The Parish Magazine November 2020

The

Parish

Magazine

Te Parish Magazine

150

The Parish Magazine 1869 - November 2020 1

YEARS

2019

Serving Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye

The John King Trophy and Gold Award

Best Magazine of the Year 2018

National Parish Magazine Awards

Best Editor 2019

Best Print 2018

Best Content 2016

Best Overall Magazine 2015

Serving the communities of Charvil, Sonning & Sonning Eye since 1869

November 2020 — Remembering Remembrance

'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.'

Church of St Andrew

Serving Sonning, Charvil & Sonning Eye

the church of st andrew, SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF

CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 1 11/10/2020 23:49:27

2 The Parish Magazine - November 2020

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Serving the communities of Charvil, Sonning & Sonning Eye since 1869

Church of St Andrew


Te Parish Magazine

The Parish 1869 Magazine - October 2020 1

2019

Serving Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye

The John King Trophy and Gold Award

Best Magazine of the Year 2018

National Parish Magazine Awards

Best Editor 2019

Best Print 2018

Best Content 2016

Best Overall Magazine 2015

information — 1

Contents November 2020

THE ASSOCIATE VICAR'S LETTER, 5

THE PARISH NOTICEBOARD

— Remembrance Sunday, 7

— Armistice Day, 7

— All Souls, 7

— FoStAC Christmas cards, 7

— For your prayers, 7

— William Temple, 9

— From the Editor's desk, 9

— The Persecuted Church, 10

— STAY, 11

features

— Wildside Challenge, 13-15

— Spreading the Word part 2, 17-19

— Remember November, 21

— Canon Chris Clarke, 22

— Remembrance, 23

around the villages

— New Sonning shop, 25

— All Saints Dunsden, 27

— Sonning Art Group, 29

— Santa is coming, 29

— Toys and Teens Appeal, 31

— Rebecca's Well, 31

— Sonning Eye Pightle, 31

— Grandfather's answer, 31

HEALTH

— Dr Simon Ruffle writes, 33

THE ARTS

— Tobias, Angel, and Dog, 35

— Book Reviews, 35

— Poet's Corner, 37

— Lady Chatterley, 37

PUZZLE PAGE, 36

the sciences

— Mountains of God, 37

HOME & GARDEN

— Ivy, 39

— Recipe of the Month, 39

children's page, 41

information

— Church services, 3

— From the registers, 3

— Parish contacts, 42

— Advertisers index, 42

This month's FRONT COVER

November 2020 — Remembrance and Advent

The

Parish

Magazine

EDITORIAL DEADLINE

The editorial deadline for every issue

of The Parish Magazine is 12 noon on

the sixth day of the month prior to the

date of publication.

The deadline for the December

issue of The Parish Magazine is:

Friday 6 November at 12 noon

From the

registers

150

YEARS

'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.'

the church of st andrew, SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF

CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY

Picture: Sunset at Rebecca's Well

(see page 31) by Nigel Leviss

Weddings

Friday 25 September

Simon Robert Gibson and

Bryher Bailey

Funerals

Tuesday 1 September

William Henry Simpson

Cremation at Slough Crematorium

Thursday 17 September

Russell Ayling

Cremation at West Berkshire

Crematorium

Thursday 24 September

Stuart Trotman

Memorial service at St Andrew’s

and interment of ashes

Thursday 8 October

Joyce Lucy Killick

Funeral service in church followed by

Cremation at Reading Crematorium

The Parish Magazine - November 2020 3

Services at

St Andrew’s

At the time this issue went to press

the Covid-19 and Church of England

guidelines meant that services are

being restricted to Holy Communion

on a Sunday in the church and on a

Wednesday in The Ark.

The congregation will be limited in

numbers and strict social distance

seating rules will apply. Live

streaming of the Sunday service can

be seen online.

There are one way systems inside

the church and The Ark and face

masks must be worn in both

buildings. Please use the hand

sanitation at the entrance.

The government guidelines state

that people of 70 years of age and

over ought not attend services

inside a building, but the decision

to attend or not is left entirely up to

each individual.

