Church Magazine

August 2017

Aldermaston and Benefice

Beenham

Midgham

Woolhampton Thought for the month

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. (Nehemiah 1:4)

osing Becky after nearly seven years is a bit of a shaker and, there is, for L some, perhaps for most of us, a real sense of bereavement. We are told there are five recognisable stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and, finally, acceptance. Thinking about the stage of acceptance, we’re not necessarily happy about the change this news will make to our lives but we realise it’s going to happen and so we start to accept that rather than fight the inevitable. After all, The Lord gives and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Out of acceptance can come peace and out of peace can come anticipation of what lies ahead. With peace in our hearts anticipation can feel like excitement, a new start, fresh opportunities for all, opportunities for the benefice, and all of us in it, to show just how much Becky has done for us. I felt the Bible readings for the Sunday the news broke were so apposite; in Acts 17 Paul said that God is not far from each one of us. And again, in John 14:18 where Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, I will not leave you as orphans – I found, and still find, these two phrases hugely encouraging – I will not leave you as orphans, I am not far from each of you. I know from my own experience, and from conversations with others, that to be so true of Im- manuel, God-with-us; in times of joy, need and sorrow, even those times when we have felt so alone, or turned our backs on God, we later realise he has been with us all the time. We have a time of transition ahead of us, a time which allows us space, space to review and plan, to think about how far we’ve come and to think, under God’s hand, where we can go. And, thanks be to God, we know we are not alone, we know we have not been left as orphans, and that we have the Holy Spirit close by as we look towards the future. So please join me, and others, as we pray for God's leadership, wisdom, guidance and prompting in finding our new rector. There is a process, which has already started, and in this, and in God, we place our trust and our hope; the right person for our benefice is out there. In the meantime, we are particu- larly blessed to have a strong united ministry team in place ensuring it’ll be business as usual during the vacancy – please pray also for us as we adapt to change, and for Becky in her new role and home. Revd Janice

2 From the Register: Baptisms and Services of Thanksgiving 16th July Matilda Amber Lawrence 16th July Jordan Franklin Michael May 23rd July Honey Amber Rae Richardson 23rd July Matthew Benjamin Cook Woolhampton 30th July Maxton Arlo Welch Wasing 30th July Frankie Jackson

Weddings, Renewal of Vows and Blessings of Marriage 2nd July Luke Sadler and Amy Wicks Wasing 9th July Rob Manchett and Emma Scerri Wasing 22ndJuly Robert Duncan and Rebecca Cooper Wasing 22nd July Alan Campbell and Kathryn Owen Beenham 27th July John Watkins and Sophia Christou Wasing 29th July Edward McKeown and Amy Miles Beenham

Funerals and Burial of Ashes 16th June Frederick Martin Beenham 7th July Anthony (Tony) Paul Butler Aldermaston 11th July Margaret Little Woolhampton 24th July Barbara Gilmore Woolhampton

All details correct at time of going to print.

3

SERVICES FOR AUGUST

6th August Trinity 8 Aldermaston 8:00 AM Holy Communion BCP 10:45 AM Family Communion

13th August Trinity 9 Beenham 9:15 AM Family Communion Woolhampton 11:00 AM Family Communion

20th August Trinity 10 Aldermaston 10:45 AM Family Communion Brimpton 10:45 AM Family Communion Midgham 9:15 AM Family Communion

24th August Trinity 11 Midgham 11:30 AM Monthly Communion

27th August Thursday Beenham 9:15 AM Family Communion Wasing 10:45 AM Family Communion Woolhampton 11:00 AM Family Communion

3rd September Trinity 12 Aldermaston 8:00 AM Holy Communion BCP Aldermaston 10:45 AM Family Service Beenham 9:15 AM Holy Communion Brimpton 9:15 AM Holy Communion Midgham 9:15 AM Morning Worship Woolhampton 11:00 AM Morning Worship

4 BENEFICE NEWS

Home groups this Autumn.... Have you ever wondered what the creeds are and what their words mean? Where did they come from, how did they end up in our worship and why do we say the words together?

