RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 1 The

BEST OVERALL BEST Parish MAGAZINE CONTENT Magazine 2015 2016 Serving the communities of Charvil, Sonning & Sonning Eye since 1869 April 2017April — Easter

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On closer inspection I noticed new shoots springing up and I was fascinated to learn about the process of renewal that comes after such a fire. After the heat and devastation and amidst the charred remains, new life almost miraculously appears. The landscape, though different, becomes once again something that is lush, life-giving and beautiful to behold. My mind returns to that scene as I think about what confronted Christ’s disciples during the period between his entry into Jerusalem, the last supper, the betrayal, arrest and the horrors of Calvary. Their beloved friend and teacher had been betrayed and handed over to the Romans. He suffered a mockery of a trial, was beaten and flogged and finally executed in one of the most brutal and cruel ways ever invented. The desolation must have been total, not to mention the fear that something similar would then happen to them. It seemed to be the end of things with so much wasted potential. Surely they thought, he was only just getting started? But of course, that death and what followed was really just the beginning, with the destruction and violence of Good Friday giving way to the scene at the empty garden tomb. Do not be afraid In Mark’s gospel it is some women who first discover the joyous news. The stone is rolled away and an angel tells them 'Do not be afraid'. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.' We then read that they were indeed afraid as they walked away, and who can blame them? However, something extraordinary then began to happen. As the disciples and others encountered the risen Jesus, new signs of life began to appear. They begin to spread the good news, to speak of all they had seen and shared with Jesus and the church was born. This new life spread to all the areas of the known world through the bold and unashamed proclamation of the disciples, who themselves had been transformed from a pathetic group of terrified and deserting former followers into the founders of Christendom. The words 'Do not be afraid' appear many, many times in the bible, in varied contexts. I think all Christians should take them to heart because I believe there is growing hostility to our faith in sections of the media, the public sector, the judiciary and on social media. All too often we fail to speak up and make a stand for the teachings of Christ because we are indeed afraid. There was recently the case of two evangelists in Bristol who were convicted of doing no more than quoting from the King James Bible in the street. Whatever one makes of street evangelism, those two men were simply exercising their right to free speech. If they had been from any other religion and were reading from their holy books, do any of us really suppose that the police would have done anything, not to mention the Crown Prosecution Service? I suspect not. This needs calling out for what it is, a form of religious discrimination against Christians and we should have none of it. The life changing message of Christ took hold because his friends and followers spoke up, in the face of harsh persecution. Many lost their lives but, undeterred, more and more came to faith and the Jesus revolution began. That revolution is still changing lives today and there are areas of the world where the church is growing at an extraordinary rate. Perhaps we have become too cautious in the West, but there are nonetheless hopeful signs, not least in the Diocese of London which has seen amazing growth in the last 20 years under Bishop Richard Chartres who has just retired. A good starting point would be to remember the angel’s words at the tomb; 'do not be afraid'. The message of Easter is one of new life after desolation. It is a message which is unchanged through history. The God who reached out to that eclectic group of first followers in the person of Jesus, is still calling out to us, willing us to stop struggling against Him and to come home. Far from an offensive message, the teachings of Christ are about love, forgiveness, tolerance and peace. There is nothing to be ashamed of and everyone who calls themselves Christians should speak up and pass on the good news. Christ is risen. What is there to be afraid of in light of that? Happy Easter! Jamie RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 6 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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quarter_page_advert_v1.indd 1 09/11/2016 20:25 RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 7 the parish noticeboard — 1 Holy Week and Easter celebrations office to let us know if you will be Some ideas of what to offer for Please see the centre pages of staying for drinks. the online auction ... this issue for the full programme of events and services to which Annual Parochial Church Meeting — helping to write a CV everyone will be very welcome - and The Ark will be the venue for this — mowing the lawn all the events will be all free! meeting on Wednesday 26 April at — tour of a place of interest 7.30pm when we elect churchwardens — a birthday cake Rev Kate Toogood and some PCC members, review the — a lift to an airport Our new associate vicar will be year past and look to the future. — a lift to a station licensed by the Bishop of Reading Please make every effort to attend. — complimentary tickets during the family service on Sunday Drinks will be served. — flower arranging lesson 3 September. A parish lunch will — dog walking follow in the Ark. FoStAC curry night — car washing The Friends of St Andrew's invite you — decorating Ark opening ceremony to The Ivy in Sonning on Thursday 6 — a food hamper All are welcome to attend the April at 7pm for an evening of good — tickets for an event opening of the Ark during the food, fun and fundraising. — coaching 10.30am service on Sunday 7 May. Tickets, £20 for a set meal, from — memorabilia We shall be welcoming some Keith Nichols on 969 4628. There will — holiday home very special visitors, including the be a cash bar. — pet sitting former Archbishop of Canterbury — vouchers Lord Carey and his wife, Lady Carey. Online auction — gym pass He will dedicate the Ark and parish To help us get over the finishing line — gardening office, once the unveiling ceremony for the new community hall fund, an — private tuition has taken place. online auction of promises is being — a family day out The service will begin in church organised. Promises, required by 1 — artwork and then all will make their way to April, should be sent to Kat jackson — a photoshoot the Ark, hopefully 'two by two'! on [email protected]. — a lift home from the pub Drinks will follow and all are If you need some ideas as to what — computer tuition welcome but it would be really you might offer as a 'promise for the — 2 hours of Ironing helpful to have an idea of numbers. auction' there is a list of suggestions — artisan loaf per month Please email or telephone the parish on the right. — afternoon tea

StSt Andrew’sAndrew’s ChurchChurch ChoirChoir andand friendsfriends פסח כשר ושמח Palm Sunday 9 April presentpresent ...... 4.30pm in St Andrew's Ark All ages welcome to celebrate a GabrielGabriel Fauré’sFauré’s Passover meal in which children re-enact the Exodus in costumes REQUIEMREQUIEM inin DD minor,minor, Op.Op. 4848

