Church Magazine
July 2017
Aldermaston and Woolhampton Benefice
Beenham
Midgham
Woolhampton oodbye is a dismal word, and definitely not good enough for proper farewells. At G least the French au revoir, and the German auf wiedersehen, capture the sense of meeting again. But goodbye is just, well, rather final…
Perhaps the only way to redeem goodbye is to remember that the origin of the word is ‘God be with you’ – a common greeting in the past that became truncated over the centuries to the now universal goodbye. I like the thought that behind our good-byes is the benediction ‘God be with you’ and the assurance it offers that God travels with us. I’m reminded too that the standard greeting of the Church throughout its history has been, and remains - ‘The Lord be with you’. This is how Christians have always gathered for worship, they bless one another with the presence of God, and this same blessing sends them out into the world to be a blessing to others.
The Hebrew Shalom is the root of this greeting – idiomatically used both as hello and goodbye – and it captures the same beautiful truth, that the finest thing we can ever wish for one another is God’s presence to accompany us in our daily lives, bringing peace even in times of change.
When Jesus finally left his disciples, he didn’t say goodbye, he blessed them and promised that he would be with them to the end of time. Though gone from this world and absent physically he would nevertheless be with them in a new way. Christians ever since have been blessed and inspired by the presence of Christ through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
This is the ‘go-between God’ who connects earth and heaven and connects people through prayer and worship into one ‘body’ known as the Church but actually more like a timeless and borderless family.
So, saying goodbye is transformed when we intend it as a blessing, knowing that when God is with us we are never apart, that our bonds of love, our unity in Christ, and the spiritual life we share remains constant, whatever our geography.
This is the love that never ends.
I join with Winnie the Pooh in being so very grateful that I have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. Thank you for these seven wonderful years. Thank you for blessing me.
God be with you. Revd Becky
My final Sunday in the benefice is 30 July with a special service at 3pm at St Mary’s church Aldermaston followed by a reception at Aldermaston Primary School. Please come. 2 FROM THE REGISTER: Baptisms and Services of Thanksgiving 4th June Zachary Alan Breadmore Wasing 4thJune Annabelle Susan Joyce Arnold Woolhampton 4th June Rhea Honey Leer Woolhampton 11th June Aurelia Jane Rosina Field Aldermaston 18th June Penelope Iris Page Wasing
Weddings, Renewal of Vows and Blessings of Marriage 2th June Ashley Dell and Victoria Sellen Wasing 3rd June Andrew Dillon and Lydia Clark Wasing 9th June Andrew Kerswill and Debbie Eldridge Wasing 10th June Lee Wheeler and Caroline Palmer Beenham 23rd June Adam Ellison and Nicola Devine Wasing
Funerals and Burial of Ashes 1st June Christine (Chris) Ellen Waston Aldermaston 2nd June Joyce Gregory Aldermaston All details correct at time of going to print.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone across the Benefice who sent such kind messages of sympathy and condolence following the passing of my dear mum.
I can’t tell you how comforting it was to know that so many people offered their support and were keeping me and my family in their thoughts and prayers at a really difficult time in our lives. Thank you very much.
On a happier note I am delighted to say that Bill is making a remarkable recovery and again I thank you all for your support. Brenda Scott
ST MATTHEW’S CAFÉ Thursday 6th July Do come and enjoy tea and homemade cakes. Place - St Matthew’s Church, Midgham,
Time - 3 pm to 4.30pm Date – Every first Thursday of the month For more information or if you need transport : Tel: Pat Bhutta 0118 9710124 e-mail: [email protected]
3
SERVICES FOR JULY
2nd July Trinity 3 St Peter’s Day Aldermaston 8:00 AM Holy Communion BCP Aldermaston 10:45 AM Family Service Beenham 9:15 AM Holy Communion Brimpton 10.45AM Morning Worship Midgham 9:15 AM Morning Worship Woolhampton 9.45 AM Morning Worship (with Elstree)
8th July Saturday Woolhampton 3:30 PM Messy Church
9th July Trinity 4 Aldermaston 10:45 AM Holy Communion Beenham 9:15 AM Family Communion Midgham 9:15 AM Family Communion Woolhampton 11:00 AM Family Communion
16th July Trinity 5 Aldermaston 10:45 AM Family Communion Beenham 9:15 AM Morning Worship Brimpton 10:45 AM Morning Worship Midgham 9:15 AM Holy Communion Woolhampton 11:00 AM Family Service
23rd July Trinity 6 Beenham 9:15 AM Family Service Midgham 9:15 AM Family Service Wasing 10:45 AM Family Communion Woolhampton 11:00 AM Holy Communion
27th July Thursday Midgham 11:30 AM Monthly Communion
30th July Trinity 7 Aldermaston 3:00 PM Benefice Communion
6th August Trinity 8 Aldermaston 8:00 AM Holy Communion BCP Brimpton 10:45 AM Family Communion
4 BENEFICE NEWS
AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: fter nearly seven years, Becky our Rector, is moving on. She has been A offered and has accepted the post of Vicar of St George and St John Newbury. Whilst she will leave us with a touch of sadness in our hearts it is also with all our best wishes for the future journey ahead of her.