Home groups will be exploring this in six fortnightly sessions using the Pilgrim Course, beginning on 12th September, at a choice of days and places. All welcome. Beenham - 7.30pm on Tuesdays at the Community Room in Beenham Primary School, RG7 5NN. First meeting 12th September Aldermaston - 7.30pm on Wednesdays at Kiln House, The Street, Aldermaston, RG7 4LN. First meeting 13th September (please note the 11th October will be at Cedars School) Woolhampton at 2.30pm on Friday at 5 Orchard Close, Woolhampton, RG7 5SD. First meeting 15th September For further information about the course and/or the venues, please contact: Pat Bhutta on 0118 9710124 or email: [email protected]

A PRAYER FOR THE BENEFICE DURING THE INTERREGNUM

Almighty God hold us in your loving care, lead us in the way of your son Jesus Christ, and send your Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us in this time of uncertainty and change.

Help us Lord during the interregnum: - to use the gifts and talents you have given to each of us for your glory, - to seek your wisdom in prayer before we make decisions, and - to encourage and care for each other.

Give wisdom and discernment to those charged with finding our new Rector and help us all to look forward with hope for the person who will serve us with joy, lead us by example, and enable us all to work together for the building of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen.

5 SPIRITUAL AND PASTORAL CARE IN THE BENEFICE

o you feel a spiritual hole which needs filling in your life? Would you appreciate D 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 pray do let us know.

Mental Health awareness In June we had our first meeting on raising awareness of Mental Health. We met in Aldermaston Parish Hall and heard from a local psychiatrist, Dr Jeremy Harding, who explained that most of us will experience sadness in our lives. Times when someone we love dies, or is ill, times when our worlds are suddenly changed and we find it hard to cope. These times and other tough experiences may or may not result in us becoming so disorientated and unwell we need the help of mental health professionals.

Several people were able to share their own experiences of particular mental illnesses and we heard about the difficulties of post natal depression and long term depression and anxiety.

The evening ended with ten practical tips from the Mental Health Foundation on ways to look after our mental health. You can find these fully explained at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-to-mental-health

We all learned much from the evening and a group of us are now working on finding new ways to support those who suffer from mental illness. Details to follow.

For more information: Contact: Rev. Pat Bhutta – 0118 971 0124 – E:mail: [email protected].

ST MATTHEW’S CAFÉ Saturday 23rd September Thursday 3rd August 3.30 to 5 pm

Do come and enjoy tea and homemade Woolhampton Primary School cakes. A way of being at Church but not as you Place - St Matthew’s Church, Midgham, know it! Fun, crafts, story, celebration Time - 3 pm to 4.30pm time and refreshments. Suitable for all Date – Every first Thursday of the month ages – children to be accompanied For more information or if you need No need to book – just turn up. transport : For more details contact Pat Bhutta Tel: Pat Bhutta 0118 9710124 e-mail: [email protected] 9710124 [email protected].

6 WHO TO CONTACT WHILE WE HAVE NO RECTOR.

To arrange baptisms, funerals, discuss matters of faith, or to request a visit at home or in hospital for prayer or communion and enquiries relating to new headstones/memorials: Associate Priest Reverend Pat Bhutta 0118 9710124 [email protected]

Pat’s days off are Monday and Tuesday.

For all enquiries about Weddings – Wedding Administrator Samantha Cave 07568 184704 [email protected]

To give, or receive information about events, services, the benefice website: Benefice Administrator Brenda Scott 0118 9813441 [email protected]

For anything to do with our 6 village churches and churchyards (except new headstone/memorials) please contact the Churchwarden(s) for the particular church:

St Mary’s, Aldermaston Chris Newman 0118 9713525 [email protected] Teresa Thomas 0118 9712662 [email protected]

St Mary’s, Beenham George Dunford 0118 9323637 [email protected] Tim LeBlond 0118 9714719 [email protected]

St Peter’s, Brimpton Brenda Scott 0118 9813441 [email protected]

St Matthew’s, Midgham Sarah Henderson 0118 9713956 [email protected] Robert Stradling 01635 862337 [email protected]

St Nicholas, Wasing Alan Caiger-Smith 0118 9713100 [email protected] Colin Evans 0118 9813843 [email protected]

St Peter’s, Woolhampton Charles Davison 0118 9712810 [email protected] Malcolm Large 0118 9712901 [email protected]

7 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 25th July and 29th August (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].

