Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 1
Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Magazine
SPRINGSPRING 20202020 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 2
PRoudly celebrating 30 years of committed, quality service in the local community Our garage really cares We provide all garage services for your car We’re in Tidmarsh (RG8) Local collection FREE & delivery service Opening times: A very British Mon-Fri: 7:30am - 5:30pm company Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 3
EDITORIAL
Welcome to the Spring issue of the magazine although at the time of writing, we are still enduring the rain (with intermittent sunny spells) and plodding around in water-logged fields and there is mud everywhere! As far as I am aware, no one in the villages has had any issues with their property flooding and given that it has been the wettest February on record (202.1mm) that says a lot for the flood prevention measures that have been maintained since the floods here in 2007.
We are now facing some uncertain times with the Coronavirus and as we go to print today, we have no idea of the impact on us here. A Tidmarsh & Sulham WhatsApp Support Group has been set up in order that we coordinate support for our more elderly residents and ensure they are not isolated and can ask for assistance with shopping etc. Please feel free to call either myself or Karen (our numbers are at the bottom of this article), if you want to be included.
It was good to catch up with a number of people at the village coffee morning at the start of March – here are a few of us pictured enjoying a nice cup of coffee.
In this issue, we have a lovely article contributed by Jean Harland with the history of The Greyhound, our much-loved village pub. Having lived her whole life in Sulham and Tidmarsh, Jean is well placed to recount her own memories too and I am sure you will find it a very interesting read. Stuart (the pub licensee) tells me The Greyhound are hosting a Quiz Night (re-scheduled from the 8th March) in April so look out for more information on their website, Facebook page and the blackboards outside the pub.
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EDITORIAL
We are always grateful for the support of our advertisers and so if you have a good experience, then please drop me a few lines so others can benefit. Very good friends of mine recently had their wills prepared by Joanne of Hill Hampton Wills and were thorough impressed by her professional, thorough, value for money service. So, if you have been meaning to get around to sorting this most important task, act now and give Joanne a call – she lives in Sulham so you are also supporting a local business. See her advertisement on Page 20.
We were most impressed with the young chap who installed our CCTV cameras. These systems have really moved on and we can watch over our property from our mobile phones anywhere in the world and see very clearly what is going on day and night giving us huge peace of mind. If you are thinking about CCTV – I can recommend Phillip at iNight Security – his phone number is 07702 868155.
Karen and I regularly get together to discuss ideas for the magazine and in January we opted to meet at @baxters café-kitchen as I promised a review in the last issue. At the time of our visit they were suffering at the hands of Thames Water and had been waiting over two months for their water supply to be sorted and the whole of the front area was still a mess (this has now been sorted and will be furnished with tables and chairs when the weather improves). On the day of our visit, neither of us was hungry and we could only manage coffee (me) and tea (Karen) and some pastries which I have to say were delicious and gluten free.
All has gone quiet on the Gigaclear front . . . We have now had ours installed coming up to one year and have been very pleased with the service although we have yet to encounter any problems so their customer service goes un-tested with us. If you would like to let us know your experience (good or bad) – it would be good to hear from you. Any review can be anonymous if preferred.
Finally, my latest find is a lovely lady who produces hand finished cards (a mixture of humorous designs and local water colours of local landmarks) called Valerie Burton. They are reasonably priced and she sells them at the W1 market on Friday mornings at Pangbourne Village Hall. If you are bored of what W H Smith etc have to offer – you will find something original and a bit different here.
Jenny Cope – 07747 775 900, [email protected] Karen Fountaine – 07867 854 420, [email protected]
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EDITORIAL
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
DATE EVENT TIME
3 April Village Walk – Meet at Village Hall 9.30am
3 April Coffee Morning – Village Hall 11.00am
8 April Tidmarsh with Sulham Annual Parish Assembly 8.00pm – Tidmarsh Village Hall
29 April Village Hall AGM – Village Hall 8.00pm
1 May Village Walk – Meet at Village Hall 9.30pm
1 May Coffee Morning – Village Hall 11.00am
13 May Parish Council Meeting – Tidmarsh Village Hall 8.00pm
15 May Talk – The Bee Keepers Year by Serena Watts 7.30pm at St Laurence Church
16 May Village Quiz Night – Village Hall 7.30pm for 8.00pm
23 May St Laurence Church Yard Tidy Up 10.00am–12 noon
31 May Sulham & Tidmarsh Village Lunch 1.00pm – Barn next to Sulham Farm
5 June Village Walk – Meet at Village Hall 9.30am
5 June Coffee Morning – Village Hall 11.00am
3 July Village Walk – Meet at Village Hall 9.30am
3 July Coffee Morning – Village Hall 11.00am
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NEWS
VILLAGE HALL NEWS Please come along to the Village Hall AGM to be held at 8pm on Wednesday 29 April. Your views on how the hall can be used would be most welcome.
