a workshop on what and Leisure’ come to use our facilities. We small groups, reading their narratives and facilitating work for the our young people expect from employees. are delighted that many clubs book our primary students based on the stories that they had created. This session was a brilliant chance for a large swimming pool and astro turf pitches as well Waitrose & Partners Caversham Community Matters local employer to go through any concerns as other areas - Highdown never sleeps! Scheme - February 2019: Community Matters is an initiative to or worries our students might have about As Headteacher, and on behalf of the enable Waitrose branches to support local charities. Each branch the world of work. With ‘Time to Talk’ day School, I am very glad to be contributing to has £1,000 per month to be divided proportionally, as indicated by being this week, Highdown is keen to keep the ‘Caversham Bridge’ newspaper and hope customer token votes, between three nominated local organisations. our students feeling supported and offering that this feature will give the community Highdown PTA has been selected as one of the organisations a wide range of experiences, including a better understanding of what we do in for February so we hoped you may have take a token every time with outside agencies, to best support our school and of life inside the Highdown gates. you shopped in Waitrose last month and put it in the Highdown students. Highdown was awarded academy status in section! Get Into Teaching: We are really proud >> Carter Electrical 2010 and was judged to be a good school, of our 2019 PGCE cohort of trainee teachers with many outstanding features by Ofsted from Oxford, Reading, Brighton and UCL in April 2015 and which was confirmed in a Carter Electrical Universities. Great teachers in the making, short inspection in October 2018. learning from the inspirational teachers at The ethos of the school is very clear: Installations Highdown. If you are thinking of becoming “Highdown School is a very special place. As that next inspirational teacher please don’t Headteacher, I am very proud of all we do here Who would ever have thought hesitate to email Dr A Love, Professional and our resolute determination to continue that being an electrician would Tutor at Highdown School and Sixth Form to improve every day. Staff and students alike have put you at the forefront Centre ([email protected]) aspire to achieve excellence in all we do. Our to discuss how we can support your journey. commitment and resilience is underpinned by of modern innovative [Contributed by Ms R E Cave, Headteacher, and core values of honesty, responsibility, respect, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award:technology? This year we For have many celebrated years, over colleagues] tolerance and courtesy”. 50 of our students completingbeing their a sparky Bronze Dukemeant of Edinburgh’s fuses, *Our philosophy is simple – great teaching Award, an amazing achievementwires, sockets for all involved. and plugs While but most supported by committed pastoral care gives people are aware of the challenges of the expedition section of CAVERSHAM BRIDGE great outcomes and life chances for our young the award our participantsnow, have alsoand completed Jon Carter over is 1000 hours Advertise your Business or Event in this space for £8.80/month people. Our curriculum is broad and balanced of volunteering to supporttestament their communities to this, the and green developed and provides a solid platform for life in our Contact our Advertising Manager teamwork and leadershiprevolution skills that will has help swept them through throughout for further details Sixth Form. Life at Highdown is a five or more their lives. the industry and shows no likely a seven year journey. We provide learning Textiles: Year 10 & 12 took part in a ‘Make it Personal in Textiles’ 0118 947 6958 opportunities to ensure our students remain workshop. The students hadsigns the of opportunity abating. to work alongside [email protected] stimulated and motivated and develop a lifelong textile designer Jane BowlerJon Carter, to along gain with first-hand his brother Matt and experience father Michael of run Carter Electrical Installations and, like his father before thirst for learning. Highdowners should go from how she works using this himinformation is extremely keen to on inspire maintaining their his company's own set of outstanding lesson to outstanding lesson being samples in preparation forreputation their upcoming for excellence. deadlines. The old fashioned The notion students of challenged and guided to make the most of great thoroughly enjoyed learningbrilliant about customer different service with career a friendly paths face wit availableh an affordable price tag holds true, but now, the firm can offer so opportunities”. within the industry, and weremuch more.all really The latest inspired innovations and in renewable motivated energy tosuch To continue, we can look at some of the continue developing their asindependent Photovoltaic cells projects. and air source heat pumps are being school’s activities which capture our range embraced with gusto by the authorities. And by Carter Electrical Installations. Jon has been awarded the MCS and diversity.

accreditations that are needed to be able to install PV Why should you Presentation Evening: Before systems in your home. If you use him, you can be absolutely install Solar PV? sure that all of the work will be done to the highest ‘‘ ‘‘ standards and using the best possible equipment and PV You can achieve cells. While these systems are not cheap to install, they will payback of 12% from your investment save you money and will lead to a return on your investment. Highdown Riverside School:You pay now As and many get money of you back know,for the lifetime Highdown of the system. And they are incredibly simple. With no moving is bidding to open the newparts, they school need minimal in Reading, servicing and responding will enhance the to the need for more local placesvalue of your and home. the It's fact like having that your we own are priva heavilyte power oversubscribed. supply attached to your house. As well as this new age of renewable technology, Jon carter Please could you supportand this his teamprocess remain by as registeringskilled as ever at your the tradi supporttional side Christmas, the annual Certificate at http://www.highdownriversideschool.org/of things. As Jon says: “If it's got wires, we can fix it. And 0118 967 7033967 7033 Presentation Evening took place. This would be most appreciated,that goes for wireless even technology if you doas well!” not For have a better any look [email protected] .co.uk at the company and how they can help you, visit Congratulations to all the students who more children to come throughwww.carter-electrical.co.uk Highdown, the local authority data www.carter-electrical.co.uker-electrcail.co.uk

www.roundandabout.co.uk RG9 R&A � 29 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 Page 5 Caversham Heights Society: November talks on fusion power and swan upping

November 2018 saw two contrasting talks given to countries are working on ways to create and harness nuclear David Barber, the Queen’s Swan Marker. For members of the Caversham Heights Society. The first, power in a sustainable manner. The Russians began with those who were unaware of the history of Swan given by Chris Warwick from the Culham Atomic Research their Tokamak reactor and the Joint European Torus (JET), Upping and of how and why the recording laboratories on the 7th November entitled ‘Fusion - a clean funded by the EU, is what is being used at Culham. of the number of swans and cygnets on the future?,’ was a serious and thoughtful explanation of the Although hydrogen particles have been joined together Thames was, and is, so important David’s attempts at Culham to fuse hydrogen atoms together in the difficulties are in getting them to stick together for talk was informative, enthralling, colourful order to generate energy that could then be used in the sufficient lengths of time to be able to generate electricity. and humorous. He began by describing the National Grid. This has been the Holy Grail since the 1950s The hope is that JET scientists will be able to do this by 2050, importance of swans to the royal household’s but still has a long way to go. athough the old-fashioned power stations would need to be menu from at least 1186 and how the medieval There is a sense of urgency to find a means of producing adapted for any benefits to be felt. If such developments can kings laid claim to all mute swans swimming cheaper energy as soon as possible because it is estimated be achieved the benefits would be clean energy; the need in open water. Any study of the feasts of the that the amount of energy needed will double by 2050. to burn fossil fuels would be eliminated; and the timescale Tudor monarchs would see the numbers of Currently the USA uses twice the amount of energy than could be long lasting. If JET could be replicated on a smaller swans eaten. Gradually the two powerful and any other country. Both Professors Stephen Hawking and scale the UK could become the leading country in this wealthy Livery companies, the Dyers and the Brian Cox have advocated the development of nuclear sphere. Vintners, were also given rights to own certain power as the future way to go and Russia and the European The second talk, on the 21st November, was given by swans as were many abbots of monasteries and important barons and landowners. Today, apart The Digital Society: danger, disruption and opportunity from the Ilchester family who own the swans at Abbotsbury in Dorset, only the Queen and the There was only one evening talk for the Caversham in a matter of seconds providing instant news although how Livery companies can lay claim to ownership. Heights Society during January. This was a very topical one this is presented is often biased. Nick also stressed three Fortunately swans are no longer eaten. on ‘The Digital Society: danger, disruption and opportunity’ given aspects of the digital revolution- Create, Connect and Share. In the third week of July a colourful by Nick Jones, former Head of Digital Communications at Creative ideas can now be easily shared with like-minded ceremonial procession of six wooden skiffs, No. 10 Downing Street, during David Cameron’s premiership friends and colleagues; the world is now globally connected; two representing the Crown, and two each for and now working for the HS2 project. He is also an adviser to and photographs/selfies and personal news can quickly be the Livery Companies, each member dressed business as well as to government. shared. These are the positives. The negatives, however, in their red uniforms spend five days rowing He began his talk by explaining how he became involved include fake news, false information, incitement to terrorism, the 79 miles up the Thames from Sunbury to with the Internet and digital communications while he hatred, violence, pornographic images, encouragement to Abingdon. The purpose of the ‘Swan Upping’ was working with Craig Oliver on the student magazine self-harm, the ‘Dark Web’, easily accessed by sexual predators (so called because the boats go ‘up’ the Thames at St Andrews University. He then went into journalism across the world and cyberattacks, either perpetrated by and the swans are taken ‘up’ from the water to and became fascinated by new and digital forms of criminals or by perceived hostile countries such as Russia or be checked, counted and ringed) is to check communicating the news. Nick said that his whole life had China. Unfortunately our security and police forces, let alone on their health and condition and to help with been affected by digital technology because the Internet the Government, are several steps behind and the laws to conservation. Sadly in recent years there has was first launched in 1969, the year of his birth. Today over curb, control or block such activities are often even further been a decline in numbers because of foxes, 90% of the UK population is connected through computers, behind. While much good has arisen from the digital age birds of prey and birds getting snagged in nylon smartphones, ipads or tablets and numerous other gadgets there are still many moral and ethical issues that need to be fishing gear or tackle. Also there has been a developed either by Apple or Microsoft. Nick said that he addressed urgently. move to prevent people feeding swans and became even more involved when, as a civil servant, he was This was an interesting and thought provoking talk. What geese with bread. Our speaker said that this asked to help set up a digital communications network at came across very clearly, however, was the great gulf in the had been detrimental and should be stopped. No. 10 under David Cameron. Until then government was knowledge, use and awareness of digital matters between Talks in 2019 include ‘The Digital Society’, technologically way behind the times. Now technologies are the older generation such as many members of the CHS and ‘The development of Public Libraries’ and ‘Crime used daily for distributing masses of information through the ‘tech savvy’ younger generation to whom this is part of and Punishment in the 21st Century.’ Meetings the Government Communication Service to, or through, daily life. are held on alternate Wednesday evenings at numerous government departments such as the NHS, the Meetings of the CHS are held fortnightly on Wednesday Caversham Heights Methodist Church Hall Ministry of Defence, or the Environment Agency. Some evenings in the Caversham Heights Methodist church hall in at 8.00pm following coffee at 7.15pm. New of the information is precisely that, information, some is Highmoor Road beginning with coffee and chat at 7.15pm. members are always welcome and details can propaganda such as used by RT (‘Russia Today’). New members are welcome and further information can be be found at www.cavershamheights.org or by Nick stressed that technology as such is neutral. How it is found at www.cavershamheights.org or by email to: contact@ email to: [email protected] used might not be. It now provides global interconnectedness cavershamheights.org

