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Home , East Reading, Purley on Thames, Stratfield Mortimer

PURLEY NEWS

JULY 2007

35P

For the & Community of PURLEY ON

ST. MARY THE VIRGIN www.stmaryspurley.org.uk

RECTOR EDITOR Rev. Roger B. Howell Matthew Slingsby The Rectory, 1 Westridge Avenue 24 Skerritt Way, Purley on Thames, Tel: 0118 941 7727 RG8 8DD Email: [email protected] Tel: 0118 961 5585 [email protected] ORDAINED LOCAL MINISTER Rev. Andrew Mackie DISTRIBUTION 12 Church Mews Steve Corrigan Tel: 0118 941 7170 11 Drive Purley on Thames CURATE Tel: 0118 945 1895 Rev. Jean Rothery Oaklea, Road, Tidmarsh SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: 0118 984 3625 Les Jamieson 58a Wintringham Way CHURCHWARDENS Purley on Thames Mary Barrett Tel: 0118 941 2342 Tel: 0118 984 2166 ADVERTISING Debbie Corrigan Liane Southam Tel: 0118 945 1895 1 Bakery Cottages, Reading Road, Common, Reading CHURCH HALL BOOKINGS Tel: 0118 983 1165 before 6pm please Lorna Herring [email protected] Tel: 0118 942 1547 PRINTING BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS Richfield Graphics Ltd, All enquiries to the Rector If you are new to the area and would like to This magazine is published on the first Saturday of each subscribe to Purley Parish News, please contact month (except August). The price of each issue is 35p either Steve Corrigan or Les Jamieson. with a discounted annual subscription price of £3.50 for Comments and opinions expressed in this eleven issues. magazine do not necessarily reflect the views We welcome all contributions to this magazine, of the Editor or the PCC of St Mary's Church, particularly on local issues and events. Copy can be Purley on Thames œ publishers of Purley Parish delivered either in writing or by email. Please note News œ nor is any endorsement of the products however, we reserve the right to edit contributions to and services of our advertisers implied by their suit space availability and to maintain consistency of inclusion. style (font etc). Local event adverts can be accommodated but space is limited; landscape format THIS EDITION PUBLISHED 7 JULY copy is preferred in this case as it allows a ²-page entry to be published. If specially preparing content, please NEXT EDITION COPY DEADLINE 18 AUGUST set your page size to A5. NEXT EDITION PUBLISHED 1 SEPTEMBER

Cover image: Copyright © L Diane Johnson, Crossdaily.com

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FROM THE RECTOR Dear friends

NO TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES! In a conversation with a resident of Purley some time ago, I heard the saying "He hasn't got time to smell the roses!" It was remark that I had not come across before, and it rang a few bells within. How easy it is to become a victim of time; never having enough time; too busy to do this or that; trying to save time etc. etc. A few weeks ago, the Bishop of Reading was on Reading Station as commuters hurried for their trains to work. He was offering an egg timer, with the encouragement to take the three minutes, it takes the sand to go through, and spend it in silence. He has just written a book - Do Nothing to Change Your Life* making a plea to stop now and again and reflect. He says, "I am troubled for myself and for our world, when every waking hour is filled with activity that sweeps dreams away, and has no room for rest and play." We all have the same amount of time in a day, and there can't be any more time in a day. The question is not about the amount of time we have, but about the way we use our time." I wonder if you are in control of your time, or are you enslaved to its many demands? On the BBC programme The Antiques Roadshow the other day, there was a lady who had brought along a beautiful piece of furniture. John Bly was telling her about it and he showed her a secret drawer in it. The lady was flabbergasted œ she had had the chest for many years, but had never discovered the catch that released the drawer! We live in a wonderful world, and it is easy to pass its sights and sound each day, but to remain blind and deaf to what is close at hand. One day of course our time will run out, and then it really will be "too late". The garden roses have provided a spectacular show this year, and although many have little or no perfume these days, there are still some that have an amazing scent. If you haven't got time to smell to roses, it may not be too serious, but failure to find the "secret drawer" of God's love in Jesus Christ is an altogether different matter.

30 September 2007

* Church House Publishing £6.99 œ available from any bookshop

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ALL CHANGE! At the end of this current school term Jeanette Goddard will be retiring as head teacher of Purley Church of Infants' School. She has been in post for around 17 years. I have the privilege of visiting the school each Monday to lead Collective Worship. A warm welcome always awaits me and although on occasions I have had to scratch my head to find a "way in" for the children, with the subject in question, I have often been amazed by the way the children respond, and in particular how they have remembered the stories I have told. The welcoming atmosphere at the school, and the progress children have made during their short time there, is due to the hard work of Jeanette and her staff. We say a big "thank you" to Jeanette for all she has put into the life of the school and wish her a long and happy retirement, which I suspect, will not be entirely without some activity that benefits others. Roger Howell

CHURCH SERVICES 8 July 9.30am Family Communion 11.15am Morning Worship

15 July 10.30am Confirmation Service at St James 6.00pm Evening Worship

22 July 9.30am Family Worship 11.15am Holy Communion

29 July 9.30am Family Worship 11.15am Holy Communion

5 August 10.30am Holy Communion

12 August 10.30am Family Communion (with all-age activity) 6.00pm Holy Communion

19 August 10.30am Holy Communion

26 August 10.30am Holiday Club Service 6.00pm Holy Communion

2 September 9.30am Family Worship 11.15am Holy Communion 6.00pm Holy Communion

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Tue 24 July Mon 10 September Tue 30 October Mon 10 December Over the past couple of years Christians in Purley from many churches have come together regularly to give thanks to God for our village, and to pray - for individuals, families, schools, groups, activities, places and even the parish council and the councillors! Do feel welcome to come along to St Mary's on the following dates - even if you haven't before, or aren't too sure about prayer. We start at 8pm and are finished by 9pm. If you can't manage it but want us to pray for you, or a situation you are concerned about, just drop us a note or an email.