100 CLUB The bonus prizes for the latest 100 Club draw were as follows: 1. £25 #49 Jenny Cope Tidmarsh 2. £20 #110 Jo Kenyon Tidmarsh 3. £20 #126 Chris Gregory Tidmarsh 4. £20 #82 Fiona Daniel Tidmarsh 5. £20 #38 Bridget Keel Sulham 6. £20 #83 Jim Hutchinson Tidmarsh 7. £20 #111 Karl Kusta Tidmarsh 8. £20 #55 Lucy Clow Sulham 9. £20 #84 Jim Hutchinson Tidmarsh 10. £20 #131 Tim Maloney Tidmarsh
Please look out for further sales later in the year. Thanks to everybody who bought some.
SPRING QUIZ The Spring Quiz will be at 7.30 for 8pm start on 16 May. A ploughman’s supper will be provided. Bring a bottle and glasses. Entrance £7.50p.
TIDMARSH VILLAGE HALL AGM Wednesday 29 April 8.00pm
Come and find out how you can use the hall.
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EVENTS
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EVENTS
SULHAM AND TIDMARSH SUMMER LUNCH On May 31st another Village Summer Lunch is planned following on from an idea brought to us several years ago by Richard and Rosemary Thomas after they had experienced a ‘Fete des Voisins’ (Neighbourhood party) in France.
The idea is for neighbourhoods to hold a sit-down meal to get to know one another. Everyone brings their own cutlery, plates, glasses and drinks, a simple but delicious lunch is then shared by friends and neighbours sitting together at long tables.
If you would like to attend please see the advert for contact details and reserve soon as places are strictly limited to 60.
As in previous years, any money left over after expenses will be used to support our two village churches.
SULHAM AND TIDMARSH SUMMER LUNCH 2020 For residents of the villages
Sunday May 31st at 1.00pm at Sulham Farm (by kind permission of Henry Scutt)
£15 per head for a four course lunch
To Reserve a place please contact [email protected] or [email protected] Tel: 9842 729
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EVENTS
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EVENTS
THE FRIENDS OF ST. LAURENCE
invite you to join them for a talk by Serena Watts of the British Beekeepers Association
²+?<Ù< FRIDAY 15th MAY At 7.30pm ST LAURENCE CHURCH,TIDMARSH REFRESHMENTS & NIBBLES A Collection will be made on behalf of The Friends of St Laurence. Parking is behind the Old Forge or at the rear of the Village Hall. THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE CHURCH 10 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 11 A FANTASTIC NEW SHOP OPENING MID/ LATE SEPTEMBER ON PANGBOURNE'S HIGH STREET > CARPETS & VINYLS > CURTAINS & BLINDS > LAMINATES; WOODS & LVT'S > COIR, SISAL & SEAGRASS > SANDING & SEALING > CARPET CLEANING THERE WILL BE SOME AMAZING OPENING OFFERS, SO PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON OUR WEBSITE & LIKE US ON FACEBOOK (CLASSIC FLOORING PANGBOURNE) FOR FULL DETAILS OF OUR OPENING DATE FREE FITTING* FREE PARKING* FREE ESTIMATES* FREE ADVICE FREE COFFEE 12, HIGH ST, PANGBOURNE, BERKS RG87AB www.classicflooring.co.uk 07828612985 *TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY - PLEASE ASK FOR FULL DETAILS 11 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 12 THE FUNERAL PEOPLE A FAMILY BUSINESS SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1826 READING 0118 957 3650 THATCHAM 01635 873672 TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY FUNERALS DIRECT CREMATION FLORAL DESIGN MONUMENTAL MASONRY PRE-PAID FUNERALS, AND LATER LIFE LEGAL SERVICES BEREAVEMENT CARE WWW.ABWALKER.CO.UK SELECTED Independent FUNERAL HOMES 12 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 13 CHURCH NEWS ST NICHOLAS CHURCH St Nicholas church hosted a Spring Flower afternoon tea on Sunday March 1st. The churchyard looked beautiful on a rare day of sunshine, with narcissi, snowdrops, crocus, hellebores and primroses showing their spring colours. Visitors were able to enjoy tea and cake, say hello to new faces and catch up with friends and neighbours. It was lovely to welcome guests from Pangbourne, Tidmarsh, Purley and Tilehurst, many of whom had enjoyed a walk to the church. Thank you to everyone who attended and made such generous donations. The afternoon raised £252. As many are already aware, thieves stole lead from the roof of St Nicholas church last November and we are still waiting for repairs to take place as the church seeks permission to replace the lead with a stone alternative. The support of the local community is much appreciated and is vital for the survival of our village churches. ST LAURENCE CHURCH YARD TIDY UP! SATURDAY 23rd MAY 2020 10am to 12 noon Just turn up on this morning for some work on the new path, gravel laying, shrub pruning, ivy removal and grass cutting, etc. MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK! 13 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 14 CHURCH NEWS The Parish of Pangbourne with Tidmarsh and Sulham A Christian presence in every community in 2020 Sunday Worship each week in St James the Less, Pangbourne 7.45am Holy Communion Book of Common Prayer 10am Sunday at Ten Worship for all ages Prayer, preaching, communion and baptism, Bible teaching, singing and music, sharing faith, serving our community Midweek Communion Sunday Worship in our Parish at 11am Wednesday at 10am in St James 1st Sunday Family Worship St Laurence, Tidmarsh A short, peaceful time of worship followed by coffee 2nd Sunday Holy Communion St Laurence, Tidmarsh ĂŶĚĐŚĂƚ͘ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůůLJŐŽŽĚĨŽƌƚŚŽƐĞǁŚŽĐĂŶ͛ƚŵĂŬĞ Sunday worship due to work or family commitments. 