JOHN WOOLDRIDGE Dry Carpet, Upholstery & E.L.P. Electrical Services Ltd PLUMBING & HEATING Electrical Installation Contractors ENGINEER Hard Floor Cleaning Established Electrical Installation Company ‡ with an Excellent Reputation Over 25 years experience Commercial and Domestic Installations Competent tradesmen will undertake central heat- Specialists ‡ ing, bath/shower room installations & general ‡ Specialists in Electrical Testing, plumbing and repairs large or small. Spills & spots - gone )DXOW'LDJQRVLVDQG5HFWL¿FDWLRQ Smells & odours - removed ‡ Fire and Intruder Alarm Systems 112 MAYFIELD DRIVE, Deep cleans & lifts carpet pile ‡ Planned, Preventative and CAVERSHAM Reactive Electrical Maintenance RG4 5JT (0118) 948 2584 Leather Cleaning ‡ Fully NIC EIC Accredited Get Main Room Cleaned Specialists E.L.P. Electrical Services undertake all aspects of electrical installation work from new consumer units to full rewires, including Restoration & Recolouring commercial electrical projects. We even install an extra socket or 2. save 50% on all further rooms Locally based family run business. Call us for free on 01189 790171 0800 180 40 45 07909 434515 Tel: 0118 907 6266 zerodrytime.com [email protected] www.alanwarddecorator.co.uk www.elpelectrical.com Email: [email protected] Page 6 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019

Caversham Osteopathic Clinic PIANO LESSONS The Influence of Victorian Mourning Available from an Richard Weatherall BSc OST REGISTERED OSTEOPATH experienced teacher , ex-concert pianist . in Reading Cemetery – Treating many conditions All levels taught . For more information or to book an appointment Your house or mine 0118 947 5775 History of Reading Society (Steinway grand) 07885 454 092 The subject of the January talk was the Influence ritualized forms of public behaviour at funerals Anna: 07568 377731 of Victorian Mourning in Reading Cemetery. The and a more outward mourning etiquette. speaker was Anna Ellis who as a mature student has The bereaved were often led into spending completed a BA Honours degree in archaeology at more than was either necessary or desirable for a the University of Reading. funeral. To avoid the ignominy of a ‘pauper’s funeral’ On the 6th May 1843 the ‘Berkshire Chronicle’ many families on low incomes would save money reported the first interment at the new Reading each week to pay for it. A typical funeral comprised Cemetery. The burial was of Elizabeth Jacobs the the ‘wake’ a social gathering in the home of the daughter of Mr T. Jacobs of Eldon Terrace, Reading deceased followed by a remembrance service at For 50 years, Gardiner’s Homecare has provided and the mourners were led by the Reverend William a church. The deceased would then be conveyed Since 1968, Gardiner domiciliary’s has suppliedcare in the local experienced area and Legg of Broad to the cemetery reliable nurOur sesexperienced and and care friendly workers team are passionate to support about our care clients at home in theirStreet Chapel; a by a horse-drawn services, helping others & supporting them to continue independent and considerable number cortège, the coffin own homes.fulfilling lives in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. of spectators had bedecked in wreaths gathered to witness and the horses’ Please call one of our Care Managers if you are looking for someone to the event. heads adorned with We are recruitingprovide company for and aexperienced little help in the house, care or assistance workers with personal to join The Reading plumes. A clergyman our professional and friendlycare or medication. team. We offer excellent Cemetery Company would preside at a Telephone 0118 947 6666 www.gardinersnursing.co.uk was established by short ceremony at pay, generous mileage10 Church and St. flexible Caversham RG4hours 8DZ to suit. an Act of Parliament the graveside before in 1842 to build and burial. maintain a cemetery The burial plot 10 Church Street, Caversham,Reading, RG4 8DZ on the outskirts of could be marked the town; it would be by a simple metal Telephone: 0118 947 6666 funded by the sale of or wooden cross; www.gardinersnursing.co.uk company shares and A general view of the cemetery entrance c.1893 more expensive burial plots. It was headstones with based on the seven ‘garden cemeteries’ that were an inscription made of stone, marble or granite established on the outskirts of London and whose were popular. The wealthy would erect ornate layouts were influenced by the writings of the monuments: statues on plinths, obelisks and broken landscape gardener and botanist John Claudius columns were some of the designs available. Loudon. Immediately, a period of mourning would The purpose of these ‘out-of-town’ cemeteries commence: this could last between a year and was to move the dead from the immediate two years. The most restrictive etiquette applied proximity of the living, this in response to the to widows: the convention required them, at all growing national campaign against the universal times, to be attired entirely in black garments custom of burying the dead in churchyards. which were made of crepe, a dull silk; a veil should Reading’s growing population and the increasing be worn to cover the face and any jewellery was mortality rate, particularly from the most feared made of jet. Widowers would usually wear a black of Victorian killers – cholera – meant that the arm band. overcrowded burial grounds in the town’s parish Today, there are 70,000 burials and 12,000 churches were now a hazard to public health. monuments at the cemetery. In 2002 the The site of the new cemetery at Hatton’s Platt cemetery was Grade II listed by English Heritage. in Earley was purchased from a Mr. Cholmeley. It Additionally, two monuments are Grade II listed:

Shiplake Church of England Primary School

Headteacher : Mrs Katherine Page-Howie MA.Ed, BA (Hons), PGCE, NPQH ‘Explicit Chris�an values, understood and used by everyone, create a successful learning environment in which children are nurtured in their academic and personal development’ SIAMS December 2016 The cemetery gate c. 1910 A general view of the memorials