From BEENHAM PARISH COUNCIL ollowing the recent spate of incidents in the village, these have been F discussed at the recent Parish Council meeting. The Parish Council advise that if villagers are concerned about any particular issues, then they should call the Police on the 101 information number. will then be able to advise on any necessary actions. Additionally, we are seeking coordinators to take part and help run a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. If you are interested in being a coordinator, please let the Parish Council know by visiting [email protected] and this can be taken further forward.

NO VILLAGE MARKET IN AUGUST he trustees and helpers of the of the Village Market are taking T their annual break. We will be returning on September 9th with all our regular stall holders and hopefully some new faces. 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.

8 BEENHAM OPEN GARDENS SUCCESS

irst and foremost, a very big thank you to F everyone who took part, gardeners, helpers, cake bakers, art exhibitors, flower demonstrator and those who visited and donated, for it was all of you that made the day such an amazing success. On the day, we had 362 people through the gardens, which was wonderful considering how hot it was!!! We raised £3,570 for the nursing charities, Macmillan Nurses, Marie Curie Nurses etc., which has been paid to the National Gardens Scheme to be distributed. I have received two letters from them thanking everyone for their hard work and generosity. Again, many thanks to all. Pauline Brown

FOOTBALLERS WANTED he Beenham Dads meet weekly at the Willink Sports Centre T (large flood-lit astroturf pitch at the back of the school) between 9:00 and 10:00 on Monday evenings (except Bank Holidays). As our name suggests we are a group of Dads living in Beenham, all ages and abilities are welcome, the numbers playing vary through the year but we manage to average out at 7 or 8 a-side. Please contact John Humphreys: [email protected] or 07771 775579 or 0118 9713946

GREYFIELD WOOD – FIREWOOD FOR SALE ow is a great time to purchase your supplies of local, home- N grown firewood for the coming winter months. If collected in the next few weeks, cut to log size and stored to dry further, you will be well-placed for the colder weather. Loads of firewood [2 cubic meters] are made up of a mixture of hardwoods including hazel, sweet chestnut, ash and silver birch. The timber is cut to 1 metre lengths. It must be collected from Greyfield Wood. The cost of a load is £63, including VAT at 5%.

If you wish to replenish your firewood stocks for winter, and also support the ongoing re-planting of Greyfield Wood with broadleaf species, please contact Ken Ewen via email,[email protected] or 0118 971 2856, to place your order.

9 Barn Dance 9th September 2017 from 7.00 p.m.

St Mary’s Church Fund Raising Committee invite you to a BARN DANCE At Awberry farm, Beenham On the 9th September 2017 It will be an evening of fun and dancing together with BBQ Bar courtesy of 6 Bells and music by Inisheer. Tickets must be purchased in advance, £15 for adult, £10 for child over 5, £40 for family ticket (2 adults,2 children). Please see Pat 07947 478840, Janette 07917 818283 or Chris 07919 484293 for tickets or at the church stall at next Beenham Market.

The church has raised, with everybody’s continuing generosity, over £20,000 in funding for the proposed annex extension we plan for the church. However this is some way off our target for the whole project. Profits from the Barn Dance will go towards the funds for the Project.

We hope you can join us on the 9th September.

BEENHAM ACTIVITIES August 2017 ART GROUP A friendly group of amateurs meets every Tuesday 9.45- 12.15 Contact Sunny 9712255

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 869869 (work) 0118 9712210 (home) or [email protected]

SCOTTISH DANCING AT THE VICTORY HALL Scottish Dancing has been resting over the Summer. We restart on Monday 4th September at 7.30pm for beginners and for step practice, with dancing from 7.45pm. It’s great fun and a good way to improve fitness and stamina. The group meets regularly on Monday evenings 7.30pm – 10pm from September until May. Do come along and see what we do. You don’t need a partner and the music is great. We promise you a warm welcome. For more information contact Katrina on 0118 9713331 or Una Kidd on 0118 9417800. To check other clubs in the area see http://www.rscds-bhs.org.uk

10 BEENHAM PRE-SCHOOL

Children enjoying a shaded story time using our “Very Hungry Caterpillar” story sack

JOB VACANCY: Due to our extended hours in September and the ever increasing demand for funded 30 hour places we are hoping to recruit a new member of staff. If you are qualified to Level 2/3 in childcare and would like to work in our fun and friendly setting please do get in touch. Currently the vacancy is for Fridays with additional overtime and staff cover. It is our expectation that those hours will increase as the number of children in setting increases.