3rd Sunday Family Worship St Nicholas, Sulham Want to know what your personal carbon footprint is? Lent Lunches Members of Church are using Carbon Independent.org an Come and enjoy a light lunch each on-line calculator to assess our personal carbon footprint͘/ƚ͛s Wednesday in Lent. easy to do and fun. /ĨLJŽƵ͛d like some help Cliff Thorne is in 12 noon ʹ 1.30pm the library between 12 noon and 2pm on Tuesdays. Just drop St James the Less, Pangbourne in. When completed the Pangbourne Churches Environment Group will analyse the results and feed back at the end of Lent. Drop off your anonymous results either to St James on Donations to Christian Aid Sundays during Lent or into Garlands Organic shop. Would you like to be confirmed? Crocus Sunday If you missed out on Confirmation when you were St Nicholas Church, Sulham younger, or maybe you are beginning to think Sunday 1st March between 2 and 4pm now might be the right time to explore your faith Come and see the wonderful display of spring flowers journey, please get in touch with Rev Heather in St Nicholas churchyard. Refreshments will be served. Parbury at [email protected] For babies, toddlers, preschoolers, 12$+¶6$5. parents, grandparents and carers. Every Friday morning Playtime, story time, craft, songs, during term time chat and friendship 10am to 11.30am Great coffee, tea and biscuits for St James the Less, Pangbourne adults, healthy snacks for children www.pangbournechurches.org 14 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 15 CHURCH NEWS The Parish of Pangbourne with Tidmarsh and Sulham th Annual Parochial Church Meetings on Sunday 29 March 2020 10am Worship in St James the Less, Pangbourne will be followed by 1. The meeting to Elect Churchwardens by Parishioners - 3 vacancies 2. The meeting of Electoral Roll members to receive the Annual Report and elect Parochial Church Council Members - 7 vacancies and Deanery Synod members - 2 vacancies η>ŝǀĞ>ĞŶƚ͗ĂƌĞĨŽƌ'ŽĚ͛ƐƌĞĂƚŝŽŶ is the Church of England's 2020 Lent Campaign. With weekly themes shaped around the first Genesis account of creation, it explores the urgent need for humans to value and protect the abundance 'ŽĚŚĂƐĐƌĞĂƚĞĚ͘dŚŝƐLJĞĂƌ͛Ɛη>ŝǀĞ>ĞŶƚĐŚĂůůĞŶŐĞŽĨĨĞƌƐϰϬ short reflections and suggested actions to help you live in greater harmony with God, neighbour and nature. For more information visit: https://www.churchofengland.org/livelent Families please join us for March 22 Mothering Sunday Bring your Mum to church! April 5 Palm Sunday Family Worship April 10 Good Friday Hot Cross Bun Workshop and Worship 10am in St James, Pangbourne HOLY WEEK SERVICES EASTER DAY SERVICES th th UNDAY TH PRIL Monday to Wednesday 6 ʹ 8 April S 12 A Compline 10pm St James Daybreak Service 5:30am Meet in the Rectory Garden Maundy Thursday, 9th April Holy Communion in St James Communion 8pm St James followed by Easter Breakfast in the Village Hall Compline 10pm St James Easter Day Celebrations in the Villages Good Friday, 10th April 10am Family Communion, St James, Pangbourne Family Hot Cross Bun Workshop & Worship 11am Family Communion, St Laurence, Tidmarsh 10am St James 11am Family Communion, St Nicholas, Sulham Meditation 2pm St James For all the family with Easter Egg hunts for children www.pangbournechurches.org 15 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 16 Q1Care Ltd is approved by the Care Quality Commission – CQC inspected and rated GOOD 14/9/2016 16 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 17 17 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 18 GARDENING It was good to see spring flowers appear in February, a profusion of yellow with white and pink tree blossoms thrown in. It was a welcome break from endless days of rain and flooded fields, woods and gardens. By now there will be a profusion of fruit blossom. In my garden I have white blossom stretching across the garden, an Amelanchier, Bramley, Greengage and Pear. For a day or two they are all in flower, a pretty sight. April will hopefully see the weather drier and give a chance to start cutting lawns, by now very lush. Hopefully water will have drained away and the ground firmer because it is not good to mow lawns when it is too soft as it leaves ridges in the lawn. However, the grass length may be too much to bear especially on sunny days. If you can’t wait remember to leave blades on higher settings for the first few cuts. Winter flowering shrubs such as Forsythia and Viburnums can be cut back now the flowers have faded. Get weeding as soon as possible before they go mad in May. Put tender plants out on warm days to harden them off. Alan Maskell looks after gardens in the RG8 postcode area 18 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 