THE PARISH MAGAZINE OF CHRIST CHURCH, APRIL 2020

A WALK THROUGH HOLY WEEK WITH SIMON PAGE 4

MESSY EASTER 11 APRIL PAGE 22

GERALD OSBORNE 4 APRIL PAGE 23

JOIN US AT CHRIST CHURCH FOR EASTER SERVICE TIMES PAGE 23

CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED STARTS 23 APRIL PAGE 30 EASTER Professional and Caring Service 24 Hours a Day – All Year Round THE PARISH MAGAZINE IN THIS ISSUE... F. HA RRISON & SON OF CHRIST CHURCH, VIRGINIA WATER 40 Harvest Road, APRIL 2020 3 Editorial TW20 0QT 4 Christ Church Vicar’s Word * Funeral Directors & Monumental Masons s we go to press in the second week of 6 Schools Pages * Englefield Green’s Premier Funeral Service the Meteorological Spring, the 11 Straddling the Pond * Dignity Funeral Plans Available Avegetation is in bud and the black- 12 Virginia Water Community Association 13 The Best of Children’s Books Funeral Manager: Colin Doe headed gulls’ heads are turning black as they email: [email protected] don their summer plumage. Virginia Water 14 Virginia Water Library 16 Hannah’s Blog Telephone 01784 432163 Lake will soon bid farewell to winter visiting 17 Letter to the Editor Fax 01784 470892 Redwings from Scandinavia and will welcome 19 Ecology Matters instead cheerful Chiffchaffs (pictured) from Part of Dignity Services Ltd. A British Company. 20 Virginia Water Scouts their wintering grounds in Southern Europe 22 Noticeboard Members of the National Association of Funeral Directors and Africa. 22 Messy Church Easter 23 Easter Services at Christ Church 23 St Mark’s Gospel Live – Gerald Osborne 27 An Evening with Jonathan Veira 29 The Good News Café 37 Picture Gallery 39 The Local Community Directory A I 41 Church Diary D E P I 42 Who’s Who: Christ Church, Virginia Water K I W / E T P

E Editorial/design/production Roger Kohn 01344 622278 R T

S email [email protected]

A ‰ E R

D Advertisements Carrie Vibert 01344 844946 N A ‰ email [email protected] RHK Printing Imprint Colour 01252 330683 ‰ www.imprintcolour.com

‰ Please note that the cut-off date for CHRIST CHURCH, CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, contributions to the MAY 2020 issue will be VIRGINIA WATER, SURREY, GU25 4PT THURSDAY 9 th APRIL. All submissions to [email protected] [email protected] please. tel 01344 844946 Christ Church Virginia Water is a registered charity, number 1128275

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2 3 There is a green hill far away, CHRIST CHURCH Without a city wall, Where the dear Lord was crucified, VICAR’S WORD... Who died to save us all.

Oh, dearly, dearly has He loved, MAKING SENSE OF EASTER And died our sins to bear; We trust in His redeeming blood, or many people, Easter means a few days off, and a chance to And life eternal share. overindulge in chocolate. Indeed, that is good news! F But the really good news of Easter is its abiding message of We may not know, we cannot tell, hope for all who come to put their trust in God as their king and What pains He had to bear; rescuer. But we believe it was for us Let me explain: and to do that, we need to go back 2,000 years, and 2,000 miles, into the land He hung and suffered there. of Galilee and Judea. This was the home of the Jews, but suffering under harsh Roman rule, eager for someone to liberate them. He died that we might be forgiven, The four gospels are the records of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection, but each with He died to make us good, their own unique emphasis, helpfully providing us with a rich perspective of his interactions and That we might from our sins be freed, teaching. Saved by His precious blood. One particularly interesting feature of all four, aside from some detail about his birth, they A I D don’t really pick up the biography until his public ministry at the age of about 30. Moreover, each There was no other good enough E P I K gospel spends roughly half of their volume on the last 7 days of Jesus’ life, death and To pay the price of sin, I resurrection. Maybe that is why we call the commemoration of this wee He only could divine life give W k, Holy Week (this year, CHRIST CRUCIFIED, DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ 5th– 12th April), and why we still have holidays (i.e. holy days) around this period. They were days And dwell Himself within. (c1632), MUSEO DEL PRADO, MADRID with religiously charged meaning and significance. The church has built up a language to explain the key events the last week of Jesus’ time on EASTER SUNDAY earth, and during Holy Week we walk step by step through His final hours. Of course, the story does not end there. We meet on Easter Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It was hardly what those first disciples expected, despite Jesus PALM SUNDAY prophesying it happening. A huge crowd testified to its veracity, and millions meet to celebrate So called because Jesus was welcomed and hailed by an excited crowd, waiving palm branches each Sunday in perpetual memorial. The origin of the name Easter is obscure, probably referring and carpeting the streets with them – that’s how they rolled out the red carpet! He arrives in the to an ancient god Eostre. However, it has always been the day to celebrate all that Christ capital city – Jerusalem – for a coronation of sorts. But he is not on a trusted stead, but rather, a achieved during that most holy of weeks. humble donkey. And he has no plans to overthrow their political tyrants, but has his eye on another kind of victory. Our hope is that this Easter “holyday” you MAUNDY THURSDAY may find some time to The word maundy comes from a Latin word meaning “command”. The particular command it explore the meaning of recalls is the words of Jesus to his disciples that they should “love one another as I have loved this most Holy Week. you” (John 13:34). It was, as Jesus celebrated the Passover supper with them, on the night before he died, that he pointed to the full extent of His love. He took the bread and broke it, telling them Yours in Christ to remember his broken body; and similarly, with the cup, to remember his blood shed for them. His death – which we still celebrate each week in Holy Communion – recalls the offer of forgiveness to all who seek the spiritual significance of these events.

GOOD FRIDAY And so to the day of his death. The Romans knew how to execute, and cruelly, with maximum [email protected] humiliation. Hence, stringing their victims high on a cross until they were asphyxiated, no longer having the strength to hold themselves aloft. So, why GOOD Friday? The eyes of faith can see, in that conspiracy and barbarity, God was

A I finding a way to deal with humanity’s lostness and estrangement from God. Mrs Alexander put it D SUPPER AT EMMAUS, CARAVAGGIO E P

I (1601), NATIONAL GALLERY, so well: K I W

4 5 VIRGINIA WATER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PAGES PRE-SCHOOL