Sally Robertson Chris Rayers 962 5978 942 1880 [email protected] [email protected] Melyn, Colyton Way 9 Allison Gardens (on the corner next to the shop)

SYRIA œ 12 DAYS APRIL 2008 A journey in the borders of Eden and Ancient Phoenicia œ lands of Abraham, David, Solomon and St. Paul. Golden deserts and fertile river valleys œ cradle of the alphabet. This tour is being led by Rev Brian Spence from Englefield. If you would like further information, contact him on 930 2227 or [email protected] DARFUR EMERGENCY APPEAL There will be a "Bucket Collection" in church on Sunday 1 and 8 July. Monies given will be sent to TEARFUND, and used to bring relief to the situation in Darfur. As intense conflict enters its fourth year, the people of Darfur and neighbouring Chad continue to be forced from their homes to live in fear in refugee camps with scant resources. The resources of host communities are also stretched beyond the limits. CONFIRMATION SERVICE The Bishop of Reading will lead a Confirmation Service on Sunday 15 July at 10.30am at St James the Less Church . Several adults and young people from St Mary's have been preparing to be confirmed. On this Sunday, there will be no morning services at St Mary's. Instead, we shall be supporting those being confirmed. Make the effort and join us at St. James' Church. HARMONIOUS DISSIMILITUDE The Spiritual Development & Training Group presents a talk led by Canon Vincent Strudwick entitled "Harmonious Dissimiltude: Living with Difference in the Church", on Wednesday 10 October 2007 at 8pm at St Mary's Burghfield.

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PARISH REGISTERS WEDDING 2 June Peter Detnon and Susanna Baston

FUNERALS 30 May Eileen Joyce Maller aged 93 years (Cremation) 2 June Doreen Marajorie Wilkinson aged 86 years (Ashes) 7 June Richard John Winbur Hall Aged 58 years (Cremation)

WAM YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A MISSION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE As the summer term comes to an end, we reflect on our time together, both on Sunday mornings when, during the 9.30am service, the young people explore their faith and moral standing, and on alternate Sunday evenings during social activities. These activities are various but always fun, and this term have included a games evening in church, ten-pin bowling, a visit to the police station, and a giant rounders match in Bucknells Meadow, with many parents and siblings joining in. The term end will find us trying our hand at Archery (in a controlled environment!) at Merryfield Farm in Bradfield, followed by a Barbeque and some Pick Your Own Strawberries. June is always a pleasant month for WAM as we welcome our older members back from their universities and colleges. This June has been especially exciting as we have been able to welcome Fiona Sidorowitz safely back from India. During her time there she has been a true 'WAM' member, making a difference to the lives of orphans in Chennai, (formerly Madras), at the orphanage, Prema Vasan. The orphanage caters for both able and disabled children, and Fiona spent five of her nine months in India with them. She describes her time there as 'the most amazing time ever'. She has made lifelong friends during her life- changing experience, and she says, 'I can only pray that one day I'll be able to go back'. As soon as she has adjusted to life back in England, after her emotionally challenging time in Southern India, we look forward to hearing all about it at a service soon. She feels her life has been enriched by the experience. We're sure the lives of those with whom she worked have also been enriched by Fiona's dedication, enthusiasm, and love. A young person With A Mission to make a difference! The team and the young people of WAM wish you all a refreshing summer break. Perhaps we will see some of you at Soul Survivor (www.soulsurvivor.com) where there will be the opportunity to praise and learn with thousands of other young Christians and their families at weeklong camps. Or, perhaps we'll catch up at Holiday Club at St Mary's where the WAM members will be adding their usual fun and enthusiasm as Young Leaders for the children who attend. Nicki Woodward, (for the WAM team)

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WALK WITH A PURPOSE 7 JULY 2-4.30PM Following on from the huge success in 2005 we shall 'Walk with a Purpose 2007' across the UK on 7 July! What makes this special is that all over the country people with learning disabilities are achieving something special for themselves and raising awareness and money for Prospects, a Reading based charity that helps adults with learning disabilities, by sponsored walks. One walker will be Mike Wyles who has Aspergers syndrome. Mike walked in 2005, even though he was very worried about it, but he had a great time. Mike is part of the Causeway Prospects group and has a job in the finance department at the Prospects head office in Honey End Lane, Reading. Not only has the walk helped him overcome huge anxiety, but he has even managed to get sponsorship which will allow Prospects to support more people to live full lives as independently as possible and to become integrated into church life. For Mike and hundreds of others with learning difficulties across the UK this walk is a personal Everest. He is walking to express his thanks for the changes in his life and give a little back to Prospects. Walk with a Purpose in Purley will start at St Mary's Church at 2pm on Saturday 7 July. We plan to walk down to the lock and then back to St Mary's for fun, games, singing and afternoon tea. The afternoon activities should finish around 4.30pm. If you would like to sponsor some of our walkers (we're hoping Purley residents will get involved) or would like to take part yourself and get some sponsorship, please contact Christine Mackie on 941 7170 or email [email protected]. Everyone is welcome and you don't have to walk, wheelchair users can take part. For more information on Prospects see www.prospects.org.uk

QUIZ NIGHT Purley Beeches Residents' Association are holding a Quiz Night on Saturday, 6 October 2007 at The Barn, Purley on Tham es Please com e along and enjoy an evening of fun Bar and refreshm ents will be available Please telephone 941 3259 for details

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PANGBOURNE & DISTRICT VOLUNTEER CENTRE If you need help with transport, or know of anyone else who does, please contact us. Volunteer drivers always needed! Do you have a few spare hours? Car drivers are needed to transport clients to hospitals, also for local journeys to doctors, etc. Help in the office is also required. Office opening hours: Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri 9.30am to 11.30am. Please come and join us. Call 984 4586 or pop into The Committee Room, Pangbourne Village Hall.