19 BOOK REVIEW ALL THE RAGE BY CARA HUNTER This was second detective novel read and reviewed by S&T Book Club written by Cara Hunter (nom de plume of ex Sulham resident Lynn Sheppard). Featuring DI Adam Fawley, the story is set in Oxford and includes the gradual unfolding of the personal lives of Fawley and his team that carry over from book to book. In this novel the team investigate, what seems to be, the attempted abduction of a teenage girl who is discovered wandering and dazed in the road by a motorist. Cleary traumatised, she insists she hasn't been sexually assaulted and both she and her mother are reluctant to cooperate with the investigation. Fawley is concerned that elements of the attack on Faith appear very similar to a series of rapes he investigated as a young detective sergeant some years previously. A man was charged with those attacks and jailed and the recent events put that conviction into doubt. Book club liked the fast-moving plot full of twists but some felt frustrated by the cliff hanger end to each chapter as though written for a TV series. The book provoked much discussion and although it was generally agreed that readers had enjoyed the book, they felt the resolution was rather unbelievable in that the perpetrators would not have been able to plan or cover tracks sufficiently and that the crime itself was rather unbelievable. Next Book Club will be on April 28th at Meadowside Sulham. Books to be reviewed: • Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons • Blood Orange by Harriet Trice. For more information on book club please contact Gillian on 9842 729 19 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 20 DO YOU NEED A WILL OR LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY? If so contact Hillhampton Wills, a local, family run company on 0118 984 3167 or email [email protected] Joanne will visit you at your home. Appointments last approximately 1 hour and can be held during the day, evening or weekend. A Single Will costs £150, a pair of Mirror Wills £210, a single Power of Attorney £250. For further information visit www.hillhamptonwills.com A member of the Institute of Professional WillWriters and fully insured. EXTENDING THE LIFE OF YOUROUR CARPETS, RUGS, UPHOLSTERYUPHOLSTER & STONE FLOORS The most thorough cleaning you’veou’ve ever seen… or it’ For Absolutely Fabulous cleaningng ooff your carpets, uupholster rugs or stone floors, give us a call today 01188 3293110 2 0058 WeWe have our own dedicated rug wash facility in Bradfield. Free collection aandnd dedeliveryliverryy of allal rugs. All floor tiles and groutgrog out cleaned, fullf ll restorationrestoration off all ll naturall stone floors (incl. marble floor polishing). “We“WWee always take the time to visvisit you to sursurveyvey all yyour requirements and leave you with a no obligation written quotation, which doesn’doesn’tt chanchange.g You know where you are on price.” www.abfab.uk.comwww.abfab.uk 20 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 21 21 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 22 RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ REVIEW COPPA CLUB, THE SWAN HOTEL STREATLEY-ON-THAMES After waiting for what has seemed like an eternity, we were delighted to recently visit the refurbished Swan Hotel [a more detailed review, will follow in a future issue] The Coppa Club, Streatley, is one of six modern European inspired bar/café/restaurant venues, situated in the London, Berkshire and the Oxfordshire areas. Open seven days a week, it really does cater for all! Whether you are eating alone, between business meetings, enjoying the company of friends and family, or just want a relaxing meal for two . . . this is the perfect location. The Buttermilk fried chicken and the Coppa Club house burger, were exceptionally good. Our puddings of Panna Cotta, served with pink grapefruit compote and Passion fruit tart, served with coconut cream, provided a light and refreshing end to our meal. THE SIX BELLS, BEENHAM It has been almost twenty years since our last visit to this delightful Pub/Restaurant and we can’t believe what we have been missing! After receiving a very warm welcome from the landlady and enjoying pre- supper drinks seated in front of a roaring log fire, we settled down in the restaurant area to enjoy a delicious home cooked meal. The home made Steak/stilton and Lamb hot pies were of a particularly high quality. Our shared Banoffee meringue pudding, provided an indulgent end, to a wonderful meal. I can’t wait to go back to enjoy the Pie and Pudding evening, which I understand is now every Thursday. 