ST. MARY'S - PURLEY ON

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR THE COMING MONTH

See page 4 for full details.

RECTOR Rev. Roger B. Howell, The Rectory, 1 Westridge Avenue, Tel: 941 7727

CURATE Rev. Brendan Bailey, 10 Knowsley Road, Tel: 945 1411

READERS Jean Rothery Wally Watkivs Tel: 984 3625 Tel: 942 6170

CHURCHWARDENS Jackie Benstead David Jordan Tel: 942 9116 Tel: 941 5994

CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR & CHURCH HIRINGS Sally Robertson Tel: 962 5978

BAPTISMSEnquiries about baptism should be made to the Rector (941 7727)

WEDDINGS Enquiries about weddings should be made to Jackie Benstead (942 9116)

FUNERALSEnquiries about funerals should be made to the Rector (941 7727)

1 LETTER FROM THE RECTOR MAY 1998

Dear Friends,

What goes on in the Churchyard? You might think the answer to that is nothing much. But sadly that is not the case.

SEX AND DRUGS On a recent grass-cutting day evidence of sexual activity was found, and a hypodermic syringe was found some time ago. This is totally unacceptable, unhealthy and dangerous. This is the place where many former residents of Purley are buried - husbands, wives, parents and grandparents. There are babies and young children there too. All these people were relatives of someone - perhaps you! And you will easily recall the sadness you felt when they died. I am sure you would like to think the churchyard is a place of respect and care, and we certainly do our best to keep it clean and tidy. But its sanctity is being abused by youngsters.

WHERE ARE YOUR CHILDREN? Do you, as parents, know where your children are in the evenings and what they are up to? No-one can be there all the time to make sure the churchyard is not being mis-used in this way. But if you know your children hang around there, you could help us by reminding them that this is not a public playground and certainly not a place where casual sex and drug-abuse is appropriate.

2 DAMAGE TO THE CHURCH Repairs to an old building such as St. Mary's are costly and inconvenient. Recently tiles have been smashed on the old porch roof. Children have been seen jumping from the graves to the roof. If your children go to the churchyard, suspicion will fall on them - rightly or wrongly.

ANNOYANCE TO NEIGHBOURS The Church car is private land and not a public space for football. There are two sports fields in Purley! For a long time neighbours have been plagued by footballs being kicked against fences and walls and into gardens. Sometimes this goes on in the early hours of the morning! Are your children involved in this?

This sort of behaviour does not make for a happy and peaceful community. So come on parents, please help us and make sure your children do not hang around the churchyard or car park.

JUBILEE 2000

The recent Christian Aid Campaign to send a coin to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as a personal contribution to relieve Third World Debt has so far produced £6,300. This money has been put towards Tanzania's debt of £161 million to the UK.

ADOPTION

Sylvia Conquest (ex-Purley Beeches) is happy to announce she has become a grandmother. Her daughter Lisa and husband Richard now have a happy family "bunch" of three (one family) - boy Declan 6 yrs, girl Shanice 4yrs, Jamie 3 yrs. Thanks must go to friends and well wishers for their concern, support, prayers and advice. "Life is meaningful" Sylvia Conquest

3 SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MAY

3rd May 9.30 a.m. Family Worship 11.15 a.m. Morning Worship 6.00 p.m. Holy Communion

10th May 9.30 a.m. Family Worship 11.15 a.m. Holy Communion

17th May 9.30 a.m. Holy Communion 11.15 a.m. Morning Worship 6.00 p.m. Evening Worship

24th May 9.30 a.m. Family Worship 11.15 a.m. Holy Communion

31st May - 10.30 a.m. Family Communion Pentecost 6.00 p.m. Evening Worship

PARISH REGISTERS

Burial (At Henley Road Cemetery) 7th April Raymond Leslie Bailey

ASCENSION DAY Thursday, 21st May There will be a service of Holy Communion at 8.00 p.m. in St. Mary's.

ENGLEFIELD C. OF E. SCHOOL

Englefield C. of E. School will be holding their Summer Fayre in the school grounds on Saturday, 20th June, 2.00 - 5.00 p.m.. Everyone welcome.