As we write this we are entering the last 2 weeks of our summer term so staff are busy completing the records and summaries for those children leaving for various primary schools, and then generating the Next Steps for the younger children so that they have clear targets for September. We are looking forward to our annual Family Fun Day when we will share a picnic, enjoy the gardens, and say a fond farewell to our Leavers at our Graduation Ceremony. We have been contacted by many families 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 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)

11 BEENHAM WI ow much do we know about the land around that we H see, drive or walk through maybe nearly every day? Not as much as we thought, as estates director Edward Crookes, with a great deal of knowledge and a degree of light-heartedness, opened up the world of the Englefield Estate at our July meeting. To a larger than usual audience (we had opened the meeting to visitors) Edward talked us through the history of this local landmark, owned by the Benyon family and amazed us with the sheer diversity of ventures undertaken to keep the estate of 14,000 acres viable and forward looking. This includes farming of course, also housing, forestry, clay shoots, charity events, country fayres, and even films (The King’s Speech, The Crown, even a Lloyds Bank advert!). The estate also owns two other estates in the UK and manages another. The words in the 2016 annual review of the Englefield Estate perhaps sums up their aims ‘ Our vision is to be recognised as a commercially astute, expertly managed and successful business, whilst retaining our historic role as supporter of the local community and custodian of the environment’. August will find us out of our usual venue, this time at Nola’s home and garden, where we gather together to celebrate summer with a garden party. Let’s hope summer will last that long! We are very keen to increase membership to our WI. Maybe you’ve recently moved to the village and would like to meet the locals and make new friends. 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

THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB FOR THE OVER 55S hroughout the winter we hold social events and talks in the Victory Hall on T the third Wednesday of the month at 2pm. During the summer we arrange six coach outings to various venues.

A trip to the seaside at Weston-Super-Mare is booked for 16th August. On September 20th a trip to Hampton Court Palace has been organised. If you are interested just get in touch, we would be delighted to see you. For further information contact Robin Chapman on: 9713715

12 MIDGHAM THE RIDE + STRIDE EVENT SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2017 t’s that time of year again when I encourage you to take part in the I cycle ride/walk that has been an annual event in Midgham for over 45 years. I note there are quite a few new people who have moved into the village and welcome you to take part – it will be a great way to meet neighbours and has always been regarded as a fun day. The route calls at local churches where we have to sign in and takes between 2 hours for the very fast and about 4 1/2 hours for the rest of us. I should say you can pull out at any time and if you are like me you walk up most of the hills. The majority stick together throughout. Apart from the laughter and banter that goes on, there has always been an excellent buffet lunch provided half way round. As said, you can cycle it (which the majority do) whilst a few do a shorter walk (some with dogs) ensuring they meet at the lunch spot. The event takes place across the whole of that day and is in aid of the Berkshire Churches Trust and in our case is of benefit to our village church, St Matthews. So we hope you’ll join us this year. Just let me know, in advance if possible, so I can advise those providing lunch, and let you have a sponsorship form. Don’t worry if the thought of obtaining sponsorship deters you, some just sponsor themselves and enjoy the day. We meet up at 10am outside the St Matthews Church. For more information please speak to me. Roger Bailey email: [email protected] ‘Kirkhams’, Birds Lane. 0118 9 714565

Quiz Nite please put date in your diary – Saturday 21st October. Fish & Chip Supper ~ BYO ~ Teams of 6 ~ Raffle ~ £12/head Please contact Claire to express interest or enter your team [email protected] 07786 195666

Harvest Service 11am Sunday 24th September followed by Harvest Lunch 12.30 pm in the Village Hall Tickets £5 (children free) bring your own drinks

(tickets available next month)