Becky’s final service here will be a Benefice Communion at 3:00pm on Sunday 30 July in St Mary’s Church, Aldermaston. This will be followed by a “send- off” celebration in Aldermaston CofE Primary School. Everyone welcome. Should you wish to make a donation to Becky’s leaving present please contact your local churchwarden. Their details can be found at the back of the magazine.
As we all prepare for this forthcoming change do hold Becky, Phil and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they gear up for this new chapter in their lives.
SPIRITUAL AND PASTORAL CARE IN THE BENEFICE Do you feel a spiritual hole which needs filling in your life? Would you appreciate the chance to chat informally over a cup of tea and cake? In addition to services at our village churches on Sunday, our benefice offers:
St Matthew’s café – an informal gathering with tea and cakes and a story on the First Thursday of the month at St Matthew’s Midgham between 3.00 and 4.30 pm.
Communion Service – a quiet service at Watermill Court at 3.30pm on the third Wednesday of every month followed by tea and cake
Personal visits to your home to celebrate a home communion or simply chat.
Prayer – A small and completely confidential group meets every month to hold those in need in prayer. If there is someone or something you would like us to support through prayer do let us know.
Mental Health awareness - “Pull your socks up”, “Smile it may never happen”, I wonder if you have heard these words and an already grey day has got darker. Mental health is so vital to all our well-being but so little understood and talked about. 2017 is the Year of Mental Health and in the Benefice, we will be working on raising awareness and reducing the stigma around Mental Health. For more information: Contact: Rev. Pat Bhutta – 0118 971 0124 – E:mail: [email protected].
5 INTERACTIVE LORD’S PRAYER TRAIL, BRIMPTON CHURCH rimpton church was buzzing B with children and activities for two days in May as four of our schools visited an Interactive Lord’s Prayer Multi-Sensory Trail. Spread over seven ‘stations’ around the church they decorated the names of God, made clay sparrows, considered how we can serve God and ask for what we need; we also thought about how we feel when we don’t forgive each other and what happens when we don’t live God’s way. We fin- ished up by singing the Caribbean version of the Lord’s Prayer and learning how to say it with actions! All in all, a happy, busy, fun and instructive time was had by children and helpers alike. I would like to thank Mrs Baker from Brimpton School for bringing the material to my attention, sharing the organisation and for providing many of the resources needed; also the many station hosts for generously giving their time, enthusiasm and own resources as they shared each segment of the Lord’s Prayer nine times over two days – it wouldn’t have happened without you! Finally, but not least, I thank the children for joining in so readily and giving us food for thought at their responses, together with the staff who accompanied them; I know some of the ideas have been taken back to be used again and that there is a wish for the Trail to be made available again. What an amazing result! Well done everyone and thank you. Revd Janice
Saturday 8th July 3.30 to 5 pm Woolhampton Primary School, RG7 5TB
What is it? A way of being at Church but not as you know it! Fun, crafts, story, celebration time and refreshments Suitable for all ages – children to be accompanied No need to book – just turn up. For more details contact Pat Bhutta – 0118 971 0124 [email protected].
6 WOOLHAMPTON
Woolhampton Village Hall – July 2017
Art Group Monday 3,10,17,24,31 2.00pm Bowls Friday None 3.00pm Coffee morning Wednesday 12 10.30am The Fitness League Thursday 6,13 10.00am Lunch Club Wednesday 5,26 12.30pm Market Saturday 1 10.00am Parish Council Tuesday 18 7.30pm Pilates Monday 3,10,17,24,31 6.30pm Pilates (morning) Wednesday 5 8.45am Pilates (evening) Wednesday 5,1219,26 5.30pm Seniors Social Club Wednesday 26 2.30pm Stroke Care Tuesday 4,11,18,25 9.45 am Tai Chi Friday 7,14,21 10.00am Tea dance Thursday 6,20 2.00pm Toddler Group Monday 3,10,17,24,31 9.30am Whist Thursday 13,27 2.00pm WI Tuesday 11 7.45pm HIIT Monday 3,10,17,24,31 7.30pm Zumba Wednesday 5,12,19,26 6.30pm
For contact details of the above groups or to hire the hall, please contact Emma Smith on 0118 9714062 or [email protected] (Woolhampton residents receive reduced charges for party bookings.)
Woolhampton Village Hall is looking for a voluntary bookkeeper
Woolhampton Village Hall is run by local volunteers. We are looking for someone who has bookkeeping experience and some time to join our small committee and help manage the hall’s accounts. If you are keen to help and would like more information, please contact the Treasurer, Jackie Renouf, at [email protected]
7 WOOLHAMPTON AND MIDGHAM WI oolhampton and Midgham WI meeting took place on Tuesday 13th June. W 21 members enjoyed a pleasant evening walking around 3 members delightful gardens - Jenny Campbell, Gill Sitch and Jacqui Renouf. 3 very different gardens filled with lots of interesting plants. Members then returned to the village for a finger buffet and glass of wine provided by the committee. The meeting finished at 9.45.
The next meeting will be on July 11th and will include Catherine Sampson giving a talk on "Royal Weddings - what could go Wrong?". Anyone wishing to join the WI can contact the Chairman, Madeleine Barrow, on [email protected].