4 5 6 7 8 GRAND CHARITY AUCTION in aid of MACMILLAN Cancer Relief and SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL S.I.A.M. Project at The Drake Hall, College on Sunday, 14th June 1998

Viewing from 2.30 p.m. for 3.00 p.m. Tickets £3 in advance (£4 at the door). Light refreshment included. Ring 942 9665 for further information.

PURLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY The Spring Flower Show took place in April. It was well attended and a lovely display of colour. This year's cup winners were:-

Springs Farm Perpetual Cup - Mr. R. Watts (awarded for most points in Flowers & Floral Arts Section) Srings Farm Perpetual Cup - Mr. G. Critchall (awarded for most points in Cookery & Handicrafts Section) Certificate of Merit for Best Vase of Flowers - Mr. R. Watts Certificate of Merit for Best Pot Plant - Mrs. J. Fagan

The annual plant sale is on Saturday, 16th May starting at 9.30 a.m. in the Memorial Hall car park.

The annual coach excursion this year is on Sunday, 28th June to Mottisfont . Details and application forms will be available from the Trading Store shortly.

A ticket to allow entry to RHS Wisley at a 30% discount is available to members. Please contact me for details.

The Trading Store is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10.00 - 11.00 a.m. If you have any queries about the Society, please contact me on 962 4457.

9 Anne Stockley, Secretary

10 11 PURLEY ON THAMES PARISH COUNCIL

At the recent Parish Council meeting, comment was made at the significant increase of 19.5% in the Council Tax levied by the West Council. It was agreed to write to Martin Salter MP querying the statement that government grants were being redistributed from the rural to the urban authorities. It was also decided to challenge Martin Salter on the proposal that Parish Councils should no longer be able to nominate representatives to School Governing Bodies.

The Council noted that a speed limit of 30 mph is proposed for Long Lane from the A329 junction to Lane. PC Welford is to be requested to investigate the amount of football that is taking place on the streets in the Purley Park Estate and also the parking of large lorries in the access road to Nursery Gardens. The Council has endeavoured to persuade Babtie that the condition of the road in Purley Village is in a sorry state and needs to be resurfaced. Whilst Babtie accept that situation, they state that lack of funds make any significant remedial work on the road unlikely in the foreseeable future.

The Parish Council will continue to press the Council for funds towards the provision of street lighting in Highfield Road. The matter will be considered at a Transportation Sub-Committee to be held shortly.

The Council has decided to enter the "Berkshire Best Kept Village" competition in 1998. Judging will take place between the 10th and the 23rd June 1998 and residents are requested to make every effort possible to keep the parish free from litter, cans etc. The Council last entered the competition in 1992 when it was "runner-up". It is hoped to go one better this time!

Although the Parish Council has not yet completed the purchase of the land to the north of the recreation ground for use as a burial ground and extended space for recreation, the plans for the setting out, landscaping and tree planting have been agreed and submitted to the Planning Authority for approval.

The Parish Council has co-opted Mrs. Christine Taylor of Waterside Drive, Purley on Thames, to the Council to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Stephen Young.

R.D. Fullbrook

12 13 DISTRICT NOTES The new West Berkshire Authority got off to a good start on 1st April with no great disasters as many had forecast. The flag that Chairman Jean Gardner raised in Newbury outside the Council offices did collapse and it did pour with rain on the day but on the whole things went very much as planned. Part of the celebrations involved presenting plaques to local schools to award for environmental projects. Margaret French presented them to Long Lane and Purley C of E and Jean Gardner to Denefield. I would like to thank Reg Marshall, Chairman of the Parish Council, for helping to unveil the new "Welcome to West Berkshire" sign on the A329. I cannot say I am over-enthused by the design but at least it makes the point.

There have been rumours of an attempt to close the footpath adjacent to Springs Farm. Let me assure you that this is not being contemplated. What has been suggested is that an alternative path might be provided running alongside the railway on the north side from Bourne Road to Westbury Lane to provide a route for cyclists to avoid having to use the main road between Purley and Pangbourne. Springs Farm have agreed to this and will be doing most of the work. This is part of a longer term project to provide a safe cycling route between Reading and Pangbourne.