Are you looking for a Recep�on Class place for September 2018? Shiplake Primary School was ranked in the top 2% of The Telegraph’s top performing is flanked by the London and Wokingham Roads one is to Bernard Laurence Hieatt a world record na�onal primary schools and was in the top 1% of schools for performance in and is surrounded by a high perimeter wall, built holding motorcycle rider and pilot, and the other, mathema�cs in 2017 S to prevent grave robbing. The site is bisected by a pair of cast-iron urns dedicated to the Barratt Please call us to make an appointment to come and visit our school a central avenue approached through the neo- and Andrews families, once owners of a local iron

classical gatehouse. The interred are segregated: foundry. Looking for a place in another year group? Please call for up-to-date availability Looking for a place in another year group? Please contact us for the non-Conformists are buried opposite the The subject of the next talk will be the ‘History up-to-date availability gatehouse and the Conformists (Church of of Reading Allotments’. The speaker will be Evelyn ‘The school’s ethos and values of ‘mutual respect, good behaviour and high academic standards within a Chris�an and moral culture’ are borne out in all aspects of your work. Consequently, England) nearer to Palmer Park. Originally there Williams. It will take place at Abbey Baptist pupils are highly mo�vated, keen to learn and achieve well’ Ofsted December 2016 were two chapels. The trees and shrubs were Church, Abbey Square, Reading on Wednesday supplied by Suttons Seeds of Reading. 20th February at 7.30pm. All are welcome, £2 to Shiplake, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4DN In 1861, after the death of her husband Prince non-members. For more informa�on email: offi[email protected] or telephone 0118 940 2024 Albert, Queen Victoria influenced a vogue, [Contributed by the History of www.shiplakeprimary.org.uk following a bereavement, for more flamboyant, Reading Society] CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 Page 7 A taste of the Royal institution

at Highdown, Caversham Is your Garden in a Mess? Does it need an Overhaul? Are you Bored with your Borders? Like to Re-plan and Re-plant? While the Royal Institution is best Reliable Service known for its annual Christmas Lectures, • One-off jobs: Gardens overhauled, major cut back or pruning. it also has an extensive educational • Plants for places advice and lists. Plants supplied and planted out. outreach programme. Last term thirty • Design service - for more details please telephone to discuss. Year 5 children from the nine Caversham Call: Alex Lowth, mobile: 07769 974 729, answer phone: 0118 947 2307 primary schools – Caversham, Caversham Park, Emmer Green, Micklands, St Anne’s, St Martin’s, The Heights, The Hill and Dodecahedron pumpkins Thameside - greatly enjoyed a series of the children to build and stress test an ‘oil six mathematics masterclasses hosted at rig’ using marshmallows and straws. The Highdown School. final masterclass by lecturers from the University of Hertfordshire was a practical session on anamorphic art, where a picture only looked normal from one position or through a cylindrical mirror.

A period engraving of the City of Konigsberg

Primary mathematics masterclasses are A diagram of the bridges of Konigsberg free hands-on, interactive sessions led by enthusiastic practitioners from academia, Parents were invited to the end of this education and industry. The Caversham final session. The children and the regular children were selected by their teachers Highdown sixth-form helpers were as pupils who would be ‘curious about presented with attendance certificates mathematics and well-motivated’. They were from the Royal Institution by Professor expected to attend all six workshops in Davies. They will also be invited to attend their own time after school! The sessions an event at the Royal Institution this go beyond the school curriculum and summer. The Ri (http://www.rigb.org) Fine handmade and second hand bring maths to life in surprising topics. is well worth visiting, ten elements were jewellery They proved extremely popular and all discovered there as well as pioneering but one of the children attended every work by Faraday, Davy and other well- åså2OLEXåSERVICINGåAGENCY åPLUSåPRESTIGIOUSå masterclass. known scientists. makes Our series kicked off at Hallowe’en The Masterclasses aim to open the åså0ROBATEåVALUATIONS with a session on ‘Platonic Solids’ by Alison eyes of young people to the excitement, åså%XCELLENTåJEWELLERYåREPAIRåSERVICE Eves from the Royal Institution. The åså0URCHASERSåOFåOLDåGOLD åPLATINUMåANDåSILVER session ended with each child making åså!NTIQUEåANDåUNUSUALåPIECESåALWAYSåWANTED a dodecahedron ‘pumpkin’, complete with LED light. The second session, by a å"RIDGEå3TREET å#AVERSHAM å2'å!! lecturer from Plymouth University on 4ELEPHONEååå cryptography, involved the children deciphering all manner of codes. The next masterclass was led by a Highdown Maths teacher, Jason Davison, a mathematical magician who regularly presents a maths Students busy at work in class magic show at the Edinburgh Festival. He beauty and value of mathematics and to was quite amazing and the children all went help inspire the next generation. They Choose home with some mathematical tricks to are run throughout the country, but this show their families and friends. However, is only the second series to be established none of them were able to execute the Caversham in the Reading area. I would like to thank The website for Caversham perfect shuffle that Jason demonstrated! Mrs Julie Noctor, from Highdown, who includes information on: y The historical problem, the ‘Seven Bridges liaised with Penny Mason, Julie Goring and News y Events of Königsberg’ (a city in Prussia) formed the myself, and with Julie Heaps who helped y Business listings basis of the fourth session. The problem on a regular basis. If you are interested y Jobs y was to devise a walk through the city that in learning more, or supporting the Clubs y Schools would cross each of the bridges once and proposed 2019 Autumn Masterclass series once only. Exploring this introduced the in any way, please contact the organiser, Brought to you by children to networks. A local engineer Linda Glithro ([email protected]). delivered the fifth workshop, challenging [Contributed by Linda Glithro] www.ChooseCaversham.co.uk Page 8 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, OCTOBER 2014

BRITISH LEGION Royal British Legion – Caversham Branch

• Most makes repaired 2014 – a very poignant year • Ex Indesit & S. Common Electrical Engineer This year marks many anniversaries, including many related to past conflicts. As November and Remembrancetide fast approach, it is worth remembering all the notable anniversaries that the Legion • Electric cooker, dishwasher & tumble dryer has marked this year. repairs too. May 8th – The anniversary of VE Day - the end of the Second World War in Europe was marked by the president, • 27 years experience / guaranteed work accompanied by members of the branch, laying a wreath at our War Memorial in Christchurch Meadows and then one in • Caversham based the military section of Henley Road, Cemetery May 18th - Kohima Day – a service was held in Forbury Gardens, by the Burma Star Memorial, to mark the 70th Contact Andy on: Anniversary of the Burma Campaign. 07773 750321 daytime work hours June 6th – 70th Anniversary of D-Day 0118 947 1929 evening & for queries/information August 4th – The day World War One broke out 100 year ago. For more information, updates & price examples A well attended service at our War Memorial was held to mark this occasion and to remember the untold horrors that please visit my website: www.awmronline.com were about to face the world. Page 8 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 On this day the branch launched its own ‘Field of Remembrance’ in the Military Section of the Henley Road Cemetery. This is to encourage people to make a donation for a wooden cross in memory of a person who served in WW 1 (or any MOBILEE. MOWERH. HAMLEY SERVICING & SON other conflict) and to place it amongst all the others. (The branch would like to thank ‘Choose Caversham’ for informing Caversham flood defence proposals its members and to all the outlets who are making these crosses available throughout Caversham). Professional and Domestic machines These two events were filmed live by BBC South. Buildersserviced and/ repaired Decorators at your home or workplace This year’s Poppy Appeal will hold a very special significance. Caversham is always generous - let’s hope that this year Repairs and Roof Work a Speciality will again exceed all expectations. If you want to help in any way please contact the Poppy Appeal Organiser (Pauline) on Established over 100 years – are these the right solution? Collection & Delivery service 0118 9475345. Cavershamalso available based Please ALL MAKES contact: – ALL0118 MODELS 957 3894 07743 929649 For most people who live near the Thames July and December 2018 held by the EA gave local residents the Email:Over [email protected] 20 years experience Caversham Royal British Legion in Caversham, flooding of some kind is a opportunity to question, comment and vote for one of four options. Parade and Service of Remembrance, Sunday 9th November known risk. Some may even remember the Of those who did respond to the consultation, 55% said they did Contact: Adrian Davies All participants should assemble at Westfield Park by 10.15am (or earlier if advised by Group Leaders), and the parade flood of 1947 or at least have seen pictures. not want the EA to pursue any of the flood defence proposals 0118 375 9815 / 07598 800298 will march off at 10.25am Footwww.montysmobilemowers.co.uk Health Practitioner Currently a major flood is estimated to (Option 4). Even so, the EA is pressing ahead with the development The salute will be taken on the library steps on the way to the War Memorial, where the service will take place with two occur once in a hundred years, but current of detailed designs for a massive scheme that will change forever the Patricia Spender MCFHP MAFHP minutes silence at 11am. The Salvation Army Band will be in attendance. Member of the British Chiropody & Podiatry Assoc. proposals by the Environment Agency (EA) green spaces and residential areas along the Thames in Caversham. Painting and Decorating Dismissal of the parade will occur immediately after the conclusion of service, when personal tributes may be laid on Foot Health care in your the memorial.. for a large-scale Flood Alleviation Scheme in Everyone who lives in, commutes through or just enjoys the river Fencing, Gardening, Last year there was a really moving end to the Service when a very large number of the children went up to the memorial, Caversham are predicated on an even bigger environment between Caversham Bridge and Nire Road (Lower General Propertyown home Maintenance quite spontaneously, and left their poppies, orders of service or other personal messages. As this is a very important year Corns, callus, ingrown and involuted nails, specialised flood, once-in-200-years – that is a 0.5% Caversham) will be affected. nail cutting, fungal nails, athlete’s foot, verruca’s, care to remember it is hoped that even more will make this gesture as they chance of such an event occurring every The currently proposed flood measures include: of theLocal diabetic references high risk foot available and general foot think about the sacrifices made by their ancestors. maintenance year. • ca. 4km of flood walls and embankments (some expected to be See all your Bible Friends in Last year a long held tradition, where the parade processed to and from Phone: mobile 07733 320702 or 01189 841132 The Big Bible Storybook Drop-in consultation events in June/ as high as 2.8m and 19m wide) on the north side of the river For a free quote contact Alan Smith the War Memorial, had to be broken. While a very sad change, it was Email: [email protected] 188 Bible Stories to enjoy together found to be necessary. The numbers in the parade have escalated over the • flood walls between Reading Bridge and Caversham Bridge on 07958 788552 years from a few dozen to well over 1000, and whilst Caversham is very the south side (to mitigate the effect of the defences on the north available at Wordplay 18 Prospect Street lucky to have a police escort, many of the parents and the young Trip to Llandudno side) Caversham RG4 8JG organisations leaders, such as the Guides and Brownies, thought that the Debbie Lambie is working with Reading • a 25m wide ‘conveyance channel’ that will cut through or online at control at the end of the parade, because of the slowness of the www.scriptureunion.org.uk/shop Voluntary Action to organize a four day the current play area in Christchurch Meadows and into Hill’s youngsters marching back to Westfield Road, was a potential danger. trip to Llandudno. Details and contact Meadow. information are provided in the box For more information visit the EA’s information page on the F r