Experience a traditional Jewish Seder with explanations and helpful insights into 'The Last Supper' as recorded in the Gospels. There will be a delicious meal for everyone to share at 5.30pm. Free tickets are available by emailing [email protected] GOOD FRIDAY 14 APRIL or calling Sue on 0118 961 1188. 6.00pm at St Andrew’s Church Sonning Parents of children wishing to take part should call Helen on 07790 741 521 or the church of st andrew, SERVING CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye email her on: [email protected] RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 8 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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BOX OFFICE FIND(0118) OUT 969 8000MORE millatsonning.com RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 9 the parish noticeboard — 2 The other Mary Easter yews by Revd Canon David Winter Yew trees are often linked with The Easter story in the gospels is resurrection, which makes them full of wonderful cameos. Among special around Easter time because them, one stands out for me for they exemplify on-going life. sheer emotional power and deep They are probably the oldest living insight. It’s the story of Mary organisms in Europe, with one in the Magdalene. churchyard of Fortingall, a thatched Jesus had rescued her from a life of Perthshire village, thought to be 5,000 depravity - ‘seven devils’ is the Bible’s years old, making it about 3,000 years Picture: Paul Tyrrell phrase. For this she repaid Him with old on the first Easter! Don't be alarmed — the most powerful adoration and For centuries, yews have been love. She stood beside His mother, revered as sacred, and it is easy to see it's only the clappers! the ‘other’ Mary, at the foot of the why: they are dense, dark evergreens, cross as Jesus was crucified. with bright red poisonous berries, and By Rob Needham On Sunday morning she went they have the most amazing power to The St Andrew’s bell ringers are part of with other women disciples to the regenerate. Cut a yew back, and it will a large group of bell ringers called the tomb to anoint His body. regrow. Drop a branch and it can form Oxford Diocesan Guild which offers a new roots. Beams made of yew have free tower and bells inspection with even been known to sprout again, long a certificate if all is safe and in good after they have been built into houses. order. Currently the church tower has Some people believe that yews a gold maintenance certificate. It was began as cuttings from the original awarded in November 2015, but at that 'Tree of Life', some of which were taken time we were told that several of the to the British Isles at the dawn of time. clappers were worn and would soon There are yew trees growing in the need attention. Don’t be alarmed, the St Andrew's churchyard, although they bells and frame are in good condition The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, thought to be are relatively new in yew years, and and there is no danger. where Jesus was laid in the coming weeks there will be a In February we arranged for two When they arrived they found the yew hedge planted to create a barrier bell hanging firms to make a free tomb was empty. They were told, by between the Ark and the graveyard. inspection of the bells and belfry someone they took to be an angel, As it grows it will restore the peaceful fittings and, encouragingly, they both that Jesus of Nazareth wasn’t there environment that the graveyard is reported the same things that needed because He had ‘risen’. The other well known for. We are committed to attention. women left, but a distraught Mary planting 77 Taxus Baccata hedging By the time you read this the bell waited outside the tomb, weeping. yews, each one will be over 1m high hangers should have submitted their A man appeared, whom she took and cost £44.95. They will soon grow reports and their price for fixing the to be the gardener. ‘Why are you into a fine hedge. faults. The work will involve removing weeping?’ He asked. ‘What are you The number 7 in the Bible is a the clappers from all eight bells, looking for?’ symbol for completeness, so with taking them to their workshop for the ‘They have taken away my Lord,’ 77 yews the building will be doubly repairs and reinstalling them. The job she replied, ‘and I don’t know where complete! On page 13 you can find out should be completed within a week, they have laid Him’. how you can help us complete the job. so we should be able to ring for the The man then spoke one word, Sunday service. which changed her life for ever. When the work has been done ‘Mary’, He said, using the familiar For your prayers in March the bells will be in peak condition, form of her name. ‘Teacher!’ she —Our director of music and all we will need are the people to cried, and made to embrace Him. and the choirs ring them! Our numbers are getting ‘Don’t touch me,’ He said. ‘I have — Those preparing for low and we frequently need support not yet ascended to the Father. Go ordination this year from ringers at other towers, so if and tell the others’. — Those preparing to be you would like to make a new circle She did, and became the first married at St Andrew’s of friends, get some gentle exercise person after the resurrection to say, — The work of the Duchess of mind and body, and take up a ‘I have seen the Lord’. She would see of Kent Hospice new skill that can be very addictive, Him again, of course, in the upper contact the tower captain, Pam room with the other disciples, but Elliston: [email protected] then never again on earth, until she or 0118 969 5967 or climb the tower saw Him in His ascended glory, not stairs at 7.15pm on any Thursday as the carpenter’s son but as the Son evening to see what goes on. of God. It really is some story! RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 10 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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UK: Conviction of two street preachers quoting parts of the Bible seemed to have had a great interest Two street preachers have been convicted of a public order offence, after a public in local history and the magazine prosecutor claimed that publicly quoting parts of the King James Bible in modern reflected their love of it. I thought Britain should 'be considered to be abusive and is a criminal matter'. During the four- that my approach would be different, day trial, the prosecutor also argued: 'To say to someone that Jesus is the only God is because history was not really my not a matter of truth. To the extent that they are saying that the only way to God is thing. I had never been too keen on through Jesus, that cannot be a truth.' http://christianconcern.com/our-concerns/freedom-of- the subject although looking back I speech/street-preachers-who-quoted-bible-convicted-in-modern-day-heresy-tria have to admit that the only person in Iraq: Archbishop backs preference for minority refugees fleeing genocide my school days who ever inspired me On 27 January President Trump signed an executive order to enforce visa suspension was my history teacher, and if my love for nationals of 'countries of particular concern' and a suspension of the US Refugee of the Old Testament is not, to a large Admissions Program (USRAP) for 120 days. This has been contested through the US extent, about history, what is! court system. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38781302). Section 5(b) of the order states: Upon the resumption of USRAP admissions, the Secretary of State, in consultation My aim with this magazine was with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is further directed to make changes, to the extent to reflect the present and look to the permitted by law, to prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious- future, after all, when it was first based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the published, Hugh Pearson, the founder, individual's country of nationality. For the full text: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press- stated clearly that one purpose of office/2017/01/27/executive-order-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states Archbishop the magazine was to give future Bashar Warda, the Chaldean Catholic archbishop of Erbil in Iraq was interviewed generations an understanding of life by Crux magazine. He is quoted as saying 'The real question is what is the obligation of in the parish then - hence it had to be the world community, not just the US, to all the innocent victims of this brutality. As the about the 'present'. Church, especially here in Iraq, we are shepherds to the innocents, all of them - those who are migrating and those who are not'. He stated that he fears that all the media discussion However, with the title of editor will place the focus completely on those who are in the migration process, and forget came the responsibility for the those who are still attempting to live and survive in their legitimate homeland. He magazine archives which led to adds that Christians and other minorities have been largely ignored by the American Gordon Nutbrown's excellent history government before now, so 'even if this step had a bumpy start and required clarification, of the magazine, and then along came we in Iraq appreciate that an American administration understands that we are here the centenary of the world war. Not and wants to help the minorities here who have suffered so much'. https://cruxnow.com/ only could I not avoid the history that interviews/2017/02/02/iraq-prelate-backs-preference-minority-refugees-fleeing-genocide/ I thought was 'not my thing', I have Nigeria: Who will protect the northern Christians? increasingly become interested in it, Christian tribal-led villages are being cleansed from the area while the international something I know is shared with a community refuses to recognise this as a 'one-sided slaughter' and the Nigerian large number of our readers. I make no government claims it is a land or agricultural dispute. Yet hundreds of thousands apologies therefore for the historical have been displaced through the ethnic and religious cleansing. http://www.spectator. co.uk/2017/02/who-will-protect-nigerias-northern-christians/ articles that appear in this issue on pages 15 and 29, and I make no apology Kurdistan: Organisation attempting to change laws as well as hearts for the amount of space given to The organisation Hardwired is faced with a daunting task in promoting religious another historical event that changed liberty in the Middle East. In many countries around the world there is a high cost our world, and is still changing it to believing differently from the majority. Hardwired is training local leaders and empowering them to change their own societies. It also engages in legal advocacy today, and will continue to do so in the to aid those prosecuted for exercising their religious faith. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ future. I'm talking, of course, about the dougbandow/2017/02/10/combating-the-scourge-of-religious-persecution-changing-hearts-and-minds-in- resurrection of Jesus! the-middle-east/#69a5ce8447e5 Happy Easter! RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 12 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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Hicks MOT & Coeducational Day & Boarding School Service Centre for pupils aged 11-18 We offer a complete, well equipped, modern workshop for all your vehicle servicing or repair needs WHILE YOU WAIT MOT TEST AND SERVICE CENTRE  Private & Commercial Vehicle Repairs  Air Conditioning Service OPEN EVENING  Free Courtesy Car (subject to availability) Thursday 8 June 2017, 6.30pm Tel: 0118 944 1808 OPEN HOUSE - Every Friday, 9.30am Open 7.30am - Book online at www.luckleyhouseschool.org 5.30pm (Weekdays) Luckley House School, Wokingham 15 Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JB T: 0118 978 4175 E: [email protected] RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 13 the parish noticeboard — 4 590,000 'It will look Total Raised 500,000 fabulous!' £497,129 400,000 By Perry Mills 300,000 As you can see the ground workers are fast approaching the time when we 200,000 can lay the top coatings for the paths. Total to Raise The aluminium trims are used to 100,000 define the shapes and to provide for a £9 , 7 2 8 1 0 neat divide between path and soil. http://sonningparish.org.uk/hall-donations/ By the time you read this we will have laid the base Tarmac which will be left for 3 weeks to cure. This curing period will be used to have the soft landscaping carried out which is scheduled for late March/early April. The trees, bushes and hedging will be planted according to the approved designs with a nice new lawn. When I'm content that the digging and planting is complete I'll arrange for the resin bound gravel surface material to be laid to the paths which will be the final finish. Fortunately this will only take 2 days so there will be little disturbance. Again, I ask for your understanding and patience when walking about the church grounds because some places have been substantially disturbed. The LANDSCAPING PLANT LIST soft ground can't handle the heavy If you would like to make a donation towards any of the plants below, plant and equipment that's still being perhaps in memory of a loved one or special occasion please contact used. I promise that all the disturbed Perry Mills at [email protected] or 0786 035 5457 ground will be restored to its original Quantity Height Pot Size Price/unit Trees condition with particular care being Amelanchier lamarckii 2 300-350cm 65L £299.99 taken around the graves. Sorbus aria 'Majestica' 1 400-450cm £299.99 Shrubs The office is now being used by Buxus sempervirens 60 30-25cm 5L £14.99 Buxus sempervirens 2 30-35cm 10L £34.99 Hilary, parish administrator, and Ceanothus thrysiflorus 'Skylark ' 10 60-80cm 5L £12.99 Choisya ternata 7 60-80cm 10L £29.99 Jamie is moving in. I will be working Hebe rakaiensis 52 30-40cm 3L £9.99 closely with Hilary to centralise Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' 3 90-120cm 12L £29.99 Erysimum linifolium 'Bowles Mauve' 25 30-40cm 3L £6.99 and streamline some of our support Erysimum linifolium 'Bowles Mauve' 59 30-40cm 3L £6.99 Myrtus communis 21 40-60c 5L £15.99 activities and facilities management Rosa Bonica® (David Austin) 9 40-60cm 7.5L £18.99 now that our real estate portfolio Sarcococca confusa 34 40-60cm 5L £14.99 Sarcococca confusa 16 30-40cm 5L £14.99 has expanded! The Ark is ready for Herbaceous Ajuga repans 'Catlin's Giant' 16 2L £3.99 occupation and I envisage that we will Alchemilla mollis 47 3L £6.99 be using it for Sunday club and coffee Anemone hybrida 'Honorine Joubert' 34 3L £6.99 Anemone hybrida 'Queen Charlotte' 21 3L £6.99 before the end of March but that, of Aquilegia vulgaris 'Ruby Port' 23 2L £3.99 Astrantia major 'Shaggy' 27 3L £6.99 course, is Jamie's decision. Bergenia cordifolia 20 £6.99 I'd like to say a big thank you to the Geranium sylvaticum 'Mayflower' 16 2L £3.99 Liriope muscari 'Big Blue' 27 3L £6.99 people who have donated money to Nepeta racemosa 'Walkers Low' 24 3L £6.99 Perovskia atrip. 'Little Spire' 13 3L £6.99 buy some of our plants and trees. It's Perovskia atrip. 'Blue Spire' 18 3L £6.99 such a big help for us and we are really Sedum 'Autumn Joy' 22 3L £6.99 Sedum 'Matrona' 18 3L £6.99 grateful for their kind and generous Tellima grandiflora 16 2L £3.99 Conifers gift. There's still plenty of time to Taxus baccata 1 100-125cm £29.99 help us fund the planting scheme so Bulbs Allium 'Purple Sensation' 85 £0.40 if you feel so inclined to help contact Ferns Polystichum setiferum 'Proliferum 27 3L £6.99 me, [email protected]. It's going Polystichum setiferum 'Plumosomultilobum' 21 5L £9.99 Grasses to be a tight but I'm confident it will Calamagrotis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' 23 3L £9.99 be looking fabulous for our official Hedges Taxus baccata 77 125-150cm £44.95 opening on Sunday 7 May. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 14 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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Marking this anniversary, Robert Lobley writes about a chance encounter with an aeronautical engineer who collects aeroplanes and the historical connection our parish has with the early pioneers of aviation. While waiting for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve I struck up an interesting conversation with the man sitting next to me. I learnt that he is an aeronautical engineer working on various projects which include the European Space Programme; he explained to me that at one time this area east of Reading was very involved with aircraft production and that many local people worked in various aircraft The Miles Magister low wing monoplane industries. I guessed something of this as Ministry for the Miles Magister, a and had their first aeroplane built, when driving through Woodley I low wing monoplane elementary the Satyr, a small aerobatic biplane. had seen the road names of Bader training aeroplane for the RAF. Soon after that they joined Phillips Way, Hurricane Way, Comet Way In 1936 Rolls-Royce had taken a and Powis designing and building and Miles Way. I had also noted financial stake in the company as aeroplanes at Woodley. the nearby Museum of Berkshire they could see a lucrative contract Aviation and had been told that for their Rolls-Royce Kestrel engines there was once an airfield on the for the new Miles Master Mk1 opposite side of the road. I remember advanced trainer that was going into an old friend of mine telling me production at Woodley for the RAF. that when visiting Reading during After problems with the Air Ministry the war he had noticed that there The small single-seat biplane Miles M1 Satyr. Only one was built and it flew well. were workshops behind the Reading railway station making Spitfires; also FG had started life in Portslade, the aerodrome at White Waltham, Sussex, where his father owned a once the headquarters of the Air Laundry business. After leaving Transport Auxiliary and latterly The Miles Master M1 advanced trainer school at 16 he had a 5 shilling flying Fairey Aviation was still operational. joyride from Brighton and after that My new acquaintance mentioned Rolls-Royce left the company in he knew where his future lay. that Miles Aircraft Limited formerly 1941 and the Miles family, who were He became fascinated by had their factory and aerodrome now in control, bought out their aeroplanes and, together with at Woodley and he told me that he shareholding. friends they built a small aeroplane owned and flew several old Miles FG and Blossom were an amazing in his father’s Laundry workshop, aeroplanes – wow! couple and their contribution to which they called the 'Gnat'. From 1929 the aerodrome at the history of British aviation FG met and mixed with other Woodley, near Reading had been the is vast. Blossom was born into a aeroplane enthusiasts and decided home of Phillips and Powis Aircraft very famous theatrical family, the to learn to fly. He then set up at (Reading) Ltd, which had been Forbes Robertson’s in 1901. She was Shoreham Aerodrome a 'flying for formed by Charles Powis. a 'bright young thing' in the 1920’s pleasure' business flying Avro 504Ks In 1932 they were joined by and married the Hon Inigo Brassey and a Flying Club where he helped Frederick George Miles, known as Freeman-Thomas in 1924. In 1930 with the instructing. After marriage FG to his friends, or Miles to his Inigo Freeman-Thomas joined the and joining Phillips and Powis at family, and his wife Maxine, known board of Southern Aircraft Ltd and Woodley in 1932, FG designed many as Blossom. FG had previously met he and Blossom decided to learn to turn to page 17 Charles Powis and together they fly. They planned to buy an aeroplane had decided to design and build to be built at Shoreham and then a two-seat low wing monoplane fly it to India, where his father was for the private market. He then Viceroy. They both took flying lessons designed and produced a large range from FG Miles, but unfortunately of monoplanes with some help from for her marriage FG and Blossom fell Blossom. in love. After her divorce they were A breakthrough came in 1937 married and settled in Sevenoaks, when the company received their Kent, where they designed together Blossom and FG Miles at the drawing board first major contract from the Air RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 16 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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The Parish Magazine - April 2017 17 feature — 2 Aviation pioneer partnership from page 15

