Church Magazine

October 2017

Aldermaston and Benefice

Beenham

Midgham

Woolhampton Thought for the month ne of the joys of coming to live in the countryside, compared with O life in the town, and helping in the benefice is that Harvest becomes rather more meaningful. We always kept it in the town or suburban where I served, but somehow joyfully singing “We plough the fields and scatter” (and woe betide the Vicar if it was omitted), didn’t quite seem real when I knew that most of the congregation would not have a clue what to do if confronted with a tractor, and the nearest to scattering would be the carrots or the courgettes in the allotment. But as I drive or bike around the benefice, I am much aware of the work of the farms of the benefice, of the rhythms of the seasons and of the reasons to give thanks to God for his goodness. Harvest, as we know it today was the creation of the Revd. Robert Hawker, one of those magnificently eccentric clergy, that are, thankfully, a thing of the past. (He proposed to his first wife when he was nineteen and she forty-one on the condition that she funded his time at Oxford; she agreed, together they rode on horseback to Oxford at the start of very happy marriage.) In 1843, now the vicar of Morvenstow in Cornwall, he instituted a service of thanks giving at the end of the harvest, and very soon other churches and parishes were following his example, and so Harvest festival (along with the Rogation season) became the chief occasions to give thanks to God for his goodness. As we give thanks we remember also that we are dependent on God – it his goodness that sustains us and keeps us. His love, of which we see a glimpse in the beauty of nature, surrounds and enfolds us, but this love, seen most of all in the story of Jesus of Nazareth, reminds us that this love is also a giving and sharing love. God calls us into a partnership, to be faithful stewards of his riches and love. There is an old story of the Vicar wandering around the one beautiful late summer evening, and passing a cottage which had lain empty for some time. The new owner was a keen and enthusiastic gardener and the garden was a tribute to his talents. The Vicar stopped and looked at the beauty of the garden and said, “How wonderful is the good Lord”. The gardener, perhaps more theologically nuanced, replied; “Indeed, Vicar, but you should have seen it when he had it all to himself.” Our Harvest festivals are an opportunity to give thanks to the God who loves us in creation and makes us sharers and partners in his goodness. It is also a time to remember and give thanks for those who in so many, different ways work to bring us food, in the farms of our community and country, and in many other different ways, and, perhaps also on our own responsibilities to be the stewards of his goodness, and to strive for a fair and equitable sharing of that goodness. As we give thanks this Harvest, let us remember that God is indeed good and loving, but he needs our help in making that goodness open and real for all his children. Revd. Derek

2 From the Register: Baptisms and Services of Thanksgiving 10th September Maisie Louise Head Dylan Jay Head Wasing 24th September Oscar Billington Woolhampton 24th September Mary Emilia Saunders

Weddings, Renewal of Vows and Blessings of Marriage 1st September Lee Richardson and Stacy Ayres 3rd September Curtis Osano and Rebecca Garvey Wasing 7th September Josh Matthew and Emily Dollery Wasing 9th September Will Hall and Emma Appleton 9th September Andrew Gohl and Katherine Goddard Midgham 15th September David Fletcher and Victoria Thompson Wasing 16th September Kevin Higgins and Natalie Mullineux Wasing 29th September Christopher Osbourne and Emma Coles Wasing

Funerals, Burials and Burial of Ashes 23rd August June Maureen Wild Beenham 1st September Ronald Victor Pooley Mavis Pooley Brimpton

ST MATTHEW’S CAFÉ Do come and enjoy tea and homemade cakes. Place – St Matthew’s church, Midgham Time- 3 pm to 4.30pm Date – Every first Thursday of the month Next dates: 5th October and 2nd November For more information or if you need transport : Tel: Pat Bhutta 0118 971 0124 e-mail: [email protected]

3

SERVICES FOR OCTOBER

1st October Trinity 16 Aldermaston 8:00 AM Holy Communion BCP Aldermaston 10:45 AM Harvest 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

8th October Trinity 17 Aldermaston 10:45 AM Holy Communion Beenham 9:15 AM Family Communion Brimpton 10:45 AM Harvest Service Midgham 9:15 AM Holy Communion Woolhampton 11:00 AM Harvest Service

15th October Trinity 18 Aldermaston, Cedars School 10:45 AM Family Communion Beenham 9:15 AM Morning Worship Brimpton 10:45 AM Morning Worship Midgham 9:15 AM Holy Communion Woolhampton 11:00 AM Holy Communion