PURLEY ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL The next Farmers Market will be held at the Barn on the 14 July. Future agreed dates in 2007 are 11 August, 8 September, 13 October, 10 November & 8 December. West Council has advised us of the timetable for the mobile library, which will be visiting Purley on the following Fridays: 13 July, 3 and 24 August, 14 September, 5 and 26 October, 16 November, 7 and 28 December Local timings will be: Orchard Close 1.10 to 1.30 Memorial Hall 1.35 to 1.50 Hazel Road 2.00 to 2.30 Church 2.50 to 4.00 At the June meeting of the Parish Council, the signing of a Deed of Dedication with the National Playing Fields Association was agreed. This will place Bucknells Meadow, Pikeshaw Woodland, the tennis courts, play area and recreational pitches at Goosecroft Recreation Ground, plus the two bowling greens at Trentham Bowls Club, under an umbrella of protection as recreational land in perpetuity. There will be no changes to local management, which will continue as before, but it may also enhance chances of grant funding. At the same meeting, consideration was given to the process of the Parish Council response to the parking study of the whole village carried out by contractors on behalf of Council. A number of residents had submitted comments, which will be taken into account in the formulation of our views. Further information will be advised as the process proceeds and should any traffic orders be required these will be advertised for comment by in the normal way. Consideration was also given at the June meeting of the signage required to comply with the smoking ban from 1 July. Council premises are already non-

7 smoking but we need to ensure the correct signage is in place not only on our own buildings, but also on the bus shelters and grounds maintenance tractor. Following my comments on fly-tipping last month I have been told that some residents have been taking advantage of offers to collect and dispose of garden refuse and other rubbish. However, please be aware that those responsible are often not disposing of items legally but are dumping them in our own hedgerows. Please act responsibly by contacting West Berkshire Council, who are the waste disposal authority, if you have items to dispose of. If you see this anti-social activity taking please report it to us, the Police on the non-emergency number 0845 8 505 505, or the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 so that action can be taken against the offenders. Brian J. Smith, Clerk to Purley on Thames Parish Council The office, located near the tennis courts, opens: Purley on Thames Parish Council Mondays (not BH): 5.45pm to 8.30pm Parish Office Including an opportunity to meet Goosecroft Lane Councillors between 6pm & 7pm off Beech Road Thursdays: 9.00am to 3.15pm Purley on Thames Reading Barn Manager: Jean Chudleigh 07917 453187 RG8 8DR Tel/fax: 0118 984 4507 Neighbourhood Wardens: 945 5286 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] www.sovereign.org.uk/wardens www.purleyonthames.net

Present a Murder Mystery Evening DEADLIER STILL

on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 Septem ber 2007

at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane

Purley on Tham es

Tickets to include a three-course supper there will be a cash bar for the purchase of wine and soft drinks Tickets on a first com e first served basis for m ore inform ation please see Purley Players Website www.purleyplayers.co.uk

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I have realised that I have not been telling you what crimes I have been dealing with in my previous updates. I can assure you that I do actually investigate crime, it is just that it can be difficult to give out information as cases can be rather protracted and sometimes also involve youths. This past month I have been arresting and interviewing people for various incidents of criminal damage, thefts and assaults. I am sure you will all be pleased to hear that I now have a PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) to help me in my area. The purpose of a PCSO is to reassure the public by providing a visible presence and to deter anti social behaviour and criminal activity. PCSO Sue Nix is currently in training for the next four weeks so will patrol other areas as well as my own to get an understanding of the problems that we face. I have recently been receiving lots of phone calls about youths playing football on the street and in car parks. I would ask that if you have children and they go outside to play that you make sure you are aware of where they are and what they are doing. I have confiscated some footballs off of various groups as it is obviously a road safety issue. Pangbourne Doctors Surgery has kindly agreed to lend me a room at the Surgery for an hour or so once a month so that if people have any issues they can speak to me there. My first consultation was on Tuesday 19 June. I will confirm further dates as and when I have arranged them; please feel free to come along and speak to me. I held a public meeting in and speeding vehicles was the main concern so I will be asking your Neighbourhood Action Group to see what we can do to combat this problem. I also did a door knock in and managed to speak to most householders. I am pleased to say that the majority of people were happy with where they lived but a few did highlight speeding so this will also be highlighted at the next Neighbourhood Action Group meeting. If you wish to contact me you can either send an email to [email protected], call into Pangbourne Police Station, or phone 08458 505 505 (24 hour non emergency no.) and leave a message for me. As ever if you see a crime in progress don't hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Police. P.C. 5110 ALLEN, Pangbourne Police Station ITALIAN LESSONS Italian tuition offered by an experienced, Italian mother-tongue teacher. Absolute begineer to Intermediate and Advanced levels. Daytime and evening lessons available. Whether you have an interest in Italian culture, are going on holiday to Italy or simply want to brush up on your Italian, you will benefit from learning in a relaxed atmosphere with a professional and friendly teacher. Call Maurizio on 954 8611 or 07806 774986 [email protected]

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PURLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY TRIPS The Committee of the Society is very pleased with the response received from members for the trips to House Garden Show, RHS Garden, Wisley & City of London Gardens and hope that you will all have an enjoyable day and good weather.