The Miles Hawk Trainer

Charles Lindbergh (right) with Blossom and FG Miles pictured at Woodley Aerodrome in the mid- The Miles Gemini 1930's with the Miles Mohawk airplane designed by Miles especially for Lindberg successful light aeroplanes, including and for a time manufacturing Biro Blossom organised the wellbeing the Hawk, Hawk Major, Hawk pens FG Miles successfully returned of their employees with amateur Trainer and Mohawk, the latter to to aircraft design and manufacture, dramatics and newsletters and the requirements of the famous first at Redhill Aerodrome and returned to the London stage to American pilot, Charles Lindbergh, then back at Shoreham where his design the costumes for a West End who had made the first solo crossing aeronautical adventures had begun play Berkeley Square. of the Atlantic in 1927. in 1925. FG Miles designed dozens of During the war the business FG Miles died aged 73 in 1976 and aeroplanes but he will always be expanded and, in October 1943, the Blossom/Maxine died aged 82 in remembered for his monoplane company name was changed to Miles 1984. Their son, Jeremy John Miles, training aeroplanes, and today Aircraft Ltd as by then it had become still flies from Shoreham. thanks to the dedication and a family owned company. Also in What an amazing couple FG enthusiasm of their owners, 15 flying 1943 Miles and Blossom opened the and Blossom had been; they were examples of Miles aircraft have Miles Technical Training School for brilliant engineers and designers but survived in this country. training aircraft engineers. neither had any formal aeronautical My acquaintance from the The years following the war were training. Christmas Eve service at St Andrew's difficult for aircraft manufacturers. Blossom was a director of Phillips owns and flies three of these The supersonic Miles M52, the design and Powis and a qualified pilot. airworthy Miles aircraft. of which had been started by Miles She helped her husband design the George Miles, FG’s younger Aircraft in 1943, was suddenly and Miles Sparrowhawk and encouraged brother and business partner, lived without warning, cancelled by the women to become draughtswomen for a time at Sonning Lock, and FG ministry in early 1946, thereby and take up engineering. In 1943 she and Blossom built their architect allowing the Americans to win and FG set up the Miles Technical designed home in Beggers Hill Road, the accolade for attaining the first Training School for aircraft Charvil in the very latest art deco supersonic manned flight. engineers. style and called it 'Lands End House'. In September 1947, the Miles family lost control of the company If you're interested in our parish you will love this... and in 1948 Handley Page took over This unique history of our parish the aviation side of the business. as seen through the pages of The A new company, Handley Page Parish Magazine since it was first (Reading) Ltd, was formed to published in 1869 is still available manufacture the Miles Marathon, at £14.95 per volume. Gordon a four-engine airliner designed by Nutbrown has carefully selected Miles Aircraft to a government extracts from the magazine contract. By 1953 Handley Page had archives to reflect the characters, left the aerodrome to concentrate and the social, religious, political and technological changes that its activities at its parent works at have shaped life in our parish. If Radlett, Herts, and the aerodrome you have any connection with the parish, you won't fail to find a connection finally was closed in 1963 and has in these books! They can be obtained from: Brighton’s Newsagents in now been built over. After losing Woodley and Twyford, Pat Livesey on 0118 961 8017 or on Amazon.co.uk. control of the business in Woodley RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 18 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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57732 AF Jones Parish Magazine Advert.indd 1 19/11/2014 10:43 RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 19 feature — 3 It's time to explore Charvil's nature trail