19th October Thursday Midgham 11:30 AM Monthly Communion

22nd October Trinity 19 Beenham 9:15 AM Family Service Midgham 9:15 AM Family Communion Wasing 10:45 AM Family Communion Woolhampton 11:00 AM Family service

29th October Last after Trinity Aldermaston 4:00 PM Time to Remember Woolhampton 10:00 AM Benefice Communion

5th November All Saints day 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 The Licensing of Rev Becky will be at St George’s on Wednesday 4th October at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

A THANK YOU FROM YOUR LLM n the 5th November last year some of you will O remember that I was licensed as a Lay Reader in Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford and then on the 6th November we had a wonderful Benefice Service in Woolhampton Church. At that Service I was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a beautiful card and a very generous cheque. I have at last spent the cheque, on a solid and engraved gold cross and an especially made for me in Selby [Yorkshire for the uninitiated !!] silver cross, both of which are pictured.

I would like to thank all of those who contributed very much. I would also like to thank you all for your support, encouragement and prayers. Thank You Margaret Davison

Benefice Quiet Day

Saturday 28th October, 10.00 am – 3 pm At St Mark’s Church Room, Hill, Cold Ash, RG18 9PT

Please bring a packed lunch. Drinks will be provided

A chance to simply listen to a passage from the bible, in quiet and peaceful contemplation

18th October at 2 pm for less than an hour

No need to book, just turn up, At The Vicarage, Birds Lane, Midgham, RG7 5ULA chance to simply listen to a passage from the bible, in quiet and peaceful contemplation

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 SPIRITUAL AND PASTORAL CARE IN THE BENEFICE Do you feel a spiritual hole which needs filling in your life? Would you appreciate the chance to chat informally over a cup of tea and cake? In addition to services at our village churches on Sunday, our benefice offers, the following activities to which everyone is welcome: 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 Walk and talk - this is a new group which is evolving out of our Mental Health Awareness initiative. It meets on the third Friday of the month at 12.00 noon for a short walk ending with a drink together at the Pub. Next meeting Friday, 20th October at The Six Bells, Beenham. 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. Benefice Pastoral Team The Benefice has a pastoral team made up of both lay and clergy members from our villages who have particular gifts and have also received training in pastoral work. If you, or someone you care for, would like one of the team to visit, either to receive a home communion or simple chat. Please do get in touch with our Pastoral Care Co-ordinator, details below who will find the best person for you. Benefice Pastoral Care Co-ordinator - Rev. Pat Bhutta – 0118 971 0124 [email protected]

Saturday 18th November 3.30 to 5 pm

Woolhampton Primary School, RG7 5TB What is it? A way of being at Church but not as you know it! Fun, crafts, story, celebration time and refreshments Suitable for all ages – children to be accompanied No need to book – just turn up. For more details contact Cara Smart - 0118 9811885 - [email protected]

8 WOOLHAMPTON

WOOLHAMPTON QUIZ his year’s quiz, in aid of St Peter’s Church, will take place from 7 pm on Friday T 17th November in the village hall. Previous year’s events have been a great success and oversubscribed so it would be a good idea to get your teams (up to 6 in a team) together as soon as possible. There will be a licensed bar and tickets at £10 each, which includes a ploughman’s supper, need to be purchased in advance. They are available from:- David Nicholls 01635 874088; Gillian Sitch 0118 9713172 or Charles Davison 0118 9712810.

BARBARA GILMORE arbara’s family would like to thank her many friends for their cards, kind B wishes and generous donations to her chosen charities, and for giving her such a great sendoff on the day of the funeral. They are also extremely grateful for the kindness shown to her during her illness in the months before she died. Her ashes will be buried with a headstone in the cemetery at St. Peter’s Church, Woolhampton in the coming months.