November Services

If there is no policy change the

November Sunday services will be:

Sunday 1 November

— 9.30am Family Holy Communion

Common Worship

Sunday 8 November

— 9.30am Holy Communion

Book of Common Prayer

Sunday 15 November

— 9.30am Family Holy Communion

Common Worship

Sunday 22 November


Book of Common Prayer

Advent Sunday 29 November


Common Worship

The mid-week Communion Service

in The Ark is at 10am on Wednesday.

Please check the weekly news sheets

or website, or contact the Parish

Office for updates.

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 3 11/10/2020 23:49:29


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The associate vicar's letter

Dear friends

I wonder if you have a favourite story? It may be factual, it may be

fiction. It could be a story you’ve heard recently, or one from a long time

ago, perhaps from your childhood. It may be a story you’ve read, or one

you’ve been told, or one you’ve seen in a film or television series. The

truth is that we will all have favourite stories that have had an impact on

us in some way.

What I love about story telling is that a story, however simple, can

have the power to communicate deep messages. They can be helpful

and we can learn lessons from them. They can act as a moral compass

through imagery and analogy. At Reading Blue Coat, where I work as

chaplain and teacher, we have chosen the theme of ‘tell me a story’ for

this term's assemblies. This has given me a brilliant opportunity to share

some of the stories that have had an impact on my life. My favourite,

which I would certainly recommend reading, is a children’s book called

You are Special by Max Lucado. Although this is a simple story in many

ways, it conveys a powerful message about our value and our worth. It

is a Christian story which reminds us of God’s love for us but whether

Christian or not, I think this story helps us to think about how much we

value one another and ourselves. This is just one example and I am sure

each of you will have your own examples.

KEEP TELLING STORIES

This month we remember very specific stories; those of war time. As

the years go by, these stories fall further into the past and now most

who lived during the war are no longer with us. For this reason it is

increasingly important to continue to remember and tell their stories of

hope, tragedy, bravery and love. Stories will die if people do not continue

to tell them.

In the Bible Jesus often spoke using stories called parables. Jesus took

everyday situations and objects that his hearers would be familiar with,

and told simple stories which conveyed truths about God’s Kingdom and

how we should live our lives. For example, when teaching about who our

neighbour is, he used the parable of the Good Samaritan. When teaching

about how much we are worth to God he used a number of parables such

as the Parable of the Lost Sheep, and the Parable of the Lost Coin. These

were stories that people could relate to and understand, and stories

simple enough that they could tell to others

PART OF GOD'S STORY

Each of us has our own life story which is written through our

experiences, our choices and our relationships. We weave in and out of

each other’s stories as we meet new people and build new relationships.

It’s important for us all to remember that even if our stories only overlap

briefly, we can have a significant influence on the shape to each other’s

stories in the future. I can remember times I have encountered kindness

and the positive impact it had on me, but sadly I can also tell you stories

of when I have been hurt by others, and this also has an impact.

Have a think about your favourite story. What makes it special? What

message does it give and how has it affected your life? I pray that we all

remember that we are part of God’s story, each created and known by

him, and that we continue our own stories safe in the knowledge of his

love.

With love and prayers

Kate


NOVEMBER 2020.indd 5 11/10/2020 23:49:29


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the parish noticeboard — 1


Notices Don't forget your Christmas cards!

175mm

175mm

The Advent Wreath

Photograph by Nigel Leviss

The Advent wreath, or Advent crown, is a Christian tradition

that symbolises the passage of the four weeks of Advent.

s are circular, representing God's infinite love, and are usually made of evergreen leaves, which

hope of eternal life brought by Jesus Christ. Within the Advent wreath are five white candles.

ced around the edge of the wreath, represent the four weeks of the Advent season as well as ‘the

ing into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ’. These four candles each have a meaning and

Christian concepts: Hope week one, Peace week two, Joy week three and Love week four.

placed in the centre of the wreath to symbolise the arrival of Christmastide, sometimes known as

e’. The centre candle is lit at St. Andrews Church, Sonning at Midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

ard is produced by the Friends of St. Andrew's Church and all profits from its sale go

s ensuring the continued restoration, repair and maintenance of this beautiful Church.

Registered Charity number: 1101944

www.sonningparish.org.uk

Remembrance Sunday

BACK

Sadly, because of Covid restrictions

there will not be a public service on

Remembrance Sunday.

The 9.30am communion service

will take place as usual on Sunday

8 November, but this will not have

remembrance as its theme and, as

we are limited to 90 worshippers

in church, we cannot accommodate

Remembrance Day visitors.