Talking about cycling - there will be an opportunity to see the Prutour (formerly the Milk Race) on 29th May. There had been a rumour that it was coming down Long Lane but this seems not now to be the case. The riders will be coming from Bristol via Lambourne, Wantage, Streatley and Pangbourne en route for the finish on Portman Road. From Wantage, the route takes the A417 to Streatley and the A329 to Pangbourne where it is timed to pass between 13.05 and 14.10. Then it goes via the A340 to , up Sulham Hill, down Overdown Road, up Hill, down Road crossing over the A329 into Portman Road where it is timed to arrive between 13.20 and 14.20. It would be wise to avoid driving while the race is in our area as there will be traffic chaos.

Can I remind people that it is an offence to allow a dog to run free on a public highway, even if it seems to be fairly quiet traffic-wise. Dogs should be on a lead and under control at all time and should not be allowed to foul footpaths.

Southern Electric are taking down a number of overhead electricity lines to bury them (not the high voltage pylons) which will improve the general look of the place. There are not too many of the old wooden poles around these days and it will be nice to see the back of all of them eventually. John Chapman, West Berkshire Councillor for Purley, Sulham and Tidmarsh

14 15 We extend a warm welcome to all new children and parents who joined us at the beginning of this term.

Our alphabet theme is reaching the end and new themes will replace it. The children enjoy bringing things to Playgroup to match the current theme. These are displayed on the interest table and discussed during the session.

We have been asked how all this discussion in the news about Nursery education affects us, so here is a brief outline ......

Since April 1997, the Government have been funding places for 4-year-olds' education in pre-school settings, i.e. playschools or nurseries. To qualify for this money, each group must pass an inspection by Department of Education Nursery Inspectors (the equivalent of OFSTED Inspectors in schools). The inspection is to ensure a setting where children are likely to achieve the desired learning outcomes, by the time they are five.

We were inspected in May 1997 and passed with an excellent report. As it was so good, we will not need to be re-inspected for another 2 - 4 years. This is in addition to our annual inspection from Social Services. Although the Government are calling them "Nursery" places, the funding is available to any Pre-School group who passed the inspection and are, therefore, able to receive the money as well.

For more information about the Playgroup, or to put your child's name on the waiting list, please contact Sue Slade on 941 0778.

Calendar of Events 25th - 29th May Half-Term 1st June Start of Term

Annie Thorpe

16 ROTARY CLUB OF PANGBOURNE

Summer Paintings Exhibition and Sale by Local Artists

The Rotary Club of Pangbourne will be holding their first exhibition and sale of paintings by local artists on Saturday and Sunday, 13th and 14th June, starting at 10 a.m. each day. It will be held at the Pangbourne Village Hall.

There are many artists in the locality - Reading and Newbury artists' club alone have nearly 500 members. This event is a good opportunity for local artists to exhibit their paintings and for the local residents to be able to view in comfort a varied selection of local art.

Public admission to the exhibition will be £1. Catalogues and refreshments will be available. Proceeds will be in aid of Local Charities.

It is the intention of the Rotary Club to make this an annual event, the next being scheduled for June 12th and 13th 1999 at Pangbourne Village Hall.

For information about this event, contact Harry Lloyd on 984 2820 or myself on 984 3721.

Cliff Meredith Public Relations Officer

PURLEY MEMORIAL HALL ACTIVITIES FOR THE COMING MONTH

13th May 7.30 p.m. Women's Institute 16th May 9.30 a.m. Horticultural Society Car Park Plant Sale

Mrs. J.E. Hutchings, Hon.Secretary (984 3809)

17 Set out below are the recorded Crime Figures for the month of March:

Type of Offence February March Burglary - Dwelling 3 0 Attempted Burglary - Dwelling 0 0 Burglary - Non Dwelling 1 3 Theft (including shoplifting) 2 3 Theft from Motor Vehicle 2 0 Theft of Motor Vehicle 3 0 Theft of Cycle 0 0 Criminal Damage 5 4 Violent Crime 0 2 Arson 0 1 Indecency (on female) 0 0 16 13

Once again I am happy to report a decrease in the reported crime for the month of March compared to February. This is tremendously encouraging and something we can all take pride in. To have no recorded Dwelling Burglaries and no Vehicle Crime is quite superb.

On the down side, we have had an increase in non-dwelling burglaries. The figure is made up of one Social Club break-in, one shed break-in and a burglary to the office of an open shop.

The reported thefts include two offences of theft (shoplifting) and one of theft of a complete tree from someone's garden! Over the last few weeks I have had reported several other thefts of various vegetation. However, the owners did not want the thefts recorded. Do we have a green fingered thief on our hands?