WI wenty members attended Woolhampton and Midgham WI on Tuesday 12th T September for a craft meeting. Liz Hogben organised the making of cards, Beryl Smith organised the making of fabric broaches, Margaret Davison helped with knitting and Jacqui Renouf held an art class. This was a most enjoyable evening and Liz Hogben may run a course of making pomander's for Christmas. Woolhampton and Midgham meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and anyone wishing to join should contact the Chairman Madeleine Barrow on [email protected]

ANNUAL SHOW ith about 50 entrants and nearly 250 entries, it again proved what a successful W Local Show this is. About 120 people attended and our grateful thanks are given to all the local businesses and public houses and local residents for donating the splendid raffle prizes. For those who have not had opportunity to read the full list of winners on the various notice boards around the village, these were the main Best-in-Show trophy winners: Vegetables – Jackie Collins Vegetables on Board – Jenny Campbell Floral Display – Jenny Campbell Specimen Rose – Robert Pagett Cookery and Preserves – Terry Richardson In addition, the Heaviest Crop of Potatoes in Container was grown by Alan ‘Woody’ Woodford with a truly outstanding weight of 26.5lbs (from just 3 tubers!). (NB. If this very simple competition interests you for next year, please let me know as soon as possible so that it does not become oversubscribed, email Terry at [email protected].)

9 WOOLHAMPTON SCHOOL he start of a new school year and we begin with lots of enthusiasm with Mrs Higgs T our acting head teacher at the helm. We have had lots of changes during this last school year and said sad goodbyes to Mrs Nicholson, Miss Harris, Mr Jackman and of course Mr Bingham. We wish them all well in their new ventures. But we welcome not only our head teacher but Mrs Lester and Mrs Painter who are now also teaching at the school. Our school has undergone a big change but some things still stay the same. Mrs Weight MBE, our glamorous octogenarian, who has been with the school for over 40 years, continues to welcome the children in the mornings and sees the children off at the end of the day and makes sure the school is running smoothly! The new children have enjoyed their first few days at Woolhampton and they are getting used to their new classroom and the routines. The older children have been so kind and helpful looking after them in the playground, playing with them and reassuring them if they have a problem. The older children can always be relied upon to support the younger ones. The builders have been working hard over the summer break to renovate the antiquated heating system in the hall. They removed the old radiators and installed new ones so that we now have a dependable heating system which can be relied upon to heat the hall. Because of all the rain we have had this summer there has been lots of produce from the school garden. We have been picking raspberries, beans, carrots and enormous courgettes – or were they marrows? The sunflowers have been blooming beautifully and we will leave the seed heads on for the birds to enjoy. We still have more vegetables to harvest, potatoes, beetroot and another crop of rhubarb and we will employ the muscle of our keen gardeners in gardening club to help us. All our clubs have now started back and range from dance and tag rugby to creativity club and an activity club for the younger children plus many more. We run Forest School for all children at the school. Each class has sessions throughout the year where they can develop confidence and self- esteem by being involved in learning experiences in the woods. We go out in all weathers apart from gale force winds and the children are dressed appropriately so that they keep warm and more importantly enjoy their learning. Our value for this half term is friendship which is very appropriate for the beginning of a new school year and for a school that has been involved in such change. Our assemblies are based on this theme and we will be taking part and raising money for ‘Jeans for Genes Day’ and at our Harvest Festival we will be collecting foods for the local Food Bank in . If there is anybody who could support the school by offering to do reading or work with small groups of children sharing their skills and expertise we would love to hear from you. Phone the school office and make an appointment to come and visit. There has been a lot to do at the beginning of this new school year for staff and children and we are already thinking about the Infant Nativity! It will soon be Christmas! Julie Howe - Woolhampton C of E Primary School , Telephone 01189712270

WOOLHAMPTON ON A WEDNESDAY (COFFEE MORNING) ext month’s meeting will be on Wednesday 11th October (second Wednesday of N each month) from 10.30a.m. to 12noon. Hot topics of conversation last month was ‘Will electric cars be the acceptable mode of transport in the future?’ and ‘What was the raucous noise at 3 a.m. last Saturday/Sunday that caused most villagers to get up and close their bedroom windows?’ Come along and join in if you have other issues to discuss. No format, no pressure, stay as long as you wish (or are able to). Plenty of reading material or just read your newspaper with a cup of tea or coffee.