VILLAGE MARKET he next Market is on Saturday 1st July in the Village Hall from T 10am to 12 noon. WOW!! Hot or what?? (At least it was when this was written.) But no matter what the weather, there’s always a great welcome at the Market and you are invited to come and relax with a nice cup of tea, coffee or orange squash, or whatever. Free entry.
ANNUAL SHOW (SATURDAY 12TH AUGUST) he show schedule is currently available online on Facebook, please find it T under ‘Love Woolhampton’. Alternatively, and for those of you who prefer a paper copy, these will be available from the Woolhampton Village Shop in July. Entry forms will be available from mid-July from the Village Shop or at the August Village Market. We hope that you will be inspired to support this very successful and very friendly annual event which is now in its 17th year, no mean feat for such a small village. For further information please contact Cathy on 0118 9713637.
WOOLHAMPTON ON A WEDNESDAY (COFFEE MORNING) o assist, The Hall Management Committee have agreed to support this T Community venture, which is much appreciated, and this appreciation is shown by the increase in attendance numbers as more and more people hear about it. Long may numbers continue to increase. It can be confirmed that this regular monthly event will be on the second Wednesday of the month, the next being on Wednesday 12th July from 10.30a.m. to 12noon. No format, no pressure, stay as long as you wish (or are able to). Plenty of reading material if you just want tea or coffee in a quiet environment.
8 QUIZ NIGHT uiz Night – Friday 17th November is a date to put in your diary as our Q annual Church Quiz is being staged in Woolhampton Village Hall, commencing at 7.00pm. Families, or groups of friends, are invited to get a team together (maximum of six people) to pit their wits against other teams in a fun evening of general knowledge. Watch out for further details nearer the time.
WOOLHAMPTON BABY AND TODDLER GROUP We are a relaxed, friendly and fun session for babies and toddlers on Monday mornings between 9.30- 11am in Woolhampton Village Hall. It is an opportunity to meet new people and chat while the little ones play and explore. There are a variety of activities available for all ages and abilities as well as a snack and story ‘n’ rhyme time... tea, coffee and home-made cake for the big people too! We hope you can make it and let your friends know too... £1.50 per child (50p for additional children) Any questions contact Nikki Jordan... [email protected] 07800765403
NATURE NOTES e have been having our March winds and April showers in June, and by W the time you read this the longest day will have passed! I have not heard a cuckoo and have heard of only one person who has; in my youth he really did ‘sing all day’. As we know cuckoos start to move south again in July, so our chances will have gone for this year. Luckily our garden and woodland birds seem to have done well in spite of the very strong winds we have been having, judging by the families that are visiting the feeders. The babies come with Mum and Dad, begging to be fed, and then begin to realize they can feed themselves. Some are slower than others and it is fun to see the difference.
I looked out of my bedroom window one morning so see a jackdaw, pigeon, magpie and squirrel grouped under the bird feeders. The squirrel was busily eating – some- one had spilt some sunflower seeds. The jackdaw and pigeon were watching enviously, but the magpie was making little grabs at the squirrel’s tail, trying to make it move. It took no notice and the others gave up when it finally moved away, having eaten the cache. Stella Nesbit
9 BAND ON THE REC 7.30pm on Friday 14 July eenham Wind Orchestra is again performing on the Recreation B Ground in the middle of Beenham on Friday 14th July, from 7.30pm until it is too dark to read the music. Do come with your friends, picnic, drinks, chairs, sun hats etc, and enjoy a summer’s evening of village entertainment. There is plenty of parking, and there will be a beer tent and BBQ. We are also performing at the Englefield flower show and Padworth fete, on 15th and 16th July respectively. Another date for your diary is our concert on 11th November 2017 in St Mary’s Church, Thatcham. Please ring or email Simon Witcomb for more information Work : 01635 869869 Home: 0118 9712210 Email: [email protected]
Come along to Beenham’s “Pop-Up Tearoom” For a chat, cup of tea or coffee and a delicious slice of cake (juice and biscuits for children)
On Tuesday 27th June and 25th July (last Tuesday in the month) In Beenham Club, Picklepythe Lane, RG7 5N From 2 – 4pm Everyone from 0 – 100+ welcome Don’t stay at home alone! call Pat on 0118 9615860 for a lift
BEENHAM ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION eenham Allotments are tucked away on a safe site off Back Lane. We are a B productive, self managed site, comprising of 29 plots. We have piped water and excellent fencing to protect us from deer and rabbits. We have a thriving community and if newcomers to the village wish to go on the waiting list they are welcome to make contact with me on [email protected].
Pea sticks/Plant supports from Greyfield Wood Beenham For all gardeners, we are now able to supply pea sticks. These are silver birch and/or hazel and cost £4 per bunch, to be collected from Greyfield Wood. Please contact Adrian Stacey (0118 971 2153) or Ken Ewen (0118 9712856).