below. scheme (here http://tinyurl.com/ya2qvcc4). o m

T h e Praying as Jesus did

It is questionable whether the heavy-engineering solutions drawn B i g

up by the EA’s partners, engineering firm Jacobs, are a necessary, B i b l e Jesus’ friends wanted to pray just like Jesus did! But they were S proportionate and appropriate solution to the known and expected t o r y b k never sure what to say to God. So one day they asked, “Jesus, how TUESDAY SPECIAL should we pray?” ! ! ! problems of flooding in this area. At the very least, the scheme will ©

! Seniors One Course Lunch 2 0 6 “I’ll help you,” Jesus told them. So Jesus’ friends sat down with him ! result in substantial tree and hedge loss, impact on the movements £6.00 and listened. Llandudno 4 D a y S c r i p )* )* !"#$%&'( '+,"#-'.'/01$%&'2 '+,"#-'3456' of wildlife and permanently alter the local landscape. t u r “When you pray,” Jesus said, “talk to God in just the same way

FISHERMAN’S FRIDAY e U n i o as you’d talk to someone who loves you and cares for you – a 78#1'"#$%!&'(!&'()*+!!!!!9#1:-;'"#,%!&'(!&'()*+!! An emerging campaign against the scheme, made up of local 12-3pm mother or father or someone else who looks after you. You -'&*)./!"0%!&'(!&'()*+! residents and community groups, intends to increase local awareness, Choice of fish dishes I l u s t r wouldn’t worry about talking to your dad or your mum. Just say raise questions about the adequacy of the consultation and press a t i o n 70<"'#1=-<$;>?' how you feel. Ask for things you need. Tell God you love him.

SUNDAY LUNCH ©

the EA to engage with the serious concerns about and objections 2 0 6 • 1'/2(+!3*456!7(48'9! 12-3pm Thank him for what he’s given you. You can say you’re sorry too

• :*8'9;!<*/'9!=55*>>*?4/.*+! to the scheme from residents, businesses and those for whom the M a r k for anything you’ve done that was wrong. Your Father in heaven • <49@!A*4(?!A4).)! riverside environment is an essential part of their lives. Non-members welcome & loves you and knows just what you need.” • B!C.D6/)E!=55*>>*?4/.*+! A n a • 1**>)!F./6!G(.84/'!H45.9./.')! Enquiries: 0118 947 8600 / [email protected] And Jesus taught them a prayer

If you want to support the campaign by offering time and/ C a r p e n t • IJ52().*+)!/*!K+*F?*+.4! Caversham Heath Golf Club, Chazey Heath, Mapledurham to say. It begins, “Our Father in or expertise, or you just want to find out what concerns people www.cavershamgolf.co.uk e r heaven…” Bay Marine Hotel, L l a n d u d n o have in your particular locality, please contact CABFAS (Campaign Matthew 6:8–12 for a Better Flood Plain Alleviation Scheme) by email at: cabfas. [email protected] Foot Health Practitioner More about Jesus’ prayer in the next If you have questions or comments for the EA, please do raise these issue of Caversham Bridge & Book with Debbie Lambie directly with the EA project team at reading cavershamscheme@ Patricia Spender MCFHP MAFHP environment-agency.gov.uk. The more people comment on the Member of the British Chiropody & Podiatry Assoc. Today! scheme the better. Foot Health care in your own home Corns, callus, ingrown and involuted nails, specialised nail cutting, fungal nails, athlete’s foot, verruca’s, care Winter tree identification walk at of the diabetic high risk foot and general foot maintenance Phone: mobile 07733 320702 or 01189 841132 Mapledurham Playing Fields Email: [email protected] Over 40 people turned out on a chilly morning with the Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields to take a walk with Reading Tree Warden Marcus Wheeler. Marcus admitted it can be tricky identifying trees at this time of year, but guided the participants through the clues of bud shape and colour, twig patterns, bark patterns, fallen leaves below, etc and K W Stokes Plumbing told interesting facts about trees generally. At the end there & Heating Engineer was tea, coffee and cake provided by Ken and Barbara Macrae 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE – GAS SAFE REGISTERED at the bottom of their garden. Full Central Heating Systems and Boiler replacement specialists The Friends of Mapledurham Playing Fields are concerned All Boilers fitted meet latest Energy Efficiency standards about several aspects of the Landscape Plan for the fields, Boiler repairs, Maintenance and upgrades. and are continuing to raise questions with Reading Borough Bathroom design and installation Council. All general plumbing work Participants on the winter identification walk Free & unbiased advice offered The group usually meet on the third Saturday morning of aversham, Tel: 0118 986 9488 Mob: 07768 512060 the month in the orchard. All are welcome and gloves, tools, tea and guidance are provided. aversham, Reading RG4 5DG 947 www.kwstokesplumbingandheating.comer-electrcail.co.uk Check beforehand on the econet website www.econet reading,org,uk 0118 947 1851 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 Page 9 Pangbourne Choral Society’s ‘Glorious’ Spring Concert Pangbourne Choral Society’s Spring Concert will be held on Saturday, The 100-strong PCS will be joined (on this occasion) by the 46-strong 16th March starting at 7.30 pm in the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, Southern Sinfonia Orchestra. Both will be conducted by Pangbourne Pangbourne College with a programme featuring Poulenc, Wagner and College Music Director, Ellie Calver, making this the ideal concert Puccini. to usher in the Spring and a more positive mood in these uncertain The Concert will focus on the ‘Gloria’ masses of Francis Poulenc times. (1959) and Giacomo Puccini (1880), interspersed with Richard Wagner’s ‘Siegfried Idyll’ (1870). The three pieces are rich with music of the Our talented young soloists are Danae Eleni (soprano) in the Poulenc, Romantic genre ideal for large choir and orchestra. Adam Tunnicliffe (tenor) and Robert Garland (baritone). The centerpiece consists of the two celebratory Gloria masses. The Puccini is an early work pointing directly to later operatic compositions Mick Lewers, PCS Chairman comments: “The Choir is loving each with wonderfully rich vocal scoring of the Latin Mass. Although and every rehearsal of this wonderful music and a great concert is in composed in 1880, it only gained full international recognition in 1959. prospect”. Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’ is equally rich pointing towards the post-Romantic Tickets £15.00 including programme (£8.00 for age 18 and under) are musical era. available online (www.pangbournechoral.org.uk), from Choral Society Wagner’s ‘Siegfried Idyll’ was originally intended as a private piece members, and also at Garlands Organic, 6 Reading Road, Pangbourne – a birthday present for his wife Cosima, on the birth of their son. The or on the door. Early booking is advised. Contact if required: 0118 984 orchestration was expanded to 35 players when eventually it ‘went 5079 public’. William Marshal: Caversham Court Gardens photography competition!