10 Woolhampton Village Hall – October 2017 Art Group Monday 2,9,16,23,30 2.00pm Bowls Friday 27 3.00pm Coffee morning Wednesday 11 10.30am The Fitness League Thursday 5,12,19 10.00am Lunch Club Wednesday 4,25 12.30pm Market Saturday 7 10.00am Parish Council Tuesday tbc 7.30pm Pilates Monday 2,9,16,23,30 6.30pm Pilates (morning) Wednesday 4,11,18 8.45am Pilates (evening) Wednesday 4,11,18,25 5.30pm Seniors Social Club Wednesday 25 2.30pm Stroke Care Tuesday 3,10,17,24,31 9.45 am Tai Chi Friday 6,13,20 10.00am Tea dance Thursday 12,26 2.00pm Toddler Group Monday 2,9,16,23,30 9.30am Whist Thursday 5,19 2.00pm WI Tuesday 10 7.45pm HIIT Monday 2,9,16,23,30 7.30pm Zumba Wednesday 4,11,18,25 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.)

NATURE NOTES fter bewailing the lack of butterflies last month I was delighted to see a painted A lady in the garden. These butterflies migrate to us from the continent and even Africa as the weather warms up, and then breed here, so my butterfly is likely, at this time of year, to be English. By the time you read this it will have travelled in the other direction, whereas species like meadow browns and hedge browns stay within a few yards of where they were born. Just like humans, some are travellers and some are home birds! More recently I noticed a hummingbird hawk moth busily working my clump of red valerian. These moths obviously like valerian, as the last time I saw any was a few years ago by the sea in Plymouth, feeding on the valerian growing in the wall crevices. So look after your clump of valerian, but don’t let it get out of hand. Stella Nesbit

VILLAGE MARKET he next Market is on Saturday 7th October in the Village Hall from T 10am to 12 noon. Summer long gone, Indian summer non-starter! Not too soon to think about Christmas, though! No, really, if you want unusual and unique Christmas presents for your family and friends, you might just find what you’re looking for at one of the stalls at the Market. Some of the stallholders will be happy to take orders for that ‘something special’ which can then be collected at the next Market. Teas, coffees and biscuits are always available. There is no entry charge, so what’s not to like. The Harvest Lunch will follow this month’s Market.

11 BEENHAM

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].

BEENHAM WALKERS eenham Walkers is a small group from Beenham and the surrounding B villages. We meet on alternate Thursdays (9.30am at the Victory Hall) for a walk that is normally between 4 and 6 miles. Some walks are local, and some are a bit further afield (sometimes finishing with a pub lunch). The autumn walks are on October 5,19 ; November 2,16,30; December 14. If you would like to be added to the mailing list to receive details of each walk then please email [email protected] , or phone 9713677.

Beenham’s “Pop-Up Tearoom” This month the donations will be given to Macmillan Cancer Support

Come along for a chat, cup of tea or coffee and a delicious slice of cake (juice and biscuits for children) On Tues 26th September and Tues 31st October (last Tuesday in the month) In Beenham Club, Picklepythe Lane, From 2 – 4pm

Everyone from 0 – 100+ welcome Don’t stay at home alone! call Pat on 0118 965860 for a lift

GREYFIELD WOOD – FIREWOOD FOR SALE ow is a great time to purchase your supplies of local, home-grown firewood for the N 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.

12 VILLAGE MARKET SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2.00 - 3.30PM ou will be delighted to know that both Marian the cake lady, now fit and well after Y her knee operation, and Janette Hammond our Beenham beauty therapist are back at the market this month. So make a date with your friends for a catch up and a cup of tea and cake and a browse round the stalls. I would also like to report for those of you who are thinking of hiring the Hall that the electrical items in the kitchen have been replaced. We now have a new fridge, cooker and ceramic hob for your convenience as well as the tea urn for larger occasions. So please do consider our very reasonable hire charges (£5 an hour for villagers) and book with us for your party or event. Our regular stall holders including Denize and John Taylor with their wonderful jams and chutneys, the Bric a Brac stall run by Frances in aid of the Village Hall, Alison Couzens lovely gem stone jewellery and Hazel Farmer and her family with household goods and bird food, and we will also have the stall supporting the Church extension. Please come and indulge in some of Marian’s delicious cakes, and don’t forget if you have a request for a favourite cake just ask! Our young helpers also continue to tempt us with their homemade cakes, teas and coffees whilst you meet up with your friends for a chat. All help is greatly appreciated to keep this village event going, including helping to set up and pack away, contact Nola for set up times. So come along to meet the new faces, arrange to catch up with your friends and neighbours for conversation, coffee, tea and cake. Browse the new and regular stalls for a bargain or buy a cake and a jar of jam for Sunday tea. Don't forget the raffle, a selection of fun prizes usually including a bottle of wine! New stall holders are always welcome, the only charge is 10% of stall holders’ takings to Village Hall funds, no sales no charge. Please contact Nola Rice-Wood on [email protected] or 9714822 for details or to arrange a booking for all kinds of parties, events or meetings. We thank you for supporting your Village Hall and look forward to seeing you at the subsequent market on November 11th, to which all are welcome .