Great spotted woodpecker Loddon lily Peacock butterfly Bird's foot trefoil Red kite I always try to avoid having articles in this magazine starting along the lines of 'now the days are getting longer' or 'spring is in the air', but both of these seem the best way to begin this one, writes Bob Peters. With lighter evenings and nature coming back to life it is a very good time to head for the Charvil Country Park and explore its nature trail. But before you go, take a look at the nature trail guide which can be downloaded free using the link at the foot of this page. This guide, written mainly to encourage children to learn about nature, is ideal for all ages. It includes a map, short explanations of the many aspects of the country park and about 90 pictures of the different birds, butterflies, insects, trees and flowers that you might come across in the park. Charvil Country Park, while being Lauren McCann, the Charvil relatively small - which can be an Parish Council councillor for the advantage for many people - covers environment, has been a prime 75 hectares. It has been created mover is establishing the nature trail around two former gravel pits in and the guide. the flood plain of the lower Loddon Lauren is excited by the Valley between Twyford and Charvil. opportunities the park is opening Carp It lies between the playing fields by up, particularly for children, to Charvil Piggott Primary School and learn about our local nature by the Loddon Nature Reserve. There encouraging hands-on experience. is pedestrian access from Park Lane, For example, a clearing in the Old Bath Road, Vale View and East park is currently being created that Park Farm Drive. will allow children from the school to enjoy the advantages of the 'forest schools' that are being introduced in many parts of the country to enable children to learn in the open air. Brimstone butterfly

Little egret Himalayan balsam Holly blue butterfly Canada goose http://www.charvil.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Charvil-Country-Park-Nature-Trail-Booklet.pdf RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE Easter20 The Parish Magazine - April 2017:2017 a great family celebration whatever your age!

Whatever your age, young or not so young, you are warmly invited to join our parish celebrations this Easter. From peaceful reflections, sacred music, and the joy of sharing in our Easter communion services, to a riverside walk, burgers & bangers, an 'all-age' family Passover meal, and the fun of an Easter egg hunt, field games, and tower tours, there is something for everyone — and it's all FREE!

PALM SUNDAY 9 APRIL Holy Communion with the distribution of the palm crosses and walk into church from the Bull gates at 10.30am

Family Passover Celebration MAUNDY THURSDAY 3 APRIL where we experience a traditional 1 Seder meal and our children Holy Communion with the stripping of the altar present the story of the Exodus and silent reflection at 7.30pm starting at 4.30pm in the Ark Please note: As with all our Easter events this celebration is FREE, but you must book your place by Sunday 2 April the church of st andrew, SERVING email: [email protected] CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye or call Sue on 0118 961 1188 RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE Easter 2017: a great family celebration whatever yourThe Parish Magazine age! - April 2017 21

EASTER DAY - SUNDAY 16 APRIL

8.ooam: Holy Communion! from the Book of Common Prayer 10.30am: Parish Eucharist 6.30pm: Choral Evensong

GOOD FRIDAY 14 APRIL The Last Hour, a peaceful service of readings, prayers and reflection from 2-3pm Gabriel Fauré's Requiem presented by the St Andrew's Church choir and friends at 6pm

EASTER SATURDAY 15 APRIL A FREE Afternoon of Fun in and around St Andrew's Church for everyone! Meet inside the church at 2pm — Easter Egg Hunt for children in the churchyard followed by family field games — Or take a social Riverside Walk along the Thames MAUNDY THURSDAY 13 APRIL — Everyone meets back at the Ark for Burgers & Bangers* Holy Communion with the stripping of the altar and silent reflection at 7.30pm — And if you have the energy take the Tower Tour for stunning views *The food is free but please let us know on 0118 969 3298 if you are coming so we can make sure we have enough for everyone! the church of st andrew, SERVING The First Communion of Easter: We meet by the main door of the church at 8pm CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye for the lighting of the Easter fire and then move inside for a very special and moving service that begins in candlelight and ends with Holy Communion RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 22 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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Berkshire RG4 6UP, T: 0118 969 3901 e: [email protected] www.bullinnsonning.co.uk RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 23 feature — 5 An insight into our past The Register In his quest to write a definitive small books still exist has yet to be of St Osmund history of Woodley, local historian established. Ian Couper's research has led him to In an earlier entry of the register, an ancient church document written dated 1185, we can read a message in medieval Latin and known as 'The from William, Dean of Sarum, who Register of St Osmund'. In order to sends his greetings to the faithful read it, Ian is having appropriate people of Sunning and writes: parts of the document translated. 'When we saw that the vicar of The first part to be translated has Sunning had no dwelling where he already revealed some new and could lay his head, we thought it right, A collection of documents interesting insights into the history as far as we can at present, to make from the late 11th century, of our parish, which at that time a permanent provision in this respect St Osmund’s Register is perhaps covered a huge area. for him and his successors serving in the most important manuscript In the register, Ian has person in our church regarding Salisbury and its discovered the earliest at Sunning. Hence we cathedral from that time. And known reference have given, granted and because, at that time, there to Woodley - spelt by this present charter were close connections between Wodleghe - and a confirm William vicar Sonning and Salisbury, it could very detailed record of the said church and provide a new insight into the of the church in to his successors who in history of our parish. Sonning and its many future be at this church, William of Normandy appointed associated chapels all that building site for a St Osmund Bishop of Salisbury in in the surrounding dwelling.' 1078, a position he held until 1099. countryside. The message goes on A bronze plaque in St Andrew's For example, there to explain the extent Church reveals that Osmund was were two chapels of the land the vicars Bishop of Reading in 1078 before in Erleg (Earley) of Sonning should moving to Salisbury. one dedicated to St own and to ensure In Salisbury, St Osmund Bartholmew the other its 'perpetual validity presided over the final stages of to St Nicholas, while in and effectiveness' the the construction of the Cathedral Rothescamp (Ruscombe) order was witnessed at Old Sarum, which was destroyed there was St James, and and sealed by a list of shortly after its completion. in Wokingham there noblemen. The St Osmund's Register, was All Saints, although From the details for which he is famous, was not in 1220, when this entry of the extent of land compiled by him, rather it was was made, this chapel given in the Register, named in memory of his time as a was then under the Ian Couper believes bishop. spiritual responsibility that the church at the The Register was compiled of Rading (Reading). time was much closer in the early 1200's. It's not in There were also chapels to the where the Bull chronological order but does at Sandhurst, Herst Inn stands, the area of contain a huge number of sources, (Hurst), and Edburgefed land being marked by a one of the most important being (Arborfield) that had to pay tithes to street which, at that time, ran down the Consuetudinary which is a the vicar of Sunning. to the river. Ian believes the street document of forms and ceremonies This 1220 entry in the Register is now called Sonning Lane and it's for use in the new Salisbury followed a visitation by William route continued along the footpath Cathedral. There are also sections de Wanda, Dean of Salisbury, who that runs past Turpin's Cottage and of the cathedral’s move from Old began his report that St Andrew's the Bull. to New Sarum, lists of cathedral Church was in need of dedication This makes good sense because treasures and of the new cathedral and repair. Among a long list of we know that the original wooden body. items owned by the church are two Saxon church was built where the The Register, having been small books, one about 'the blessed Bull Inn stands today and it is owned moved from Salisbury Cathedral Andrew' and the other about 'the life by the vicar of Sonning — the vicar's Chapter, somehow ended up in of St Syriac' — St Syriac, according to 'perpetual' ownership, according the county record office where it the Institute of Historical Research, to the St Osmund's Register, being resided for more than 30 years. is St Sarik, after whom the small established in 1185. It was not until 2014 that it was building next to St Andrew's Church Above: A stained glass window depicting discovered. is named. Whether these two St Osmund at Winkfield Church, Berkshire RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 24 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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ADV_SON_0115_ParishMagazine_01.indd 1 07/01/2015 10:58 RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 25 around the villages — 1 Book now for your WANTED! elegant place at the New leader summer picnic for Monday Club