LATE SUMMER SHOW This will be held in Purley Memorial Hall, Glebe Road on Saturday, 8 September 2007. Schedules are available from the Trading Shed and we look forward to a good number of entries, but you need to be a member of the Society or the Women's Institute to enter. Entry forms must be handed into the Trading Shed or to Mr. J. Armstrong 169 Long Lane, by Wednesday, 5 September. The show opens to the public at 2.30pm to 4pm with presentation of trophies at 3.45pm. Entry to the Show is free. Tea and biscuits will be available.

TRADING The Shed in the Memorial Hall car park is open from 10am to 11am on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of October. Membership is only £1.50 and garden supplies can be purchased at discounted prices. If you have not renewed your membership, we would be grateful if you could do so as soon as possible. I hope you all have a lovely summer. Marion Dabbs 942 2349

PROJECT PURLEY On the evening of Friday, 18 May, a group of twenty intrepid members of Project Purley motored to Wallingford for the Society's annual walkabout. The omens for an enjoyable outing were good as we arrived because (a) the rain had stopped and (b) car parking was free. We met in Wallingford Museum, where we paid our £3 and were greeted by Judy Dewe, who was to be our guide. In a detailed introduction to our walk, she explained that the Museum building had been a medieval hall house, and was now staffed and run entirely by volunteers. The town of Wallingford œ the name means "ford for the Welsh or strangers" œ had been a large Saxon settlement, described as the most important town in Berkshire in the Domesday Book, though the castle came later built in 1071 on the orders of William I. He had realised the importance of the town when he and his army had crossed the Thames there as they moved westward from London. The castle was later held by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and was visited by Henry III, who was instrumental in granting Wallingford its charter. The charter, granted in 1155, was bestowed on Wallingford not just because of the help given to a succession of kings but also because it was now one of the most important market towns in the South of England. The population of the town had reached

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almost 3,000 by this time, but half of that number died during the Black Death plague. Because the castle was close to the Court of Charles I, it became a Royal Castle during the Civil War, and it was Charles II who granted the final Royal Charter in 1663, as Wallingford became a viable market town once again. Now it was time for our group to leave the Museum and cross the busy road to the green opposite. Judy explained that trenches had been dug here for rifle practice during World War One, but as recently as the 1950s the area had been used for grazing cattle. We walked to the edge of the green to find the defensive ditch which circled the town, apparently containing enough water to form a moat, and were told that Wells Brewery had also existed in this part of the town in the nineteenth century, as had a school. Next, we had to stagger to the top of the rampart fortifications, where an army of 2,400 men had once been spaced at regular intervals to defend the town. At this point, our guide was struggling to make her voice heard above the song of a greenfinch perched at the top of an adjacent tall tree, so we descended to ground level and moved into Beansheaf Terrace, where the cottages still display their flush frame windows. From there we moved on to the site of the town's original iron foundry, started by the well-known Wilder family. We were fortunate to meet the owner of the current property, who invited us into his courtyard, where he keeps much memorabilia from the old Fish Street Foundry. The foundry stood opposite the slaughterhouse, where there were gaps in the brickwork to enable the terrible smells to escape as animals were killed. Some of those animals might well have been the horses who were used to power the bellows in the foundry. The Wilder family were entrepreneurs, and besides building farm machinery including steam ploughs which could do the work of ten men, they also began a bicycle-building business, and as cars became fashionable, bought and sold cars and gave driving lessons. Their extended premises in Lower Wharf were visible from St John's Green, from where we could also see the old Southgate Mill and granary, the Almshouses œ still in use today œ and the houses which had been demolished during the Civil War to provide clear sightlines for the defensive army, but which were rebuilt in the nineteenth century. We continued to follow the route of the Saxon defensive ditch down past the old malthouse towards the . In former times, goods were brought to Lower Wharf at this point so that the boats and barges could avoid the multi- arched bridge, which in even more ancient days was the dividing line between the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia. The Thames was liable to flooding in this area, but sadly the plaque showing the 1894 flood mark had been prised away and stolen from the tunnel wall. The walk back towards the town centre took us past St Leonard's Church, which although it has a new Victorian tower, is thought to have been built as long ago as the eleventh century and is Wallingford's oldest surviving place of worship. Then we turned into Wood Street, which runs parallel to the Thames, and were able to see a number of interesting buildings. Riverside, a large family house now divided into flats was, from 1884 to 1907, the home of George Leslie, the celebrated watercolour artist. Wallingford Rowing Club's boathouse is here too,

11 and so is the Cattle Market car park, whose previous use is obvious from its name. Part of Wood Street near the quaintly named Fat Ox pub was known as the red light area of the town, and inebriated customers of the pub could pay to hang on a line overnight to save themselves from collapsing on the pavement. Wallingford was and still is famous for its malt, so it was no surprise to learn that, in the nineteenth century, there were more than fifty public houses in the town, many of them situated in the Market Square, which was to be our next stopping point. Mousey Lane was our conduit to the Square, and as we left Wood Street, we noticed the antiquated piping of the hydro-pneumatic sewerage system as well as the Walter Wilder street furniture. He had set up in business in opposition to other members of the family and his mark is left on several streets as his firm designed and made the metal kerbs to the pavements. Our party attracted even more inquiring looks from the local population as we stood in the Square, some of them pausing to pick up snippets of information from Judy's extensive knowledge. She told us that Wallingford had no Lord of the Manor, nor many large houses, and was never a particularly rich town. But in the Market Square it has a fine Town Hall dating from 1670 and a Corn Exchange built in 1856 now in use as a cinema/theatre. The Town Hall is emblazoned with the crests of The Royal Berkshire Regiment and RAF Benson, as both have been granted the Freedom of Wallingford and are entitled to march through the town with bayonets fixed, bands playing and flags flying. The final stop in our walk was in front of the old Post Office, now converted into a restaurant. The Post Office was completed in 1936 and curiously, the crest of Edward VIII above the entrance is surmounted by a crown. Since his coronation never took place, the official opening of the building must have taken place between the dates of the death of George V and Edward's abdication. Judy was warmly thanked by John Chapman as our walkabout came to an end. She is an eloquent and knowledgeable speaker, quite clearly in love with her subject. We had been provided with a fascinating delve into Wallingford's history and I am sure I speak for most of our group when I say we were motivated to make further excursions to this lovely Oxfordshire town. If for no other reason, we might well wish to spend some time looking round the Wallingford Museum, of which Judy is the voluntary yet no doubt dedicated curator. David Downs