There will be a short service at

10.50am, which will include senior

members of the Royal British Legion

where we shall read out the Roll of

Honour and observe the two minute

silence, but it must be stressed, this

is not open to the public. However,

it will be live streamed on our live

stream page.

Armistice Day

Members and supporters of the

Royal British Legion are invited into

church at 10.45am on Wednesday 11

November where there will be an act

of remembrance and the two minutes

silence. Social distancing rules need

to be adhered to by all who attend.

All Souls

There will be no All Souls memorial

service this year because of Covid

restrictions but the contact details for

all with whom we have been involved

in bereavement ministry in the last

12 months will be used next year to

include them in the 2021 service.

The Friends of Saint Andrew's 2020 Christmas cards are now on sale.

FRONT

This year they feature a Nigel Leviss picture of the Advent ring that

symbolises the four weeks of hope, joy, peace and love that lead up to

Christmas.

At Christmas, a fifth, central candle, is lit to symbolise Christ, the light

who came into the world. The first Advent Candle in St Andrew's will be

lit on Sunday 29 November — Covid permitting.

The FoStAC 2020 Christmas cards are available at £5 for a pack of 10 cards and

envelopes. You can purchase them in church after the 9.30am morning services or

have them delivered to your home on request to Liz Nelson on:

0779 194 4270 or liz.nelson1@ntlworld.com

Payment can be by cash, cheque or bank transfer.

For your prayers

in November

— The work of the Royal British Legion

— All veterans of past conflicts

— The Chaplains of HM Armed Forces

— Our neighbours at All Saints Dunsden

Picture: unsplash.com

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Wartime social reformer

who was the first and last

While Winston Churchill led the country's war effort during

the Second World War, William Temple, as Archbishop of

Canterbury, encouraged the people to trust the Lord for

their deliverance and strength. Like Churchill, Temple was

a great leader, a gifted orator and a prolific writer. He was

also a social activist who helped to shape our society today.

The Church remembers him every year on 6 November.

William Temple was born on 15 October 1881 in Exeter and

was educated at Rugby School and Balliol College, Oxford,

from 1900-1904. He loved the music of Bach; the poetry of

Browning and Shelley, and Shakespeare, and was an avid

reader with a near-photographic memory.

He became president of the Oxford Union and after

graduating became a lecturer of philosophy at Queen's

College, Oxford. As a member of the debating society he had

shown that he proved to be a skilled and balanced debater.

NATIONAL FIGURE

After his ordination in 1909, Temple was headmaster of

Repton School for four years during which time he married

Frances Anson in 1916. They were childless.

1921 saw him becoming Bishop of Manchester where he

pioneered the Ecumenical Movement. Gradually he became a

national figure and in 1926 he urged the British government

to seek a negotiated agreement to the General Strike.

Excelling as a moderator, teacher and preacher, his

appointment in 1929 as Archbishop of York was a popular

one. His influence led to the formation of the British Council

of Churches and the World Council of Churches. During

the Second World War he jointly founded the Council of

Christians and Jews to combat anti-Semitism and other

forms of prejudice in Britain.

In 1942 he became Archbishop of Canterbury and was an

outspoken advocate of social reform and campaigned against

unemployment, poverty and poor housing. He believed in the

rights of all people, whether rich or poor, and was a leading

force for social justice. In his book Christianity and Social

Order he shared his vision for all to have access to healthcare,

education and decent housing. His radical thinking and

activism played a foundational role in the formation of the

British Welfare State.

When he died on 26 October 1944, he was the first

Primate of All England to be cremated— his ashes are buried

in the cloister garden of Canterbury Cathedral and he is the

last Archbishop of Canterbury to have died in office.

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From the desk

of the editor

editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk

Walking around Charvil

When the first national lockdown finished — as I write

this it seems that a second one is possible — my wife,

who was shielded, and I, began taking daily walks around

the parish. When on holiday overseas we take lots of long

walks but never seem to have time to do it regularly when

at home. Our short daily walks soon grew longer and

to-date our longest one took us from Charvil to Dinton

Pastures where, by the way, the cafe serves delicious hot

sausage rolls!

DOWN BY THE RIVER . . .

One Sunday after church we walked along the tow path

by the lock on the River Thames and quickly realised it

was not a good time to be there!