Beenham Wind Orchestra We rehearse every Friday in term time from 7.30pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School. Do join us if you play a wind instrument (string bass or percussion). For more information, please contact Simon Witcomb on 01 635 869 869 (work) 0118 9712210 (home) or [email protected]
10
9th SEPTEMBER BARN DANCE - AWBERRY FARM, BEENHAM in aid of St Mary’s Church Annex, Beenham
Come and join us for an evening of fun and dancing. This event is being organised by the St Mary’s Church Fund Raising committee to further raise funds for the Annex extension project planned for the church. Look out for full details next month. MEANWHILE please save the date - 9th September 2017 from 7.30 pm.
VILLAGE MARKET SATURDAY 8TH JULY 2.00 - 3.30PM ur regular stall holders include Denize and John O Taylor with their wonderful jams and chutneys, the Bric a Brac stall run by Frances in aid of the Village Hall, Alison Couzens lovely gem stone jewellery and Hazel Farmer and her family with house- hold goods and bird food, and we will also have the stall supporting the Church extension. Please come and indulge in some of Marian’s delicious cakes, and don’t forget if you have a request for a favourite cake just ask! Our young helpers also continue to tempt us with their homemade cakes, teas and coffees whilst you meet up with your friends for a chat. All help is greatly appreciated to keep this village event going, including helping to set up and pack away, contact Nola for set up times. So come along to meet the new faces, arrange to catch up with your friends and neighbours for conversation, coffee, tea and cake. Browse the new and regular stalls for a bargain or buy a cake and a jar of jam for Sunday tea. Don't forget the raffle, a selection of fun prizes usually including a bottle of wine! New stall holders are always welcome, the only charge is 10% of stall holders’ takings to Village Hall funds, no sales no charge. Please contact Nola Rice- Wood on [email protected] or 9714822 for details or to arrange a booking for all kinds of parties, events or meetings. Don’t forget we will be taking our annual break in August. We thank you for supporting your Village Hall and look forward to seeing you at the subsequent market on September 9th, to which all are welcome.
Art Group A friendly group of amateurs meets every Tuesday 9.45- 12.15 Contact Sunny 9712255
11 BEENHAM PRE-SCHOOL he summer term is always bitter sweet as we are busy enjoying the lovely T weather but also preparing to say goodbye to those children moving on to a variety of primary schools in the area. We will be welcoming all of our families for a Family Picnic and Fun Day on the last day of the summer term and holding a small ceremony for those children moving on. Our large play area outside looks very different now after the removal of the fir trees which had grown too big for the area and we have all had a great time finding new ways to use the space. We have been contacted by many families in the area about spaces for September and we have been busy booking visits and welcoming some new faces into the setting already this term. We are thrilled that news of our increase in hours from September is continuing to generate lots of interest. If you think you might like to book a space for your child (we take children from their second birthday) please do arrange to come in for a visit as soon as possible so that we can try to ensure you are allocated the sessions you would like. We are also operating a waiting list for the Under 2’s who would like to reserve a space with us so please put your name down as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We do have a high number of new children booked in for the 2017-18 year already (and beyond). We are currently open school hours (9am-2.45pm) from Monday to Thursday during term time with an option of childcare until 5.45pm after the child’s 4th birthday. From September we will be increasing that to 30 hours (8.45 to 2.45, Monday to Friday). We accept Government Funding and Childcare Vouchers and offer the option of cooked lunches. We operate a Key Person approach to planning so that each child is able to work at their own pace with activities which are targeted at their individual stage of development in our lovely rural location. Please do contact us for further information. To book a visit or to learn more please contact our Manager, Paula Read: Telephone: during sessions on 07793 116937 / out of sessions 01635 860039 Email: [email protected] Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@beenhampre)
THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB FOR THE OVER 55S hroughout the winter we hold social events and talks in T the Victory Hall on the third Wednesday of the month at 2pm. During the summer we arrange six coach outings to various venues. There is a Train ride on the Alresford and Watercress Line, on the 19th July. A trip to the seaside at Weston-Super-Mare is booked for 16th August. If you are interested just get in touch, we would be delighted to see you. For further information contact Robin Chapman on: 9713715
12 BEENHAM WI anette Hammond, wellbeing and beauty specialist, also a fragrance J stylist, as well as being one of our members came to talk about scent and memories at our July meeting. Her interest in the connection between the two led to visiting a nursing home and along with the activity coordinator she worked on smell and memories which can be helpful for those suffering from dementia to recall past times. She explained that our sense of smell is linked to a part of the brain connected with memory (the limbic system). Janette showed us the system from ‘Smell & Connect’ that she used in the nursing home, using such evocative smells as baby powder, lavender, tomato leaves etc. She also brought in some scents from the past – 4711, Brut, Imperial Leather to name but a few. Scents and stories from members were shared and discussed. The speaker at the July meeting is Edward Crookes, Director of Englefield Estates. As this is an open meeting, all (ladies and gentlemen) are welcome to attend and it would be lovely to have a good turnout for his talk. The meeting is on Wednesday 12th July at 7.45p.m. and the cost is £3 per person, which includes tea and coffee. We are keen for new members to join our WI. So ladies, if you fancy a monthly ‘night out with the girls’, to find out more about a myriad of subjects, enjoy pub lunches, outings and maybe strike up new friendships, you will be warmly welcomed. If you would like to come, just turn up, or contact our president Carolyn Main on 9710164. We are proud to be part of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, which has considerable influence in public affairs. Beenham WI meets on the second Wednesday of each month, at 7.45p.m. in the Community Room. Linda Beakhouse
CAMPING? IN ICELAND? n July, I will be trekking 60 kms through one of the world’s most volcanic I regions, weaving through vast steaming lava fields. The key challenges for me will be walking for 11 hours on the first day, then putting up my own tent! On day two we will be wading through ice cold streams. Why? In memory of my mother, who did something similar in 1980 but who passed away in 2015 and to raise money for the fabulous charity, Sebastian’s Action Trust. Sebastian’s Action Trust support the families of seriously ill children from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond, offering emotional, social and practical support. I have worked with this charity for several years as a Wellbeing Therapist and more recently offering Palliative aromatherapy to the sick children in their last weeks of life. (www.sebastiansactiontrust.org) If you would like to sponsor me on this amazing, crazy challenge please go to :http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/JanetteHammond I have paid for the trip in full. All donations will go directly to the charity.