Cultural Capital is a term that is currently at the forefront of Early Years Education. It relates to the breadth of experiences children have been exposed to during their short life times to help them be successful in the future, and ensuring early years settings help enhance these experiences and expose children to new opportunities. This can be as simple as a child who lives in a tower block and doesn’t have a garden being given the chance to play outside, or a child who is not allowed to do messy play find and like our page Virginia Water at home being able to access resources such Community Pre-School. as paint or play dough. At Pre-School we fully embrace this • We are currently filling spaces for ethos, celebrating different cultural events, September 2020 in both our Caterpillar room exposing the children to different tastes, (2-3 year olds) and Butterfly room (3-4 year taking the children on trips to the library and olds), and some sessions are already full! If fire station, and making the best use of our you would like to add your child to our waiting outside spaces. We try to provide as many list, please make an appointment to view Pre- new and varied experiences and activities as School, or to request an enquiry form please we can for all our children, not forgetting the contact us on 01344 842892. important basics such as access to books, • Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, having story time and learning to socialise 9am–3pm, term time only. with our peers by sitting together for snack and lunch. This exposure to different Navdeep Kamboj & Susan Wordingham, experiences also helps develop the children’s Co-Managers skills to listen to each other, take turns and to follow simple rules and boundaries which all help to make them school ready. With all the above in mind, so far this term the children have dressed up for World Book Day, enjoyed our Mother’s Day special day, learnt about a new celebration called ‘Nowruz’ which is the Persian New Year, and tried lots of different sensory activities such as spice painting as our theme this term is Sensory Play. We also have lots of Easter themed activities and crafts planned, including an Easter egg hunt in the garden and making chocolate Easter nests as a special treat before we break for the holidays. We post pictures of all the fun activities and events we do on our Facebook page, as well as other information about our Pre- School. If you would like to know more please

6 7 SCHOOLS PAGES SCHOOLS PAGES

ST ANN’S HEATH JUNIOR SCHOOL CHRIST CHURCH C OF E INFANT SCHOOL

At St Ann’s Heath Junior I’ve always belived God Christ Church School 1905 –1914” from a former School we continue to work answers prayers when it is his pupil Louisa Chapman 1900 –1998 by Simon hard to provide a broad and will to do so. When faced with a Parker-Galbreath brings this to life: engaging curriculum for our decision, dilemma or new idea, children. Initially, the focus I give it to God and take steps “Christ Church School had only about 60 for our creative curriculum that feel right in my heart even if pupils in all my time, 1905 to autumn 1914, was to develop the children’s it's out of my comfort zone. August 2019 was with the headmistress Miss Annie Harriet writing through the history and geography one such time when I was looking for a school Brant and two assistant teachers. We were units of work that are taught throughout the for my son. proud of our school, not without reason, for we school. We are now at the stage where we can Following traumatic events in my early had an excellent governess, and always won a fully embed other foundation subjects to teens, I developed a severe phobia of school. To goodly proportion of prizes and awards in ensure their coverage is progressive through give an idea of the extent of it, one Sunday various classes at the annual Flower the curriculum. afternoon I suffered such excruciating stomach Show in competition with other bigger schools Sport also plays an extremely important pains that the doctor admitted me to hospital in the district. This was quite a big affair, with part in school life at St Ann’s Heath. We are with suspected appendicitis and I was prepared sideshows, swings and round-a-bouts. very fortunate to have PS coaching led by Mr for an operation. The following day my During the morning and afternoon 'breaks' Paul Seuke as part of our teaching team. They symptoms had disappeared. girls often sat on their coats in the smaller work alongside our staff to plan high quality Now, as a 47-year-old single mother, having asphalt playground opening of the infants' lessons across the school. Through experienced the school system with my 20-year- room and reserved for them and older girls, progressive PE lessons, a variety of sports old daughter, I am going through it again with and played five-stones or marbles as we clubs and active lunchtimes all children at St my son. Joshua is 6 years old and in the early called it: (ones), (two's) up to (fives), 'down Ann’s Heath learn how sport helps to keep us part of 2019 he was in Reception Class at a the well', 'Jenny creeper', 'hard & softs', fit and healthy by improving our speed, school in Addlestone. I was uncomfortable with were parts of the game I remember. stamina and strength. The children learn all sending him from day one and after considering On hot days we drilled outdoors and very about the important skills, techniques and homeschooling for some time, in February 2019 occasionally went to sit under the shade of tactics that are essential for different sports I deregistered him from school. trees at the bottom of the playground for a as well as how to be a good team player. As a single parent, running a business from lesson, from which we all looked up in Through sport we teach the children home, it became unmanageable. In August 2019 excited wonder if an early aeroplane flew important life lessons about working hard to I knew that it was time for Joshua to return to over. Boys and girls played rounders, cricket gain success together and how to lead a courses/ for further information. school but I wanted him to go somewhere other and football, perhaps not strictly according healthy lifestyle. Over the last few weeks, it has been lovely than before. I put it in the hands of God and I just to the rules. Boys played tip-cat, rolling As a school we are members of the seeing so many governors in school. Governor knew that if this was God’s will, something marbles into small holes they dug near the Elmbridge & Primary Schools question time is an annual event where amazing would happen. school wall, while younger ones acted driving Sports Association (ERPSSA) and enjoy children share with governors their thoughts Then it happened. I spoke to the admissions horses with reins made of string or coloured competing against other schools in a variety of on aspects of school life. This year there has team who told me they had checked 40 schools circular thin ropes we made on cotton-reels sports. This year our athletics team reached been a focus on discussing our school values in the area which were all oversubscribed. The with four nails on top, with a hairpin to lift the Sports Hall Athletics County Finals and and how maths is being taught throughout the only options were to go back to his previous wool over stitch by stitch. Nearly everyone our competitive football team are enjoying this school. This is a great way for governors to get school or a school I didn’t even know existed, had a hoop, iron ones with 'skimmers' for year’s fixtures. an insight into what the pupils feel about St Christ Church C of E Infant School in Virginia boys, wooden with plain short sticks for girls. During the school holidays, sport Ann’s Heath. Learning Committee governors Water. I nearly cried, I knew it was a sign. I In their season tops were played, 'conkers' continues at St Ann’s Heath with Multi Sports also participated in learning walks gain an couldn’t believe how lucky we had been. I called hardened and strung for battles - 'Inker, and Football courses running at the school overview of lessons being taught. It was great my Mum and told her. She laughed because she Onker, my first conker'.” which all children in the community from to see our children sharing what they have knew this was “meant to be.” Reception year up to year 6 are welcome to been learning and feeling proud of the work in We couldn’t wait to visit the school and the Joshua has been at the school for six months attend. their books. moment we saw it we just fell in love with it. The now and we have both made wonderful friends If your child would like to take part in the character of the Victorian building makes you and are very happy to be a part of it. holiday sport courses please visit Jackie King and Pip O’Connor, think of happy school days of old. https://pssportscoaching.com/holiday- Co-Headteachers This excerpt of “Memories of Attending Flavia Gray