Also, two of the reported thefts from shops included a large amount of a well known female body spray. It begs the question as to whether the male offender wants them for his, or somebody else's, use!

18 The criminal damage reported is again sporadic and has no recognised pattern. The worst time for this kind of offence is undoubtedly when people are leaving local hostelries. I have liaised with the shifts at Pangbourne and they will, when available, try to patrol the areas where reported damage is occurring.

The violent crime resulted from domestic situations, and both offenders were known to the aggrieveds.

The arson was to a post box, and unfortunately there were no witnesses to the offence. It beggars belief how stupid people can be to commit such an act.

Let me just remind you about the need to keep property locked away. I am still finding garage doors open when out on patrol, and even doors and windows to houses. Please think crime prevention at all times; you would be surprised how much difference it can make, especially when warmer days are here. This is the time of year for lawn mowers, pedal cycles, power tools, etc. to go missing, so keep them locked away and out of sight.

Finally, once again keep up the good work. PC 3236 Welford

WOMEN'S INSTITUTE We wish the new Committee a colourful term of office.

Horticultural Show A successful year again, with special thanks to the youngsters with their imaginative eggs - well done.

Last month's speaker, a local man Mr. Rodgers, entertained us with information, helped by film slides, concerning the Postal Service. An historian in the matter, we wish him good luck in his book publication. We went back to 1635 to the horsedrawn service, promoted by growing trade. Letters were paid for on delivery, but changed to pre-paid. Uniforms were introduced and postmen even won good conduct stripes. It is difficult to imagine the amount of mail modern day machinery "handles" - like 30,000 letters an hour - to say nothing of computer stamps - dots and dashes. We now have parcel post, overnight sorting and underground mail transport. The First and Second Class postage is essential to the system along with the advertising material.

Fascinating are different letter boxes - they can be free standing, in walls, on posts, some have double apertures and some are even closed for Robin "Reproduction". Consider

19 also the different and changing telephone boxes, not always red. Some are white, green, black and chrome - outside Post Offices and inside supermarkets. We are encouraged to use our Post Offices for survival sake and though we are a long way from the Penny Post, 26p for a stamp did seem good value for money - which reminds me, I must post that birthday card!

The competition "A Post Card" was won by Barbara Mercer, with Shirley Lewis in second place. The Flower Table was won jointly by Rosemary King and Mollie Riddell.

This month's meeting will be on 13th May, 7.30 p.m. at the Memorial Hall and will be concerned with this year's resolutions. The competition will be "May Queen's Crown - Any Floral Medium" and there will be a plant stall. Sylvia Conquest

THE BOATHOUSE SURGERY Services Offered at Pangbourne Surgery We now have 26 qualified people working at Pangbourne Surgery and thought it may be interesting to let you know what services are on offer. We are not sure of the future for them following the NHS White Paper, as some of these clinics are provided by the Health Authority and some through fund-holding. We will, of course, do our best to maintain the service and improve it. This number does not include our many receptionists, secretaries and managers, who are, of course, crucial to all the other work.

NURSES: Practice Nurses - We have four practice nurses and they have all developed areas of special interest, e.g. diabetes, asthma, family planning, well women, childhood immunisations and minor injury work. District Nurses - The three district nurses have a base at the Surgery, but their work is in the community. They attend all ages for practical nursing at home, but especially the elderly and the terminally ill. They also liaise with the hospital after patients have been discharged from in-patient stays. Health Visitors - The two health visitors are mainly involved with the under-fives and their parents. They give practical help and guidance on child development and are especially involved with children who have delayed development and chronic illness. They will also advise the elderly concerning social problems. Midwives - The staff midwife runs the antenatal clinic and visits expectant mothers at home. She also visits after childbirth and offers support to parents with new babies. One of her important tasks is to advise prospective parents on the antenatal screening tests that are now available.

20 SPEECH THERAPISTS: The health visitors and GP's refer children to the speech therapists, mainly for help with delayed speech and language, especially in pre-school children. The speech therapist is in the Surgery on Wednesdays and works closely with the Audiology and ENT Department if children need further assessment. If parents are worried about their children's speech development, they can discuss this directly with the speech therapist on a Wednesday, by telephoning the Surgery.