22 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 23 RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ REVIEW ENGLEFIELD TEA ROOMS So refreshing to know, that with all the new and competitive venue’s opening up, this delightful, quaint, hidden gem, remains refreshingly unchanged and hopefully unaffected by larger local establishments. I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit and was able to relax for an hour [between meetings] over a delicious bowl of homemade mushroom soup, followed by a slice of homemade Victoria sponge, both served with a smile and a warm greeting. I shall definitely make more of an effort to visit in the future and shall also make a point of calling into the former Englefield Post Office and stores, if only to buy a paper. We are so lucky to have such traditional and charming establishments, right on our door step! ROSEBOURNE RESTAURANT AND GARDEN CENTRE, ALDERMASTON For anyone who has not yet visited the Rosebourne Garden Centre, I can thoroughly recommend the light lunches and afternoon teas, served in their very busy, licensed restaurant. Although, the overall service can be a little ‘hit and miss’ I have always found the food to be of good quality and usually served to a high standard. The rest of the complex, hosts a well-stocked food hall, a large gift shop, outdoor furniture and plant area. Overall, a very pleasant place, to visit on a Sunday afternoon. Karen Fountaine 23 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 24 ENGLEFIELD CE PRIMARY SCHOOL The Autumn term seems a distant memory now but we still have some events from before Christmas to tell you about. The Year 5/6 children spent an afternoon in the science centre at Bradfield College. They each made a speaker out or paper which, when attached with copper wire to an amplifier and computer, produced sound. They also had a tour to the eco-roof which is very environment-friendly; the solar panels on the roof power their underfloor heating. Christmas gives us many opportunities in which to develop our performance skills. Our Year 5/6 pupils gave a stunning performance at the West Berks Schools’ Carol Service at Douai Abbey on Weds 4th December and 14 of our pupils sang carols to a group of adults with learning disabilities at Purley Park Trust. We were all thoroughly entertained by the performance of Christmas Counts given by Mrs Sheppard’s and Mrs Carney’s classes. The children spoke, acted and sang with confidence and expression and the story had a good mix of funny and serious so we came away thinking of the wonder of Christmas. Finally, our annual candle-lit carol service in St Mark’s was, as always, a real highlight of the school year. Thank you to everyone, including Reverend Nick Wynne-Jones, who made this such a special event. Well done to the PTA committee for organising such a fun Christmas Fayre in the midst of the building works next door. The final total raised was £1500 which will be put to important updates in our ICT equipment. We started this term off with our Year 5 pupils taking part in a Bake Off competition at Leighton Park School. They won a place in the grand final and ended up getting 2nd place by baking some tasty treats for afternoon tea. Food was high the agenda again when our Year 1/2 class were visited by Jan and Bev from the Education Department at Newbury Showground who led them in a workshop about healthy breakfasts. They made smoothies and porridge and then got to try 24 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 25 ENGLEFIELD CE PRIMARY SCHOOL them . . . the porridge was a big success and the most popular smoothie was the orange one, made of orange, peach and banana. Sport has been interesting so far this term. Firstly, we enjoyed some Ten-pin Bowling competitions against other West Berkshire schools. Our KS2 team came first out of 20 teams . . . not only are we gold medal winners but we also broke the overall record for West Berks for all time! Another well done to our KS1team who won bronze medals at their competition. We’ve finally found our school sport! Five of our Year 5/6 pupils then went to Theale Green School for an archery competition . . . they had great fun trying various archery-related activities. Our KS2 cross- country team had an exhausting but exhilarating time running around the grounds at Elstree. This is a tough and challenging course and they managed to finish 6th . . . a great team effort. As well as sporting events, we involve our pupils in academic challenges which are often organised by senior schools. Well done to the eight pupils in Years 4 and 5 who participated in the maths challenges at St Gabriel’s; this involved the teams solving a range of maths problems in a timed event against other schools. We have also been lucky enough to be joined by boys from Year 7 at Elstree School who came to support our Y5/6 French lessons. Pupils from both schools enjoyed the experience and we hope to repeat this in the summer term. This year, we are once again entering a project in the Dorothy Morley Conservation Award. This is a local competition with cash prizes with the aim of improving the environment. This time we are planning to move our school towards a position where we use no single use plastic. This will be quite a challenge so please let us know of any ideas you have to help us. We are so delighted that we are having more offers of help in school from local residents and members of the local congregations. Some are coming in to help with reading whilst others have offered their own special knowledge and skills, in areas 25 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 26 ENGLEFIELD CE PRIMARY SCHOOL such as history, to enhance the pupils’ learning in the classroom. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you think you have a talent or time to offer. We’ve had great news from last year’s Summer Flower Show and School Fete committee – the final figure for the school is an amazing £2,500 which will be put towards more laptops for the pupils to use in the classrooms. We are all going to challenge ourselves to beat this amount in the summer so please put the date in your diaries now and come along and support us . . . it really is a super afternoon of community fun. This year the event will be held on the school field on Saturday 11th July from 2pm until 4.30pm. For all your printing needs Our family run business has been established for over twenty years and has a client base as diverse as their requirements. Whether you’re an individual or a blue chip company we can provide for all your printing needs. • creative services • personal and company stationery • brochures and leaflets • magazines • promotional material • personalisation and mail-merging • digital print for short runs and a quick turnaround • conventional print • large format and display systems • finishing • storage and stock management of clients’ stock HERALD GRAPHICS For further information, please contact Peter (0118) 9311 488 or 272-274 Elgar Road Sth, Reading, Berks email [email protected] RG2 0BZ 26 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 27 27 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 28 THE GREYHOUND, TIDMARSH The Life and Times of this Ancient Pub The Greyhound’s history began back in the 12th Century when it was built as a cottage. It is of cruck construction with timber framing and thatch which sweeps almost to the ground at the rear. It belonged to the monks of Reading Abbey and history books tell that it was used to brew ale and wine, so it was most likely a church house at that time. There was also once a vineyard in the area. The Greyhound was first called the Grid Iron after the story of Saint St Laurence who was burnt on the gridiron and, of course, the Parish Church is also St Laurence. Both the village and church withstood the Black Death in 1240. The Greyhound became a public house in 1625 but when it was renamed from The Grid Iron to the Greyhound is not known. Most villagers in those early days always referred to it as “The Dog”. During the time of its early life other dwellings were also attached to Reading Abbey such as Bere Court, Monks Rest, and Bere Leys which was an old farmhouse which no longer exists. Tidmarsh, unlike Sulham, is not to be found in the Berkshire Edition of the Doomsday Book, but that is possibly because it belonged to another manor or holding in another county During its long life time it has had many landlords or licensees and these are just a few we know about. From about 1847 William Rawlings and his family were there for around 20 years. According to the Reading Mercury, in 1851 his wife Mrs Harriet Rawlings was up before the Magistrates Court where the Chairman informed her that the Bench were deciding to suspend her Licence and they would review it in a fortnight’s time to give some security that it would be better conducted in the future. She must have listened to their comments as they remained as licensees until 1868 when Mrs Alice Bailey became the next Licensee. James Pullen followed in 1888 and later in 1928 came Henry Grimmet. Henry was a retired Station Master 28 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 29 THE GREYHOUND, TIDMARSH from Tilehurst Station and when he later decided to also retire from pub life, his elder daughter who had married a local lad, Cecil Brewer, took over the reins and they were there from the late 1920’s until the mid 1950’s. In the 18th and 19th century, pubs were often used for inquests and it appears that in small villages like Tidmarsh that could be likely. In 1848 a lady of 62 passed away suddenly and the inquest into her death was held at Tidmarsh. This was reported in The Reading Mercury, and the Pub was almost certainly the place where the inquest was heard. In those early days Tidmarsh was much smaller than it is today as it was just the village street with its old cottages, some which of are no longer there. Beyond the old Forge, on either side of the road, it was all fields up to the church. Most of the villagers worked on the land and wages were low, so the pub was much quieter than today. During the week its customers were just a few of the very old men who would make a glass of beer last all evening whilst they played darts or crib. Women would not often be seen in the Public Bar, but there was another room called the Saloon Bar where they would sit and this had an ancient piano. If anyone could play it, many a sing-song took place on a Saturday evening. In those days children were not allowed in and you had to be eighteen to be able to drink in a pub. Dogs also were not allowed in, so it was not unusual on a fine summer evening at