Not only was it crowded with families and dogs

enjoying the sunshine, which was good to see, but there

was a constant stream of runners and cyclists, often

travelling at speed and weaving their way through the

pedestrians.

Several times cyclists came from behind with no

warning. It was one of the most dangerous walks we have

been on, so now we concentrate on the footpaths around

Charvil where we can enjoy more peaceful and safer

surroundings.

This is not because we don't like meeting people, one of

the things we also enjoy when walking around Charvil is

that we often meet people we have not seen for a long time

and enjoy having a friendly catch up!

. . . AND ROUND THE LAKES

Despite having lived in or near Charvil for many years,

we were both surprised by the excellent facilities and

varied wildlife and plants that we did not realise were on

our doorstep in places such as the Charvil Country Park,

the Loddon Nature Reserve, Ashenbury Park and around

the many local fishing lakes.

Ashenbury Park can be accessed easily from Beggars

Hill Lane in Charvil. Originally it was the site of the

Woodley gravel pit and when I lived in Woodley about 40

years ago, it was the local council rubbish tip.

Talking of rubbish, we have been very impressed

on our walks by how well local residents care for the

surroundings. Often we come across individuals and

families clearing the woodlands or picking up litter, so a

special thank you to all those who volunteer to do this,

your efforts are greatly appreciated!

It would make life much better for everyone, of course,

if we all take our litter home or dispose of it safely.

Dumping rubbish, especially around the bottle bank or

public litter bins, is not only anti-social, environmentally

unfriendly and dangerous, but illegal.

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 9 11/10/2020 23:49:33



The persecuted Church and how to support it

News items, features, and links by Colin Bailey. Please read for awareness, and support through prayer and further support —

financial or otherwise.

Abraham Accords Agreement

Covid concern for Chinese

Christians praying online

Oppression and discrimination for Christians has got

worse during Covid, says Release International, the interdenominational

Christian charity helping persecuted

Christians in more than 25 countries.

The organisation’s ministry is based on Hebrews 13.3:

Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with

them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves

were suffering.

During lockdown, many Christians have been denied

food and relief aid. Release International has launched an

appeal to help Christians during the pandemic.

‘The situation has got much worse for many Christians

during lockdown’, says CEO Paul Robinson.

One of the worst offenders in the increase of persecution

against Christians is China where Christians holding prayer

meetings online have been arrested.

Vital apolitical religious freedom communications

International Christian Concern recently published a ‘Fellows Brief' report on

their convention for Washington, DC-based experts. The summit discussed the

importance of advancing international religious freedom in apolitical terms.

Delegates agreed on the difficulty of communicating apolitical international

religious freedom in Washington DC — and also that it is nonetheless vital. The

brief states that President Trump has been a vocal supporter of international

religious issues since he took office, and also that the Democratic Party platform

contains strong language in support of religious freedom.

Key takeaways were that the topic of international religious freedom must

be ‘consistently differentiated’ from politicised issues of domestic (US) religious

freedom, and for US standards on international religious freedom to be enforced on

other countries ‘consistently and regardless of our political ties to that country.’

UK working together for religious freedom

The UK Freedom of Religion or Belief Forum brings together civil society

groups, faith or belief organisations, and human rights NGOs (Non

Government Organisations) to advance the cause of freedom of religion or

belief around the world. It is focused only on issues abroad.

A statement on their website says that they enable ‘a wide range of organisations

to work together, engaging politicians and policy makers to ensure that the UK plays a

leading role in global efforts to advance religious freedom or belief around the world.’

The steering group chair is the Bishop of Truro, Rt Rev Philip Mountstephen.

The Prime Minister’s special envoy for freedom of religion or belief attends the

meetings. Open Doors is encouraging Christians to write to their MP to call on the

prime minister to appoint a new special envoy, since the post is currently vacant.

In September, Boris Johnson said in response to MPs’ written questions about this

that ‘an appointment will be announced in due course.’

The UK Freedom of Religion or Belief Forum is funded solely on donations and

voluntary stakeholder contributions. To become a stakeholder, organisations must

support the aim of the forum to advance global freedom of religion or belief for all,

affirm Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and be committed

to non-violence. It does not issue statements in its own name. Action relating to

the forum is taken by stakeholders under their own initiative. The forum facilitates

stakeholder-led joint advocacy letters on pressing issues related to freedom of

religion or belief.