13 MORE MIDGHAM RAILWAY MEMOIRS n the 1950s and 60s there were quite a few “commuters” using the station, I but under Ernest Marples & Beeching’s proposals this was about to change radically. Although the freight facilities had already been stopped, Midgham Station was listed for closure in the “Beeching Plan”, along with Aldermaston and . Sadly, the Midgham station I remember using many times no longer survives, and in its place, a simple ‘bus shelter’ arrangement – a legacy from the major changes that took place on British Railways from 1963 onwards. It was briefly renamed as “Midgham Halt” in 1964, although re-named again as Midgham, but the words “For Douai School” no longer appear. The buildings themselves were demolished in 1965, since as a result of the many job losses that the Beeching Plan brought about, the availability of railway staff to provide some safety and security, it was considered better to remove them altogether. Whilst that for me, and many others would be a sad end for our home station, set against the context of the major changes in society during the 1960s, it was perhaps inevitable. Apart from the shopping trips to Reading, or occasional days out in London, Midgham was our starting point for family summer holidays – spent up in the far North West of , Barrow-in-Furness, the Lake District and Blackpool – of course! This journey took all day, starting with the trip in one of Sparks’ taxis down to the station, usually around 8am, and then on a train into Paddington, across London to Euston, and what to me was an interminable journey north, arriving at my Grandparents house around 6pm. Rodger Bradley

14 WOOLHAMPTON

WOOLHAMPTON ANNUAL SHOW 2017 (AUGUST 12TH) s you may have seen on Facebook (LoveWoolhampton) or if you have been A following the narrative in this year’s magazines, you will now know that Show Schedules, rules and Entry Forms are available to be downloaded, or can be collected in printed form from the Woolhampton Village Shop and at the monthly Market (5th August). For newcomers to the village, it’s a chance to see what goes on and, hopefully, feel inspired to enter a few classes (we’re only a small show and everyone stands a chance). There are several classes for youngsters so if you have a budding Damien Hirst or Mary Berry in your family, please encourage them to create an entry. And to everyone, this is the opportunity for vegetable growers, flower arrangers, cake makers, jam makers, etc., to show off your talents. The prizes are modest, but then so are the entry fees! And don’t forget the popular limerick competition (judged by an independent judge this year). Finally, the timetable for the day is 9.30-11.45 Exhibits set up (Potato-growing competition from 9.00 – please cut off foliage and put a name tag on your entry)) 12.00-2.00 Judging (public excluded) 2.00-4.00 Viewing and presentations (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) Even if you are not inclined to ‘have a go’ at anything, please come along and support this local event. If you require more information or detail please contact Cathy or Terry on 0118 9713637.

NATURE NOTES here have been some blue butterflies about, like little flecks of blue sky dancing T among the foliage. I thought they must be common blue but when one rested on an ivy leaf with its wings closed it did not have the underside markings I expected to see, but seemed to be plain silvery-grey. It was lovely anyway. Exciting news, someone in the village has discovered that there is at least one great crested newt in her pond. As we all know these are a protected species, and their presence can hold up building projects and the like for quite a while. Not that this applies in this case. Like frogs and toads, newts do wander around the countryside, and the young especially can be found in damp corners, but I wonder how far those had come. My neighbour was watching a squirrel starting on the nuts in the hazel when a large fox leapt from the bank and was left swinging across the branch as the squirrel escaped. I’m sure the squirrel laughed as much as my neighbour did! Stella Nesbit

WOOLHAMPTON ON A WEDNESDAY (COFFEE MORNING) ver gaining in popularity, this monthly event is proving to be an interim focal point E for meeting friends and neighbours between markets. Long may numbers continue to increase. Next month’s meeting will be on Wednesday 9th August (second Wednesday of each month) 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. 15 Woolhampton Village Hall – August 2017 Art Group Monday 7,14,21 2.00pm Bowls Friday 4,11,18,25 3.00pm Coffee morning Wednesday 9 10.30am The Fitness League Thursday none 10.00am Lunch Club Wednesday 2,23 12.30pm Market Saturday 5 10.00am Parish Council Tuesday 15 7.30pm Pilates Monday 7,1421 6.30pm Pilates (morning) Wednesday none 8.45am Pilates (evening) Wednesday 2,9,16,23,30 5.30pm Seniors Social Club Wednesday 23 2.30pm Stroke Care Tuesday 1,8,15,22,29 9.45 am Tai Chi Friday 4,11,18,25 10.00am Tea dance Thursday none 2.00pm Toddler Group Monday 7,14,21 9.30am Whist Thursday 10,24 2.00pm WI Tuesday 8 7.45pm HIIT Monday 7,14,21 7.30pm Zumba Wednesday 2,9,16,23 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.)