SHAKESPEARE IN THE BARN Following yet another successful performance by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company, they have promised to return next year to entertain us with A Winter's Tale. To date, we do not have the exact figure for the sum raised in aid of Macmillan Nurses at this year's performance of Twelfth Night, but full details will appear in the next Purley Parish News. Project Purley would like to thank everyone who came to the performance for their generosity in supporting this very worthy cause.

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PURLEY PATHFINDERS A WALKING GROUP FOR LADIES Our walk, following footsteps around Bix, had to be quickly changed, but I needn't have worried as two of my lovely ladies stepped in at the last minute to lead the group on a walk around Rotherfield Greys. We were able to continue with our original plans, however, as we met up afterwards at Greys Court. After a picnic in the sunshine, we were delighted to find the magnificent wisteria still in bloom in the walled garden. After a wander around the lovely gardens and grounds, we took the chance to look inside the house before it closes for the season for refurbishment. The day finished with a delicious slice of cake with a cup of tea from the tearoom. From Eversley we enjoyed a very pleasant and varied walk through fields and woodland as we followed the footsteps of Charles Kingsley. We passed the Rectory where he lived, and some Almshouses built in his memory. We called into the church where he was Rector from 1842. Whilst at Eversley he wrote various political articles under the appropriate pseudonym Parsons Lot, and wrote several novels exposing various social injustices. In 1863, he wrote his most famous book, The Water Babies. This story was written to inspire love and reverence for Nature, as the leading character, a boy named Tom, learns a series of moral lessons from Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby and Mrs Bedonebyasyoudid! Ewelme is always a delight to visit, and a morning at the beginning of June was no exception, as we strode out across wonderful countryside edged with poppies. Ancient tracks of the Icknield Way, The Swan's Way, and The Ridgeway gave us lovely views across the Oxfordshire countryside. Making our way back through the village we passed cottages set in beautiful cottage gardens, the house-names betraying a wealth of the village's history. At the thatched village hall, present day history has been recorded in the form of plaques depicting life in the village at the time of the new Millennium. Beside the village school, built in 1437, we entered the courtyard surrounded by 13 Almshouses. They are the earliest known brick buildings in England, and were built by William de la Pole, who married Alice Chaucer (granddaughter of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer) in an early church in Ewelme. We entered the 15th century church with its 14th century tower and found the Chaucer tomb. Out in the churchyard we passed the grave of Jerome K Jerome of Three Men in a Boat fame. After our walk, we headed for the Watercress Visitor Centre where we were welcomed with cups of tea to drink with our picnics, enjoyed beside the clear water of the chalk stream in which watercress still grows. Due to EU standards, the watercress is no longer sold from here, but the area is now maintained as a Nature Reserve. After an interesting short film showing the back-breaking way in which watercress has been grown here since 1886, we were led out into the reserve. We crossed the stream, which emerges from the chalk and runs through the village at a constant 11°, and out into the wet and dry meadows. Water Voles have made this area their home, as have 22 species of butterfly and 75 species of birds. Wild flowers now invade the meadows with their beauty, and the whole area is a wonderful place to be. The centre now opens to the public on the first Sunday of the month from 2-5pm and is well worth a visit!

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Our next walk took on an artistic theme as we walked beside the Thames to pass Boulters Lock, made famous by Edward Gregory's painting of 1895. The river led us on beneath the Brunel Sounding Arch, immortalised in Turner's Rain, Steam and Speed, then, as we continued beneath a tunnel of trees, we gazed across the activities on the river to spot the home of Rolf Harris! Our riverside walk proved very pleasant, but eventually we left the waterside to make our way through lush fields with a view to Cliveden. Back at Boulters Lock we crossed the river to Ray Mill Island where we picnicked amongst the pretty flowerbeds, sculptures and aviaries. Our Following Footsteps theme continues as we make the pilgrimage from Churn Knob to Dorchester (in two walks) in honour of St Birinus. We will enjoy our annual Strawberry picking walk in honour of Wimbledon fortnight. Then we will be walking in the estates of two of our famous landowners, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and The Earl of Carnarvon. The term will end with our Summertime Special, following the footsteps of Lady Diana along the Lady Diana Memorial Walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, with a tour of Kensington Palace. If any ladies would like a programme of walks, which take place on weekday mornings, then do give me a ring, or look on the web site at www.purleypathfinders.co.uk Nicki Woodward [email protected] œ 984 2112

READING HOME ORGAN & KEYBOARD SOCIETY On Tuesday 10 July at 8pm, in Tidmarsh Village Hall, our guest artist is a vivacious professional young lady on her EL 900 Electronic organ. Her programme will include marches, waltzes, music from shows and many other popular items. Entrance fee is £5.50 including refreshments and £3.50 for members. Further information from Molly West on Reading 942 7062

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BARN OWL DAY NURSERY Opening at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane on 6 August 2007 Opening Times: 8am - 6pm Contact: [email protected] or 0118 942 5555 Cater for up to 5 years. Meals provided. Fully qualified staff Caring and loving environment. A safe and secure location.