DIETICIAN: The dietician is in the Surgery on a Wednesday morning and sees patients with diabetes, coeliac disease and many other nutritional problems. We also refer patients for help with high cholesterol levels, but unless the problem is fairly severe, we tend not to refer patients for weight reduction. To see the dietician, you need to be referred by a nurse or doctor.

CHIROPODISTS: The community chiropodist sees patients for chiropody on the NHS at the Surgery on a Monday afternoon. Due to the high demand, there tends to be quite a long waiting list to be seen. They will perform minor surgical procedures such as ingrowing toenails and perform general foot care.

PSYCHOLOGISTS: We have two psychologists, Tim Williams (Thursday morning), who sees children and adolescents with psychological problems, and Claire Blanchard who works at the Surgery on Mondays and Fridays and sees adults. Patients tend to be seen for along assessment interview and a treatment plan is then agreed between the patient and psychologist. A referral from GP or psychiatrist is necessary.

CONSULTANTS: There are now two "Hospital Consultant Clinics" at the Surgery. Dermatologists - The Consultant Dermatologist, Dr. Martin James, comes to the Surgery on Friday afternoon once a month and will see our dermatology referrals. He can biopsy or remove worrying skin lesions and help diagnose rashes and skin disorders.

Ear, Nose and Throat - Mr. Roger Parker is our ENT Consultant from the Royal Berkshire Hospital and does a clinic at the Surgery on Thursday morning once a month. This is for adults and children with ENT problems. If further tests or surgery are required, the patients are then seen for this at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

PHYSIOTHERAPY: We have a fully equipped physiotherapy room and two part-time physiotherapists. They will see patients for a wide variety of problems, including back pain, neck pain, post-fracture or surgery physiotherapy, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder etc. They use ultrasound, explanation and education, collars, exercise bicycles and also a variety of techniques to help patients.

21 Having all these professionals working at the Surgery has proved beneficial, not only providing a service for the patients, but it is also interesting and educational for us.

You may wonder what there is left over for us to do; plenty, I can assure you!

CHANGE IN REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS FOR BERKSHIRE PATIENTS One of the consequences of Berkshire County Council no longer existing is that the current system for registering births and deaths has changed. The of Pangbourne (also , Basildon, Purley and some areas of Tilehurst) will be transferred to the Newbury Registration District and so any births or deaths in these areas must now be registered at Peak House, 112 Newtown, Newbury RG14 7BX, telephone 01635 481333.

A declaration can still be made at the Reading Office, but it will then be forwarded to the Registrar at Newbury. This means that a certificate will not be provided straight away and there will be a five day delay until the certificate is received by post. This may delay funeral arrangements but may prove satisfactory for birth registrations.

GARDENER' CORNER 1998 is the year of the Fuchsia. This popular basket and contained plant deserves its popularity because of its infinite variety of flowering forms and its versatility in its use in all manner of display situations.

New varieties are always coming on to the market each year. However, if you like large flowered plants, then look for such varieties as Maori Maid, Snowburner, Holly's Beauty and Flamenco Dancer. With good cultivation and regular pinching out of the new shoots to maintain a compact plant, flower sizes up to 3in across can be obtained.

I thought that as we all start to think about those summer patio displays and hanging baskets, that it would be useful to run through some cultural hints for this versatile plant. Unless you buy hardy varieties, all Fuchsias will perish in the British winter if left outside. There is a substantial range of such hardy varieties but they tend to be less ornamental than their tender cousins.

All varieties, however, will flourish outside in tubs or in bedding schemes during the summer. At the end of the season you can either discard the plants and buy new next year or take cuttings in July/August and overwinter in a frost free greenhouse.

22 Fuchsias will grow in any proprietary peat based or peat free compost but will benefit from this being slightly on the acid side. A watering with sequesterone once a month will achieve this sufficiently well in most cases. Regular weekly feeding with a high potash based plant food will promote healthy flower growth on sturdy stems.

Fuchsias hate wet conditions. Allowing the compost to almost dry out and then giving a good soaking allowing excess to drain away is the best practice. Do not grow Fuchsias in containers that have no drainage holes because they will quickly rot at the roots and collapse into a sorry mess if you do.

Plants may be trained into standards, bushes or pyramid shapes by pinching out shoots regularly to the required shape. Pinching out the tips of shoots will also prevent the plant from becoming leggy and flower better no matter what shape you want it to be. Standards can take several seasons to train to the required height and, therefore, greenhouse protection is essential for these.