8 9 STRADDLING THE POND

BETCHA CAN'T EAT JUST ONE BY SCOTT A. ELIAS never cease to be amazed at the amount of Isupermarket shelf space devoted to snack food and drink. American stores have huge sections dedicated to the display of chips, pretzels, nuts, popcorn, snack crackers, pork rinds, and other salty snacks. You can wash them all down with soft drinks. These days traditional sodas have been joined by sport drinks, high- energy drinks, electrolyte water, flavored water, coconut water, probiotic water, choice’ gone mad! antioxidant water, vitamin-enriched water, and A 2013 survey of supermarkets in Western mineral water from springs around the world. Europe, North America, Australia and New No one has any excuse for becoming Zealand examined the amount of shelf space dehydrated anymore. set aside for snack foods. UK stores scored the All of this got me thinking about the highest for space devoted to crisps, chocolate, American passion for snacks. It turns out that confectionary, and all snack foods combined. the US government has delved deeply into this The countries with the least supermarket shelf phenomenon, from a dietary standpoint. space for snacks were the Netherlands and According to a 2018 report, about one-fourth New Zealand. Despite our notorious love of of daily calories in the American diet come snacking, the USA failed to make the top of any from snacks. The grocers aren’t helping to snack food shelf space category. curb this problem. Supermarket owners are As I’m sure you know, the UK has a love constantly trying to find ways to get us to buy affair with chocolate. British grocery stores more snacks. They put them in strategic sell 53 varieties of chocolate bars and candies. locations throughout the store, especially near The British consume about 17 pounds of the tills. Chocolate bars are stacked within chocolate per person per year. The people of easy reach of toddlers. Why do they do this? the USA only manage to eat 10 pounds per It’s simple. Their profit margins on salty person per year. snacks range from 35-49%, and on candy bars And what about British rates of snack they average 50%. US supermarket profit consumption? A rather disturbing trend margins on fresh fruits and vegetables can be reported in the press is that skipping meals as little as 3%. It’s all about the money. and snacking throughout the day is becoming How many kinds of salty snacks do we increasingly common. Nearly 60% of British need? US stores offer 42 different flavors of people say they are doing this, particularly potato chips, including such bizarre flavors as young women. About 30% say that they do this baby back ribs, Cajun crayfish, Chesapeake daily. Throughout the developed world, Bay crab spice, fried pickle with ranch healthy, nutritious foods are being supplanted dressing, horseradish and cheddar, hot chile by salty, sugary, fatty snacks. At least this is with dill pickle, jalapeño pepper, lime and one existential crisis we can each address! cracked pepper, mesquite-smoked bacon, Mexican barbecue, mozzarella and marinara, Scott A. Elias and red curry with coconut. Oh, and they also Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research sell plain, unsalted chips. This is ‘consumer University of Colorado, Boulder, USA

10 11 VIRGINIA WATER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION THE BEST OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS MICHAEL talks about the times when APRIL 2020 DIARY ROSEN’S he can almost forget and SAD BOOK enjoy watching the football • Wednesday 1st 6:30pm, Art Society, but then unexpectedly is Jean McDonnell 01784 741599, he story of Easter is overwhelmed again: “It’s just [email protected] central to the Christian a cloud that comes along and • Wednesday 8th 7:30 for 8pm, VW Tfaith and is a time of covers me up.” Horticultural Society. Contact Gillian Bull mixed emotions, moving This book is moving – a email [email protected] from the deep sadness and combination of sincerity and • Wednesday 15th 7:15 for 7:30pm start (no despair of Good Friday simplicity. Rosen makes admission after this time), Sound Meditation, through the emptiness and complicated feelings plain. contact Alexandra Rigazzi-Tarling • Saturday 8:45 –9:30am Zumba – walk-ins questioning of Easter The illustrations and words [email protected] welcome, £6. All abilities, contact 07966 Saturday to the indescribable work together perfectly. • Wednesday 22nd 7:45pm, Trumps Green 018610 email [email protected] joy of Easter Sunday when Rosen said of the completed WI, Stephanie Lillis 07789 872289 • Saturday 10:15–11:45am T’ai Chi, Wendy we can celebrate the text, " I wrote it at a moment [email protected] Baker 01344 844224 resurrection of Jesus. of extreme feeling and it went • Friday 24th 8pm start, VWCA Turner Film However, before the victory straight down onto the page... Club, 01344 842275. To go on mailing list • The Hall is available to hire for Children’s comes the death and talking about death is Quentin didn't illustrate it, he 'realized' it. He email [email protected] Parties/ Social Events. Contact Bookings@ one of the hardest things for all of us – turned the text into a book and as a result vwca.org.uk for reasonable rates and especially with children. This month’s book showed me back to myself. No writer could SPECIAL EVENTS availability; discount for members. was written by one of the best known writers ask and get more than that." • Saturday 4th April Easter Trail. Come for children of our time – Michael Rosen and One reviewer says of the book, ‘Sad Book anytime between 2–4pm, £2 per child – Claire Springall, Membership Secretary, VWCA illustrated by the superb Quentin Blake. Rosen doesn't hide the darkness. It doesn't try to included: juice and biscuit, tea and coffee with [email protected] is normally thought of as a comedy writer but pretend that suffering and sadness are easy to hotcross bun for the adults this is a very personal and harrowing read; it bear. But it does at least show that it's okay to VWCA QUIZ NIGHT was written after the sudden death of his son feel bad sometimes. We all do it – and so none The Virginia Water Community Association ran Eddie from meningitis at the age of nineteen. of us is ever entirely alone. There's always a Quiz Night event at the Community Centre Nobody can imagine what it is like to go some light, even if it's a single, lonely candle.’ on Cabrera Avenue on Saturday, 29th through such an experience but Rosen is There is so much truth in that comment and February. As there had not been a quiz night powerfully honest about his grief. probably more than the reviewer realises. We for a few years, the organisers were uncertain He begins with a picture of his own smiling all experience this pain, sadness and suffering as to how many would attend but, to show just funny face, which makes the reader smile too and nobody, from any faith or none, is exempt how well the local community supports such and then the words pull you from it but Christians say that events, there were a total of eight teams who up short, the Easter story gives hope. In took part. Much fun was had by everyone and the Bible the apostle Paul the quiz was sufficiently hard to make “This is me being sad. writes to a group of Christians, everyone rack their brains, but the final scores Maybe you think I'm being “We do not want you to grieve EVENING CLASSES AND REGULAR WEEKLY showed that is was easily within reach of happy in this picture. like other people.’ (1 EVENTS (DURING TERM TIME) AT THE everyone there. Really, I'm being sad but Thessalonians 4:13). You may COMMUNITY CENTRE: The Strangers team won a nice cash prize, pretending I'm happy. ask how on earth that can be • Monday to Friday 9–2:45pm Virginia Water but everyone went away with something (even I'm doing that because I and Paul answers that Community Preschool, ages 2 –4 if it was a wooden spoon!). In addition to the think people won't like me question in the very next verse • Tuesday 5:15–6pm Pilates, Debbie Maltby quiz, which had been put together by Jeff if I'm being sad.” – ‘We believe that Jesus died 01344 843804 Turner, one of the VWCA committee and rose again.’ • Tuesday and Thursday 8–10pm Martial members, a raffle was organised by Claire As the book continues Rosen As somebody once said Arts Training. Come and experience a free Springall with a number of prizes having been explores the different ways in about the Easter story, ‘It’s lesson. Visit www.ninpotaijutsu.co.uk, Google donated by locals. In total, £247 was raised to which grief and sadness can Friday… but Sunday is ‘Ninjutsu Virginia Water’ or contact Kashim go towards the VWCA funds. Another hit us: feeling angry, wanting coming!’ Chaudhury on 01932 562068 or 07950 639695 Community quiz Night is now being planned to talk, wanting to be alone, email [email protected] for later in the year. shouting in the shower. He Dr Margaret Perkins