VILLAGE MARKET he next Market is on Saturday 5th August in the Village Hall T from 10am to 12 noon. Once again the Air Ambulance team will be present with a lovely array of goods (such a good cause), as will the regular stallholders with their terrific ranges of merchandise. We shall probably be wilting in the glorious sunshine but tea, coffee and cold drinks (accompanied by a delicious homemade biscuit, perhaps) are always available to refresh everyone. Come and see what it’s all about - no entry charge.

QUIZ NIGHT uiz Night – Friday 17th November is a date to put in your diary as our annual Q 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.

DEFIBRILATORS id you know…………that, thanks to a sterling fund-raising effort by a local D resident (take a bow Brian Chick) and a donation of the proceeds from last year’s Annual Show, supplemented by a substantial contribution from the Parish Council, there are now TWO defibrillators within the village? These are placed strategically (one at the Village Hall, the other at the former Post Office) to ensure that if an emergency arises, one is relatively close to the incident. There have been several instruction courses held in the Village Hall on the use of the machines and these were well attended.

16 WOOLHAMPTON HARVEST FESTIVAL n Saturday 7th October after the Woolhampton Village Market, at 12.30pm. there O will be a Harvest Lunch in the Village Hall. Tickets at £5.00p (£2.00 for under 12’s) are available from Stella Nesbit or Margaret Davison. Our Harvest Festival Service will be held on Sunday 8th October at 11.00am. in the barn at The Ferrises, , RG7 5TG. Harvest gifts should be non-perishable, unless home grown. All are welcome to come to both events.

WOOLHAMPTON CE PRIMARY SCHOOL o another academic year has come to an end and with it we are not only saying S goodbye to our oldest pupils as they begin their secondary education, but also three members of staff including Mr Bingham, Headteacher for the last 12 years. We wish them all the very best with their future and hope they remember their time spent at Woolhampton School fondly. Our year 6 children had an enjoyable residential on the Isle of Wight taking part in experiences like kayaking, coasteering and surfing as well as the more basic task of writing a postcard! Memories like these will stay with the children (and adults) for many years.

Once again, Mrs Javes as school sports leader encouraged our pupils to participate in the various sporting activities taking place in the summer term. The school raised an impressive amount for the British Heart Foundation by hosting a sponsored Dodgeball event. Most recently, year 4 and 5 pupils represented the school at a Triathlon event in Caversham and our younger pupils demonstrated their new-found dance talents during a summer celebration. It goes without saying that everyone enjoyed the annual sports day particularly the ice lolly afterwards as the sun was certainly shining!

On behalf of the governing body at Woolhampton School, I would like to wish everyone a happy and relaxing summer break and look forward to welcoming the new term with refreshed and recharged enthusiasm. Joanna Plank (School Governor)

17 GENERAL INTEREST 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 August & 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 Autumn show is on Saturday 9th September from 2.00pm – 4.00pm and entries are to be submitted by Thursday 7th September. A date for the diary: Saturday 21st October – A car outing to the RHS gardens at Wisley. 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 8th August – Samantha Hopes. Hellebores and Hydrangeas. Nursery: Ashwood Nurseries. New members are always welcome, contact Elspeth Ewen [email protected] 0118 9712856.

18

Bucklebury The Green, RG7 6PD (Use of The Green by kind permission of Willy Hartley Russell) Saturday 26thAugust 1pm – 5pm

Sheep Racing, Children’s Corner, Dog Show, Bouncy Castles, Old Fashioned Fun Fair,

Vintage Cars, Local Beers. Hog Roast, Tea Tent, BBQ, Prize Auction, Pimms Bar, Army Climbing Wall, Raffle,AndIn aid of muchlocal charities: more! Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, M.N.D.A, Newbury Macmillan’s& Mencap, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Free Entry & Parking

For more information or donations, contact Lynette Maja (01635) 874888 or email: [email protected] www.chapelrowfayre.co.uk