IN MEMORY OF JOHN ANNETTS heila and her family would like to thank all concerned for the cards and kind words S of support after the sad loss of John. John had lived in Beenham for 35 years and had been involved with many aspects of village life, latterly running the Acoustic Nights in the Beenham Club, which will continue to run. At present the donations to the Newbury and District Cancer Care Trust stand at just over £600, so a big thank you to all who have donated in his memory to this very worthy cause. Best wishes Sheila Annetts

Beenham Wind Orchestra We rehearse every Friday in term time from 7.30pm to 9.45pm in Beenham School. Do join us if you play a wind instrument (string bass or percussion). For more information, please contact Simon Witcomb on 01 635 869 869 (work) 0118 971 2210 (home) or [email protected]

Art Group A friendly group of amateurs meets every Tuesday 9.45- 12.15 Contact Sunny 9712255 13

FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER 2.00PM TO 4.00PM VICTORY HALL, BEENHAM JOIN US FOR TEA AND CAKE AND HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THIS IMPORTANT CHARITY CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES – RAFFLE and more….

BEENHAM PRE -SCHOOL ased in beautiful rural surroundings with fantastic views across the B countryside, Beenham Pre-School are very proud of the facilities and opportunities which we offer to families in the local area. With high staff:child ratios and a Key Person approach to planning we believe that we offer the very best in early years child- care to children from their second birthday in a stimulating and friendly environment in which they can flourish. We take full advantage of our extensive outside areas with a free flow system ensuring that each child has access to a full range of resources both inside and out. We are now open 5 days a week from 8.45am and have expanded our staff to enable us to maintain our high staff:child ratio across these extended sessions. We offer a variety of activities such as WriteDance, PE, Active AM, Music, Baking and more. We have a limited number of spaces, particularly for the younger children, so please do get in touch asap if you would like more information. Here are some recent Parent reviews: “A relaxed and friendly environment … All of the teachers always make such an effort with each and every child when they arrive and throughout the day. … I have nothing but positive things to say. Would highly recommend!” “.. a lovely preschool set in a rural location. My son absolutely loves going. The activities and topics are very well organised and planned including trips out and visitors coming in to setting. My son is always buzzing with excitement when I pick him up telling me all of the things that he has been learning about…” “I have had 2 special needs children come through Beenham and can honestly say they are not only supportive to the child but the whole family too. . the staff are amazing and very dedicated to the children. I am looking forward to enrolling my next child”

Please do look at our Facebook page and Twitter feed (@beenhampre) if you would like to see more of what we have on offer. To book a visit or to learn more please contact our Manager, Paula Read: Telephone: 07793 116937 Email: [email protected]

SCOTTISH DANCING AT THE VICTORY HALL Come and try Scottish Dancing. It’s great fun and good way to improve fitness and stamina. The group meets regularly on Monday evenings 7.45pm – 10pm from September until May. Do come along one night 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 (0118 971 3331), or Una Kidd (0118 941 7800)

14 THE FRIENDSHIP CLUB FOR THE OVER 55S hroughout the winter we hold social events and talks in the Victory Hall on the third T Wednesday of the month at 2pm. During the summer we arrange six coach outings to various venues. There will be a Harvest Supper on 18th October On 15th November a Christmas Tea with Harmony Choir If you are interested just get in touch, we would be delighted to see you. For further information contact Robin Chapman on: 9713715

BEENHAM BARN DANCE MANY, MANY THANKS to all who came to the Barn Dance in Awberry Farm, on Saturday 9th September. It was wonderful to see so many people, young and older, from the village and surrounding area, enjoying themselves either dancing or watching the proceedings. There was lots of laughter and fun. The Band was brilliant and the caller very patient! The BBQ was perfect and the fruit and cheese platters delicious. The Bar, by the Six Bells provided excellent refreshment. St Mary’s fundraising group would especially like to thank Pauline and Fred Brown for kindly allowing us to use the Barn and Marcus and Tessa Allum for the setting up and running the BBQ. Thanks also go to all the other wonderful people who helped set up and pack away, ran the raffle and sold and bought tickets. We have substantially added to our growing fund for the Annex project, in a really fun way.