Writing for International Christian Concern, American

graduate student Benjamin Harbaugh, a former US

Government intern and supporter of the persecuted church

worldwide, argues that 'Abraham Accords' furthers the

prospect for peace in the Middle East.

Abraham Accords is an historic peace agreement, signed in

mid-September. It normalises diplomatic relations between

Israel and the Arab states of the United Arab Emirates and

Bahrain. He argues that while the accords do not explicitly

address religious freedom, they ‘move the ball in a positive

direction’.

The governments of the UAE and Israel recognise that:

The Arab and Jewish peoples are descendants of a common

ancestor, Abraham, and inspired, in that spirit, to foster

in the Middle East a reality in which Muslims, Jews,

Christians and peoples of all faiths, denominations, beliefs

and nationalities live in, and are committed to, a spirit of

coexistence, mutual understanding and mutual respect.’

Sources and further reading

Release International on Christian

Persecution during Covid

https://www.releaseinternational.org/

oppressed-christians-struggling-undercovid-release-international-appeal/

UCAnews (Union of Catholic Asian

News) on global increase of Christian

persecution after Covid-19

https://www.ucanews.com/news/

christian-persecution-increased-globallyafter-covid-19/89174

Persecution.org (International Christian

Concern) on Abraham Accords and

Religious Freedom

https://www.persecution.org/2020/09/16/

abraham-accords-religious-freedom/

Abraham Accords Peace Agreement

https://www.whitehouse.gov/

briefings-statements/abrahamaccords-peace-agreement-treaty-ofpeace-diplomatic-relations-and-fullnormalization-between-the-united-arabemirates-and-the-state-of-israel/

Persecution.org (International Christian

Concern) Fellows Brief on depoliticising

international religious freedom

https://www.persecution.org/2020/09/14/

fellows-brief-depoliticizing-internationalreligious-freedom/

UK Freedom of Religion or Belief Forum

https://www.ukforbforum.org

Open Doors – UK needs a new Special

Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/

latest-news/new-special-envoy/

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 10 11/10/2020 23:49:33


STAY

ST Andrew's Youth


STAY Schools Work

With many schools back in full swing

I have been able to safely continue

mentoring students in both Piggott

and Blue Coat Schools.

This has been a vital part of my

week as I offer space and time for

the students to open up and talk

about how life is for them both in

and out of school. To best describe

mentoring, it’s a little like

the image on the right.

Giving someone that

metaphorical helping hand

up to see the world from a

different view point. I

have also been able to offer

assemblies at both senior

schools, both virtually and

in real life. Recent themes

have been ‘Stories’ and ‘Love is kind’.

In these assemblies I was able to offer

stories and scriptures that speak of

hope, kindness and selflessness. I will

continue to pray for the local schools

that they will flourish and grow in

these uncertain times.

STAY on Friday

We had the pleasure of reopening

STAY on Friday Youth Club on 18

September in The Ark from 7-8pm. To

help fit everyone in we have split the

ages of young people into years 7 & 8

on the 2nd & 4th Friday of the month

and years 9+ on the 1st & 3rd. We are

allowed up to 15 per group so we have

the inside group and the outside group.

We are also offering the current

local year 6’s the chance to come

along on the fourth Friday of each

month to help aid in their transition

next September to year 7.

With the new restrictions around

serving food we have had to shelve the

donut wall, the baking sessions and

the offer of drinks from the kitchen

hatch. Instead, we’ve introduced a

brand new tuck shop, where all items

sold are pre-packaged and handled

only with gloves. We have also recently

introduced the very popular nail bar!

To book your child into youth club

please email me from the Monday of

the week you want to book them in for.

STAY on Sunday

We have started meeting in real life

as the STAY on Sunday group. As a

post lockdown gift I gave all the young

people their own STAY safe hand

sanitiser bottle.

They seemed thankful and

confused all at the same time! So far

we have looked at the themes of ‘Loss’

and ‘Gain’ and all that entails. What

have we lost over lockdown and what

does God promise we can gain through

loss. We are due to start a new series

of youth alpha soon. STAY on Sunday

is currently held in the St Sarik room

during the 9.30am service and meets

on the 2nd, 4th & 5th Sunday’s of each

month.

