»Bridge Ends Salisbury link explored Notes and queries Education Panel

Pearson Hall cycle rack in use It is easy to forget the Salisbury con- nection. Some house names hint at it: Sarum Cottage, Deanery Garden and Bishopsclose. Yet every visitor entering St Andrew’s via the north porch is reminded in the left-hand label stop of the entrance

arch: the arms of the Diocese. • Autumn 48 Issue 2016 Hugh Pearson, the parish’s long-serving Newsletter of the Sonning & Sonning Eye Society vicar 1842-1882, was the son of a Dean of Salisbury, who for a brief while rented The Grove. At the time of Pearson’s appoint- Sonning Village Show 17 September 2016 »Eye on Sonning ment, Sonning was still within the diocese, Ali’s Pond LNR Award The Society will be at the Village Show 19th-century restorations swept away passing to the Diocese of Oxford in 1846. Alastair Driver a view from the Bridge on Saturday 17 September. This is many mature Gothic and later additions, Why Salisbury? Because the Saxon Sonning’s very own nature reserve, Hilborne, the suspense for Sonning’s Mike Hart, Chairman an opportunity to meet new residents preferring to return Salisbury to what was bishopric of Sonning transferred to that Ali’s Pond LNR, has recently been rec- representatives was finally lifted when In past issues, this column has asked what and to explain the work we do and the regarded as an example of the best style diocese and it was in Sonning that the ognised as a national flagship example Ali’s Pond was announced as the win- makes Sonning special. With the news that benefits of membership. Given the of medieval architecture. This inclination Bishops maintained a palace (site of of small-scale practical nature conserva- ner of the small scale practical nature our local MP, long-term Sonning resident successes we have had - the Village to discard the unfashionable has been Bishopsclose) to facilitate easy transport tion, by the Chartered Institute of conservation award. To make it an and Society supporter Theresa May, has Voices project and a range of successful maintained into modern times when some to and from the court in Windsor. Ecology and Environmental Manage- even better day for Alastair, another of been appointed as Prime Minister, it would walks and talks - what’s not to be proud of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic, ment (CIEEM). Having attended the his project creations, SuDS for Schools, seem that our beautiful village with its of? If you can help on the stand please e.g. the chancel screen, were in their turn ceremony for these prestigious awards was entered by the Wildfowl and vibrant community is not only a popular contact Pauline Simmonds on 969 7033. ejected from the building. It is to be hoped as a guest last year, the site’s founder Wetlands Trust and won the Innovation place in which to live but that it also has that the fine examples of modern art that Berkshire Gardens Trust AGM and voluntary warden Alastair Driver, Award category. a very positive impact upon those who now grace the cathedral do not suffer a The Trust’s AGM will take place on decided to enter the project into this In addition, all the category winners choose to live here. We wish Theresa and similar fate. Tuesday 18 October at 7pm in The year’s awards were automatically Philip every success in their new challenge. S&SES is pleased to welcome Stephen Barn, Purley on Thames. The event on behalf of the entered into the We look forward to the talk by Stephen Dunn, Head Guide at Salisbury, to talk will include refreshments and a guest Friends of Ali’s Tony Bradshaw Dunn, Head Guide of Salisbury Cathedral, about this iconic Gothic building, described lecturer will soon be confirmed. Please Pond, who have Award for Out- on 30 September. As an Old Blue, Stephen The Cathedral has a special place in by Bill Bryson as “the single most beautiful look on the Trust’s website for further looked after the standing Best is familiar with the village and this fascinat- the history of English art and architec- structure in England” on Friday 30 Sep- details: http://www.berks-gardens- site under his su- Practice, which ing talk will provide a glimpse into the his- ture. In part this is due to Constable’s tember. This will take place in the Pearson trust.org.uk. pervision, since its recognises excep- toric links between Sonning and Salisbury, picturesque paintings from the water Hall at 7.30 for a 7.45pm start. Tickets creation 21 years tional projects that further evidence that Sonning has been a More walks successes meadows, its spire - the tallest in England at £4 for Members and £5 for guests ago. achieve an overall special place for a long time! Our team of guides won’t just be busy - and the remarkable uniformity of its Early and non-members will be available at the The key criteria impressively high Following a long period of updates and for the Heritage Open Days Weekend Gothic architecture. The consistency of Village Show on 17 September, from Penny for projects entering this “small standard. Alastair Driver was told reviews we have heard from WBC that the (see Page 2). On 28 July an enthusias- its architectural style is the result of the Feathers on 934 3193 or on the door. scale practical nature conservation” afterwards by the chairman of the Sonning Conservation Area Appraisal is tic group from Radstock WI (in Earley) cathedral having been relocated on a new category are that they must cost less judging panel that “all the judges were expected to be adopted by late November enjoyed a walk ending with tea and site in 1220 and completion in less than than £25,000 and “must enhance extremely impressed with the project after a 6-week public consultation in cake at the lock tea garden. On 1 Sep- 40 