BUCKNELL'S MEADOW CYCLE TRACK HITS A PUNCTURE I had been hoping to write in this issue and tell you that work on the Bucknell's Meadow cycle track would be starting this month and the track would be up and running during the summer holidays. Unfortunately, West Berkshire Planning department put a spoke in our wheel by changing the advice they gave us about planning permission. When we asked several months ago, we were told it would not be required, but they would like to look over the plans. When we contacted them about the plans, they said we would need to submit a formal planning application after all and, as many of you will be aware, this is not a speedy process. While the Parish Council welcomes the opportunity to ensure the cycle track will be rigorously assessed by all the relevant authorities, it is very frustrating that the process has begun so late in the day. We are doing all we can to cooperate quickly with the planning process and making our annoyance at the misleading advice known at the highest level. In the meantime, I can only apologise that this exciting new facility may not be arriving in Purley as soon as we hoped. Sally Robertson Chairman of Recreation Committee, Purley Parish Council

RICHARD HALL I would like to thank Rev Roger Howell and all friends and family for the amazing help, support, flowers, letters and cards I have received during the illness and death of my darling husband Richard. Lee Hall & family PURLEY INFANTS' SCHOOL WINS! Purley Infants' School won the "Golden Oak" title this year for collecting old copies of Yellow Pages beating 38 other schools in West Berkshire. They have been given £300. The average collection was 21 copies per child. Well done!

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Sue Guy, our Extended Schools Manager, based at Denefield School is pleased to promote these forthcoming events taking place throughout the Tilehurst & Purley cluster:

9 JUL 7-8PM FREE TALK - DOWNSWAY SCHOOL Community warden Paul Buckley will give a free talk about the work of our neighbourhood warden. Find out what is going on in our patch! Come along and have a chat. Refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

10 JUL - ATHLETICS FESTIVAL - DENEFIELD SCHOOL Pupils from Purley CE (Controlled) Infant School will be taking part in running, throwing and jumping team events, along with 4 other schools in the cluster. Parents of the pupils taking part are welcome to attend and will receive letters of invitation.

30 JUL-3 AUG - TALENT STOP PERFORMING ARTS SUMMER SCHOOL At Denefield School, 10am-3pm daily. A variety of activities for toddlers up to 15 year olds. Telephone 962 3379 for prices and to book a place or download a booking form from www.thetalentstop.co.uk

28-31 AUG - ELITE SOCCER SCHOOL - DENEFIELD SCHOOL 9am-3pm daily. Football sessions for children aged 5-13. Contact 07769 701209 for prices and to book a place. Further details available on the website at www.readingelitesoccer.com

23 JUL-3 AUG - KOOL CLUB AFTER SCHOOL CLUB AND HOLIDAY CARE 20-31 AUG Based at Denefield School offers holiday care for 5-13 year olds. Running during the summer holidays Monday to Friday, from 8.00am-6.00pm when a broad range of activities is available. Contact: Cheryl Paxford on 0777 3340113 or email [email protected]. The Club is happy to accept children who attend either of the two summer schools mentioned above - both before and after those hours - for the remainder of the day. Additionally, the Club currently has vacancies for various roles, including a Deputy Manager for 20 hours per week, so if you are interested Cheryl will be pleased to hear from you. Finally, look out for details of future Inspire4Life events on the Purley Parish Council notice boards and don't forget to register to avoid disappointment. Alternatively, visit the website: www.inspire4life.org.uk If you have any questions or suggestions for future activities, please contact Sue Guy on 941 3458 ex 8978 or email [email protected]

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PANG & KENNET VALLEY COUNTRYSIDE PROJECTS The Friends of the Pang and Kennet Valley Countryside Project has been set up to represent all of the people who care about the countryside in the two valleys. The events below are co-ordinated by The Friends and give you the opportunity to come out on practical tasks, learn new skills, meet new people and, above all, enjoy yourself. The tasks usually begin around 10am and finish by 4pm but you are very welcome to come for as much time as you wish to give during these hours. Please wear suitable footwear and clothing, and bring a packed lunch if you are coming for the full day. Hot drinks are usually provided, as are the necessary tools. For further details or booking of any the events, please contact the Project Office on 0118 930 5336. *The Black Barn at Rushall Manor Farm is situated off Back Lane, between and Bradfield. Take the gravel track north off Back Lane to the west of Scratchface Lane. Grid ref. SU 583723. Mon 9 July What's on the wing? Paices Wood Come along and join John Lerpinere for a relaxed walk around Paices Wood in search of butterflies. At this time of year we hope to see silver-washed fritillaries on the bramble by the lakes, white admirals in the coppiced woodland and dusky and dingy skippers on the gravel. Meet 10am at Paices Wood Country Parkland (through Young's Industrial Estate) Grid ref: SU 586 638 Tue 10 July Glade Clearance Kings Copse Bradfield Spend the day clearing invasive Himalayan Balsam at Kings Copse to help maintain the native woodland flora. Meet at Black Barn, Rushall Manor Farm* at 10am or phone the Project office for details of meeting on site. Thu 12 July 8.30-10pm Nightjars & Glow-worms at dusk Common Join BHCG leader Tim Culley for a late evening walk looking at heathland restoration and some of the specialised wildlife associated with the habitat, including Nightjars and Glow worms. Stout footwear is necessary. Meet at Angel's Corner, by the Scout Hut on Bucklebury Common at 8.30pm. Grid ref: SU 550 688. Sun 15 July Meadow Management Pangbourne We will be clearing ragwort from Meadows SSSI, so that this important site can be grazed. Meet at Black Barn, Rushall Manor Farm* at 10am or phone the Project office for details of meeting on site. Fri 20 July 8.30pm-late Moonlight Meander Hosehill Lake LNR A wonderful opportunity to get up very close to the wild residents of this quiet reserve. Join Bat Expert David Endecott from the Oxfordshire Bat Group for an introduction to the life and habits of these fascinating creatures and see rescued captive bats up close. Then enjoy a stroll around the lake searching for wild bats. At the end of the walk relax with a hot drink and a biscuit whilst you gather around a moth trap with members of the Area Bird Conservation Group. Please wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing. Bring a torch and insect repellent. Cost £2 (includes a donation to the Oxfordshire Bat Group). Places are limited, please call the Project office to book your place. Tue 24 July Pond Management Stanford Dingley Help with our annual task to maintain Pangfield Pond and the surrounding habitat. This task includes grass cutting and clearing back vegetation to allow educational visits. Meet at Black Barn, Rushall Manor Farm* at 10am or phone the Project office for details of meeting on site.