12 13 VIRGINIA WATER LIBRARY

CHILDREN’S CRAFT SESSIONS SATURDAY 8 FEBRUARY 10:30am to 12:30pm Join us for our Easter Saturday Children’s Session Bonanza with Craft and an Easter egg hunt!! Our creative craft team will be showing children how to make crafty things around an Easter theme. Then Cathy and Artie Adams will be running their annual chocolate Easter egg hunt. This is a great opportunity to share some quality time with your children, to help them to find Easter eggs and produce some memorable craft to take home. There’s a Coffee Shop, ‘Book and Brew’, where you can enjoy a hot coffee and a cake and there every Friday morning at 10.30 to join Diana in are lots of healthy snacks and fruit juices for chanting nursery rhymes and to jump, clap or children. The cost for the morning is just £1 per just explore the scenery. Diana welcomes all child to cover costs and any profit goes to the comers and includes the babies by using their library. names so Ada “puts the kettle on” and “fly away Peter” becomes “fly away Hudson.” Every DIANA SEAMAN, A CELEBRATION child’s birthday is celebrated with a round of RHYME TIME “Happy Birthday” and girls are mentioned as This month we celebrate Diana Seaman (top well as boys. Hence Baa Baa black sheep gives right), a library heroine, who started Rhyme his wool to the little girl, as well as the little Time 14 years ago in 2006 when our library was boy, “who lives down the lane”. As the session ALICE ALLAN first threatened with closure. Soon Mums, ends Diana encourages visitors to stay for a THURSDAY APRIL 30, LIBRARY & COFFEE SHOP carers and ‘littlies’ were flocking to the library cuppa at the Library Coffee Shop “Book and 7:30pm OPENING HOURS Brew” and is happy to Local Author, Alice answer Mums’ Allan, whose book won MONDAY closed the “People’s Prize for questions about early TUESDAY 10am–5pm reading and to listen to Fiction 2019” comes to • Coffee Morning weekly 10:30am siblings reading. Diana Virginia Water Library is amazingly reliable, to talk about her • Story Cornerweekly 3:30pm and on the rare fascinating first novel WEDNESDAY 6–8pm occasions that she called “Open my Eyes… • Reading Group every six weeks cannot be there she has that I may see at 6:15pm loyal deputies, Hayley marvellous things.” It is set in Addis Ababa, THURSDAY 10am–12:30pm Marsh and Sonia Smith. Ethiopia and is about a midwife and her • Knit & Natter weekly 10:30am I met Diana in the struggle between the professional and the FRIDAY 10am–5pm library recently with a personal. Tickets cost £5 each: they are • Rhyme Time weekly 10:30am available from the library and include a glass of family I assumed were • Games Session 2nd & 4th Friday monthly hers, but in fact they wine. Come to hear an amazing tale based on 2–4pm, Friday 10 & 24 April were regular attenders real life experiences from an author who is who knew Diana also an actress. SATURDAY 10am–1:30pm through Rhyme Time • Children’s Craft Session 2nd Saturday and now regard her as SPANISH CONVERSATION Coming soon! monthly 10:30am–12:30pm, 11 April “honorary grandmother”. Tricia Owen

14 15 HANNAH’S BLOG LETTER TO THE EDITOSR 15:02, 4 March 2020 I ask him what he needs, and he extends his hand, somewhat hesitantly, unsure of Dear Roger says that if he can get enough money my response. "Come on," I say, and pull him in xford, the city of dreaming to afford staying in a shelter, he will. for a hug, careful of his wounds. He looks at me What a lovely interesting article and photos spires, sandstone medieval “I just want somewhere to sleep with gratitude: "normally people are a bit funny published in the March Connection from the Oarchitecture, and Tudor- where I’m ok, where I can have a about giving me a hug, cos I smell." I start full on Group Scout Leader Debbie Foster (née beamed bookshops, is rife with bath and wash my clothes.” He tells sobbing, which probably bemuses him a bit. "I Stevens) on fond memories of Scouting in homelessness. me because he doesn’t have ID he’ll don't care," I manage to splutter, "I don't care at Virginia Water. I love this city. But its historic have to do the “walk of shame” to the all". My son Kevin was in Virginia Water scouts façade cannot hide the insidious YHA or somewhere miles away down As he walks off, his smile is infectious. He in the 1970s and was fortunately part of the consequences of austerity: the Iffley road. calls back to me, "I can't wait. I'll be CLEAN. I'll group that Mr Les Short took to Brownsea innumerable blanketed people on its “Wait here,” I tell him, “I’m just be WARM. I might even accidentally fall asleep in Island Jamboree and is sitting in front of Mr streets, begging, pleading, desperate going to Santander to get out money the bath – maybe I should take that McDonalds for basic rights and human interaction. for you, but I’ll be back.” He agrees and I wonder straw as a snorkel!" Short in the photograph. And I am not proud to say that normally I whether he believes me. I buy a few food items I laugh and we part ways but now I'm When Kevin has the opportunity to see the play the part of the pharisee, walking by on the from Sainsbury’s. The queue is long and I start thinking, and I'm thinking hard. photos published last month I am sure he will other side of the road, pretending not to hear the to worry. I also have to queue for the ATM One of the main reasons I've been told not to be able to put names to most of the boys sound of a human soul breaking. “I’ll donate to a machine, and end up practically running back to give to homeless people is because "they'll only published in the three photos. homeless charity when I get home,” I tell myself. Queen Street. spend it on alcohol and drugs". But I spend Thank you to Debbie for all the good But it is a convenient lie, something I convince I kneel beside him, apologising for being money on alcohol all the time. Sometimes I go on Scouting work you have done over the years myself of to allay the guilt collecting like smog late, and he mumbles gratefully, “I honestly a night out and spend way too much on alcohol, and are still doing. beneath my ribs. thought you weren’t coming back.” My heart something that, in reality, is nothing but bad for But I had an experience last year that was breaks as I wonder how many other people have me. What kind of hypocrite am I to police what With best wishes different. Because as I was walking down Queen told him similar things and not returned. He other people spend their money on, especially Keith Barkham Street, having enjoyed a day of idly drifting round tells me his name is Lee. I ask him how he’s those in a state of deep emotional and physical Oxford colleges with my extended family, a man feeling and whether he’s been to a hospital, and pain? sat on the side of the road was pleading to the he says, “I haven’t bothered because I thought And yes, that money could be spent on other people into the workplace in the way they'd want. whole street to help him. It wasn’t that his I’d just be a man about it. But it’s starting to hurt things, but the whole system is set up against And finally, I can't imagine what it feels like message was different from the other homeless more and more and now I can hardly see out my them. Most jobs demand a permanent place of to repeatedly bare your vulnerability and your people that I’ve heard or interacted with before. It left eye. I can't think straight. I think I might have residence in order to work for them. No home = desperation to an unfeeling world, day after day. I was his voice, choked with desperation and concussion.” no money = no home... and repeat. So many can't imagine being woken up to the sound of tears, like a wounded animal. “I just need to get He rolls up his jacket sleeve to show me budget cuts have taken place that homeless someone bashing my face in. Or in the glaring somewhere safe tonight. Please won’t anyone another painful-looking lump on his forearm, charities and shelters are stretched beyond light of day, to be literally at someone's feet and help me?!” and as tears prick my eyes, I can't help but capacity/resources and can't support homeless for them to walk by like you're a brick in a wall. I I tried to walk on and found that I could not. notice conspicuous raised white scars, old can't imagine the shame Other people bustled past me as I stood stock slashes against his newly bruised skin. "I'm and hopelessness and still in the road. I dug out all the change I could going to be honest with you," he admits as he isolation that comes with find and strode back towards him and squatted reaches into a tattered plastic bag beside him, "I that. beside him, offering it to him in apology for how don't normally drink but last night..." He pulls But the little we can do little it was. out a bottle of half-drunk cheap gin. "I was in so is to kneel down, look them He turned his face towards me and I had to much pain. Someone bought it for me cos I was in the eye, and see another stifle a gasp. His left eye was bloodied and desperate." I think of my own evening, warm and beautiful and complex bruised, half shut. His lips were purple with safe in my parental house, drinking red wine for human being staring back swelling, and he had lumps and cuts all over his enjoyment, while this man bled outside, alone, at you. To listen to them. To forehead. He thanked me for the money before drinking gin to numb his wounds. acknowledge their saying, “I was attacked in my sleep last night. I Another man approaches with a McDonald’s existence. To show them woke up to someone stamping on my face.” meal and holds it out – "here you go, man." Lee that someone cares. I shake my head in disbelief. He continues, looks up in timidity: "are you sure?" "Yeah, I To offer something, no “I just wanted somewhere safe to sleep and then bought it for you when I saw you." The man matter how small, even if this happened. Some of my friends have woken hands Lee £4 and walks off, leaving Lee almost it's just a hug. M O C