This year’s Elegant Picnic is on 1 July, gates opening at 7pm at Sonningdene, Pearson Road by very kind The members of the Monday Club are urgently seeking a permission of Mr and Mrs Mills. new leader to help them keep one of the longest running social clubs in the parish going. This is a highlight of the Sonning village annual social calendar when the dress code is, of course Black Tie. And The last change of leader was in October 1997 when ill don’t forget this extends to your wheelbarrows! Pack your health forced Noreen Eye to step down after leading the picnic into a barrow of your choice, decorate fantastically club for many years. It was then that Ken Trimmings, who in any theme and the 'best dressed' — judged by as a member of the club, used to organise their regular the organising committee ­— will win a magnum of coach trips to places of interest, agreed to take over for 'a Champagne. short time'. Now, 20 years later, together with his deputy Gather a group of friends, minimum age 16, for leader, Olive, he has decided to retire from the role. an opportunity to enjoy a relaxed picnic dinner in In the club's report for the November 1997 issue of this a wonderful local garden with a variety of live and magazine it was said about Ken: 'We know we have nothing background music. to worry about in his capable hands.' And that has certainly There will be a raffle as usual, but in a break from been proved true! tradition, this year there will also be a Champagne bar. The current members of Monday Club are keen to keep Please note no beers or spirits will be served. their fortnightly meetings in Pearson Hall running but Entry is strictly by ticket only: £15 per person plus £20 none of them feel fit or able to take on the leadership. While if you want to set up your own gazebo – pitches are limited the members are hoping to continue as they are, enjoying so please book early. afternoon tea, a chat and a game of Hoy, they will be happy Tickets are available on 0118 969 2206. Committee for the new leader to introduce some ideas that will help to members will also be selling tickets at The Bull, by kind attract new members. permission of the management, between 7-9pm on If you can help, or would like to know more about the Thursday 20 April. role, give Ken a call on 0118 969 1072. Easter tower tours Saturday 15 April St Andrew’s bell ringers are offering free guided tours up the St Andrew's Church your camera. Tower visits will be organised tower during the Easter Fun Afternoon on in small groups because it is impossible to Saturday 15 April. pass each other on the spiral staircase - make sure you have shoes that are safe to climb the Your official guides will be wearing the bell winding stone staircase. ringers bright blue shirts with their bell If you would like to see the bell ringers logo on them. As well as climbing the tower, in action then go up the tower stairs to the the bell ringers will show you the ringing first door at 10am on that day – they will be chamber where all the action goes on, and ringing from 10-10.25am. Please keep a tight answer any questions about ringing. Up on control of children; it could be dangerous if the roof you will be able to enjoy spectacular they were to run across the room while the views of the river and Sonning, so take bell ringers are ringing. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 26 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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Q1Care Ltd is approved by the Care Quality For more details and to book go to Commission CQC inspected and rated GOOD www.shiplake.org.uk/rowingcamps 14/9/2016 RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 27 around the villages — 2 Knowl Hill gems Sue Ryder and Animal A voice for Rescue to benefit from the voiceless Charvil Village events By Bob Peters Over 50 people attended February’s More than 70 men met in Reading very enjoyable race night organised Blue Coat School on Saturday by the Charvil Village Society and The notebooks of a local vicar who 4 March to enjoy an excellent the tote of £50 has added to the died in 1978 are being used to traditional English breakfast and to society’s charitable monies. uncover some of the hidden gems hear a very moving and encouraging from chapels in London. All the funds raised in the past 12 talk by Stuart Windsor, a special months are being shared among Sue The vicar, Revd Canon Basil Fulford ambassador and former national Ryder and the Diana Brimlecombe Clarke was minister of St Peter's director of Christian Solidarity Animal Rescue Centre. Church in Knowl Hill for 30 years. Worldwide (CSW). The society's next event is the He visited nearly 11,000 churches CSW is a charity that works for summer walk which complements in his lifetime, keeping notes and religious freedom through advocacy the traditional Boxing Day walk. postcards recounting both the and human rights. Its website It takes place on Friday 16 June, architecture of the buildings and his sums this up by saying: 'We’re leaving Charvil Village Hall at 7pm own experiences. passionate about everyone’s right to when walkers will head for the Researchers, supported by the complete freedom in their religious or country park. Don't forget to take Heritage Lottery Fund, are leafing nonreligious beliefs.' Stuart Windsor's your guide - see page 19 of this issue through 112 albums of the notebooks passion was obvious. to download one free. and are hoping to find the hidden Speaking to the title 'Voice for the There's no booking required but gems that will help us learn about voiceless', he used his vast experience the organisers would like to know the ways in which institutions, such of meeting with and helping if you are joining them - call Mark as Temple Church and Charterhouse persecuted Christians from around on 934 3918. There's no charge and Chapel, provided spiritual care in the the world to tell a shocking story. For everyone welcome, including dogs. past and continue to do so today. each case it was hard to believe that The country park walk will be about Reading at Work such treatment by some humans to 2–3 miles, and will end in the Lands other humans could be happening End pub for light refreshments. If you are a Christian working in in our world today - and all because The Charvil Village Society is the Reading area, then Reading at their faith was not acceptable. keen to run some new and different Work's next seminar may be an event Being a charity, I was expecting to events, so please get in touch with for you. Reading at Work supports be asked for a donation before I left, them if you have some suggestions. Christians in the workplace through or a least for my name and address so For future events and more group meetings and other events. I could be sent fund raising material. information visit the society's Its next seminar, 'Business needs But no, Stuart wanted only one thing website at: our faith more than it thinks it in return. He wanted the 70 men http://www.charvil.com/clubs- does', is at Bill’s Restaurant, Chain there to go away, and to pray, and to and-societies/charvil-village-society/ Street, Reading on Monday 24 April encourage others to pray with them. or ask Mark A'Bear to send you their at 7.30pm, with guest speaker, John As well as telling us about the regular updates by emailing him at: Kay, an ambassador for TWUK harrowing plight of the people in [email protected] or calling (Transform Work UK). his case histories, he gave many him on 934 3918. TWUK is an organisation that examples of the success that CSW supports Christian workplace groups has been achieving in situations that Girls choir open night that benefit the organisation and appear hopeless. At the centre of its people. Background details and a each success was a simple approach Jewel Tones, the Charvil girls choir booking form can be found at: - they gave a voice the voiceless is holding an open evening on http://www.readingatwork.org victims who were unable to speak out Sunday 2 July in Charvil Village about the faith or the persecution Hall from 6.15-7.45pm for girls aged Can you help us? they were facing. The help in giving from 10-18 who are interested to Do you have a spare copy of the June this voice that we were being asked see what they do. The choir usually 2012 A5 issue of The Parish Magazine? to provide was prayer. At the centre meets for rehearsals on Sunday It has a picture of the Queen on the front of each of their successes was prayer - evenings and sing a wide range of cover. While we have an A4 copy (at that prayer organised on a huge scale with songs and regularly take part in time the magazine was produced in two sometimes thousands of Christians concerts, festivals and competitions sizes), we need the smaller version to around the world praying for specific both locally and further afield. For ensure that our archives are complete. cases at specific times. You can find more details: Suzanne Newman, on If you can help please contact: out more about helping this way at [email protected] or Gordon Nutbrown on 0118 969 3282. http://www.csw.org.uk 0118 934 0589. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 28 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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Rob Farquhar finds painting solutions online Liz Lamb receives her trophy from Rob Christine Stephens wins the Chairman's Cup Sonning Art Group's first Chairman's over many years and is seen above he stepped in for Helga Hanfling Cup of this year was won by receiving the trophy from Rob who was unwell. He demonstrated Christine Stephens for depicting a Farquhar. Liz is an accomplished how the internet can help to find still life using only two colours. needlewoman producing exquisite solutions for difficult tasks and This proved an interesting challenge embroidery and also makes greetings where there are many basic drawing for all the members as the tonal cards. She originally joined the club and painting techniques shown, as value of the objects became so to accompany her husband George well as exercises to improve skills . important to make each object stand and when he sadly died she remained Liz Baldin returns on 12 May to out from it's surrounds. Christine's a member and has been a valuable demonstrate using poppies in the composition of mushrooms did just help with club events and a great landscape. that and was a worthy winner. support to all the members. The group meets in Pearson Hall Liz Lamb won the Tom Baldwin Rob Farquhar provided an every Friday from 1-4pm, except on Trophy for her services to the club inspired tutor afternoon when Good Friday 14 April.