Pests and Diseases Whitefly: This sap-feeding pest is most active in the warm summer months. It excretes a sugary liquid called honeydew which makes the foliage sticky and encourages sooty moulds. It can be controlled by insecticides containing pyrethrum or permethrin. Several applications, at not more than 5-day intervals, are required to destroy the infestation.

Sticky yellow traps strung above the plants are also a good deterrent. There is also a biological control available using a parasitic wasp. Encarsia Formosa, which can be obtained from good garden centres. This type of control is, however, best used on glasshouse fuchsias where higher daytime temperatures encourage the breeding cycle of the wasp.

Red Spider Mite: This eight legged mite lives on the underside of leaves causing bronze discolouration. The mite can be discouraged by regularly spraying the underside of leaves with water. Insecticides are largely ineffective but those containing bifenthrin or pirimiphos-methyl do offer some control. A predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, is available as a biological control.

Rust: This fungal disease can be devastating to a fuchsia in a very short time. Complete defoliation can occur in a matter of days if not treated with such products as Nimrod-T or Dithane 945. The disease is usually first noticed as leaves begin to fall. Large pale blotches appear on the upper surfaces of leaves. Examination of the leaf reveals tiny,

23 pale orange pustules. These are the spores of the fungus and they will spread to other nearby plants if the leaves are not removed and destroyed. It is best to isolate infected plants from other healthy ones. Willowherbs can also spread the rust spores. Therefore, removing any from the area will help control this disease.

Other jobs this month:- Lawns - Continue regular mowing. Apply fungicides for disease control. Trees and Shrubs - Plant out shrubs which are tender when young such as Choisya or Hydrangea. Keep newly planted shrubs moist at the roots and spray foliage with water in dry weather. Vegetables - Prepare sites for outdoor cucumbers under frames or cloches. Sow climbing French Beans and plant out Brussel Sprouts. Make further sowings of salad crops for succession. Sow Runner Beans and erect canes to support them on a well prepared site. Prepare sites for outdoor tomatoes. If you like smaller tomatoes, then try a bush variety. Flowers from Seed - Start to harden off plants early in the month in frames or a cold greenhouse. Plant out half-hardy annuals when the risk of frost has passed. Spray with a systemic insecticide to prevent pest attack. Apply a liquid fertiliser if leaves begin to yellow while the plants are still in trays.

Happy Gardening, Colin Graves

24 1998 Season - The 30th Anniversary Year

Purley Cricket Club was formed and played its first game in 1968; 1998 promises to be our busiest yet:

Two Saturday League Teams (both playing in the Premier Division of their respective Berkshire League Competition); two Sunday Teams playing friendlies; a Midweek Team playing in the Reading Chronicle sponsored Business Houses League; Colts Teams playing League Cricket at Under 11 and 13 (additional friendlies arranged for other age groups as required).

Colts Evening During the season, Colts coaching evenings are held every Tuesday (with qualified coaches) from 6.30 - 8.00 p.m. at our home ground (Purley Recreation Ground, Beech Road, Purley), all ages (from 6 - 18, boys and girls) are catered for.

Adults Practice Every Thursday, Adults Practice takes place from 6.30 - 8.00 p.m. at our home ground.

Fixtures for May Saturday 2nd May v Farley Hill (1st XI League) Away 2nd May v Farley Hill (2nd XI League) Home Sunday 3rd May v 2nds (1st XI Friendly) Home 3rd May v & (2nd XI Friendly) Away Monday 4th May v Heelas (Business Houses League) Away Saturday 9th May v Reading Allstars (1st XI League) Home 9th May v Binfield (2nd XI League) Away Sunday 10th May v & Tilehurst (1st XI Friendly) Away*