up to someone setting their sleeping bag on fire. speechless with joy. . R O

I’ve only been urinated on, so it’s not that bad, He starts to pack up his blanket, the food T Hannah Scott A I V but I’m so paranoid all the time about being set and money, on the verge of tears. "This day has . Project Officer, W on fire, all the time. I’m so scared.” turned right around," he says, "thank you." He W

W Bioregional

16 17 ECOLOGY MATTERS >> ECO PARTY, SUNDAY 24 th MAY

magine a balmy May Sunday when blossoms Iare abundant, sweet scent fill the air, the birds are singing, the bees are buzzing and we can relax in good company. Hopefully, at our Eco party you will be ready for the delights of an afternoon in this May-time woodland garden. You are invited to listen to our special guest, Andy Lester, Head of Conservation at A Rocha , who is a wonderfully eloquent, entertaining, and deeply knowledgeable on the natural world. As you may know, A Rocha is Christian Conservation coming to Forest School. You might like to charity that is focusing on helping churches bring a dish to share as we eat together and a raise awareness of the climate and ecological picnic chair or rug (limited seating available). crises. Parking in the adjacent field is plentiful even This is an opportunity to share our with the 200 newly planted trees. There are testimonies of what progress we have made on toilets on site. The Log Cabin will provide our journey to living more sustainably and tell shelter in the event of rain. what inspired you to change your purchasing As we enjoy nature and good fellowship, or your habits. Added to that we will be singing let’s encourage each other to celebrate what and worshipping the Lord of Creation, led by we have done and take the next step in caring Steve Beak and Sarah Higgins. for creation. Do please let me know you are The party, a free event though donations to coming so that I can cater appropriately for A Rocha are welcomed, is from 12 noon till drinks etc and keep you updated on any 4pm. There will be time to explore the developments. woodland garden and try out our scavenger Anne Martin hunt and nature trails. Children are very tel 07739 199900 welcome and some will know the joys from email [email protected]

18 19 VIRGINIA WATER SCOUTS

BEAVER SCOUT SPACE SLEEPOVER

ne of the wonderful things about Thanks to our wonderful team of volunteer Scouting, that makes us different from parents, we were also able to view the night Oall other youth groups, is our sky through a telescope before going out on an badgework. We love working hard for our alien egg hunt in the dark. We found all the badges and proudly wearing our achievements alien eggs that had been laid on the on our uniforms. Coronation field and saved Virginia Water This term we ran a Sleepover at residents from an alien invasion! Trotsworth Hall for Beaver Scouts to earn We watched ‘Monsters vs Aliens’ and all their Space Activity Badge. Beaver Scouts were asleep by about 10:15pm. We learned all about planets, space Although this sounds late it is actually quite missions, stars and the solar system and then good for a sleepover (where there is ironically got very messy! We created our own a considerable lack of sleep!). This was a first constellation boxes, painting them black and night away for many of our Beavers and they then using small LED lights as the star did incredibly well to sleep away from home, constellations, made papier mache planets on a hard floor. and armpit fudge. Armpit fudge sounds We had a lot of fun and are very grateful to revolting but is actually delicious. It’s made in all the volunteer parents who helped, slept sealable bags and we use the heat of our over and organised all the food for us. armpits to mash up all the ingredients! The If you’d like to get involved with all the fun Beavers loved it! and give something back to the community at the same time, please do get in contact. We have lots of vacancies including an assistant Scout Leader role and fundraising Deputy Chair, plus other support roles, so why not join us?

Media enquiries including photo opportunities: • Debbie Foster , Group Scout Leader: email [email protected] tel 07887 556377 Squirrel

20 21 NOTICEBOARD... NOTICEBOARD...

fVorO thLe cUhaNrityT sEhoEp aRt 2S1 S NtatEionE PDaraEdeD – Contact: Mary Morgan tel 01483 881750 email [email protected] Charity number: 1115439

22 23 NOTICEBOARD... NOTICEBOARD... PUBLIC MEETING – t THE RIVERSIDE WALK t

There will be a meeting to organise the setting up of a 'Friends Group' for the Riverside Walk Nature Reserve. All residents are welcome. This will be held at Virginia Water Community Centre, Cabrera Avenue on April 3rd at 7:30pm . Leading the meeting will be the Open Space team of Runnymede Council and members of the volunteer group who help maintain and improve the site. Please come and support this new initiative it is open to all who have an interest in supporting this lovely facility. There will be many opportunities to help which do not necessarily involve hard manual labour. If you have any questions please contact Pam Thomas on 01344 842530

SIGHT FOR SURREY

ight for Surrey has received a wonderful donation of £1,800 from Toyota’s Fund for a Better Tomorrow. The money will help fund an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO) at Epsom SHospital, a vital link between the Ophthalmologist and accessing benefits and services for anyone diagnosed with a vision impairment. Once diagnosed with a vision impairment, many are left without on-going support and advice not knowing where to turn to access support and help. This is where Sight for Surrey’s ECLO step in providing a bridge and supportive helping hand. To help boost Sight for Surrey’s fundraising we apply to various charity foundations for grants and donations towards specific projects and items. The application to Toyota GB was to help fund our ECLO service. Currently, Sight for Surrey has one ECLO, who covers five major hospitals in Surrey. Without Sight for Surrey’s service many thousands of blind and vision impaired people would be left without care and support including information on benefits and access to services to allow them to continue living and operating independently. Lucinda Lighting, Sight for Surrey tel 01372 377701 email [email protected]

24 25 NOTICEBOARD...