the weekend to see a child sitting on a hard metal bench out side with a glass of lemonade and a bag of crisps. The saloon, as it was so called, was not as grand as it 29 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 30 THE GREYHOUND, TIDMARSH sounds and the decor left a lot to be desired. The interior furnishings consisted of a large back seat of a car propped on beer crates and a large armchair stuffed with feathers. The unsuspecting person who chose to sit in this chair stood up covered in white feathers! Various other items of furniture also had seen better days, but still at least the piano was playable. After the Second World War, furniture was in short supply and obtaining any was not an option as you had to have coupons for this, so I guess the Landlord of the time thought what they had was better then nothing. There was a small garden on the side of the pub but it was private for the landlord, so there were no chairs and tables as today. In Cecil Brewer’s time there he had a small bird aviary. There was no car park as villagers did not have cars – a bicycle was all they were able to own. There was a glass veranda on the side of the building called the Jug & Bottle and this was where you go along with your jug or bottle and have it filled up with beer or ale, as in summer after a long hot day on the land the man of the house wanted to have a drink with his supper. Often children were given this job and maybe there would be a bag of crisps as a reward. Of course in those days not many pubs served food. Crisps were about all you would have but at some point pickled eggs appeared in a jar on the counter. For many years the pub was supplied with beer from the well known Simmons Brewery in Reading which was established in 1785. They had many pubs all over Berkshire and you could always know a Simmons pub by its cheerful red sign of the hop leaf. Over the years The Greyhound has changed breweries several times and it is now a Fullers Pub, and the old Simmons Brewery site is long gone. During the Second World War, many changes took place and suddenly Tidmarsh had many more people living here. As well as evacuees, there were two large houses that were requisitioned for war use. These were the Mill and The Grange (which is no longer there). These houses were used by the army to billet soldiers as they moved around the country. At Sulham, service men from the RAF stationed at the aerodrome at Theale (now boating lakes) were billeted in Sulham village. So suddenly the pub became very much busier. It still sold mostly beer, stout and Guinness, with maybe a whisky or gin for those that could afford it. The G.I.s seemed to have plenty of cash to spend along with their supplies of nylons, chocolates and cigarettes. Once the war was over and life began to get back to happier times, the pub too had changed as it now had an extension added to the rear of the building. This became a restaurant and added another string to its bow and has been popular ever since. 30 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 31 THE GREYHOUND, TIDMARSH A new kitchen had to be fitted as well. Now the pub sported a car park on both sides as more people owned cars, and so the private garden disappeared. In recent times, once again many things took pace. The Greyhound has had a number of new landlords, and the village too has grown and has many more properties today. One of the most troubling times was the day the pub caught fire, the year was March 1999, and the fire started in the thatch, which quickly took hold. Although there were many fire-fighters attending, it took awhile to get it under control. All who watched it burn felt it was the end of the Greyhound as it looked so badly damaged, but it was rebuilt and once again they were back in business. That was not the end of the matter because again there was another fire, but this time it seems the old chimney was the culprit. This second fire was in 2004 and once more every one turned out to witness the devastation, and probably most thought it was not going to survive another blaze. BUT like a Phoenix it rose again from the ashes. So once more we were without a pub for a while, however it has been completely refurbished but has still retained it’s old world charm and fortunately much of the original interior has been saved, and these days it is now very busy. I hope you will enjoy this look back in time about the life of our ancient pub over the years, and anyone who has not yet paid a visit, try it, you will be sure of a warm welcome. Jean Harland . 