BEENHAM WI gnoring all thoughts of reducing our calorie intake, for one evening at I least, we were treated to an evening of chocolate at our September meeting! After explaining how she developed a new career for herself in this field, Sam, of Tilly’s Treats, had our mouths watering as she explained to us how chocolate is made; from cacao to the finished product she took us through the many steps required, very knowledgeably. We heard about her many products and she even let us loose to dip ganache or a fresh strawberry in the melted chocolate before eating it, a real treat for the taste buds. There was an opportunity to buy some of her many products too, we were spoiled for choice. She also had kits to take home and make your own. We were pleased to have so many visitors at our July meeting and are hoping husbands, partners, friends and family will join us again in October (11th for the sum of £3 that includes refreshments) when we our speaker will be talking about Crossrail. 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. Beenham WI meets on the second Wednesday of each month, at 7.45p.m. in the Community Room. Linda Beakhouse

15 MIDGHAM

RIDE AND STRIDE en intrepid cyclists set off on T Saturday for the annual Ride and Stride. The weather was kind until the last church at Woolhampton when the heavens opened.. Once again we had an enjoyable lunch ably supervised by Robert Stradling. Many thanks to all who took part and everyone who sponsored us and congratulations to Olivia (aged ten) who managed so many churches and miles, a splendid effort.

16 READING, DAYS OUT & SHOPPING rom Midgham Green to Reading usually F involved the long trek down New Road Hill to Woolhampton, and catching one of the hourly Thames Valley buses. The trip along the Bath Road had its highlights too, as you looked out of the window from the top deck – like the “Rising Sun” and the café (used to be “Mac’s Truck Stop” now no longer there) on the south side, with its giant teapot over the front door and porch! I also recall there was a garage just outside Woolhampton that serviced “Atco” lawn mowers – probably long since gone. Going on into Reading, the bus took us through Calcot, down Castle Hill, and then on up to the bus station outside Reading General and Southern railway stations. Thankfully, some at least of Brunel’s “Italianate” structure remains, despite the modernisation. After getting off the bus, we usually made our way into Friar Street, passing a garage showroom on the way, which if I recall had a display of “Vanden Plas” built cars on show – I made do with “Dinky” and “Matchbox Toys”!! Opposite was the entrance to the “Harris Arcade”, where we had paid a visit to Radio Rentals, and arranged for delivery of our first TV set. It had a mammoth screen – a full 17 inches!! Albeit not much bigger than your average laptop today! And, we got to watch the “Army Game”, “Sunday Night at The Palladium”, etc. In town, the “Reading Model Shop” in Hosier Street, off St Mary’s Butts was THE place to go. Here, a real Aladdin’s cave of models was found, and a very impressive model of an RAF Fire/Rescue boat just inside the shop door – it was huge (well to me anyway), and I’d often aspired to build such a model. Alas, my pocket money was unable to stretch that far, but I did manage a few balsa wood construction kits from the well known “Keil Kraft” range. We also went to the pictures in Reading a fair bit in the late 50s and early 60s, including seeing “Carry On Cruising” at The Central in Friar Street, and others at the old Odeon, beyond Greyfriars Church – but I believe this went when the new Butts Centre was built. Ah well, back on the bus (As a small child I was told, I sang “Onward Christian Soldiers” in full voice on the way back!) to Woolhampton, and off up New Road Hill to home. Not too bad when the weather was good, and dry, but more of a challenge in the winter months, and one winter in particular comes to mind. Rodger Bradley

17 GENERAL INTEREST

DOUAI PARK ouai Park Recreation Association D (DPRA) has launched a new Community facility for residents in Woolhampton and the surrounding area. The Pavilion Film Club will provide entertainment and a social forum in the stunning, newly reconstructed sports pavilion adjacent to . An eclectic range of films will initially be shown on the second Wednesday evening in October 2017 through until March 2018. More details of the Club’s activities and membership application can be obtained from Malcolm Booth at [email protected]