VIRGINIA WATER CORONATION PLAYING FIELD Registered Charity no. 305022

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF RUNNYMEDE AREA U3A THE VIRGINIA WATER CORONATION PLAYING FIELD WILL BE HELD ON Are you retired or semi-retired? MONDAY 11th MAY 2020 AT 6:45 pm If so, come and join us. We have IN THE CHRIST CHURCH CENTRE. many interest groups, including: RESIDENTS OF VIRGINIA WATER Three Walking Groups, Bird Watching, ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE Social History and many more. For ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. details of all our thirty plus groups and activities, please visit our very comprehensive website and start a new chapter in your life.

www.u3asites.org.uk/runnymede

Diana Bannister

Registered Charity no. 1096914 www.vwfc.co.uk

26 27 NOTICEBOARD...

The Good News Café THURSDAYS, 12:30–15:00 (LATER FINISH ON FILM DAY) AT CHRIST CHURCH, VIRGINIA WATER A welcoming environment for anyone to come together and enjoy each other’s company over lunch, dessert, and other optional activities. WHAT’S ON THIS APRIL? 2 April 12:30 Light Lunch 13:30 Book Club 9 April 12:30 Light Lunch 13:30 Film Club 16 April 12:30 Light Lunch 13:30 Christianity Explored 23 April 12:30 Light Lunch 13:30 Activities 30 April 11:30 Holy Communion 12:30 Roast Lunch 13:30 WonderYears concert

‰ Come at 12:30 for lunch and stay for coffee and optional activities. Or just come for the activities!

‰ Christianity Explored Who is Jesus, why did he come, and what does it mean to follow him? Do join us for session three this month!

‰ Don't miss the ever popular WonderYears, who are singing for us 30 April.

‰ Voluntary contributions towards costs: £3 for Light Lunch / £6 for Roast Lunch For more information or to arrange transport, please call Christ Church on 01344 844946 /email [email protected]

28 29 NOTICEBOARD... NOTICEBOARD... BOOK CLUB g VIRGINIA WATER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY h April 8th Michelle Cleave Spring Bulbs at Savill Garden WITH MARGARET PERKINS May 13th Garden Party Do you enjoy reading? And do you enjoy talking about what you have read? If so, then why June 10th Peter Herring Winkworth Arboretum not join the Book Club at Christ Church on the first Thursday of every month. We meet at July 8th Graham Harding Sandhurst Walk 1:30pm in the Patio Rooms for about an hour and eveybody is welcome. September 9th John Anderson Update from Below is a list of what we will be reading over the next twelve months; as you can see it is very varied and reflects the membership of the group as we all choose a book to read. October 14th George Hounsome Wildlife 2020 Try us out – we’d love to see you. November 11th Sarah Oldridge Marianne North - To be read during: To be discussed on: a remarkable Victorian flower painter December 12th AGM March April 2 Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy January 13th, 2021 Chris Stewart Moles April May 7 Stanley and Elsie by Nicola Upson May June 4 The Award by Danielle Steele June July 2 Tombland by CJ Sampson Linda Gillham, Chairman/Secretary July August 6 The Liar in the Library by Simon Brett 01932 564839 email [email protected] August September 3 Peggy and Me by Miranda Hart September October 1 The Chosen by Chaim Potok October November 5 The Enchanted Places by Christopher Milne EGHAM AND DISTRICT MUSIC CLUB November December 3 Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout CONCERT SERIES, 2020 December January 7, 2021 The Century Girls by Tessa Dunlop January February 4, 2021 The Last Tudor by Philippa Gregory

UNITED CHURCH, HIGH STREET, EGHAM TW20 9EX WWW.WEGOTTICKETS.COM

30 31 NOTICEBOARD... NOTICEBOARD... y KNOWLE HILL y Egham-by-Runnymede TRUMPS GREEN WI y TENNIS CLUB y Historical Society PROGRAMME 2020 s I write we are still waiting for the on Saturday 7th March. The 12-week course is weather to show signs of improving... or again fully subscribed with over thirty 2020 Meetings are held in the Community Centre, Aat least the rain to abate! Luckily our youngsters including half a dozen “tots” in the Beechmont Avenue, Virginia Water GU25 4EY courts drain very efficiently but quite a few of the three- to five-year-old section which started on the 4th Wednesday of each month, except last year. We meet at 8pm on the last Thursday evening of the month December (3rd Wednesday). Doors open at 7:15pm. winter fixtures have had to be re-scheduled due in Egham United Church, High Street, Egham TW20 9EX. We Meetings from 7:45 –9:30pm. to the weather on the day, and so we’re not sure By the time this goes to print our AGM will have an interesting variety of speakers booked and would of the final results yet. On a general note it’s have taken place and I will report any significant welcome new members. April 22th Paul Read – Reach for the Stars been a tough season for the teams especially developments in the next issue. the men who moved up a division from last year May 27th Barbara Gallagher, The Connection: and so have been against stronger opposition Clive Catherall • April 30th - Heroes & Villains of the Basingstoke Volunteering at a homeless day centre; Canal by Roger Cansdale this winter. Linda Taylor, Policing the Police Our teams are always glad to have some • May 28th - Farnborough's Empress by Sheila Binns June 24th Wonder Years, Choir performance “new blood”, so if you’d like to add to their numbers they’d really appreciate it. Have a look • June 25th - The Victoria Cross: Facts & Fancies July 22nd Jackie Clemson, Windsor Castle – at our website knowlehilltc.com , find us on by Dan Allen Fortress, Palace and Home Facebook, or just give me a buzz on 01344 842433 or email [email protected] August No Meeting • July 30th - Metropolis Necropolis by Ann Galgon and I will make every effort to introduce you into our friendly club. The April Club Session will September 23rd Paul Sedgwick, Management of take place on Sunday 19th April at 2:30pm. As • August - No meeting Windsor Great Park usual, all are welcome, so why not pop along for • September 24th - Tales of London Airport October 28th 60th Birthday celebration, Party a bit of a knock and meet some of our members by Barry Dix games ... refreshments provided. The photograph is of our mixed team • October 29th - The History of Ashford Hospital by November 25th AGM & Quiz captain Rob Bland who has been a member of Nick Pollard the club for about twelve years and has done a December 16th James Haddow, The lives and great job of leading the mixed team for the last loves of a taxi driver poet • November 26th - History of White Waltham Airfield couple of years. He also has a very sporty by Richard Poad January 27th 2021 Subs/Resolutions/Mariette thirteen-year-old son called Max who is not only Jansen, Mindfulness in the Surrey county tennis squad but plays • December - no meeting cricket for . Rob and Max are the Pauline Oldridge, • Please note, the programme current doubles champions at Knowle Hill. Programme Secretary is subject to change Junior coaching with Nick Ingham began

• Wednesday 8th April – COMIC BOOK WORKSHOP : 1-hour sessions running throughout the day, £6 per child • Saturday 18th April – CRAFTY DAY : 10:30am-1pm, FREE • Thursday 23rd April –ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW FILM NIGHT , £6.50 pp Booking for all events can be found here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/egham-museum-13042283354

Sarah Corn, Curator Dave Thomas 01344 842530 email [email protected] [email protected] www.eghammuseum.org Further details at Twitter @EghamMuseum Facebook Egham-Museum Instagram @museumegham www.wonderyearsrock.com

32 33 NOTICEBOARD... NOTICEBOARD...