13 MIDGHAM
THE DELL very pleasant A afternoon was enjoyed by many people from across the benefice when Tony and Fayleen Billington opened their woodland garden. Magnificent trees and rhododendrons were to be seen, followed by delicious sandwiches and cakes , £500 was raised towards the Midgham organ restoration fund.
Date for your diary Harvest service 11am 24th September followed by Harvest Lunch in the Village Hall
THE FORTHCOMING RIDE + STRIDE EVENT SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2017 AT 10AM lease put this in your diary or on your calendar, as P the date is fast approaching, for the village annual cycle ride/walk in aid of the Berkshire Churches Trust and in particular our St Matthew’s church.
Midgham locals have been participating in this event for over 45 years. Meeting at St Matthew’s church, we set off, on foot or bicycle, and sign in at various churches on a well-established route.
Last year, 17 of us took part, with plenty of others showing interest. It’s a fun day for all the family.
I’ll write a more detailed and informative note for publication, nearer the time.
Roger Bailey email: [email protected] ‘Kirkhams’, Birds Lane. Mobile 0780 1846900 (when on) 14 MIDGHAM STATION (Part 1) s a committed train spotter in the late 1950s /early 1960s living in Midgham gave A me an opportunity to see a lot of the famous named express trains speed through the station – toward the Cornish Riviera, and back to Reading and Paddington. Mind you, I was surprised on one occasion when we were going into Reading and waiting on the platform for the train, the other spotter on the platform said to me, he thought the steam engine on the train would be a ‘County’ class engine. Needless to say, I was sceptical of his statement, but when the train came along – guess what – it was indeed a ‘County’ class engine! The station itself is parallel to the Bath Road, and had a reasonably sized goods yard in the 1950s, with wagons loaded with ‘Ayres Coal’, but it was closed in 1960, and the traffic passed to the road. In the lane was a cobbler’s, which I remember going in with my parents on at least one occasion and I still remember it as something like a dark nissen hut, but with piles of shoes under repair! The red fire buckets, the line of poplars just east of the station, and that mysterious ‘Douai School’ on the station sign. My Mother had a part-time job at Douai for a while. Her job seemed to have something to do with the kitchen and dining areas. I do recall ‘helping out’ the monks and other staff in the refectory to lay tables for the boarders. Quite how much ‘help’ a 6 or 7 year old would have been I don’t know!! It was my first encounter with real monks too – although I had already seen Friar Tuck in Robin Hood – these guys were not the same! I seem to recall they had a swimming pool within the school at Douai, and the science laboratory impressed me, but definitely not by the offer of; “…would you like to taste some caviar?” It was though a fascinating early experience. But I digress - the railway station’s name certainly confused me – it is in the village of Woolhampton, so it’s station is Midgham – of course! – that made sense to a young railway enthusiast!! My Dad came to my rescue and explained that it had to do with the confusion for the Royal Mail, between Woolhampton, and Wolverhampton. The station at Midgham was actually opened in December 1847 as ‘Woolhampton’ on the Berks and Hants section of the Great Western Railway, and renamed in 1873, and the station building was an ‘improvement’ of what Brunel described as “roadside stations”, based on a style built at Pangbourne on the GWR’s ‘broad gauge’ lines. Interestingly too, the Wolverhampton problem was probably created by the GWR itself, since it absorbed the Oxford, Worcester & Wolverhampton Railway in 1863 – 17 years after the opening of the station at Midgham (Woolhampton). It was probably easier to rename a rural station without too much opposition, than a town centre station in Wolverhampton. Rodger Bailey
15 DOUAI PAVILION GRAND OPENING ollowing several years of fundraising, the Douai Park Recreation F Association has realised its dream and the building of the new Douai Pavilion is complete. There was a weekend of celebration on 3rd and 4th June. After much soul searching, the iconic building that was a memorial to old boys of Douai School who lost their lives in the Great War had to be replaced. It was important to commemorate these brave men, for the Old Boys of Douai School to have a ‘home’ and for local sports clubs to have a good facility. Our community came together with energy, ideas and talent. Showaddywaddy, the retro-inspired rock and roll band, headlined the Douai Pavilion Party on the Saturday night and were supported by Acoustic Roots and a disco. Delicious food was served by the Bladebone Inn and Sue Birch Associates ran a busy bar. There was a great atmosphere, especially when we huddled together in marquees as the rain came down! Soon, the skies cleared and the audience, of all ages, danced the night away. The following morning we were back to support football teams, tennis players and a cricket match. The Grand Opening of Douai Pavilion was performed by Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury and the ceremony was attended by members of the Douai Society. It was a poignant moment when the ‘baton’ was passed from the Old Boys of Douai School to the young boys and girls who enjoy sport on Douai Playing Fields