31 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 32 • GENERAL HOUSEHOLD REPAIRS • INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECORATING • FLAT PACK ASSEMBLY • SHELVING • FENCING • GARDEN MAINTENANCE • LEAKS • DRAFTS • SQUEAKS • NO JOB TOO SMALL • MANY JOBS UNDER £50 Call Peter on 07504 266151 16 Childrey Way, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 5EA Tel 0118 9624571 E: [email protected] Visit our website on www.ppmhome.co.uk Does your house or garden need an Brrroook Studio experienced hand? Leave it to Alan Local, Experienced, Creative China Restoration Est. 1978, Newbury • Flower, Shrub & Vegetable beds • Tree, Hedge & Lawn Trimming • Fencing, Gates, Sheds Ornamental porcelain, • Cleaning Gutters & General Maintenance • Painting, Decorating, Tiling china and • Flat Pack Assembly, Shelves, Fittings • Patio renovation and cleaning ceramic repair 0118 984 5326 07954 140048 Email: [email protected] MASKELL HANDYMAN 0766 751 352 AND GARDEN CARE Tidmarsh RG8 8EX [email protected] Fully insured References Available 32 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 33 NEW YOGA CLASS When: Monday evenings from 6-7pm Where: Theale Village Hall, Englefield Road, Theale, RG7 5AS Cost: £8.00 per hour session Please bring a mat and warm clothing for meditation Suitable for all levels Please contact Michelle Lovelock with any queries or for further details on 07766 962671 We look forward to welcoming you to the class! 33 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 34 LOCAL INFORMATION Advice and Support Tidmarsh with Sulham Parish Councillors West Berkshire Citizens Advice Bureau Jonathan Pearson (Chairman) 0118 984 4837 Bartholomew St, Newbury 01635 516 605 Steve Webb (Vice Chairman) 0118 984 4194 Jon Chishick 0118 984 3666 Pangbourne and District Volunteer Centre Colin Pawson 0118 984 2619 Mon-Fri (ex Tue) 9:30-11:30 am 0118 984 4586 Andrew Madden Sima Elliot 07720 469 316 Ecclesiastical The Church of England Parish of Pangbourne Parish Magazine Committee with Tidmarsh and Sulham (PTS) Jenny Cope (editor) 0774 777 5900 Rector of Pangbourne with Gillian Alderton 0118 984 2729 Tidmarsh and Sulham John Butler (treasurer) 0118 984 2621 Reverend Heather Parbury The Rectory, St James Close, Jennifer Nutt 0118 984 2370 Pangbourne 0118 984 2928 Karen Fountaine 07867 854420 [email protected] Church Administrator Medical Vanessa Saunders The Boathouse Surgery Church office open Whitchurch Rd, Pangbourne 0118 984 2234 Tuesday and Friday 12.00-3.00pm 0118 984 5066 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 [email protected] Berkshire West Primary Care Trust Church Wardens for St James, Pangbourne; Reading office 0118 950 3094 St Laurence, Tidmarsh; St Nicholas, Sulham West Berkshire office (Newbury) 01635 42400 Jill Palfrey 0118 984 2698 Julia Sheppard 0118 956 1820 Parish clerk and responsible PCC Treasurer financial officer Stephen Billyeald 0118 981 3368 Jennie Currie 44 Harrington Close, Newbury, PCC Secretary Berkshire RG14 2RQ 01635 580 190 Helen Hopwood 07733 106020 [email protected] Emergencies 999 Parish councillors Jonathan Pearson (chairman) 0118 984 4837 All non-emergencies 101 Steven Webb (vice chairman) 0118 984 4194 Floodline 0345 988 1188 Colin Pawson (chairman of planning working group) 0118 984 2619 Government John Chishick 0118 984 3666 MP for Reading West Sima Elliot [email protected] Alok Sharma (Conservative) 0118 945 4881 Andrew Madden [email protected] Councillors for the Purley on Thames Ward District councillor Tim Metcalfe (Conservative) 0118 942 8001 Gareth Hurley 07515 624899 Rick Jones (Conservative) 0118 962 3793 or [email protected] 34 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 35 LOCAL INFORMATION Public Transport Rail Travel We welcome all advertisements, First Great Western 08457 000 125 articles and letters submitted for National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 inclusion in the magazine but the TrainTracker (train times/fares) 0871 200 49 50 editor reserves the right to refuse, Bus Travel alter or amend material for any DJ Travel (Tidmarsh Fri Service) 0118 933 3725 reason. The editor accepts no Reading Buses 0118 959 4000 responsibility for, nor necessarily agrees with, views expressed in Newbury Buses 01635 567500 such submissions. Thames Travel 01491 837988 Traveline Please email any items, National/local bus, train, coach, including photographs, for the ferry and underground info 0871 200 22 33 next edition of magazine to [email protected] Scouts and Girl Guides by 1st June at the latest. Beavers, Simon Pickett 0118 933 1615 Whilst we make every effort to ensure Cubs, Jane Barkshire 07811 446 488 the accuracy of the information Scouts, Simon Pickett 0118 933 1615 printed in this magazine, the editor Rainbows, Helen Randall 01635 48765 cannot accept responsibility for the Brownies, Clare Pincock 0118 984 4286 consequences of any errors or Guides, Helen Randall 01635 48765 omissions that may occur. Rangers, Helen Randall 01635 48765 Village Hall Committee ADVERTISING Alan Maskell 0118 984 5326 If you would like to advertise Hall Bookings (Hilary Innes) 0118 984 2561 in our magazine, please call Emergency Contact 07954 140048 Jenny Cope on 0118 984 4671 Email: [email protected] or send an email to [email protected] West Berkshire District Council 12 MONTHS Main switchboard 01635 42400 (4 ISSUES) Streetcare 01635 519080 Full page: £125.00 Planning applications 01635 519111 Half page: £75.00 Quarter page: £50.00 Please send your advert details or changes to [email protected] 35 Tidmarsh Spring Magazine 2020_Layout 1 07/04/2020 09:49 Page 36 www.tidmarshwithsulham.co.uk