celebrating his Win a £25 gift voucher with an entry to the Caversham Court Gardens photographic competition! 800th Anniversary To mark the 10th anniversary year of the refurbishment of the gardens, the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens are holding a photography The great William Marshal, 1st Earl of competition, to run from March to the end Pembroke, was Regent to the boy King of October 2019. A gallery of photographs Henry III and he died at his manor house through the years and seasons would be a in Caversham on 14th May 1219. After great way to mark the anniversary of our now his death his body was taken across mature gardens. Get snapping with your the Thames to Reading Abbey for a phone or camera as the seasons change, or solemn mass, and conveyed thence to look out any photographs you have taken the Temple church in London for burial. since 2009 that you think captures the spirit It was thanks to William Marshal that of the gardens. The best pictures will go on a French invasion force was defeated our website, with credits, and could go on to at Lincoln in 1216, and it was he who win the gift voucher. Full details on the FCCG ensured that Magna Carta, and the website www.fccg.org.uk. A colourful corner of Caversham Court Plantagenet dynasty, survived. A most Gardens illustrious resident of Caversham, Short-Term Therapy - Long Term E. H. HAMLEY & SON Results indeed. Janet E Kent M.A. (Psych) M.Sc. CADRA and the ‘Friends of Builders and Decorators British Association for Counselling Songbird: a concert by and Psychotherapy Senior Caversham Court Gardens’, along with Repairs and Roof Work a Speciality Accredited other Caversham residents, are working Established over 100 years Psychotherapist/Counsellor the Glass Ensemble: Caversham based on marking the 800th anniversary Call Janet on 01189 464085 Please contact: 0118 957 3894 email: [email protected] of Marshal’s death with a number of Saturday 23rd March 07743 929649 Email: [email protected] initiatives, which we hope will include a The twenty female voices of Berkshire permanent memorial as well as various based Glass Ensemble present a events. We will be keeping the public concert celebrating female artists informed about the progress of these from the last 60 years, including Eva initiatives and more details will appear Cassidy, Aretha Franklin, Joni Mitchell in Caversham Bridge. and more. Expect a range of music for voices and piano, through soul, folk, R’n’B, jazz and gospel. Alongside this, the group will be exploring medieval

and contemporary music by female

composers including Hildegard of

Web and Email Hosting, VPS and dedicated Bingen, Judith Weir, Kerry Andrew and servers, Websites and domain names. Sheena Phillips. Low cost packages available The concert tales place on Saturday Also available a range of Two-way radio 23rd March at 7.30pm. The venue equipment and Church AV equipment. is South Hill Park Recital Room, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA. Call 0118 954 5368 Tickets are £13.00; under 18s £6.00.

Email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/

www.apj1.org GlassEnsembleBerkshire

Caversham Bridge – 2 cols x 6 = 16.50/month for 12 months – Total £198.00 Start January 2018 Page 10 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019

Tribute to Norman Kent

CURTAINS, BLINDS, PELMETS, TIE BACKS ETC ALL AT COMPETITIVE PRICES Norman Kent was born in would make items for magic a short time he had greatly CALL CAROLINE ON Birmingham in 1926 and came tricks such as a, ‘Chopping the increased the charity’s income, 0118 954 2448 to Reading as a small boy, where Lady in Half’ box, and this led raising tens of thousands of OR 07815 610 007 his widowed mother could work him on to doing magic shows pounds, and in 1983 he was as a Housekeeper at Farley Hill, for children’s parties. presented to HRH Princess Anne near Arborfield. Later, he moved in recognition of his efforts. Norman and Betty had five GUTTERS, SOFFITS to George Street in Reading and children and they attended St Gradually the tailoring at 13 years old started work AND FASCIAS Andrew’s church in Caversham, business grew and so Norman • Full Replacement • Guttering and Downpipe Repairs as a baker’s boy with a most • Clearing and Cleaning • Guaranteed for 10 years where many great friendships set up a company, Kent and • Full Public Liability Insured • Police Checked recalcitrant horse called Nobby. were formed. Norman Sons, and became based at Norman had a great affection volunteered to lead the Sunday Church House in Caversham for Nobby and he told many a school and would make models – complete with a giant pair of tale of how this obdurate and I welcome inspection of previous work to show and illustrate Bible scissors hanging in the shop [email protected] obstinate creature would act stories which the children loved. window! Sons Norman and then 0118 329 0175 or 07974 089978 up! for a free estimate By the time he had to give up, Roger joined him in the business Following the outbreak of the he had increased attendance to until he retired in 1998. Roger Second World War, Norman more than 180 each week! carried on at Church House until started work as a junior fireman In the 1970’s Norman was 2001 then moved the business and three years later he enlisted asked to repaint and re-clothe to Tilehurst, where he continued with the 14th/19th King’s Royal a set of Punch and Judy until his untimely death in 2017. Hussars, starting work in the puppets that were in a very Norman relied heavily on the Quarter-Masters Office. Later, poor condition. He became power of prayer, with a sure enticed by an extra sixpence entranced with them and made knowledge that it was prayer that a day, he started parachute his own set of puppets, as well helped him survive a ruptured training and spent some time in as a Punch and Judy theatre, spleen and then bowel cancer. France having joined a secretive and soon his weekends were He joined the St Raphael prayer new unit called the Special Air taken up doing puppet shows all group at St Andrews and he Service - SAS, cutting telephone around the country. He received helped initiate a regular service wires and otherwise disrupting a commission to make more of healing. He was also a Lay communications. sets of puppets and these were assistant leading Intercessions After the war, Norman secured sold in a London store and then and serving the Chalice until his RICS compliant – clients money protected began to be shipped all over the 31 Great Knollys Street +44 (0)118 950 8611 a job as a supplies clerk in The eyesight failed him. Reading, Berkshire RG1 7HU Fax: +44 (0)118 950 5896 world! Many in Caversham will Website: www.tsauction.co.uk Email: [email protected] Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries When Betty, Norman’s wife of and Food in London, where he remember his wonderful Punch 63 years died in 2015 Norman’s met Betty, a ‘fiery’ telephonist and Judy shows at Summer health began to deteriorate and in 1952 they were married Fairs. rapidly until he needed full time at St Laurence’s Church in Norman liked to raise money care. In November 2018, at the Reading. Norman took a job as for charity and was very age of 92, Norman too sadly a manager of a men’s outfitters concerned with the plight of passed away. in the town and started doing children in poverty and distress ‘alteration tailoring’; he also so he joined the Caversham He was an outstanding friend showed a flair for window branch of the Save the Children to many and will be sorely All Types of Roofing dressing and sign writing. He Fund, subsequently becoming missed. For a ‘Thursday’s child Tel: 0118 963 9456 started to develop a growing Chairman and he organised with Far to Go’, he certainly did interest in conjuring and he many charity events. Within - just that. CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 Page 11 Curry Night raises funds for the parish of Our Lady and St Anne On Saturday 19th January at around kitchens to provide a feast of ‘genuine and tastes without the sensations of seven o’clock in the evening some home cooking’. A varied and very tasty chili and pepper. We are very fortunate 60 parishioners and friends met in menu of chicken, mutton and various to have such a group in our parish who the Cenacle at Our Lady and St Anne vegetable curries, assorted kinds of rice clearly love to cook and entertain, and RC Church in Caversham to enjoy a dish, samosas and accompaniments indeed the ‘team’ has done the same Curry Night and to combine culinary was presented. We were all happy to event a few times over recent years. enjoyment with some charitable join the buffet queue for one or many Some of us hope that a similar event fundraising. Edwin Raj and a goodly more rounds of appetizing food. Once might be repeated once in a while. A number of members of the Tamil again the sensations of home cooking very friendly and social occasion in Catholic community who worship at versus the restaurant kind (of memory) the best of parish traditions. Nearly Our Lady and St Anne were the prime is always striking and tends to favour £550.00 was raised to be divided movers in what turned out to be a the former. For those who may be more between the parish conference of the splendid social evening as well as an familiar with the North Indian styles Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) introduction to South Indian cuisine. and in the UK associated with chefs and general parish funds. ‘Thanks be A wonderful group of wives and ladies from Sylhet, Nepal and Bangladesh, to all who laboured over their stoves!’ had laboured mightily in their respective they could experience deep flavours [Contributed by Stephen A. Roberts]