years. The spire was not part of the biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and in fact it came within a whisker of September. An exhibition will be held in tember a local U3A group walk will be original design, but an addition at the end and sustainable development”. The winning the Tony Bradshaw Award.” Pearson Hall to showcase the Appraisal combined with a church tower visit. So of the 13th century. four other categories for these flag- As Alastair said in the press release and provide an opportunity for feedback. all sorts of permutations are possible. Salisbury’s status as an exemplar of ship project-based awards were: large which followed: “To have been recog- We will inform members individually by If you know a group or society that Early Gothic architecture in England is scale practical nature conservation; nised in this way by CIEEM is hugely email of the consultation and exhibition would like a walk, please contact Diana also the result of Victorian preference. innovation; knowledge-sharing; and significant, because it is they that set dates and hope you will take the oppor- Coulter on 969 2132. DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES 19 October 2016 stakeholder engagement. The awards the standards for the nature conserva- tunity to have your say on this important Executive Committee St. Sarik Room 7.00pm ceremony was held at the superb Bir- tion profession in this country and if document. Members are welcome to attend Executive meetings. mingham Botanical Gardens and the they think that Ali’s Pond is the best Bridge: Newsletter of the Sonning 8-11 September 2016 19 November 2016 Friends of Ali’s Pond were represented example of its kind nationally, then we and Sonning Eye Society Heritage Open Days Weekend walks - see Page 2 AGM & Supper Pearson Hall 7.00 for 7.15pm - See Page 2 at the ceremony by Alastair and Be- should all feel mighty proud of what Education & Social Panel 17 September 2016 linda Driver and John Woodhouse, with we’ve achieved.” c/o Red House Cottage, Sonning Village Show 2.00-5.00pm 7 December 2016 Sonning Parish Council represented by Information and images of the key Pearson Road, RG4 6UH Executive Committee St. Sarik Room 7.00pm 30 September 2016 Trefor Fisher. After a fine lunch and an moments in the history of the site can tel: 0118 9692132 February 2017 (Date tbc) Future Events Salisbury Cathedral: “The single most beautiful structure in excellent post-Brexit speech by Wildlife be found in the September edition of email: [email protected] England” - talk by Stephen Dunn (see above) Executive Committee St. Sarik Room 7.00pm Trusts Chief Executive, Stephanie the Sonning Parish Magazine. web: www.sonning.org.uk

Bridge newsletter • Issue 48 • Autumn 2016 Bridge newsletter • Issue 48 • Autumn 2016 »Executive Committee & Panels: breaking news Up hill and down dale in two counties Patrick Hamblin, Andy Bell and Pauline Simmonds *** STOP PRESS *** Conservation Area Cycle racks Brian & Diana O’Callaghan Appraisal formal consultation at last Cycle racks have now been installed Once they spotted us from the other Rowing Museum, as ever provided a ing Temple on Temple Island, Terry WBC is aiming to hold a six-week pub- outside the Pearson Hall (see photo on side of the field, the two roe deer gazed relaxing environment for tea or coffee, Farrell’s post-modern boathouse for lic consultation on the agreed appraisal Page 4). Consideration will be given at us carefully, friend or foe? They again with sugar-boosting cakes. the Royal Regatta adjacent to Henley document, commencing in September. to providing further racks in the King hugged the hedge alongside the steep Bridge as well as, of course, the It is then hoped to adopt the document George’s playing field once some work valley leading down to the back of River and Rowing Museum itself. in November. Please look out for firm has been carried out in connection with Hennerton House before scampering The rather unexpected and whim- information about the commence- flooding problems. off. The steepness should not have sical architectural treat is the ment date and a public open day on Traffic been a surprise given knowledge of model railway in a private garden the Society’s website and in the Parish the Wargrave Road into Henley. The at Shiplake, complete with a scale SPC has agreed to a joint working Magazine. stretch from Wargrave itself down into model replica of St Moritz railway tea with strawberries and champagne group with S&SES to consider traffic Aston and thence to join the Thames station - eclectic to say the least AGM and supper completed a memorable afternoon. problems and options for improving the Path almost opposite Hambledon Weir and installed as recently as four The AGM will be held on Saturday 19 situation. S&SES will be represented Planning applications was an interesting, hilly contrast to the years or so ago. November in the Pearson Hall. There by Patrick Hamblin and Bob Hine with The Planning and Traffic Panel meet flat walking to be had from Sonning to will be a welcoming drink and the AGM Mike Hart as reserve. Due to holidays Welcome home monthly. There have been 21 applica- Wargrave and then from Henley back Farrell’s post-modern boathouse-cum-temple at Henley will start promptly at 7.15pm. Tickets and business commitments it is likely At Shiplake after a breather on tions reviewed since the last edition of to Sonning. cost £16 and are available at the Village the first meeting will be in October. a welcome bench beneath the College, Bridge and the Society sent comments Besides the deer we passed paddocks Exciting buildings Show on 17 September or from Penny our walk hooked into Joyce Reed’s liter- to Wokingham Borough Council Local Plan Update with