today. Richard Benyon also paid tribute to Richard Morris who has worked tirelessly with David Howe to bring the building of the Douai Pavilion to fruition. Richard Morris was presented with a beautifully crafted plaque by Jack Lovell. The day’s activities were well supported and we enjoyed the food stalls, tea and cakes, ice creams, face painting, bouncy castle and tug of war. The day was rounded off with a raffle and an auction with the proceeds going towards the final fundraising target to be met. The Douai Pavilion is available for hire for cricket, football, tennis and social events (wedding and christening parties, wakes, birthday parties etc.). For information, please contact Steve Bates – [email protected]. Yoga classes are run by Jessica Raphael [email protected] 07919 882853. A Film Club will be up and running shortly, organised by Malcolm & Ann Booth – [email protected]. Catherine Lovell
16 WANTED - VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ONE SUNDAY AFTERNOON A MONTH ontact the Elderly is a national C charity dedicated to tackling social isolation among older people through face to face contact. Monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties are organised for small local groups of older people who live alone. Each older person is collected from their home by a volunteer driver and taken to a volunteer host’s home for the afternoon. The group is warmly welcomed by a different host 7th July each month but the drivers remain the same which means that over the months and years acquaintances turn into friends. Everyone involved has something to look forward to each month. I organise one of the groups in the Reading / Newbury area and we need additional drivers. If you think that you could help, then please get in touch with me, Jackie Johnson, on 0792 206 8646 or email [email protected]. Further details are on the charity’s website contact-the-elderly.org.uk
17 CLIMATE CHANGE – WE ARE RESPONSIBLE
ur carbon footprint is the amount of our O carbon dioxide emissions, on average 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year in the UK. You can calculate your own carbon footprint using an online calculator.
Travel is responsible for around 17% of our personal carbon footprints. We can reduce our carbon emissions caused by travel by: Walking or cycling Using public transport Not flying. (Travel to Europe by train can be a stress-free comfortable way to travel.) Sharing car journeys, driving a low emission vehicle or driving a plug-in electric or hybrid vehicle. (Yes, the electricity used has to be generated, but we can choose a supplier who uses renewable resources such as Good Energy or Ecotricity.)
Food is responsible for 23% of our carbon footprint. In choosing what to eat we should think about the carbon emissions used to grow the food and transport it to our homes. We can reduce them by: Using locally-produced in-season food. Food that is flown in from overseas has “air miles” attached to it whereas locally-grown food does not. But locally-grown food that is not in season my have used fossil fuels for artificial heating, so, for instance, buying early UK strawberries or raspberries may not be better than buying them from overseas. Bananas are often grown in countries where the local economy depends on their export, and in any case they are usually transported by ship rather than plane, so they need not be avoided. There are no absolute rules: we just need to be conscious of what the carbon emissions may be. Eating less meat. The thinking is that in a world where the global population is rising so that food-growing land per head is reducing, the farming of animals is not an efficient way to convert energy to food. In addition bovines add to the emission problem by emitting methane which is about thirty times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Avoiding buying excess food and eventually throwing it out.
Most of us are used to separating our waste to enable recycling, and to shopping without using plastic bags. We should aim to throw out as little as possible, and to recycle. This is sometimes presented as the three Rs: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. We reduce the amount we consume, we re-use things as often as we can and then we recycle them.
If you have read as far as this, well done and thank you. In these few articles I have covered what global warming is, what is being done internationally about it, and what we can do ourselves. In the future I will look more closely at what the global response is, and in particular how the subject is treated by faith communities. Richard Foster
18 Come and make new friends with Girl Guiding
Bradfield Brownies are looking for girls aged between 7 and 9 years to come and join in, have fun and make friends. We are also looking for volunteers who are able to contribute some time to the Unit, whether that is on a regular basis, or for ad-hoc activities. Our Brownies enjoy activities such as grass sledging, camp fires, candle making, sleepovers and many more exciting things. Please contact the unit at [email protected]
To find out more about all local Girl Guiding groups, and to find out more about volunteering, please contact Claire Pincock at [email protected] for more information, or check us out at www.girlguiding.org.uk
Local Girl Guiding groups include Rainbows (5-7 year olds), Guides (10- 14 year olds), Senior Section (14-18 years old). We also have members who are active in the local Trefoil Guild.