25 Sunday 10th May v Cintra (2nd XI Friendly) Home* Wednesday 13th May v The Bull (Business Houses League) Home+ Saturday 16th May v Emmbrook (1st XI League) Away 16th May v Emmbrook (2nd XI League) Home Sunday 17th May v Sandhurst (1st XI Friendly) Home 17th May v Sandhurst (2nd XI Friendly) Away Wednesday 20th May v Redingensians (Business Houses League) Home+ Saturday 23rd May v Pinkneys Green (1st XI League) Home 23rd May v Pinkneys Green (2nd XI League) Away Sunday 24th May v Thatcham Congos (1st XI Friendly) Away* 24th May v Hawley (2nd XI Friendly) Home* Wednesday 27th May v Nino's (Business Houses League) Home+ Saturday 30th May v Yateley (1st XI League) Home 30th May v Yateley (2nd XI League) Away Sunday 31st May v Farley Hill (1st XI Friendly) Home* 31st May v (2nd XI Friendly) Away Tuesday 2nd June v Coopers (Business Houses League) Away+

All Saturday fixtures begin at 2.00 p.m. Sunday fixtures marked with an asterisk begin at 2.30 p.m., all others at 2.00 p.m. The Business Houses League games commence at 6.15 p.m. and + denotes artificial wickets (no spikes).

If you are interested in participating in the Cricket Club in any way (Colts, Adults playing, Umpiring, Scoring or just watching) come along to any advertised event or contact us on the telephone numbers below; new members are always welcome.

Martin Bishop (942 7142) Brian Smith (984 3653)

26 The Statue in the Woods Along one of the footpaths in Sulham Woods, just above Purley Hall, there are the remains of a stone plinth. A long time resident of Beech Road remembers the statue that once stood on this plinth; two naked men wrestling. Others refer to the statue as Cain and Abel, perhaps thinking that it portrayed the moment when `Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him'. What is known is that the statue was stolen. Sadly this may have happened because it was cast from lead and could, therefore, easily be melted down and the metal sold.

The first reference to the statue is in 1720. Francis Hawes, one of the Directors of the South Seas company, had just purchased Purley Hall and asked Charles Bridgeman to lay out the gardens. Bridgeman, who in 1728 was to become Royal Gardener to George II, prepared a plan, in the bottom right hand corner of which there is the following note: Entrance of the Wood above the ground floor of the House 58 feet. Centre of the Wood at the Hercules & Antaeus above the Entrance of the Wood 34 feet.

This can either be interpreted as Bridgeman noting what was already in position or suggesting where the statue should be located. Either way this is strong evidence of the statue being that of Hercules and Antaeus, a popular classical subject.

A recent exhibition of drawings at the British Museum included a drawing of this subject. The description of the drawing tells the story: Antaeus was a Libyan giant, son of Poseidon and Gaia, the goddess of the earth, who challenged Hercules to combat. As Antaeus' strength depended on his contact with the earth, Hercules lifted him aloft and crushed him to death.

Confirmation that this was indeed the subject of the statue in Sulham Woods was obtained from the Wilder Albums. These contain two photographs; the first dated 1895, shows the side of Purley Hall and the statue in the distance and the second is a close-up of the statue itself.

Ben Viljoen

27 LAUGHLINES

The Vicar decided to go on a diet. It was hard going. Three days after he started, he walked into the church office with a large chocolate gateau.

"I thought you were going to diet?" his incredulous secretary remarked.

"I prayed about it," said the Vicar, "and I am sure that God gave me a sign that it was all right to eat this chocolate gateau."

"Oh?" said the secretary, "and what was that?"

"Well," said the Vicar, "I was motoring past the shop when I saw the cake in the window. Then I prayed, Lord, if you want me to have that cake, let there be a parking space right outside the shop, and the eighth time I went round the block, there it was!" ********** PURLEY PARISH NEWS

EDITOR:Pauline Manning, 5 Oak Tree Walk, Purley on Thames. Tel: 942 9630 ADVERTISING:Claire Pearson, `Letgable', Purley Village. Tel: 984 3070 CIRCULATION:Les Jamieson, 58a Wintringham Way, Purley on Thames. Tel: 941 2342

I welcome contributions from anyone to this magazine, particularly on local issues and events. Please note, however, I reserve the right to edit contributions to suit space availability. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editor or the P.C.C. of St. Mary's Church, Purley on Thames - sponsors of Purley Parish News.

This magazine is published on the first Saturday of each month (except August) and the subscription Price is £3.00 for eleven issues. If you are new to the area and would like to subscribe to Purley Parish News, please contact the Circulation Manager, Les Jamieson, on 941 2342.

This month's magazine is published on Saturday, 2nd May. All copy for the June issue must reach me by 15th May and the magazine will be published on Saturday, 6th June.Editor

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