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Tue 24 July 7.30pm Pang Valley Conservation Volunteers AGM Victory Room Bucklebury Village Come and join the Pang Valley Conservation Volunteers for their AGM at the Victory Room Bucklebury Village, followed by a talk on Bucklebury and other commons by Mr Tim Culley. Please contact the Project office to book your place. Thu 26 July 6.30-8.30pm Back To Nature, Survival Walk Rushall Manor Farm How would you go about surviving in the countryside, with only the clothes you stand up in? Join us on this introductory walk looking at the fascinating world of bush craft and survival skills. Come and explore nature's supermarket and hardware store with Sally Wallington. Discover nutritious foods and medicines, how to make string out of plants, which tree provides soap, the best woods to use for fire making and much more. Suitable for adults and children over 12. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Numbers are limited so please phone the project office to book your place. Meet in the car park at Rushall Manor Farm. Sun 29 July 2pm Horse Drawn Barge Trip Dundas Arms Join the Friends of the Pang, Kennet and Valleys for a 2-hour horse drawn boat trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal departing from the Dundas Arms Kintbury at 2pm. On board there are toilet facilities, a bar serving tea, coffee, soft and alcoholic drinks and a small gift shop. Tickets are £15 per person including a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Places are limited so please contact the Project office to book your place. Sat 4 August Permitted Paths round Haw Farm Meet at the village hall car park (Grid ref: SU 527 763) for a 4 mile circular walk led by Ray Clayton to explore some of the new permitted paths which have been agreed by Estate and are now open over the old WWII airfield around Haw Farm. There is one climb up Folly Hill. A largely open country walk so brings drinks and protection from the sun. Dogs on leads only please. Contact the Project office to book your place. Tue 7 August Meadow Management Leyfield Meadow Come and help Dick Greenaway cut and clear the bracken invading this flower rich grassland. Meet at Ashampstead Common car park at 10am. Grid ref: SU 587 751 Wed 8 August Tools Maintenance & BBQ Englefield All the hard work we put in through the year puts a strain on our tools! We will be working at our tool store to repair those broken handles and sharpen those worn blades. We will also be having a BBQ (please bring your own food) so why not join us to find out more about what we do? Meet at the Old Estate Office, Englefield Road, Theale from 10am onwards. Sat 11 August 8pm-late National Moth Night Little Hidden Farm, If you think that eating holes in jumpers is all that moths are good for then think again! Moths are an important food source and vital for pollinating plants. National Moth Night is an annual event which helps to track movements and changes in moth populations. For further information about this event organised by Berkshire Moth Group please contact John Lerpinere through the project office. Sun 12 August 11am Bring Your Bike Compton Join us for stunning views of the Downs. An 8 mile, mainly off road, cycle ride to look at the Downland north of Compton. Mountain bikes essential, helmets must be worn. Meet at Compton Downs Sports Centre (SU519 795) at 11am. Ride leader Karen Davies. Please book your place.

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Tue 14 August Grassland management Ashampstead Common Come and help Dick Greenaway maintain the glades and grassland in this beautiful woodland. Meet at Ashampstead Common car park at 10am. Grid ref: SU 587 751 Wed 15 August 1-4pm Ponds and Undergrowth Exploration Afternoon Hosehill Lake LNR Get up real close to damselflies, beetles, spiders and other residents as you meander through meadows, wind through woodlands and poke about in the pond. A fun guided day looking for wildlife around this quiet lakeside path. Suitable for children aged 8 years or over. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. NB There are no facilities at this site. Places are limited; please call the Project office to book your place. Sat 1 September 10am-noon River Dipping Speen Moor Nr Newbury Come and explore the underwater world of a chalk stream and hunt for crayfish, our largest invertebrate in the beautiful backwaters of the . Suitable for children over eight and adults. Numbers are limited so please phone the Project office to book your place. Meet with your wellies at St Mary's Church off Speen Lane in Speen. Grid Ref SU 456 678. All Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sat 1 September 10am-noon Heathland management Join the regular volunteers in managing this fragment of heathland through scrub control and cutting. Come to the Fairground car park opposite the Horse and Groom Pub NGR SU655 645 in Mortimer Sun 2 September 10am-1pm Nature Walk Eling Farm Organise your own charity sponsorship, sponsor the Projects or merely come and walk a course starting from this superb location and enjoy a nature quiz on the way. Start at Eling farm at any time between 10amœ1pm. Quiz sheets will be provided for the course. Tea, coffee, cakes and BBQ will be available. Entry £3 per family; all proceeds will go to The Pang, Kennet and Lambourn Valleys Countryside Projects. Well behaved dogs welcome. Further information if required from the Project Office. Tue 4 September Grassland management Ashampstead Common Come and help Dick Greenaway maintain our veteran tree halos. Meet at Ashampstead Common car park at 10am. Grid ref: SU 587 751 Sun 9 September Heathland Management Bucklebury Common For all tasks meet at Angel's Corner, by the Scout Hut on Bucklebury Common (Grid ref. SU 550 688) at 10am. Contact Tim Culley for more details on 0118 971 4830 Wed 12 September 7-9.30pm Beginners Guide to Bird Watching Rushall Farm Sun 16 September 9am-noon Hosehill Lake LNR The course offers a great opportunity to learn the basics of bird watching with members of the Theale Area Bird Conservation Group. The first session will be spent indoors at Rushall Manor Farm taking a closer look at field guides, bird watching equipment and where the best local bird watching places are. At the second session, you will join the Bird Group again on their monthly walk around Hosehill Lake, the Kennet and Avon Canal and Theale lakes to improve your field identification skills. Suitable for older children and adults. Places are limited; please call the project office to book your place. A course programme will be sent out prior to the first session. Sat 22 September 9am-noon Meadow Management Task Hosehill Lake LNR Come along and help to rake up grass cuttings from the East Meadow, which is cut once the wildflowers have finished flowering and seeding. Meet at the green gate opposite the Fox & Hounds Pub, Station Road, Theale. Grid ref: SU 650 697