GARDENING CLUBS & EVENTS July 2017 Bucklebury & Marlston Horticultural Society is a friendly group who meet in the Memorial Hall, Upper Bucklebury. We meet for talks and outings. Members also receive discounts at several local nurseries. The summer Show is on Sunday July 8th from 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Entries need to have been submitted by Thursday 6th July. The Autumn show is on Saturday 9th September from 2.00pm – 4.00pm and entries are to be submitted by Thursday 7th September. For more information please contact John Wright 01635 863429. New members are always welcome. Bradfield Gardening Club meets at Bradfield Village Hall at 7.30pm on the second Tuesday of the month. There are talks and visits from April to September. Tuesday 11th July – Hilary Rycroft. Pots and Containers. Nursery: The Herb Farm. Tuesday 8th August – Samantha Hopes. Hellebores and Hydrangeas. Nursery: Ashwood Nurseries. New members are always welcome, contact Elspeth Ewen [email protected] 0118 9712856.
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PACT calls for caring professionals to consider adoption FAMILY support charity Parents And Children Together (PACT) is appealing for people from caring professions to consider adoption. PACT offers outstanding adoption services to families across the South East. Last year it placed 87 children with 62 families through its adoption services. There are currently more than 2,000 children waiting to be adopted in England. PACT is particularly looking for couples or single people, including those from the LGBT community, who can consider adopting children over four years old, those with BME heritage or who have additional needs, and sibling groups of two or more children. The agency would really like to hear from anyone from the caring professions such as nurses, teachers, police officers, childminders and those in the care sector, as given their professional experience and skills they typically make strong adopters, and they are particularly valued by local authorities looking to place a child. PACT Chief Executive Jan Fishwick said: “While there is no such thing as a typical adopter we know from our many years’ experience of matching children with forever families that people who work in a caring profession very often have the experience, skills and qualities to make excellent adopters. “Having said that we are always very happy to hear from anyone, whatever their profession, who can offer love, stability and security to a child who needs this – this is always what matters most. At PACT we work with adopters who are single and married, people who have birth or step-children, or don’t have children, as well as those of different sexualities and religions.” PACT holds regular information events where anyone considering adoption can find out more about what’s involved. To find out about events coming up see http://pactcharity.org/adoption/about-adoption/information-events You can also find out more about PACT and its adoption services at www.pactcharity.org or by calling 0300 456 4800
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T J PO- COCK & SONS BUILDERS Over 40 years’ experience. All aspects of building work undertak- en All work guaranteed No job too big or too small Local friendly family business
COUNSELLING AND Please call for Free Advice and PSYCHOTHERAPY Quotations Confidential, professionally registered, Terry Pocock : Beenham and 20 years’ NHS experience. 0118 9712572 Phone to book an assessment. Mobile 07712436406 07778 509594 e.mail GERALYN COLLINS [email protected]
21 COPY can be sent to CHAPEL ROW COMMUNITY Beenham E-MAIL SERVICE GROUP Pat Owen 9615860 Beenham-Midgham-Woolhampton [email protected] For details of services provided, Midgham requests and offers to help ring: Sarah Henderson 9713956 0118 9713334 (Mrs Cardy) [email protected] between 9.30 and 11.30 am,
Woolhampton Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Woolhampton Surgery Run: Katie Alexander 9712067 Tuesdays—pick up points: Please send Word attachments in 9.30 am Watermill Court & The Angel Times New Roman size 11 font with no formatting (i.e. tabs bullets etc)
MOBILE LIBRARY All advertising enquiries to Brenda Scott 0118 9813441 [email protected] Beenham: Wednesday July 19th THE BEENHAM SURGERY RUN Stoneyfields 3.15-4.00 Sponsored by the Parish Council takes patients from Beenham to Woolhampton: th Chapel Row Surgery Wednesday July 12 on Monday and Friday mornings. Watermill Ct 10.25-11.10
Please make requests for this service
to the Chapel Row Surgery Midgham: The volunteer drivers also collect Wednesday July 12th and deliver prescriptions to Beenham Goddard's Drive 9.45-10.10
MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION he magazine is distributed without T charge to homes and schools in the area. But financial contributions, Welcome however small, are gratefully received. If If you have recently moved into our you would like to make a donation community, we hope that you settle into towards the magazine please send a your new home and surroundings quickly. cheque to AW Benefice General account Hopefully this magazine will help you to c/o The Rectory, Wasing Lane, discover what’s going on in the area. You Aldermaston RG7 4LX are especially welcome to come to any of the church services as listed in the magazine, and do please contact our MAGAZINE DEADLINE rector if you want to find out more.