STAY Prayers

Some of the amazing young

people from STAY on Sunday

have been brave and stepped

up to read their written

prayers of intercession

during church. They have

prayed for Covid

and all it has

caused across the

world. They have prayed for the sick

and hurting and for the government

to have wisdom in dealing with it all.

I take my hat off to them for their

bravery and willingness to stand up

and pray at the front of church.

Training

Lastly I wanted to let people know

that I have signed up to a chaplaincy

training course for September to

December. This has been paid for by

the local schools and will help me in

my work as part of the chaplaincy

teams at both Piggott and Blue Coat

Schools.

As always, please get in touch with

any questions or thoughts

youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk

Thanks, Westy!

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 11 11/10/2020 23:49:35



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feature — 1

In early April, in some would say, a rare moment of social empathy, I started to

realise the challenge that parents faced with their children unable to go to school

due to Covid-19 and the long summer ahead. That, along with people sending me

wildlife images for identification on the popular Sonning Buzz Facebook page,

got me thinking about how I might, in some small way, help local parents to keep

kids active while providing a learning opportunity for all.

My thoughts led me to post a message

on Sonning Buzz asking if parents

would be interested in an 'Ali’s

Wildside Challenge'. Each week I

would provide information and images

of a particular plant or animal and

youngsters would have to find and post

a photograph on Sonning Buzz.

Every family who posted a correct

image would get points, but the first

to do so would score more than the

rest. Points varied depending on the

degree of difficulty of finding and

photographing the species in question.

I said I’d do it if 20 children signed

up, but in fact within a few days, 30

families with over 50 children between

them said yes! I was committed!

I was blown away by the popularity

of this exercise. The level of friendly

competitiveness was something I

hadn’t reckoned for, especially between

the families who were front-runners

from the start. This was exemplified by

the speed at which some of the correct

photos were posted — the record being

7 minutes!

Another aspect which I hadn’t

predicted was the entertainment and

humour that emerged. I think my

favourite response was one posted

by Nigel Leviss after I had challenged

the children to find and post a photo

of caterpillars feeding on stinging

nettles (which in our area are likely to

be Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and

Red Admiral butterfly larvae). Nigel

as chief photographer for the 'Leviss

Army', as they became known, asked

rather pitifully: 'Why, oh why, am I

crawling around in stinging nettles on

Father’s Day?'

The adult butterflies usually

involved little Johnny spotting one

and instructing mum to stop faffing

around and get a photo!

As someone who has been known

to chase butterflies around with

a net, I am aware that this can be

embarrassing. Tamsin Runnalls’ post

in response to a Brimstone butterfly

challenge, summed it up nicely: 'We

saw one but it flew over the fence too

quickly to capture a pic. I was running

down the garden after it – comedy

gold!'


Wildside Challenge gets local families buzzing

By Alastair Driver

Ivy-leaved Toadflax by the Leviss family

Winners — The Leviss Army

Runners up — The Harper family

Despite the difficulties of capturing

an identifiable image of a rapidly

moving object such as a butterfly

or a dragonfly, or spotting one of

only two Little Egrets in the parish,

every single challenge had at least

four correct images submitted and

the vast majority had over 10 correct

responses. White dead-nettle received

the most with 15.

With children heading back to

school in September, I ended the

competition on 31 August, by which

time 30 species challenges of various

plants, birds and insects had resulted

in the submission of 270 correct

images.

Some images were really excellent

— even if they were the wrong species.

Some are shown here. 17 families

registered points, although I know

many more have told me they had

been casually participating.

Thanks to the generosity of the

Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust

and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust,

I was able to hand out prizes to all

point-scoring participants. The clear

winners overall were Daniel, Thomas

and James Leviss — aka 'The Leviss

Army' — who led from the front with

Red Admiral by the Harper family Collared Dove by the Harper family turn to page 15

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 13 11/10/2020 23:49:39



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feature — 2

from page 13

Ali's Challenge

Banded Demoiselle by the Harper family


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If so, call the vicar, Jamie

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Stag Beetle by the Runnalls family

74 points. The runners-up were Ruth and Aidan Harper with

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The winners received complimentary family membership

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Bucks and Oxon which I was able to get the great man, Sir

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It was a thoroughly enjoyable exercise and I had hugely

underestimated the level of interest in wildlife in our brilliant

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feature — 3

The earliest converts tended to be kings and courtiers whose

Christian convictions might rest simply on whether a battle

was going to be won or lost. Any perceived new leap of faith,

especially one brought by foreigners, surely risked provoking

the ire of the old gods? Why should people change?