All Emojis Welcome at the 3rd Space Fourteen children accompanied by seven adults were greeted by the welcoming team for the first ever 3rd Space (Café style church) at St Barnabas Church, Emmer Green at 2.00pm on Sunday 27th January, and what fun we had! After a selection of cakes, fruit, and a chat, we got to know each other by playing Pictionary. I THE FUNERAL PEOPLE SERVICE, QUALITY AND BEST VALUE remember when my children were young, how Pictionary would draw us close together. No pun FROM A PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT intended. FIFTH GENERATION FAMILY BUSINESS On every table were emojis, which are images used on social media which relate to emotions SINCE 1826 we might be feeling at that moment e.g. happy, sleepy, anxious etc. Everyone was asked what www.abwalker.co.uk emojis are. Do they use them? What are their favourite emojis? Families then designed and CAVERSHAM 0118 947 7007 created their own emoji that reflected the emotion they READING 0118 957 3650 were feeling, or ones that represented their family. HENLEY 01491 413434 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE After a contemporary worship song Revd Derek Advertise your Business or Event in this space for £8.80/month Chandler said that all are emojis are welcome in God’s Contact our Advertising Manager heart, no matter how we are feeling. Jesus wants to for further details come close to us whether we feel worried, shy, excited, 0118 947 6958 or even when we show a winky face! A.F. JONES CAVERSHAM BRIDGE [email protected] The 3rd Space is ‘A pioneering initiative led by the two churchwardens of St. Barnabas providing young people MASTER Would you like to have this paper and families with a welcoming, dynamic, non-threatening delivered to you monthly? Free Estimates MASONS environment in which to explore the Christian faith. This is Email us at: [email protected] COPSE ELECTRICAL SERVICES an exciting new model for religious worship which allows Craftsmen in Stone giving your name and address. parents and children the space to participate together.’ Alternatively copies of this paper All Domestic Electrical Work undertaken The 3rd Space will be held in the Parish Centre on the BEDFORD RD can be purchased from: Part P registered & certified READING Caversham Thameside Parish Office last Sunday of every month. Telephone Church Street, Caversham Library and Woodcote Way News Tel: 0798 3627742 / 0795 6811443 Contact David Howell at [email protected] If you 0118 957 3537 would like to know more about the 3rd Space.

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This note is designed to be helpful both for Laying out text: All contributions go through quotation practices and reference to publications regular contributors as well as giving guidance to an editorial process so any variation in the original and digital media and resources. the occasional or new contributor. submission can be addressed. Select a title for you Submitting text copy: we encourage piece. For the body of the text use a clear font like Length of piece: As ‘Caversham Bridge’ mixes submission electronically by email to: editors@ Calibri Body, Ariel or Times New Roman and 12pt text features with advertising, the maximum CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2016 Page 5 cavershambridge.org. Text can be submitted as a with single spacing is adequate. We are content length of a piece is around 1000 words: if a piece Word document and/ or pasted in to the body for regular contributors to submit in a customary is longer then it can be split but as a rule we of the email. Picture files can be attached, most layout and the editors simply post-edit. try and avoid this. A piece of 500 – 600 words commonly using the jpeg format. may occupy about half a page of mixed text and Should Easter be fixed? STOPHouse style: PRESS Over the last year the editorial advertising. A piece of 200 – 400 words could still Labelling digital files: it is very helpful and Date for your diary: indeed essential for your Word or picture file to group has been developing a house style. A good provide good scope for a piece. Shorter notices Caversham Heights Methodist Church be labelled to help identify it amongst the many way to apply this if you are submitting a piece is up to 200 words are very viable. Editors advice is Holiday at Home 2016 In the UK, Easter is the only bank holiday which has different dates wein eachreceive. year .A All key other word(s) bank referringholidays occur to the topic simply to look at a selection of previous issues simply to write as you feel you wish to tell your May 31st – June 3rd Details to follow. on fixed dates (Christmas day, Boxing Day, New Year) or on the neartogetherest Monday with to aa datefixed isdate a useful (May convention.day, late For since mid-2018. In due course an author guide story: editors then look at all pieces anyway and if Spring, August). Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the full moonexample, (the Paschal the Word Full Moon) file of following this piecethe could be is planned to identify best practice for spelling, necessary are happy to correspond with authors Caversham Library News: 21st March spring equinox. The date of Easter Sunday may vary betweenlabelled 22nd asMa ‘Submittingrch and 25th to April.CB.140219.doc’ This year it capitalization, italicization, naming conventions, to assist and advise. is quite early, falling on March 27th. Everybody welcome to Adult’s Board In addition, Easter usually, but not always, coincides with the Feast of the Passover, which is the religious Games session on Fridays at 10:30. Some CLUBS festival that celebrates the deliverance of Israel from slavery under the Egyptians. [It begins on the 14th of Nisan and board games are on hand in the library but traditionally continues for eight days. In the Hebrew calendar, Nisan is the first month of the ecclesiastical year and attendees can bring their own favourite the seventh month (eighth, in leap years) of the civil year. It lasts for 30 days,Caversham and corresponds to a period WI in March/ game. Also tea or coffee refreshments are Rosehill WI provided free of charge. April.] Our January meetings are set aside President Arlene Riley welcomed all (including visitors) to our first meeting of 2019 which took place on It was announced in January that the Archbishop of Canterbury is workingas an opportunitywith other Christian for any chu onerches ofto ag theree Wednesday, 2nd January at 2.00 pm and wished everyone a Happy New Year. on a fixed date for Easter. The announcement was made after a meetingmembers in Canterbu to presentry between a topic Archbishop on a subject Justin Arlene then introduced our speaker, Paul Whittle. Paul’s talk was entitled ‘Steam to Mandalay’. It was a very Welby and primates from the Anglican Communion. of interest. Previously we have had a interesting talk, with slides, about the history of Burma with all its political upheavals over the years. Part of the wide range of talks and demonstrations. In the UK, an act of Parliament passed in 1928 allowed for Easter Sunday to be fixed on the first Sunday after talk was about a steamer trip on the River Irrawaddy from Mandalay heading north. From the slides we were able This year, our President took us into the the second Saturday in April, but this has never been activated and Easter has remained variable, occurring on a date to see many and varied temples all very lavishly decorated. scientific world reflecting her interest and determined as above. In 1990, the Vatican approved a proposal for a fixed date, which was subject to agreement with AfterE.L. Pthe. E talklect birthdayrical S buttonholeservices L twered handed out to those with birthdays in January. Arlene then told us career. For an hour we learned facts and that Pat Butler will not be renewing her membership due to ill health, and thanked her for her contribution to other Christian churches and governments. Agreement has not yet been reached. Electrical Installation Contractors had demonstrations about the way things Rosehill WI over the years. Arlene also reported that Margaret Pyle has had an operation and is recovering well. A fixed date for Easter would be welcomed by many organisations, in particular many businesses and schools. It are measured (from the temperature WeEstablished closed theElectrical meeting Installation with Company refreshments followed by the raffle. We meet on the first Wednesday of the would mean that school terms would be of consistent lengths in all years. in industrial processes to the weight of monthwith at an St Excellent Barnabas Reputation Church Hall, Emmer Green, at 2.00pm. The archbishop said that he had been in talks with Pope Francis, Copticpotatoes leader in thePope supermarket), Tawadros, and underpinned the leader of Commercial and Domestic Installations the Orthodox church, Patriarch Bartholomew. He hoped the change bywould long-standing happen “in world-widebetween five cooperation and ten years Specialists in Electrical Testing, time”. between international organisations. This “I would love to see it before I retired”, he said, although he warneagreementd the first attempt ensures to that make when such we a ch purchaseange was Fire and Intruder Alarm Systems Caversham Heights in the 10th Century. An Anglican source said that there had been 15 attemptsa kilogram to ag ree of a common anything, date anywhere, since then. As it Planned, Preventative and mentioned above, Easter can be celebrated on a Sunday between 22 Mareallyrch isand the 25 sameApril. weight!Howeve r The, the scientistsOrthodox Reactive Electrical Maintenance Townswomen’s Guild arechu workingrch follows continuously the Julian calenda to ensurer, and hence the CavershamFully NIC EIC Heights Accredited Townswomen’s Guild had a quiet January with no meetings. Nevertheless the cinema validityhas later of Easter the measurementscelebrations compa we r useed with on groupE.L. wentP. Electrical to seeServices ‘Collette’ undertake all ataspects the of electricalVue cinema and the Luncheon club had a nice meal at the Cote Brasserie. installation work from new consumer units to full rewires, including athose daily ofbasis. W esteThern complexity Christianit yof, whichthe task is Wecommercial met electrical again projects. in February We even install when an extra socket Jaye or 2.Windmill told us about the ‘Witches of Pendle’, and Tony King entertained isanother such thatobstacle their to measurementsbe overcome if cana fixed be the Social Studies group. A visit was made to the Mill at Sonning to see ‘Fanny by gaslight’. Our Annual General betterEaster is than ever even to become 0.0001 a r %ealit ofy . the value. Meeting took place in February and Richard Snailham told the Social Studies group about the Royal Military ThisWhat certainly do you took think? us into Do realmsyou suppo mostrt theof Academy, Sandhurst. us had never known were there. idea of a fixed Easter, or are you happy with In March we will be going0 to11 8the9 7 Coppid90171 Beech Hotel to celebrate ‘International Women’s Day’. February’s meeting stayed on a science the variability associated with the current The next meeting will be on 0Wednesday7909 434515 17th April at 2.45pm at Caversham Heights Methodist Church hall, theme – we welcomed a local professor [email protected] system? 74, Highmoor road, Caversham, Any ladies wishing to visit or join us will be most welcome. whose focus is on climate change. We www.elpelectrical.com learned more about it and discussed what we might be able to do to help. ONE TO ONE Ladies are very welcome to visit our M. D. Howlett computer friendly group: your first three visits are free. architectural consultant training We hold meetings on the third Thursday (0118) 947 7117 of the month, at 7.30 in the evenings, for all ages & which helps avoid childcare issues. There is abilities Open 9.30am to 2.00pm on Tuesdays 20 years experience in all aspects of using your own nearby parking and a lift to the first floor domestic and commercial computer, meeting room at Church House, Church architecture, including designs, local laptops or tablet Road RG4 8AX. More details can be found Anne Garrison authority applications and contract 0118 947 4244 online at https://tinyurl.com/hwzj6zy or administration search for ‘Caversham WI’. AnneGarrison.co.uk CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 Page 13