The MEN’S WALKING GROUP normally meets on the third Friday of each month for a half-day walk followed by a lunch. Pictured here are the men relaxing after a recent walk. VIRGINIA WATER ART SOCIETY MEMBERS’ PROGRAMME 2020

Wednesday 1st Apr Demonstration: Jonathan Newey – w/c Pencils pen wash If you are a man looking for fresh air, exercise Thursday 16th Apr Coach Outing: Venue TBA and the opportunity to Wednesday 6th May Demonstration: Linda Appleby – Acrylic landscape make new friends Saturday 23rd May Workshop: Rob Wareing – Portrait please contact Wednesday 3rd Jun Demonstration: Heather Jolliffe - Coastal boats Saturday 6th Jun Spring Exhibition: on The Green Virginia Water (one week later if rain forecast) Dave Thomas on Wednesday 1st Jul Demonstration: Keith Hornblower - w/c Landscape 01344 842530 or Wednesday 5th Aug Demonstration: George Boyter - Pencil Tonal Values, [email protected] Cross Hatching Techniques Saturday 11th Jul Workshop: Jake Winkle - Animals/wildlife Impressionist Style Wednesday 2nd Sep Demonstration: Paul Alcock – Line & Wash People Saturday 5th Sep Autumn Exhibition: on The Green Virginia Water (one week later if rain forecast) The Ladies Walking Group normally meets on the third Friday of Thursday 17th Sep Coach Outing: The Mall Galleries SWA each month for a half-day walk followed by a pub lunch. Wednesday 7th Oct Demonstration: Paul Oakley – Seascapes and Skies Pictured are some of the ladies after a recent walk. If you are a Saturday 24th Oct Workshop: Mick McNicholas – Life Drawing lady looking for fresh air, exercise and friendly chat please Wednesday 4th Nov Demonstration: Chris Forsey – Acrylics Landscape contact Pam Thomas. Saturday 14th Nov Workshop: Members’ painting day Wednesday 2nd Dec Demonstration: Graham Scandrett – Pastel still life LWG 2020 AGM tba If you would like 2021 to join us, please Wednesday 6th Jan Demonstration: Kim Page – critique contact Pam Thomas: mobile 07766 489284 home 01344 842530 email VIRGINIA WATER ART SOCIETY meets at the Community Centre, Beechmont Avenue, Trumps [email protected] Green, every first Wednesday of the month from 7:30 to 9:30pm. The first visit is free; thereafter £5. Refreshments are provided. Visitors are very welcome. All workshops are held at St Ann’s Heath School, Sandhills Lane, Virginia Water GU25 4DS

For further information, contact Jean McDonnell 01784 741599 email [email protected] www.virginiawater.org.uk/artsociety

34 35 PICTURE GALLERY

IMAGES FROM THE CHARITY OPERA EVENING AT THE ROYAL HOLLOWAY COLLEGE’S SPLENDID PICTURE GALLERY. THE EVENT RAISED FUNDS FOR THREE LOCAL CHARTIES:THE 1ST VIRGINIA WATER SCOUTS, ‘COMBAT STRESS’ AND ‘SIGHT FOR SURREY’.

36 37 * Leisure 01932 425685 THE LOCAL COMMUNITY * Community Transport 01932 425050 CHRISTCHURCH ROOFING & BUILDING MAINTENANCE LTD DIRECTORY... * Community Meals 01932 425010 * Community Alarms 01932 425865/68 s Roofing and guttering specialists s Fencing EMERGENCY NUMBERS * Social Centres for over 55s / Runnymede s Plastic fascias replaced s Roofing tiles and slates replaced * Police, Fire, Ambulance 999 Wellbeing Centre 01932 425865/68 s Chimney stacks repaired s Flat roofs replaced in felt * Electrical Emergences & Power Cuts 105 s Lead flushings fitted s Painting and garden maintenance * National Gas Emergency 0800 823 333 VIRGINIA WATER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION s Full property maintenance service s NO CALL OUT CHARGE * Fresh Water Leak Line 0800 376 5325 * www.vwca.org.uk s Carpentry s PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURED * Foul Water & Drains 0800 316 9800 * Highways Drains 0300 200 1003 WENTWORTH RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION 01344 845951 * 01344 842819 www.wentworthestate.org.uk CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, telephone POLICE VIRGINIA WATER, SURREY 07990 556007 emergency mobile * (24 hours non-emergency) 101 EGHAM MUSEUM , High Street , TW20 9EW * 01784 434483 email [email protected] USEFUL NUMBERS * Dr Ben Spencer MP (Runnymede and ), SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA * 020 8541 9944 0207 219 3000 * Cllr Mel Few 07889 126439 email [email protected] email [email protected] * Doctor: Packers Surgery 01344 842951 * Libraries 0300 200 1001 * NHS DIRECT HELPLINE 111 * Roads/transport 0300 200 1003 * St Peter’s Hospital (NHS) 01932 872000 * Schools 0300 200 1004 * Lloyds Pharmacy (VW) 01344 843169 www.surreycc.gov.uk * Runnymede Hill Vet Hospital 01784 436367 * VW Veterinary Clinic 01344 841801 PUBLIC TRANSPORT * U3A Runnymede Area * National Rail 0845 748 4950 website: u3asites.org.uk/Runnymede * Traveline 0871 200 2233 RUNNYMEDE BOROUGH COUNCIL AIRPORTS * 01932 838383 * Gatwick 0844 892 0322 * Cllr Parshotam Sohi (Mayor) 07932 663939 * Heathrow 0844 335 1801 * Cllr Chris Howorth 07977 534455 www.heathrowairport.com * Cllr Jonathan Hulley 01932 838383 (*live flight information) email [email protected] * 01582 405100 * Recycling 0800 052 0067 * Stansted 0844 335 1803 SCHOOLS * Christ Church Infant School Head of School: Jo Ruddick 01344 842308 * St Ann’s Heath Junior School Joint Headteachers: Mrs Jackie King & Mrs Pip O’Connor 01344 842900 * Trumps Green Infant Schoool Headteacher: Miss Morris 01344 843928 * Virginia Water Community Pre-School Co-Managers Navdeep Kamboj & Susan Wordingham 01344 842892 1st VIRGINIA WATER SCOUT GROUP, TROTSWORTH HALL, VIRGINIA WATER * Beaver Scouts (6–8 years) (Wednesdays, 6–7:30pm) * Cub Scouts (8–10½ years) (Mondays, 6:30–8pm) * Scouts (10½ –14 years) (Thursdays, 7:15–9:15pm) Leader: Debbie Foster 07887 556377 email [email protected]

COMMUNITY GROUPS * VW Art Society Jean McDonnell email [email protected] 01784 741599 * Wonderyears (Seniors Rock Chorus and Band) (Mondays 7:30 –9.30pm) Dave Thomas 01344 842530 www.wonderyearsrock.com email [email protected] * Trumps Green WI www.trumpsgreenwi.btck.co.uk Stephanie Lillis 07789 872289 email [email protected]

DOMESTIC ABUSE * Your Sanctuary (, Runnymede & Surrey Heath) – 24 hour 01483 776822 ■ USEFUL WEBSITES 01 932 455860 07903 060728 * Tired of paying premium rates to contact essential services? Contact them on a normal landline number or a FREEPHONE number at www.saynoto0870.com