th WEDNESDAY 12 JULY 12 noon at the latest Don't forget to visit the Benefice web [email protected] site: www.awb.org.uk
22 MINISTRY TEAM Benefice Administrator Brenda Scott 9813441 [email protected] The Rector Rev Becky Bevan 9712281 [email protected] The Rectory Wasing Lane, Aldermaston Associate Priests (part time) Rev Pat Bhutta 9710124 [email protected] Rev Derek Spears 9332722 [email protected] Rev Janice Macdonald 9813590 [email protected] Lay minister Margaret Davison 9712810 [email protected] Wedding Administrator Samantha Cave 07568 184704 [email protected] Children's work co-ordinator Cara Smart [email protected]
St Peter’s, Brimpton Aldermaston & Wasing Churchwarden: Treasurer: Chris Goodchild Brenda Scott, September Cottage, 9710430 Secretary: Rachel Peters 9811964 Brimpton 9813441 Treasurer: Bill Scott 9813441 St Mary the Virgin, Aldermaston Secretary: Patricia Brims 9714085 Churchwardens: Flowers: Deborah Fry 9713603 Chris Newman, 22a The Street
9713525 St Matthew’s, Midgham Teresa Thomas 9712662 Churchwardens: Spring Cottage, Spring Lane Robert Stradling, 2, Church Close, Flowers: Jeanne Hughes 9812289 Thatcham 01635 862337 Sarah Henderson, 14 Hatch Close, St Nicholas, Wasing Chapel Row 9713956 Churchwardens: Treasurer: Stewart Booth Alan Caiger-Smith, Shalford Farm 9710252 9713100 Secretary: Sarah Henderson Colin Evans, Wasing Wood Edge 9713956 9813843 St Mary’s, Beenham Flowers: Sue Evans 9713364
Churchwardens: St Peter’s, Woolhampton George Dunford,11Whitehart Close, Churchwardens: Theale 9323637 Malcolm Large, 39 Abbey Gardens Tim Leblond Four Keeps, 9712901 Picklepythe Lane 9714719 Charles Davison, 3 Angel Mead Joint Treasurers: 9712810 Simon Witcomb 9712210 Treasurer: Prue Matchwick Chris LeBlond 9714719 01635 869742 Secretary: Rosemary Maslen Secretary: Gill Sitch 9713172 9713824 Flowers: Stella Nesbit 9713140 Flowers: Margaret Wheatley 9710260
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Art Class Newbury
Step by Step tuition Suitable for adult beginners to improvers 3 hours per week, morning or afternoon Paint materials included limited spaces – Call for more info 01256 810933 www.theseasonsartclass.com
SJB CONTRACTING Seasoned Logs for sale delivered to your door Log processing Operated digger and tree shear hire specialising in boundary and scrub clearance, ditch digging, trackways and general groundworks Agricultural and equine fencing Any enquires please call Sam on 07979261497 or email [email protected]
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An Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Independent Day School for boys and girls from 4 to 11 years
ü High academic standards and a wide range of clubs ü Before and After school care from 8am to 6pm ü Sibling discount ü Nursery Grant available ü ISA Accredited Member
We warmly welcome you to join us for a visit anytime
The Cedars School, Church Road, Aldermaston, Berkshire, RG7 4LR www.thecedarsschool.co.uk Tel: 0118 9714 251
P.D.D SERVICES Chimney Sweeping Guttering All types of chimneys swept Clearing / Repairs Pots, Cowls, Caps, Birdguards Fitted Complete Replacements Stacks Repaired or Rebuilt uPVC Fascia, Soffit Cleaning Brick Fireplaces Designed & Built Water butts Supplied & Fitted Fully Insured Moss Removal From Roofs www.pddservices.co.uk Tel: 01635 871885 / Mobile: 07885105006
25 PAUL.S.WALDEN Painter & Decorator
For all your painting and decorating requirements
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jason cook flooring AREA SWEEP All types of flooring CHIMNEY SWEEP supplied and fitted. A PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP ------SERVICE carpets, vinyls, ceramics, wood and CLEAN RELIABLE BRUSH AND VACUUM laminates. FULLY INSURED MANY YEARS samples to your door, free quotations and friendly advice. EXPERIENCE AGA’S Over 25 years experience RAYBURNS call jason: 0118 9714841 mobile: 0771 9484632. JETMASTERS ALL OPEN FIRES WOODBURNERS E.A. Laming NEST REMOVALS OIL FIRED BOILERS Flat roofing 15 years SWEEPING CERTIFICATES ISSUED Guarantee on all high CAPS AND COWLS SUPPLIED AND performance felts FITTED also Tiling and Lead CALL DARREN Repairs 01635 569195/07900398678 Phone 0118 9744701 [email protected] 21 years experience
26 Computer Problems? Computer always crashing? Worried about Viruses? Installing Broadband? Wireless Networking? Computer running slowly? Software not working? Need an upgrade?
If you need urgent help or just a chat with an expert call (0118) 9810800
email: [email protected] Home or Business We can help NO FIX — NO FEE
PIKE BROS JANETTE HAMMOND Joinery and Cabinet Design BEAUTY THERAPY PURPOSE MADE JOINERY IN BEENHAM SOFT AND HARD WOOD Manicures; pedicures; massage; HANDMADE facials; waxing; make-up; tinting; Kitchens Windows Doors perfume design; teenage beauty Fitted and Freestanding Furniture workshops Wood turning 07917 818283 www.janettehammond.co.uk 32 Bath Road, Midgham Tel: 9712664 Fully qualified, insured & DBS checked
Seasoned LOGS to your WOODPILE Cut and split to your fire size. Full and Half loads available
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27 COSY COTTAGE CATTERY
Holiday accommodation for your cat Small luxury heated country cattery with owners personal attention Inspection invited by appointment
Keith & Lesley-Anne Howard 0118 9712293
Fiona Kirby Interiors ( City & Guilds Qualified)
Soft Furnishings &Upholstery (curtains, blinds, loose covers) Established 2000
Tel: 0118 9712972
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