ENVIRONMENT THE LIBRARY CLOCK In November last year I went to hear a talk by Dr Megan Aldrich, ‘The Williams. He lived in St. Peter’s Avenue, was a director of Huntley and Palmers, Architectural History of Caversham – a Personal View.’ She said that the library and had given the land on which the library stands in the first place. was one of her favourite buildings, and I could In the ‘listing’ document, the statue holding up see why. the clock is described as ‘an Atlas figure’. With his The souvenir brochure produced for the sombre robe, wings and scythe, he is obviously library’s opening said that the architectural Old Father Time. I have so far been unable to style was ‘Free Renaissance.’ The first edition of discover the name of the sculptor, but in a good Pevsner’s Berkshire volume in the ‘Buildings of light, you can just make out the initials ‘B. L.’ England’ series ignored the library completely, below the bracket on which the figure stands. I preferring to mention Alfred Waterhouse’s think that ‘B. L.’ might have been Benjamin Lloyd, two Baptist Free Churches. The second edition a Welsh sculptor. It is tempting to think that Mr. called it ‘provokingly eccentric.’ Megan Aldrich Williams and Mr. Lloyd might have known one thought it owed much to the Arts and Crafts another, and decided on the sculpture between Movement. I tend to agree with her, and with them, but this is pure speculation. whoever drew up the official listing documents As originally installed, the clock was which make this a ‘listed’ building. There, it is illuminated at night by three gas-lights, and it described as ‘sub-Voysey,’ after Charles Voysey, had a chiming mechanism. Mr. Williams paid a leading exponent of the Arts and Crafts for the mechanism to be maintained by the movement. The original door-handles and Reading clockmakers and jewellers, Bracher and key-holes look very much like his work. Sydenham, during his life-time. Mr. Williams The architect was decided by competition. died in 1917. Some years ago, I was allowed There were seven entries, and the designs to climb the tower to see the clock chamber. went on public exhibition in the Police Court There was no trace of the chiming mechanism, House in Church Road, opposite ‘The Griffin’. but on the floor was a metal cowl which had A Reading architect, Mr. W. G. Lewton, was the once been above the gas-lights, with a chimney winner. to take away the heat and other products of Lewton had always intended for there to be combustion. a clock in the tower, above the porch, but the To celebrate the library’s centenary in 2007, early drawings just show one plain clock face the clock was once again illuminated at night, flush with the brickwork. The projecting clock with two faces, supported by this time by electricity. Recently, the lights have stopped working. I hope they the carved figure, was an afterthought. It was paid for by William Bullivant will soon be fixed. Happy Wanderer

Mindfulness and the Spiritual Life Clive The Handyman An 8 week course is to be held at St Andrew’s Church, Albert The cost is £100.00 per person + book 35 years experience in the building trade Road, Caversham Heights in conjunction with the Reading Interfaith (RRP £9.99). Please let us know if cost if the Group. The course is aimed at those of any faith or of none. The only reason you could not attend: financial Full painting and decorating course is run by Tim Stead, an Anglican Priest and experienced support may be available. Booking deadline: Patch plastering / Tiling mindfulness teacher and author of ‘See love be: mindfulness and the 20th March! Gutter repairs, Fascias, Repointing Woodworking / Small plumbing jobs spiritual life’. Registration or questions: contact@ General Household Repairs The first session is on Wednesday 8th May from 7.30pm to readinginterfaith.org.uk or office@ 9.00pm and then for the following 7 consecutive Wednesday standrewscaversham.org All work guaranteed and fully insured evenings at 7.30 to 9.00pm. Meanwhile, St Andrew’s is already Please call: 01491 411321/07766 540117 hosting ‘Meditation for All’, including those of any faith, or of none, on the first Saturday of the month at 9.45am - 10.30am and the MAPLEDURHAM PARISH HALL third Thursday of the month from 8.00pm TRENCH GREEN (RG4 7UA) - 8.30pm. Good size hall for hire with stage, kitchen & storage facilities Rural setting with parking close to Mapledurham village

Can accommodate for example: • Children's parties / Family celebrations •Classes / Meetings / Sales & Exhibitions •Drama & Music Groups

One off occasions or multi bookings For a Clinic appointment please call For further enquiries contact Jane Bowen 0118 9722978 Page 14 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019

Caversham Centre replacement Amy’s Property Maintenance sub-Post Office update: & Clearance Service Chimney Sweep, Gutter Cleaning, Fence Erecting, no progress at mid-February Tree Work, House Clearance, Demolition, Concreting, Garden Maintenance, Garden Welding, Matt Rodda MP received a further preliminary discussions began last February). This “New Network General jobs around the House. communication from the Post Office at Location” is not a replacement for the current Caversham Post Office. My All work considered, Skilled tradesman, the end of January about the ongoing Field team colleagues are still in the process of looking for a replacement Registered Waste Carrier. matter of a sub-Post Office for Caversham Post Office in Caversham and I will update you on how this is going when Centre (see ‘Caversham Bridge’, February there have been any substantive developments.” Gabriele Scicluna CITY & GUILD MECP & EITB (ENG) 2019 p.1). In the current absence of a clear It seems therefore that we can conclude the following, that Tel: 07778 340 444 / 0118 947 3560 resolution of the matter to the satisfaction although a Sub-Post Office is due to open on Caversham Road, [email protected] of Caversham residents the content of the this is not intended to be the replacement to the branch on Church most recent statement received from the Street and the Post Office are still searching for a replacement in Post Office is as follows: Caversham centre itself. Our MP is puzzled as to why this was “I can confirm that we are intending to open not explained to him when he made his initial inquiries about the ARUM TREE SURGEONS a Post Office at 163-165 Caversham Road, Caversham Road site back in mid-December, when the PO must TREE WITH OVER 20 YEARS Reading, RG1 8BB towards the end of February. EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD surely have known the position. SERVICES OF TREE CARE We will contact you when we are in a position to By the time this issue of CB goes to press, the team working confirm the exact proposed date. However, this at the Church Street branch have been served their redundancy is part of our strategy to open new Post Offices notices. Matt Rodda has continued to express concerns over the • Tree removal, tree pruning • where we believe they are sustainable, and was handling of this matter by the PO. The office closed at the end of • Trees supplied and planted • planned before we aware of the resignation of January seemingly without any official notification being posted. • Hedge work • the Caversham Postmaster (in fact I understand Our MPs office has remained in close contact with the staff at • Stump Grinding • Church Street whose treatment by their former employer seems FULLY INSURED, NPTC QUALIFIED !"#$%&'()(*%+,-%.,/+(01-%&'( cursory. Matt has identified a real issue with communication here and he Tel/Fax: 0118 971 2224 2""3""1%&'(* # 4 will continue to liaise with Ken Penton at the Post Office to try to Mobile: 07876 232282 CALL NOW FOR A FREE #, resolve this. In the meantime, Matt would urge any local businesses !"#$%&"'()*+ -"%.,) who wish to bid to host the replacement sub post Office to do so QUOTATION /"01%2,"3)-1#,4&52#)/,$%.,()657,344%)84"&)89:);<9 by contacting the Post Office administration. 56#7(89:;617 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE <=&"4(0#>"+ Retirement of Helen Wallace: Part 2 Advertise your Business or Event in this space ?"#@ A=BB""@(A#3"+ ) CD&.E(FG#%>#H>" In the February issue of ‘Caversham Bridge’ we reported on the for £8.80/month ?#>3+(#&$(*"7=&+,-#,%=&+ retirement of Helen Wallace, who until recently was the Head Contact our Advertising Manager Teacher of Thameside School in Caversham. In our report on page 01"#3"-+I for further details 4 we correctly noted the Pride of Reading Award to the School 56I;6I J=E& <"&$-%" ! "#$$% & $ ' ( ) % * + , ( -.$ /0'11 0118 947 6958 2$$3$$4$(5=,4>)#4)%1"%)?$11@2)#4)3"5@#"5@)"@&)1@,"@.1)") in November 2018. However, an editorial 23"AA)"B5"%'C gremlin led to the transposition of the [email protected] 55I9KI LM4&(N#-+E(D -"E5@7)<112>"F)G%"B2 supporting photograph of the presentation to =H1"%@),4> #4 3 " E 1 "@ "A#1%@"#501 #4 BA"2#5.)I44&)>%"BC page 3, alongside the celebration of another 5;I66I(!=H(O%.3>"++J !"I1)-40131@#)4I)<11)65012 local award success. It is great local news to Ashworth Plumbing & 59I66(P Q # 7