38 39 CHURCH DIARY 2020

First Sunday 08:00 Traditional Holy Communion 08:30 Church Family Breakfast * 10:30 All Age Contemporary Worship 18:30 Holy Communion Tuesday 09:15 Community Bible Study UK ** Wednesday 09:00 Christ Church Toddler Group (morning, term times) A 13:00 Christ Church Toddler Group (afternoon, term times) A 19:00 First Wednesday Thursday 10:00 Women’s Fellowship and Bible Study Group 09:00 Cruse Bereavement Counselling *** 12:30 Good News Café: Light Lunch and Activities Friday 19:00 W@C Youth Group (School Years 7 –9) term time only B 20:15 Fuel Youth Group (School Years 10 –13) term time only B Saturday 07:30 Men’s Bible Study Second Sunday 08:00 Traditional Holy Communion 10:30 Contemporary Worship 18:30 Informal Worship Third Sunday 08:00 Traditional Holy Communion 10:30 Holy Communion 18:30 Youth and Student Led Service Last Thursday 11:30 Holy Communion 12:30 Good News Café, Roast Lunch First Saturday 17:30 Explorers Fourth Sunday 08:00 Traditional Holy Communion 10:30 Contemporary Worship 18:30 Informal Worship

Please note: Above is an example of our regular patterns of worship. Service times are occasionally changed when we have guest speakers or large church celebrations such as l FREE ESTIMATES Christmas and Easter. Please check our website for up-to-date information. l RELIABLE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE l FLEXIBLE WORKING HOURS A & B please see website for details l FULLY QUALIFIED ELECTRICIANS (17 th EDITION OF BS7671) * Church Family Breakfast on the first Sunday of the month excluding August and October. l PART P CERTIFICATION Suggested donation £3 l TESTING AND INSPECTION l PERIODIC TESTING ** Community Bible Study (CBS) is hosted by Christ Church on Tuesday from 09:15 – 11:30 l ALL OUR WORK IS FULLY GUARANTEED during term time. If you are interested in attending please contact Joanna Hedges at [email protected]

*** Cruse Bereavement Counselling is a national charity. It holds a weekly surgery at Christ Church, offering confidential and free advice, information and support to anyone who has been bereaved. For an appointment please call 01932 571177

Bring and Share Church Family Lunches are held throughout the year. Please see the GREG BRYAN website www.cc-vw.org for details. tel 01344 779816 mob 07786 626929 email greg @gb-electrical-services.co.uk www.gb-electrical-services.co.uk

40 41 CHRIST CHURCH, VIRGINIA WATER CHRIST CHURCH, the MAIN SUNDAY SeRVICe tIMeS: CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, VIRGINIA WATER, 8:00 – Traditional Holy Communion SURREY, GU25 4PT 10:30 – Contemporary Worship www.cc-vw.org 18:30 – Informal Worship tel 01344 844946 Christ Church Virginia Water is a registered charity, number 1128275

YOUNG PEOPLE’S GROUPS ChURCh StAff Christ Church Toddlers Rev Jeremy Brown 07484 867033 Vicar Rev Dr Simon Vibert (day off Friday) 01344 430230 (via Church office – Wednesdays, 9–11am, term time only) email: [email protected] Christ Church Toddlers Rev Jeremy Brown 07484 867033 Curate Rev Vincent Murphy email: [email protected] (via Church office – Wednesdays, 1–2:45pm, term time only) Youth and Young Judah Garrison 01344 844946 Crèche (0 –2) Church office 01344 844946 Adult Worker email: [email protected] (Sundays, 10:30am) Children’s & Family Pastor Rev Jeremy Brown (day off Friday) 07484 867033 Stepping Stones (2 –5) Rev Jeremy Brown 07484 867033 email: [email protected] (Sundays, 10:30am) Church Interns Ash Guru email: [email protected] Living Stones (6 –8) Rev Jeremy Brown 07484 867033 Megan Creamer email: [email protected] (Sundays, 10:30am) Corner Stones (8 –11) Rev Jeremy Brown 07484 867033 (Sundays, 10:30am) Church Wardens George Gilbert W@C (school years 7 –9) Contact Church Office 01344 844946 Lynn Eastlund (Fridays, 7 –8:30pm) Licenced Lay Ministers Anne Cotton 01344 842650 FUEL (school years 10 –13) Contact Church Office 01344 844946 (Fridays, 8:15 –10pm) Student Bible Studies Judah Garrison 01344 844946 Student Pizza CHURCH OFFICE (open weekdays 9a m–12 noon) (after 6:30pm servce – term time) Operations Manager Annette Ross 01344 844946 email: [email protected] ADULT GROUPS Church Administrator Carrie Vibert (days off Wednesday and Friday) 01344 844946 email: [email protected] CBSI Community Bible Study UK Development & Sarah Banks (days off Wednesday and Friday) 01344 844946 Tuesdays at 9:30am Joanna Hedges email: [email protected] Communications Officer email: [email protected] Fridays at 9:30am (Anita Whitehead’s house) Julia Periton email: [email protected] Finance Administrator Leza Sack 01344 844946 Bible Study Group Mondays email: [email protected] Christ Church Website (Mondays at 8pm) 01344 844946 www.cc-vw.org Men’s Bible Study Group Ken Edwards 07762 366509 (Saturday mornings, 7:30am breakfast, 8am Bible study) Ladies’ Bible Study (Thursdays 10 –11:30am, term time) Church Office 01344 844946 Good News Café CONNECT GROUPS IN AND AROUND VIRGINIA WATER (Thursdays 12:30pm –3pm) Church Office 01344 844946 Golf Society Rob Humphreys 01344 624000 If you are interested in joining a house group, please contact please contact Church Office 01344 844946 or email [email protected] CHURCH FINANCES If you identify with BAPTISMS AND WEDDINGS The Pastor would Jim & Julia Periton, Oak Tree Close George & Bev Gilbert, Knowle Hill Christ Church, we invite you to contribute to be delighted to discuss with you arrangements Merle Adams, Brock Way David & Pam Thomas, Harpesford Avenue t h e w o r k o f the Church, in and beyond the for a Baptism Service, Wedding or Service of Margaret Perkins, Morningside Close Kevin & Liz Gallagher, Trotsworth Court Parish, by Banker’s Standing Order (gift-aided Blessing following a Civil Marriage. Please write where possible). Please contact the Church or telephone Rev Dr Simon Vibert on 01344 Phil & Debbie Elsdon, Alder Close Office on 01344 844946 or email 430230 or email [email protected] [email protected] for more details .

42 43 QUALITY PAINTING AND DECORATING A TRUSTED CONNECTION ★ INTERIOR AND ADVERTISER FOR EXTERIOR OVER 15 YEARS ★ INSURANCE WORK ★ FREE UNDERTAKEN ESTIMATES ★ COMPETITIVE ★ EXCELLENT PRICES REFERENCES 13 Station Approach Virginia Water 01344 625477 Surrey GU25 4DW c 07818 670875 (mob) e-mail [email protected] 7 CHARTERS WAY, SUNNINGDALE, SL5 9QQ CITY AND GUILDS REGISTERED [email protected] FULLY INSURED

CHRIST CHURCH, CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, VIRGINIA WATER, SURREY, GU25 4PT www.cc-vw.org