WANTED - VOLUNTEER DRIVERS ONE SUNDAY AFTERNOON A MONTH ontact the Elderly is a national charity dedicated to tackling social C 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 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 2068646 or email [email protected]. Further details are on the charity’s website contact-the-elderly.org.uk

19 COME JOIN OUR TEAM. LOCAL CHARITY THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR BERKSHIRE (CCB) IS LOOKING TO RECRUIT NEW TRUSTEES ONTO OUR BOARD! CCB is an independent charity with over 40 years’ experience in community development work. CCB is the Rural Community Council for Berkshire and works to strengthen and support local communities throughout Berkshire. Our core mission is to enable communities in Berkshire to thrive by using our knowledge, skills and enterprise. Our vision is to strengthen, promote and empower communities across

Berkshire. Your skills and experience will be put to use to make a lasting difference in the communities in which you work or live. Perhaps you have some time on your hands due to retirement or other circumstances, or have ideas and skills that would bring benefits to local communities. We are seeking a range of Trustee skills and experience to fulfil roles on our Board so whether you have plenty of time and energy to commit or you have other commitments but can attend an evening meeting once a quarter and make key decisions we would love to hear from you.

This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, expand your network, meet new people and open doors to possible new career paths!

Honorary Treasurer Are you a number cruncher? Do you have a head for figures and a heart open to volunteering for a local independent charity?

CCB is seeking to appoint an Honorary Treasurer, following the retirement of the current post holder. This is a key voluntary position and the post holder will also sit as a Trustee/Director (see below) on CCB’s Board.

Ideally the post holder will have a professional qualification in accountancy or finance but a sound financial knowledge and experience would suffice.

The Hon Treasurer will be a point of contact for expert financial guidance for our other Trustees and Chief Operations Officer. You will need to be available for occasional discussions via telephone or face-to-face. For a full job description please e-mail [email protected]

Trustee Non-remunerated post, however out of pocket expenses are payable. Appointment initially for three years and up to a maximum of six years.

CCB is seeking to recruit new Trustees to our Board. We are looking for people who have an interest in our work and, ideally, particular experience or knowledge in one or more of the following fields: Governance/Trustee Responsibilities, Campaigning, Charity Law, Health & Safety knowledge or Marketing & Sales experience.

Trustees need to have an interest and enthusiasm for working to improve community life in Berkshire and the ideal person will also have strong networks or alliances within the County. Post holders will be expected to attend 4 (mostly evening) Board Meetings per year. In addition there may be a small number of other meetings to attend including the Annual General Meeting and a Board/Staff Away Day.

For further details please e-mail [email protected] or to find out more about us please visit our website: www.ccberks.org.uk.

20

T J POCOCK & SONS BUILDERS Over 40 years’ experience. All aspects of building work undertaken All work guaranteed No job too big or too small Local friendly family business

COUNSELLING AND Please call for Free Advice and Quotations PSYCHOTHERAPY Terry Pocock : Beenham Confidential, professionally registered, 0118 9712572 and 20 years’ NHS experience. Mobile 07712436406 Phone to book an assessment. e.mail 07778 509594 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] Midgham For details of services provided, Sarah Henderson 9713956 requests and offers to help ring: [email protected] 0118 9713334 (Mrs Cardy)

Woolhampton between 9.30 and 11.30 am,

Katie Alexander 9712067 Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Please send Word attachments in Woolhampton Surgery Run: Times New Roman size 11 font with no Tuesdays—pick up points: formatting (i.e. tabs bullets etc) 9.30 am Watermill Court & The Angel

MOBILE LIBRARY All advertising enquiries to Brenda Scott 0118 9813441 [email protected] Beenham: Wednesdays August 9th & 30th THE BEENHAM SURGERY RUN Stoneyfields 3.15-4.00 Sponsored by the Parish Council takes patients from Beenham to Woolhampton: nd rd Chapel Row Surgery Wednesdays August 2 & 23 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 Wednesdays August 2nd & 23rd 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.

WEDNESDAY 9th AUGUST 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 currently vacant 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: 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

23

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]

24

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

City & Guilds Qualified Interior & Exterior

25 Years Experience All Work Guaranteed Tel No: 07802 578934

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

07836 223467 please call for more details

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

28