DOUAI PAVILION COMMUNITY EVENTS he new Pavilion on Douai Playing Fields in is proving an T amazing facility for our villages. A series of free community events are to be held there over the winter and everyone is welcome. There’ll be one a month starting with a themed Halloween Night Party on Friday, October 27th at 6pm. It will be very much a family affair with free entrance for all ages and a bar, hearty food, games and competitions for the best fancy dress outfit - whatever your age - and for the best carved pumpkin. Join in or just come along and socialise. This follows the success of the Friday open bar evenings through the summer including cocktail, sports, live music and other themed nights. Later there’ll be a Christmas Night with stalls and a Santa’s Grotto and next year there are plans for a ball,open-air cinema and a return to the Friday night open bar evenings. The Pavilion has two huge screens, disabled access and parking. As a charitable entity it’s run by volunteers in conjunction with Sue and Katie from Birch Events who organise the bar and kitchen, and the free community events. It’s also proving a popular venue for weddings, wakes and sporting and corporate events with it’s stunning views across the Berkshire countryside. And of course the annual Douai Fun Day will be held there every year - following the Grand Opening Concert and Fun Day last June. For more information email either [email protected] or the events manager [email protected] or visit our website at www.douaipark.org.uk

OPEN GARDENS Russet Lodge, Hatch Lane, Brimpton, RG7 4TR Sunday, 1 October 2017 2:00-4:00 An amazing opportunity to see around 60 varieties of Michaelmas daisies, ranging from 30cms to 1.80m in height Then relax and enjoy light refreshments in this delightful country garden. Parking in Three Horseshoes Public House Disabled parking available in Greenlands adjacent to Russet Lodge

Tickets £1.50 Proceeds to the refurbishment of St Peter’s Church

18 DUCK DERBY 2017 lorious weather and perfect racing conditions greeted the 1000 G ducks primed and ready for some exciting and enthralling racing this year. This was in marked contrast to last year when we had the worst conditions in living memory, and 20 years ago when the whole event was cancelled in deference to the funeral of the Princess of Wales taking place on the same day. The first race was completed in record time, much to the delight of John Youngman, owner of the winning duck. Other fast races followed, but the decoy ducks strategically placed across the river frequently deflected the leading pack allowing the more tenacious ducks to either win or gain a place in the final.

19 Brimpton Church of Primary School

New Academic Year – we would like to welcome all our new children and families to Brimpton School. We have had a great year for admissions which is fantastic! Summer Reading Challenge - Animal Agents was this year’s reading challenge set by Library Service. Many of our children took part over the summer holidays and a certificate has been presented to them in assembly. Well done. Harvest Festival – Our celebrations will be held on Thursday 5th October 2017 in St Peters Church at 9.00am. All are welcome. If you require any other information regarding Brimpton School contact Mrs Sarah Vockins 0118- 9712311 / [email protected] www.brimpton.w-berks.sch.uk We welcome enquiries from prospective parents and are very happy to show you around Please take a look at our website for lots more information

THEALE LIBRARY RE-LAUNCH Come along to Grand day of Celebration On Friday 13th October From:10.30 – 5pm (Light refreshments ALL day – small charge) Additional parking for the day is at The Volunteer (opposite the library) by kind permission of the landlord. Come along and see: community Quilt on show A display of archive material about Theale Library The Collaborative Craft Project for 3 – 11 year olds Introduction of our brand new competition – Zoom from school! TIMETABLE: 11.00 – 11.20 Entertainment by Theale CE Primary School 13.30 – 13.50 Entertainment by Bradfield CE Primary School 15.00 – 15.20 Entertainment by Calcot Junior School 16.00 - Our Guest of Honour – children’s author Holly Webb, will cut the ribbon to re-launch Theale Library 16.15 approx – HUGE GROUP PHOTO Theale Library has changed over the last few months: There are refreshments available every day during opening hours with an area for relaxation where newspapers, magazines and games are available, and jigsaws, toys and colouring for children. There is space for private study and 8 computers for use with no charge. There is a photocopying and scanning machine – and of course a huge range of books to borrow. Membership is free and if you are not yet a member you can join at any time – bring along proof of address. Finally Theale and Thatcham libraries are looking for volunteers to help in the libraries for a few hours each week if you are interested please see www.westberks.gov.uk/ libraries.