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Thu 27 September 2pm Fabulous Fungi Paices Wood For most of the year fungi is invisible but at this time of year the warm, damp weather conditions encourage fungi to grow visible fruiting body parts and literally hundreds of species of all shapes and sizes are on display. Join knowledgeable fungi enthusiast Malcolm Storey for a gentle walk around Paices Wood and see if you can spot any agarics and identify ink caps along the way. Meet 2pm at Paices Wood Country Parkland (through Young's Industrial Estate) Grid ref: SU 586 638

HELP WANTED Do you have a passion for the countryside and enjoy telling others about it. If so, please contact the Project office as we need new walk leaders for our very successful walks programme. All necessary training will be provided. So if you have some hidden walks that you would like to share with other members please do not hesitate to contact us.

NOTELETS FOR SALE The Friends Photo competition notelets are available from the Project Office £2 for a pack of four or £5 for three packs. MESSAGE FROM HOME FARM It was in one of those weak moments; caught unawares and persuaded by the often used phrase "it won't involve much extra time/work", that I now find myself sitting on the Schools Standards and Effectiveness Panel!. To be able to sit on the panel and to take part in school inspections I require a CRB check œ an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau. Now, I don't want to be accused of belittling the potential dangers to our children in today's unsavoury society, but what a fiasco this scheme has become. Quite rightly anyone who works with young people under the age of 18 should be checked, but surely one check would be enough. Vicky currently holds four certificates, three of which are issued through West Berkshire. Wouldn't you have thought that within a single Authority, one CRB would be sufficient for each person, as the procedure œ which along with providing personal details involves having two IDs checked and signed off by a designated signatory for each working establishment, along with the investigation which takes place œ uses up time and money which could be put to better use elsewhere. The Certificates are then only valid for three years, yet you wouldn't know it as there is no expiry date on them. There is no photograph, just your name and to top it all across the bottom it says this disclosure is not evidence of identity; where's the sense in that? In the mean time, I await my disclosure certificate with eager anticipation! This last week saw our cows judged for one of several agriculture competitions; basically judging the standard and effectiveness of what we do on the farm. I'm glad it was cows and not my hay-making ability that he came to view, as my latest efforts œ cut 12 days ago œ has been well washed, rinsed and rinsed again and reduced to a fine DISASTER! Hoping for brighter times. Tim Metcalfe

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PURLEY WI The evening started with PC 5110 Allen who gave a short summary of his duties in Purley and district, and encouraged us always to report any crime we witness. Our speaker for the evening, Gina Graham, spoke of a Mother's Personal Adventure in Indonesia. Her daughter, after leaving university, by chance heard of a company called Project Trust and, having raised the necessary £3,000, went off to Indonesia. Mrs Graham, having never flown before realised she must visit her daughter before her contract ended. The main object of her daughter's visit was to "live with the people" rather than introduce them to Western culture. When being introduced to families it was not the custom to say "how do you do" as we do, but "have you washed today" and frankly, with the steaming and fierce heat, I hope they had! Though volcanoes were in the background, they were always covered by a constant mist; this turned out to be ash from a neighbouring island where logs were being burned. Needless to say, hospitality was more than generous, with the culture so different. Folk loved to improve their English with the hope of visiting the U.K. On Mrs Graham's last day, she requested to be involved in a tea tasting session. This was organised and, on a Sunday morning, she arrived at a Tea Factory where she sipped her way through seven pots of different teas. The first couple of pots were certainly the best, but she worked her way down to tea that was what you would describe as unpleasant. Nothing like a Typhoo cuppa is there? On returning home, Mrs Graham was aware that her trip had had a "life changing" effect on her and we too had to agree.

COMPETITIONS Flower of the Month 1st Margaret Martin A Holiday Tip 1st Wendy Chapman 2nd Lesley Honnor 3rd Ann Davis The next meeting will be held on 11 July at Purley Memorial Hall, Glebe Road, Purley on Thames commencing at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Glynn Coupland on the subject of Rowing Across the Atlantic and the competition will be flotsam from the beach. Visitors are always welcome. Don't forget œ "MEAT YOUR MATES AT THE MARKET" (Purley Farmers' Market œ 14 July in the Barn, Goosecroft Lane off Beech Road, Purley on Thames) Sylvia Conquest 941 1936

PLEA S E S U PPOR T Y OU R LOCA L POS T OFFICE

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