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!!!!!!•!"#$%!&''#''(#)*!!!!•!+,'-)#''#'! !!!!!!•!./(01)-#'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!•!2&34!5167/$$! 4%(!.!%&*!-%2(!5(**!&%6%78#9.)#%&!1-.):! 1.88!"#$%&!'%()*(!4,0!%&! Front from left to right – Rachel Williams (Year 1 Teacher); Helen Wallace (Headteacher) ! and Sophie Greenaway (Deputy Headeacher). Back Row from left to right – Martin !"#$%&&'$()*$'&+'$ !,#$%*'*-$-)-..($ Gardner, Sales Director of award sponsor Qwerty; Gary Welch,aversham, Thameside Primary ! aversham, Reading RG4 5DG School parent who nominated Mrs Wallace for the award; Jem 947Whitmore, Managing er-electrcail.co.uk 0118 947 1851 ;!'(%3<*1)!")(**):!,.=*(3-.$:!>?@!ABC! Director of sponsor Qwerty (Theale based design and print company). ! CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019 Page 15 Canonization of the Blessed John Henry Newman

On February 13th Pope Francis approved Roman Catholic worshippers in Caversham, Sonning the intercession of Cardinal Newman at the time of a the canonization of the Blessed John Henry Common and points north John Henry Newman can life-threatening diagnosis, and her doctors have been Newman, a Roman Catholic Cardinal, be considered ‘local’ in the sense that today these unable to explain how or why she was able to suddenly scholar and founder of the Oratory catholic parishes are all situated at the southern end recover. of St Philip Neri in Birmingham. The of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Birmingham. The great step forward comes with Beatification, and Birmingham Oratory is an English Catholic For Anglicans, Newman’s formative years of education for John Henry Newman this was celebrated publicly by religious community of the Congregation and his ecclesiastical life are associated with Oxford. Pope Benedict XVI in Birmingham, England on Sunday of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, located He was an undergraduate at Trinity College, before his 19th September 2010. Groups from parishes all over in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham. The election to a Fellowship at Oriel College in 1822. After the Archdiocese converged on Cofton Park that day community was founded in 1849 by the taking orders he became vicar of the university church many leaving their parishes shortly after midnight to Blessed John Henry Newman, and was the of St Mary’s in 1828. In the 1830s he reflected deeply be in position. Many parishioners from Our Lady and first house of that congregation in England. on Anglicanism and the Church of England and worked St Anne will not forget their journey from night into Newman was born in 1801 and died in 1890. on a number of Tracts including the controversial ‘Tract day which turned out to be quite a wet September Anglicans and Roman Catholics alike have 90’ which attempted to interpret the ‘39 Articles of Birmingham. The beatification was the final event in good reason to rejoice in this canonization the Church of England’ in a Catholic sense. In 1842 he a one week papal visit to the UK by Pope Benedict. since in his life he was a religious, theological retired from his vicariate and took up a life of monastic Papal visits to the UK are not frequent events, so and spiritual leader of great re-known. For seclusion at Littlemore, close to Oxford, to continue the canonization announcement has raised some writing and reflection. In 1845 he was received into hopes that the Newman event may be celebrated on the Roman Catholic Church and ordained a priest in British soil on a similar manner. This would be a first

40 Years 1847. He went on to found the Birmingham Oratory for Pope Francis. Watch this space and keep tuned in experience behind us in 1848. He was created a cardinal in 1879. Between to the media is all that can be said. All Christians can his conversion and becoming a cardinal Newman was celebrate the canonization of John Henry Newman On Sight Optical Ltd intensively occupied in the revival and ‘reconstruction’ whatever their denomination as a mutual embodiment All frames include, as standard, of the Roman Catholic faith in Great Britain, leaving a of Christian values. Our recent CTC ecumenical Unity single vision lenses, prices from only We make legacy to Anglicanism as those who espoused a ‘High service (reported on our front page) is testimony to £18.00 spectacles to your Church’ view of liturgy and theology which reflected the spirit and desire which Newman’s life reflects. prescription Other lens supplements from: an Anglo-Catholicism. Newman continued to write The announcement of Newman’s canonization on Bifocals £55.00 and think on a wide range of religious as well as social February 13th 2019 can be set in a wider context. On the Varifocals £70.00 Transition Reactolite £54.00 Carry out subjects and is acknowledged as a leading Nineteenth same day Pope Francis also announced the canonization repairs and century thinker. And amidst all this Newman sustained of Bl. Maria Teresa Chiramel Mankidiyan of India, the Free Quotations with no obligation adjustments the full range of parochial and pastoral duties. His founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Can fit new lenses to your own frame Extremely biographer Ian Kerr has written extensively on Newman Holy Family, who died in 1926 in Kuzhikkattussery. He competitive and is a first port of call for any reader who wishes to also approved the canonization of martyred Jesuit Fr. We specialise in complex and prices difficult prescriptions go further (Ian Ker. John Henry Newman: a biography, Salvatore Vittorio Emilio Moscoso Cardenas, who was Over 16? Just bring in your prescription. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1988 & 2009). killed in hatred of the faith in Ecuador in 1897.

In the Roman Catholic Church the road to sainthood Those declared to have lived lives of heroic virtue and

116a Henley Road is well defined and involves a great deal of evidence to be on the path to beatification are Cardinal József Caversham RG4 6DH T: 01189 476 754 gathering and attestation. Throughout the Twentieth Mindszenty, archbishop of Esztergom and primate of [email protected] Century the potential sainthood of Newman was Hungary (1892-1975); Fr. Giovanni Battista Zuaboni, considered as a valid ‘cause’. The association of founder of the Secular Institute of the Company of miraculous intervention with sainthood is a tenet to the Holy Family (1880-1939); Jesuit Fr. Manuel Garcia be fulfilled. The first miracle attributed to Newman’s Nieto (1894-1974); Sr. Serafina Formai, foundress of intercession involved the complete and inexplicable the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Glad healing of a deacon from a disabling spinal condition. Message (1876-1954); and Sr. Maria Berenice Duque His second miracle concerned the healing of a Hencker, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters pregnant American woman. The woman prayed for of the Annunciation (1898-1993). World Day of Prayer Our Lady and St Anne Roman faced since the end of the Second each participating country. Regional Catholic Church (South View World War when their country was a conferences meet to consider the Avenue, Caversham) is hosting this part of Yugoslavia, a Marxist socialist service and then local groups make Soft Furnishings, year’s service for the Women’s republic. They share the challenges their plans. Finally, at a church near World Day of Prayer on Friday 1st they have met and the hopes they you on Friday March 1st 2019 people Loose Covers, Curtains, March and does so on behalf of other have for the future. will gather to celebrate the service Drapes, Re-upholstery Christian churches in Caversham. World Day of Prayer is an prepared by the women of Slovenia. The service begins at 7.00pm and international, inter-church organisa- The Day of Prayer is celebrated will be followed by refreshments in tion which enables us to hear the in over 120 countries. It begins in John Kitcher & Son the Cenacle. thoughts of women from all parts Samoa and prayer in native languages 55 Gatehampton Road, Women of Slovenia, one of the of the world: their hopes, concerns travels throughout the world – Goring, Reading RG8 0EN smallest and youngest countries in and prayers. The preparation for through Asia, Africa, the Middle Europe, have prepared the service the day is vast. An international East, Europe and the Americas Tel: 01491 872103 this year and they encourage us to committee is based in New York and before finishing in American Samoa reflect on the barriers they have there are national committees in some 38 hours later. Page 16 CAVERSHAM BRIDGE, MARCH 2019

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