20 GARDENING CLUBS & EVENTS & Horticultural Society meet in the Memorial Hall, Upper Bucklebury. We meet for talks and outings. Members also receive discounts at several local nurseries. On Saturday 21st October there will be a car outing to the RHS gardens at Wisley. Friday 27th October is the AGM where there will be entertainment, a plant swap and refreshment. 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. New members are always welcome, contact Elspeth Ewen [email protected]

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 COMMUNITY Beenham E-MAIL SERVICE GROUP Pat Owen 9615860 Beenham-Midgham-Woolhampton [email protected] For details of services provided, Midgham requests and offers to help ring: Sarah Henderson 9713956 0118 9713334 (Mrs Cardy) [email protected] between 9.30 and 11.30 am,

Woolhampton Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Kate Alexander 9712067 Woolhampton Surgery Run: Tuesdays—pick up points: [email protected] 9.30 am Watermill Court & The Angel Please send Word attachments in Times New Roman size 11 font with no formatting (i.e. tabs bullets etc)

MOBILE LIBRARY All advertising enquiries to Brenda Scott 0118 9813441 [email protected] Beenham: Wednesday October 11th THE BEENHAM SURGERY RUN Stoneyfields 3.15-4.00 Sponsored by the Parish Council takes patients from Beenham to Woolhampton: th th Chapel Row Surgery Wednesdays October 4 & 25 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 October 4th & 25th and deliver prescriptions to Beenham Goddard's Drive 9.45-10.10

MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION The magazine is distributed without charge to homes and schools in the area. Welcome But financial contributions, however If you have recently moved into our small, are gratefully received. If you community, we hope that you settle into would like to make a donation towards your new home and surroundings quick- the magazine please contact Brenda ly. Hopefully this magazine will help Scott 0118 9813441 you to discover what’s going on in the [email protected] area. You are especially welcome to come to any of the church services as listed in the magazine, and do please contact Rev Pat Bhutta on 9710124 if MAGAZINE DEADLINE you want to find out more.

WEDNESDAY 11th OCTOBER 12 noon at the latest Don't forget to visit the Benefice web [email protected] site: www.awb.org.uk

22 MINISTRY TEAM Who to contact while we have no rector page 7 Benefice Administrator Brenda Scott 0118 9813441 [email protected] The Rector currently vacant Associate Priest (part time) Rev Pat Bhutta 0118 9710124 [email protected] Curate (part time) Rev Janice Macdonald 0118 9813590 [email protected] Honorary Assistant Priest Rev Derek Spears 0118 9332722 [email protected] Lay minister Margaret Davison 0118 9712810 [email protected] Wedding Administrator Samantha Cave (part time) 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 Brimpton 9813441 Secretary: Rachel Peters 9811964 Treasurer: Bill Scott 9813441 Secretary: Patricia Brims 9714085 St Mary the Virgin, Aldermaston Flowers: Deborah Fry 9713603 Churchwardens: Chris Newman, 22a The Street St Matthew’s, Midgham 9713525 Churchwardens: Teresa Thomas 9712662 Robert Stradling, 2, Church Close, Spring Cottage, Spring Lane Thatcham 01635 862337 Flowers: Jeanne Hughes 9812289 Sarah Henderson, 14 Hatch Close, Chapel Row 9713956 St Nicholas, Wasing Treasurer: Stewart Booth Churchwardens: 9710252 Alan Caiger-Smith, Shalford Farm Secretary: Sarah Henderson 9713100 9713956 Colin Evans, Wasing Wood Edge Flowers: Sue Evans 9713364 9813843 St Mary’s, Beenham St Peter’s, Woolhampton Churchwardens: Churchwardens: George Dunford,11Whitehart Close, Malcolm Large, 39 Abbey Gardens Theale 9323637 9712901 Tim Leblond Four Keeps, Charles Davison, 3 Angel Mead Picklepythe Lane 9714719 9712810 Joint Treasurers: Treasurer: Prue Matchwick Simon Witcomb 9712210 01635 869742 Chris LeBlond 9714719 Secretary: Gill Sitch 9713172 Secretary: Rosemary Maslen Flowers: Stella Nesbit 9713140 9713824 Flowers: Margaret Wheatley 9710260

23

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 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

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25 PAUL.S.WALDEN Painter & Decorator

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26 Computer Problems?  Computer always crashing?  Worried about Viruses?  Installing Broadband?  Wireless Networking?  Computer running slowly?  Software not working?  Need an upgrade?

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27 COSY COTTAGE CATTERY

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