HOLY DAYS An atheist complained to a Christian friend, 'Christians have their special holidays, such as Easter; Jews celebrate Passover and Muslims have Arafat. EVERY religion has its holidays. But Community we atheists,' he said, 'have no recognized holidays. It's an unfair discrimination' ‘Nonsense,’ said the friend, ‘there is always April the first….’ Carers Wanted! £9.25 per hour weekdays, £11 per hour weekends, Planning Your Traditional Wedding? Paid Travel Time, Full or Part-time. Then you might like to discuss the possibility of marriage in our Come and join our excellent team ancient and beautiful parish church. providing practical help and support If so, call the vicar, Jamie 0118 969 3298 to elderly people in their own homes. He will be pleased to help you! n Full training given, so experience not required n Existing skills and experience valued n Guaranteed work, local area n Paid travel time n Flexible hours or shifts available Find out more contact Bonny or Wendy on 01491 578758 In addition to the stunning and historic location in Sonning, we will work or email [email protected] hard to provide you with a memorable and moving occasion. We can visit www.bridgeshomecare.co.uk provide a choir, organ, peal of eight bells, beautiful flowers, over 100 lit An independent company with 18 years candles set in ornate Victorian chandeliers and the use of our beautiful experience of care in the community churchyard as a backdrop for your photographs. the church of st andrew SERVING CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye Oxfordshire Association UKHCA Supported by Oxfordshire County Council of Care Providers Church of St Andrew Serving Sonning, Charvil & Sonning Eye RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 30 The Parish Magazine - April 2017 Please mention The Parish Magazine when contacting our advertisers