horses who surveyed us with Visual treats included buildings of Feathers on 934 3193. ary walk featured in Bridge Issue 35. (WBC) on the revised applications for WBC initiated consultation on the slight curiosity. We were not passed by many different styles and periods. The The beauty of our 17-mile walk was the Cool tea party to celebrate Queen’s 90th the Sonning Golf Club Pound Lane ‘Issues and Options’ document for the too many vehicles on the back roads walk to Wargrave along Loddon Drive potential for it to be broken down into Society Members, Mary and Gordon development and the land adjacent to Local Plan Update on 4 August. It is and, surprisingly, saw few fellow hu- is remarkable for the wide range of more manageable sections to suit all Jones, kindly opened their beautiful Model Farm Cottages, Bath Road. Plan- understood the intention is to issue mans on our route - the occasional dog- architectural styles that can be found ages and abilities. Others can dip in and garden in West Drive for our well-at- ning permission has since been refused various information on 21 September walker perhaps and where we crossed along it, particularly the contemporary out of it using public transport on the tended Summer Party on Sunday 26th for the development of the latter. It is of 2016. The Society is registering its in- the golf-course, the chipping sound of houses designed ecologically, with Berkshire side of the river as the 850 June (pictured above right). The sun course likely there will be an appeal by terest to receive this information when club against ball could be heard. Along- green roofs and constructed using sus- bus conveniently links Sonning on the was in short supply but members and the applicants. it is published. side the public footpath going through tainable materials. The climb up War- A4 with Wargrave and Henley, while guests thoroughly enjoyed a challeng- grave Hill where an old brick SPC Planning Committee meetings Sonning Cutting train is another possibility using the ing Treasure Hunt around the garden, wall points to the loss of a large The Society has attended all the Parish The Society continues to be grateful to Henley branch line from Twyford. We and a Quiz based on the ‘Life of our house and its replacement with Council’s planning meetings since the Ali Driver for maintaining his involve- enjoyed the walk thoroughly - although Queen’, covering 90 years. A traditional a housing development within last edition as an observer. ment with Sonning Cutting issues. never was Uri Geller’s old home a more the site. The arts and crafts welcome sight at the end of it - and we credentials of the Well House hope others may feel inspired to try in Upper Culham stand out, Free heritage walks some or all of it. » Membership news while adjacent to The Flower- Pauline Simmonds pot is a delightful, 16th-century Welcome packs for new residents timber-framed hall house. contribution to the village calendar and are available from Lesley Heaney, Going down to and walking have often brought in new members or the Membership Secretary, on Grade II listed Aston Farmhouse along the Thames Path affords been a way for new residents to find out 0118 969 7231. excellent views across to Ham- more about the village and its history. If you know anyone whom you the course there was an abundance of bledon Mill and lock, as well as Green- Over the past 11 years, we have shown think would enjoy Society mem- damsons waiting to be harvested and lands, the country house converted to over 500 people around Sonning, many bership, please encourage then preserved for winter treats. become Henley Business School. On from within the village or the greater to visit the Society’s stand at the Sustaining treats the Berkshire bank clusters of red- Four walks are planned in 2016 as follows: Reading area, with some coming from Village Show on 17 September. Sustaining treats could be had during brick farm buildings frame Remenham •Thursday 8 September at 2pm further afield. Anyone joining there or before 31 the course of the walk. The cafe in church, largely re-built in the 19th •Friday 9 September at 2pm The guides explain the evolution of St December will get up to 16 months’ Wargrave, that was forced to close but century but displaying externally one •Saturday 10 September at 11am (note Andrew’s from medieval to present-day membership for the price of twelve has now re-opened mercifully, tempts original window in Decorated Gothic. the earlier start time due to a wedding) church; view the site of the Bishop’s months. with excellent coffee and scrumptious The Copas family which owns the farm •Sunday 11 September at 2pm Palace; and look at the rich variety of do- Membership rates remain: Single cakes. The Flowerpot in Aston was here have made efforts to interpret the All walks start in the Churchyard near mestic vernacular architecture in Pearson £5.00 and Double £8.00. The So- doing a brisk trade - a free house with a landscape and heritage of the village The Bull. Booking is essential via 969 Road and the High Street, whether timber- ciety continues to be proud not to respectable pub menu and a pampered with informative display boards. 2132 or [email protected]. framed or built of brick. For safety reasons have needed to raise the subscrip- African Grey holding forth to custom- Modern architecture can be cel- Led by our team of experienced guides it is not possible to cover the equally tion since its foundation in 2004. ers in the small bar. The River and ebrated in the updating of Wyatt’s Fish- our walks have proved a very positive interesting buildings in Thames Street. Approaching St Moritz station in miniature

Bridge newsletter • Issue 48 • Autumn 2016 Bridge newsletter • Issue 48 • Autumn 2016