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THAMES CHIMNEY SWEEPS MPD MOTOR SERVICES 0779 926 8123 0162 882 8130 All Motor Vehicle Repairs and Maintenance [email protected] Mill Farmyard, Sonning Eye RG4 6TR http://www.thameschimneysweeps.co.uk 0779 557 2783 Member of the Guild of Master Sweeps [email protected] RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 31 the arts Book review David and Talking about Dying By Philip Giddings, Martin Down, Elaine Goliath Sugden, Gareth Tuckwell, Wilberforce, £10.99 When a life-long friend of Philip Giddings Michael told him that he had terminal cancer he tried Burgess to find a book that would help his friend talk continues about his situation. After speaking to spiritual his series on and medical experts he discovered that no famous such book was available - it was a very difficult characters in subject he was repeatedly told - so he produced the Bible one himself. The four authors of Talking About Dying bring a depth of wisdom from their broad personal, pastoral and medical experience to shed light upon this hugely important subject. The book offers practical and spiritual guidance to those facing the death of a loved The meeting of David and Goliath is one, or their own terminal illness. It will help people to address the many one of the most colourful and dynamic difficult issues that arise in a wide range of situations which are discussed of the Old Testament stories. with understanding and compassion. I like the joke about the teacher who asked, ‘What does the story of Goliath teach us?’ A little boy replies, ‘To duck.’ But Goliath thinks he is invincible and has no need to duck. Why should he fear just a shepherd boy? J John imagines David looking at Goliath, and thinking ‘He is so big and I am so small.’ Then looking again, and thinking, ‘He is so big: how can I miss?’ And so victory goes not to the strong, the proud, the self-confident, but to those who simply trust in the name of the Lord and their own wits. Right asserts itself over might as David conquers and Goliath falls. That dramatic moment is caught vividly in a life-sized statue by Bernini sculpted in 1624 for the garden of Cardinal Borghese in Rome. 1 Samuel 16 tells how Samuel anoints David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons, who then goes to meet Goliath with only his sling. We can see the pursed lips and the look of serious concentration on David’s face. We sense the intensity of that moment and the latent energy as he prepares to throw the stone. We don’t see Goliath, but he is there in our imagination, for we know that David will be victorious against the heavily armed Philistine. Perhaps the message is to each of us as we journey and find ourselves battling against the forces of injustice and darkness that seem so powerful. Then, when we feel weak, we have to learn to trust in God and have faith that He will be with us. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 32 The Parish Magazine - April 2017 health For urgent medical advice between 6.30pm and 8am, and at weekends, call 111 Dr Simon Ruffle writes Breathe in the spring air By Elizabeth Jones, Physiocare Breathing is one of the few bodily functions that can be controlled both consciously and unconsciously. However, most people don’t think about, or even notice, how they breathe unless running up a flight of stairs, sniffling from a cold, or giving birth. Breathing is affected by many factors including fitness levels, stress, poor posture, pain, obesity, the weather, and a myriad internal and external variables. Optimising oxygen intake can have far reaching positive effects on the body including: — Giving more energy — Reducing stress and mental and physical fatigue — Reducing chest pains due to tight muscles — Opening the chest to make breathing easier and fuller — Easing strain on the heart by increasing oxygen to it — Slowing the heart rate and steading blood pressure —Releasing and reducing muscular spasm and tension — Making recover faster from exertion — Reversing the negative stress reactions from your brain that keep you awake, such as adrenaline 'Grandparents who babysit their grandchildren tend to While most of us think we don't have breathing problems, live longer than seniors who do not care for other people, almost everyone can benefit from improved breathing for a study has found' the Mail Online reports. Is this true? a variety of other issues. For example, evidence supports a A study in West Berlin showed that people over 70 with link between poor breathing and back pain - trunk muscles caring responsibilities had a 37% lower mortality risk perform both postural and breathing functions, so disruption than similar people without responsibility. However the in one function can negatively impact the other. Failing study cannot say why. to breathe normally causes our rib cage to stiffen over The study was published in the peer-reviewed medical time. Shoulder and neck pain are also often related to poor journal Evolution and Human Behaviour. It looked at over breathing strategies as we tend to overuse the muscles in the 500 people over 2 years. The health benefits of caring are neck and at the top of the shoulders to help us breathe when subjective so can be biased, however, there was a 37% all they should be relaxed. If you have pain in your neck, shoulder mortality reduction in comparison to grandparents that or back, it’s likely you have a breathing problem and could had no caring responsibility. benefit from breathing exercises. There was a non-grandparent group to compare with We know that prolonged sitting and a slumped posture puts and the non-caring grandparents had the same mortality excessive strain on backs, but it also compromises breathing rates as the non-grandparents. by limiting the ability of the trunk and rib cage to expand The conclusion: ‘This prospective cohort study aimed fully. This causes us to breathe more through our bellies where to assess whether care giving by grandparents within there is less resistance to expansion than through the rigid and beyond the family is associated with a longer life trunk. Add to this the posture many people have of allowing expectancy. The researchers found that all participants their shoulders to roll forward or become hunched up and involved in care of grandchildren, providing help to breathing properly becomes an impossible feat! If you have adult children and/or those helping others in their social poor posture, you can bet your breathing is not ideal. network had a lower risk of dying during follow-up than While correcting the posture is a step in the right direction, non-helpers. to make lasting changes you’ll also need to address your poor Because the study is small and is open to bias there is breathing habits. Think of your lungs as a small vest hanging a lot more research needed to figure out the factors why. from your collarbones to the bottom of your ribs. When However GPs (General Practitioners not grandparents) breathing try to take the air into the area under the sides and work on evidenced based medicine so may look at this back of the rib cage where there is the most lung volume. Lie study with a critical eye. flat on your back with your knees bent. Place your hands palm However thinking about it sensibly, grandparents who down one on each side of your rib cage. As you breathe in, care for their families may have a sense of belonging, you should feel your rib cage expand up and out to the sides be fitter anyway or get fitter running about after the like a bucket handle, and then recoil as you relax and exhale. children or helping their adult children cope with the Can you feel the air filling up the backside of your lungs and rigours of family life. My ageing dad is very handy to have pressing your ribs gently into the floor? You shouldn’t feel any around as an ex-engineer — those tricky DIY jobs never muscles working as you exhale, let the air flow out passively. seem to get planned unless he’s coming over! If you have difficulty with this exercise, or notice that your As a GP I like to see the evidence behind treatments rib cage fails to move with your breathing, or perhaps it and care but if I dare ignore logic and common sense I moves less on one side than the other, a physiotherapist will may miss an undoubtable - because my mum and mother be able to help you identify the cause and give you individual in law say so - truth that grandma knows best! treatment and exercises. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 33 home & garden In the garden Recipe of the month Easter Roast leg of lamb with basil and mint pesto This month's recipe is from BBC Good Food Ingredients - serves six — 2kg lamb leg, skin scored April starts the 'busy period' when you need to prepare the — fresh garden herbs, to serve garden for the coming season. Time spent now could save — sliced lemon, to serve a lot of effort in the future, especially making sure weeds For the pesto: are removed. 'A season’s seeding means 7 years of weeding!' — 1 small garlic clove, chopped — small pack basil leaves only Planting potatoes is a good way of getting rid of annual — small pack mint, leaves only weeds in newly-cultivated land – normally by turning over — 25g pine nuts the soil and smothering them! And you have the benefit — 25g grated Parmesan of eating the results of your labours! This does not work — 125ml extra virgin olive oil on perennial weeds such as couch grass or ground elder – — juice ½ lemon glyphosate could be the answer here. — Beware of late frosts and keep vulnerable plants and new Method shoots protected at night if frost is forecast. Don’t be tempted Make the pesto. Put all the ingredients (except the olive oil to put out tender bedding until much later on in the month, and lemon juice) and a pinch of salt into the small bowl of a even then be prepared to cover if necessary. food processor. Pulse until very finely chopped. While the — First early potatoes can normally be planted by the first processor is on, drizzle the olive oil in to make a paste. Tip week of April, followed by second earlies and maincrop the pesto into a small bowl and stir in the lemon juice. towards the end of the month. The traditional way is to dig a Heat oven to 2000C/1800C fan/gas 6. narrow trench 12cm (5in) deep. Place a scattering of potato Put the scored lamb leg in a large roasting tin and use half fertiliser or Growmore in the bottom of the drills before the pesto to generously coat the skin and flesh, pressing it covering the tubers. You will get a cleaner crop by covering between all the cracks for extra juiciness. Put the rest of the the tubers with compost before earthing up with soil. Tubers pesto in the fridge, covered with cling film, and remove just are spaced 30cm (12in) apart for earlies and 37cm (15in) for before serving. maincrop varieties in rows 24in (60cm) apart for earlies Roast the lamb for 1 hr 45 mins. Check during cooking that and 75cm (30in) apart for maincrop. Sprinkle slug pellets or it’s not drying out – if the base of the roasting tin starts to other slug deterrents between the tubers as keel slugs can look dry, spread a little more pesto over the top of the lamb. be a problem, especially on newly-cultivated land. Potatoes Remove the lamb from the tin, cover with foil and leave need a sunny site away from frost pockets - the new foliage is to rest for 30-40 mins before serving on lemon slices and susceptible to frost. fresh garden herbs. Carve at the table and serve with the — Deadhead daffodils and narcissi; give them a liquid feed remaining pesto to drizzle over. or a sprinkling of bonemeal and let them die down. Don't cut off the leaves until they die down, they help to replenish the Are you really covered? bulb for next year. David Pickup, a solicitor, considers insurance… — Now the soil is warming up and plants are starting to As Christians we trust God who cares for us, but we grow, add general purpose fertiliser before covering with must also be faithful stewards. Supposing you mulch especially in borders, the fruit and vegetable patch drive home from work, and then go to a fund raising meeting, and containers. Use your own garden compost or leaf mould, and before going to bed you deal with some emails about the well rotted manure, the contents of out-of-date grow bags village fete which you are helping with. An ordinary day for or ready-made soil conditioner. If you have already mulched, some of us, but what insurance might you need? Each situation draw it back if possible, tease the soil a little, add fertiliser involves compulsory or optional insurance. and replace the mulch. At work you must have insurance to cover accidents to — Continue removing moss and weeds from paths, terraces employees. You may need cover for claims by clients or and drives. customers. When driving you need third party cover which — Clean and repair garden tools, service the lawn mower and means if you have an accident and cause injury to another check garden furniture for rot. When it's warm enough, treat person they can claim compensation. That basic cover would sheds, fences and trellis with wood preservative; brushes not include accidental damage to your car or to you so most and rollers are fine for most things, however a sprayer is of us have comprehensive insurance. At home it is advisable well worth buying for tricky projects such as woven panels! to have buildings and contents cover. You might have life Beware of spray drift onto plants. insurance. You could consider other insurance to cover — Continue to wage war on slugs and snails. They love accidents or loss. Many companies offer specialist policies tulips and delicacies such as the delicious young shoots of depending on the type of business you are in. Churches are delphiniums, so use pet-friendly slug pellets, and drench the similar. If you are involved in managing church property or ground around hostas with liquid slug killer to exterminate a public event you should ask any groups that use it what slugs below the surface. Keep an eye out for snails and pick insurance they have. If you are involved in community events them off - what you do with them is up to you! you might consider cover in case of an accident. Always check Article supplied by the East Reading Horticultural Society. you have the correct type of insurance policy and what is Membership: email [email protected] or http://www.erhs.org.uk included. In case of doubt get proper advice. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 34 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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OFFICE - MON-FRI 8.45-5.30: READING 0845 034 0962 OUT OF OFFICE HOURS: MOBILE 0779 931 5661 [email protected] In association with TAKA ISHII Green Garden Design (Japan) RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 35 information — 2 Local organisations Volunteers St Andrew’s Church — St Andrew’s Sunday Club, Marie Simpkins 0779 521 6492 — St Andrew’s Bell Ringers, Pam Elliston 969 5967 — Friends of St Andrew’s Church, Wendy Williams 969 6609 Arts & Crafts 1st Sonning Scouts — Charvil Art Club, Ken Docking 969 0274 Scout leaders are required urgently. They will be happy — Sonning Art Group, Sue Bell 969 6924 — Sonning Book Club, Anne Webster 944 0699 to discuss the role with no obligation whatsoever. — Sonning Flower Club, Sharon Robinson 969 0748 Ian Wheeler 0118 934 2042 Children & Young People — Sonning Scout Group, [email protected] ­— Scouts, Mike Moore, [email protected] Drivers for Age Concern Twyford and District — Cubs and Beavers, - [email protected] Volunteer drivers with own cars required to take — For prospective cub and scout joiners, [email protected] elderly residents between their homes and Age — Charvil Brownies, Claire Howells 934 5372 Concern’s Twyford centre on weekday mornings and — Charvil Caterpillar Club, Rebecca Hedges, [email protected] — Charvil Guides, Ruth Hulley 969 9431 afternoons. A total of about 1½ hours of your time is — Chernobyl Children’s Link, Shirley Chard 969 8086 required. Mileage will be paid. — Sonning & Charvil Baby Sitting Group, Geraldine Hearn 934 1071 Gordon Holmes 0118 934 4040 — Sonning Baby & Toddler Group, Miranda Aston 966 5352 — Sonning Brownies, Carrie Apps [email protected] — Sonning Guides, Ruth Halley 969 9431 Charvil Pre-School Councillors Is looking for volunteers to help them fund raise. — Charvil Parish Council, Miranda Parker 901 7719 — Sonning Parish Council, Lesley Bates 969 7753 The Pre-school is a charity that relies heavily on — Eye & Dunsden Parish Council, David Woodward 969 3633 donations. Local Borough & County Council Councillors 0791 753 6488 — Kate Haines - Coronation, 0771 363 7029 — Mike Haines - Sonning & Warren, 967 2879 — Emma Hobbs - Charvil, 934 0528 Chernobyl Children's Lifeline — Malcolm Leonard - Eye & Dunsden [email protected] Need committee members, summer hosts and drivers. Political Associations — Charvil Branch Conservatives, Emma Hobbs 934 0528 You will need to undergo an enhanced DBS Check. — Sonning & Warren Conservatives, Peter van Went 969 3635 Contact: Shirley Chard on 0795 124 8395 — Sonning Liberal Democrats, Colin Lawley 961 8536 Schools — Charvil Preschool Playgroup, Sally Richards 932 1273 Cruse Bereavement Care — Charvil Piggott Primary School, Jeanette Winsor 932 0033 Cruse has vacancies for management volunteers to — Sonning CE Primary School, Luke Henderson 969 3399 help run the service in this area. The management — Sonning CE Primary School PTA, Katie Tull 0778 643 2686 Social committee meet once a month. Call Sara Richards on — Charvil Senior Residents Club, Julie Bennett 934 5059 0778 554 3574 — Charvil Women’s Club, Shirley Newman 934 0589 — Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh, Hilary Tindall 969 6926 — Monday Club, Ken Trimmings 969 1072 Girl Guiding Bulmershe Division — Reading East Probus Club, Mike Butler 0778 943 5030 Over 100 girls are waiting to join local guiding — Rotary Club of Loddon Vale, Richard Ward 966 9348 units but can’t because there are not enough adult — Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh, Janette Crouch 0777 310 4430 — Sonning British Legion, Malcolm Geater 947 1677 volunteers. There are many different roles volunteers — Sonning Club, Chris Way 969 3939 can perform. — Sonning Glebe WI (Eve Mtgs), Doreen Moulsley 961 8829 http://girlguidingbulmershe.btck.co.uk/AdultVolunteers — Sonning RNLI, David Bates 969 7753 — Sonning Twinning Association, Lesley Green 969 6621 Sport St Andrew’s Bell Ringers — Badminton, Pat Pardoe 934 5643 Help continue a very English tradition of bell ringing — Berkshire County Sports Club, Jill Grindal [email protected] by volunteering as a ringer. It’s a gentle, social — Charvil Community Tennis, Carl 0744 793 4700 — Reading Sailing Club, [email protected] exercise that everyone, young and old, male and — Redingensians RAMS, Jason 0788 128 8900 female, can enjoy. You will be trained by experts, all — Short Mat Bowling, Shirley Newman, 0118 934 0589 you need is a sense of rhythm! 0118 926 7724 — Sonning Cricket Club, Gary Phillips 0750 033 6879 — Sonning Football Club, Tony 956 6536 — Sonning Golf Club, Zoe Westlake, 969 3332 Sunrise Senior Living — Sonning Lawn Tennis Club, Romy 969 5845 If you have a talent to share or a hobby or interest to — Sonning Sports League Table Tennis Club, Dave Chard 969 8086 — Sonning Table Tennis Club, Robert Moxon 989 4795 talk about, Sunrise Senior Living is always pleased to Song & Dance welcome volunteers to entertain its residents. — Bel Canto Chorus, Denise Walker 0797 375 2727 Georgina Williams: 0118 944 4300 — Charvil Voices, Suzanne Newman 934 0589 — Jewel Tones, Suzanne Newman 934 0589 — Steps ‘n’ Stetsons, Line Dance Group Julie Myers 961 8450 Twyford Volunteer Drivers Village Life Volunteer drivers needed to help transport the elderly — Charvil Village Fete, Clare Tucker 934 9926 — Charvil Village Society, Mark A’Bear 934 3918 and/or sick people to local hospitals and surgeries and — Friend’s of Ali’s Pond, Ali Driver 969 2698 other medically related appointments. Drivers use — Pearson Hall Bookings, Jenny Adams 969 7692 their own cars. 0118 934 3010 — Sonning & Sonning Eye Society, Andy Bell 969 6924 — Sonning Beech Lodge Bookings, Tim Pascall 969 6935 — Sonning Charvil & Hurst NAG, Bob Hulley 969 9431 — Sonning Neighbourhood Watch, Jan Fielder 969 3226 Looking for volunteers? Let us know and we will — Sonning Village Show, Heather Hine 969 8653 publish your request here for free! RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 36 The Parish Magazine - April 2017

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Graham Blake soft furnishing Curtains, Tailored Covers, Re-upholstery Poles• and LooseTracks, Window• coversBlinds.Loose covers• Curtains • Curtains • Re-Upholstery• Re-Upholstery• Tracks & Poles For personal,• Trackshelpful service,& Poles please call TEN TEL: YEAR 0184 GUARANTEE 426 1769 For personal,MOB: helpful 0780 221service, 3381 please call grahamblake12Tel: [email protected] 261769 Mob: 07802 213381 http://www.grahamblake.com [email protected] www.grahamblake.comTEN YEAR GUARANTEE RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 37 children’s page

What do you get if you pour hot water down a rabbit hole? Hot cross bunnies!

Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke? It might crack up!

WORD SEARCH All the words hidden in this word search are to do with spring and Easter — can you find them all?

At Easter it is all bunnies, eggs and lambs EASTER in the shops. Why are they symbols of Easter? One of the oldest spring symbols in the world is the egg - it promises new life SYMBOLS as in spring when fluffy yellow chicks are hatched from eggs. The hare was a symbol of the moon and is connected with Easter because the date of Easter depends on the full moon. Over time, the hare became a rabbit, because there are more rabbits around than hares! The lamb represents Jesus and links His death to that of the lamb sacrificed at the Passover feast that was held at the time that Jesus died. Jesus is called 'The Lamb of God'. RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE 38 The Parish Magazine - April 2017 information — 3 Parish contacts Advertisers index Ministry Team Abbey School 4 AB Walker & Son Funeral Directors 10 — The Vicar: Revd Jamie Taylor* ADD Plumbing Solutions 22 The Vicarage, Thames St, Sonning, RG4 6UR Aerial Phil 30 [email protected] / 0118 969 3298 AF Jones & ET Sheppard Monumental Masonry 18 *Day off Thursday All Scaffold scaffolding 30 Band System security services 36 — Licensed Lay Minister: Bob Peters Barks Bubbles & Bows dog grooming 6 26 Old Bath Road, Charvil, RG10 9QR Barnstore Storage Henley 14 [email protected] / 0118 961 1188 Blue Moose Graphics Company 10 Bridge House of Twyford Care Home 39 Bridges Home Care 29 Pastoral Visiting and Prayer Chain Bull Inn Sonning 22 — Mrs Jean Tinson 0118 969 0782 Canon Tree Care 34 Carpet Fitter 12 Church Wardens Chimney Sweep, Thames 30 — Mr Terry Hunt Chiropody and Podiatry Linda Frewin 30 [email protected] / 0118 934 1062 Chris the Plumber 14 — Mr Perry Mills Clark Bicknell Plumbing & Heating Engineers 30 Clifton Ingram Solicitors 10 [email protected] / 0786 035 5457 Counselling and Psychotherapy 30 Deputy Wardens David Shailes Plumbers & Decorators 18 — Mrs Molly Woodley [email protected] / 0118 946 3667 Design for Print 6 Electric Nick 30 — Mr Mark Jordon [email protected] / 0118 940 1431 Fields Pharmacy 14 — Mrs Sue Peters [email protected] / 0118 961 1188 Fit and Able Physiotherapy Service 16 Parish Administrator French Horn Sonning 40 Furness Consultancy Accountant 30 — Mrs Hilary Rennie Gardiners Nursing and Homecare 28 [email protected] / 0118 969 3298 Gipsy Lane Dentists, tooth implants 36 Parochial Church Council Graham Blake soft furnishings 36 Great House, Sonning 18 — Secretary: Mrs Hilary Rennie 0118 969 6363 Handyman & Decorating Services 30 — Treasurer: Mr John Scoble 0118 926 5138 Haslams Estate Agents 2 Director of Music, organist and choirmaster Henley Care Agency 4 — Mr Chris Goodwin MA (Cantab), ARCO (CHM), ARCM, LRAM Hicks Group 12 Ivy of Sonning Fine Indian Dining & Tea Room 34 [email protected] James Autos 30 Sacristan Kim Tomes Sewing 22 — Mrs Helen Goodwin 0134 462 7697 Kingfisher Bathrooms 6 Leaf & Bloom Garden Designs 30 Loft Access 34 Luckley House School 12 MPD Motor Services 30 MC Cleaning 30 Parish Website: sonningparish.org.uk Miles & Daughters Family Funeral Service 26 Muck & Mulch, garden compost 14 The Parish Magazine Odd Jobs 30 — Editor: Bob Peters Physiocare 22 Portman Gardens 30 26 Old Bath Road, Charvil, RG10 9QR Power Cars of Woodley 30 [email protected] / 0118 961 1188 Q1Care 26 — Advertising and Distribution: Gordon Nutbrown RA Lamb Roofing 6 Reading Blue Coat School 24 [email protected]/ 0118 969 3282 Ready2Print 36 — Treasurer: Pat Livesey Red Kite Electrical 36 [email protected] / 0118 961 8017 Retro-Fit fitness 29 RG Heating and Plumbing 6 — Online: theparishmagazine.co.uk Richard Lloyd Funeral Services 4 Richfield Flooring 24 Sabella Furnishings 28 Shiplake College 26 Smelly Alley Fish 28 Sonning Golf Club 16 Sonning Pest Control 36 Sonning Scouts White Marquees 14 Style by Julie 30 Stylistix Ladies & Gentlemen’s Hairdressing 14 — The Parish Magazine is produced by St Andrew’s PCC and delivered Sunrise Senior Living 24 free of charge to every home in Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye. The Mill at Sonning 8 — The Parish Magazine is printed in the United Kingdom by Herald Tomalin & Son Funeral Directors Monumental Masons 12 Graphics Ltd, Reading RG2 oBZ Tracey Tolson fitness trainer 30 Twyford Interiors 6 — The Parish Magazine is distributed by Abracadabra Leaflet Village IT Support Service 14 Distribution Ltd, Reading RG7 1AW Water Softener Salt Online Deliveries 30 — The Parish Magazine template was designed in 2012 by Roger Window Cleaner 18 Swindale [email protected] and David Woodward Woodley Decor Painters & Decorators 16 [email protected] Woodley Gardens 30 RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE The Parish Magazine - April 2017 39

BRIDGE HOUSE of TwyfORD Because you deserve the very best

Live life to the full in your own home in an outstanding location on the banks of the River Loddon in Royal Berkshire. A choice of beautifully crafted retirement cottages Enjoy exclusive access to our residents’ lounge and and apartments with superb specification and dining facility where you can just relax or benefit from high quality fixtures and fittings. a range of hospitality services. When complete, the • Framed by open countryside final phase of development will provide additional amenities like our fine dining restaurant, coffee • All the amenities of Twyford a short shop, fitness suite and swimming pool. walk away Safe, secure environment; discreet care, hospitality • Train journeys to London Paddington of and domestic packages available now or in the around 50 minutes future to help you live independently. • Wokingham, Windsor, Henley and Marlow easily reached by car. Contact us today for prices and to arrange a viewing. Call 0800 230 0206 Visit www.bridgehouseoftwyford.co.uk Independent LIvIng • AssIsted LIvIng • nursIng Home 40 The Parish Magazine - April 2017 RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE

The French Horn, Sonning. Quality. Wonderful food and wine www.thefrenchhorn.co.uk 0118 969 2204