The troubled aftermath and collapse of Britain’s Romano-

Celtic civilisation was the context in which many sought

a degree of moral certainty and some answers to what, if

anything, the after life might bring.

Small communities still clung to hallowed local shrines

which met long held psychological needs for health and

fertility. Kings such as Penda of Mercia might not seek out

Christians to persecute but they were loath to abandon

Woden and Thor, the gods of their ancestors.

Not surprisingly, many Christians felt constrained

to proceed gently — taking over non-idolatrous sites as

places of worship, and adapting ancient festivities to serve

Christian ends often became the norm. Displays of holy

relics invested with supernatural powers and mysterious

claims of miraculous cures, appealed to sceptical or

indifferent members of the community.

Today, we tend to look upon these things with a more

cynical eye. Nevertheless, relics were often a reminder of

values cherished and a believer’s sense of belonging to a

special place. Wherever plain timbered churches appeared,

images and ornaments on the inside attributed the heroic

deeds of pagan gods to Christian saints and martyrs

lending dramatic authenticity to the wider Christian

story.

In 634, Pope Honorius I instructed Birinus (d 648), a

Frankish Benedictine monk, to 'sow the seed of the Holy

Faith . . . where no other teacher had been before him', a

mission which took him to the kingdom of Wessex south

of the Thames Valley.

At the time, an uneasy peace prevailed with Mercia

which regularly sent marauders across the Thames in

search of easy plunder. Wessex’s King Cynegils needed

allies.

Following baptism in the presence of his son-in-law,

Northumbia’s King Oswald, a treaty of alliance was

secured. Birinus established a small church near the

Thames at Dorchester which not only became an abbey

but served as the seat of Wessex’s first bishopric which

extended across an enormous area including present day

Berkshire, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, and northern

Somerset. Unchanged in size until 705, it was then subdivided

into two sees; one at Sherborne and another at


SPREADING THE WORD: HOW CHRISTIANITY CAME TO SOUTHERN ENGLAND-PART 2

Old beliefs challenged

Peter van Went, archivist, Reading Blue Coat School, continues his series on the

early development of Chrisianity in our part of the world.

Perhaps the hardest task facing missionaries was how to

overcome deeply ingrained habits of thought and belief

shared by most of England’s seven quarrelsome kingdoms.

SUPERNATURAL POWERS

SOWING NEW GROUND

This roundel is the earliest stained glass window in Dorchester

Abbey c1250. It is believed to be showing St Birinus being blessed by

Archbishop Asterius of Milan who sent him on a mission to Britain.

Winchester. Two smaller churches are also attributed to

Birinus in the villages of Checkendon and Ipsden, and he

is even credited with founding St Mary’s minster, one of

the oldest churches in Reading.

As teaching and learning flourished in Northumbria,

much influenced by the scholarship of Bede (c673-705),

more scripture was translated and recited into Old

English.

Having already laid foundations at Malmesbury where

he was abbot for 30 years, Aldhelm (c639-709), introduced

the Benedictine Rule as the first Bishop of Sherborne, and

encouraged the growth of monastic schools and centres of

learning at Frome in Somerset and Bradford-on-Avon in

Wiltshire.

PARISH LIFE AND DEATH

By the 9th Century, most of the churches in our

villages and towns today had been built, though few of the

original Saxon structures survive. So much of Saxon life

revolved around villages where, in the words of one writer:

'The whole population found its dearest associations in

life and death gathered round the parish church.'1

Many a king, keenly encouraged by a favourite bishop

to find spiritual salvation, began to endow sees and

churches with gifts of land which in turn produced income

from tithes and laid the foundations of a parish system

across England. Compared with today’s village-centred

parish, our own 'ancient parish' of Sonning was enormous,

stretching from Sonning Common in Oxfordshire to

Sandhurst in south-east Berkshire.

UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF ROME

Historians are generally of the opinion that much of

Anglo-Saxon England apart from Sussex was nominally

Christian with Canterbury at its epicentre by about 670,

an achievement which owed much to the mission of a

68-year old Greek monk from Asia Minor, Theodore of

turn to page 19

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 17 11/10/2020 23:49:41



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feature — 4

from page 17

Old beliefs challenged

This drawing by C A Buckler shows the first Saxon timbered church

which was built at Bradford-on-Avon in Wiltshire

Tarsus. In time, all English churches, however grudgingly,

acknowledged the primacy of the 'universal church' in

Rome but distance ensured the Papacy could only exert its

influence with a light hand. Priests were rarely accredited

to particular places, and traversing long distances, tended

to move around, addressing occasional meetings of

converts in the open air: simple timber-framed, thatched

buildings would be among the first permanent churches

to be built in any village keen enough to embrace the new

faith. We might safely assume this would have been the

case in many parts of Wessex.

St SARIK CHAPEL

Nothing much is really known about Sonning’s earliest

church. Its wooden foundations have long since gone, and

have been replaced by a stone structure built some years

after the Norman Conquest. Only a simple Saxon stone

cross can be seen embedded in the church’s Norman tower.

There is evidence, of course, to suggest some churches

were sited near abandoned pagan shrines or places

reputed to possess healing properties.

One clue about our church’s origins is offered by John

Leland’s 1546 Itinerary. In it, he mentions 'a chapel of

St Sarik' situated somewhere along the east side of our

churchyard 'to which resorted in pilgrimage many folk for the

cure of madness.'

While our knowledge is at best very flimsy, the

uncovering of human remains by archaeologists beneath

The Bull’s garden 20 years ago adds weight to the existence

of some form of Saxon hospice adjoining Sonning’s parish

church. As yet, the mystery of who exactly St Sarik was

still remains unanswered.2

WESSEX WAR AND PEACE

Despite frequent Danish attacks throughout the

9th century, much missionary activity and scholarship

continued apace especially in Northumbria and parts of

East Anglia; all greatly encouraged by visiting priests and

itinerant monks from Ireland and the continent.

When Alfred the Great became king of Wessex in

871, few expected him to survive such was the menace

of the Danish invasion. Christianity braced itself for

destruction and turmoil and Alfred, a respected scholar,

convinced himself that the agony endured by his subjects


was nothing less than divine punishment for their sins.

Stubborn resistance nevertheless hastened the political

and military ascendancy of Wessex culminating in Danish

King Guthrum’s conversion in 878.

For many Danes weary of endless conflict, collecting

Danegeld tax and farming English pasture offered better

choices than costly migration and endless warfare. If, for

most of the 11th century, the Viking threat had still to be

exorcised.

Wessex’s part in the reconquest of England assured its

political hegemony in the years ahead; none of the other

Saxon kingdoms would be its equal.

COMMON CAUSE

Chastened by the experience of war, State and Church

in Wessex shared a common cause to unite the kingdom.

Institutionally, the Church had become more lethargic and

secular as the demands of war took precedence but this

was not the only reason it had to change.

Alfred and his successors needed scholars and

administrators as well as warriors; learned men nurtured

within a disciplined Church of educated clergy to fulfil

God’s will and integrate their war torn realm beneath the

banner of Christ.

Key to this objective was the establishment of a

network of monasteries, the 'training schools' of their day,

endowed by a committed landed aristocracy.

CULTURAL RESURGENCE

Long term, the necessary intellectual revival needed

to achieve this ambition, had to await the energy of

Abbot ælfric of Abingdon, Bishop Wulfstan of Worcester,

and Archbishop Dunstan, all scholars and prelates of

distinction.

By the end of the 10th century, over 40 new

monasteries had been founded. It was something of a

cultural resurgence of the arts and literature and new

career opportunities for the clergy.

As monastic wealth accumulated, there was renewed

interest in agricultural improvement. Wheat cultivation

and viticulture, abandoned after the Romans left, were

revived and marshland drained.

Strongly influenced by what he had seen of Cluny’s

corporate tradition in France, Dunstan (909-988)

rigorously enforced the Benedictine rule. Where feast days

and Sunday worship had been neglected, clerical discipline

was tightened.

Financial malpractice allowing parishes to be passed

from fathers to sons was curtailed and secular cathedral

canons, many of whom were married men, were driven

out ruthlessly and replaced by monks.

NOTES

1. G.M Trevelyan, History of England (Longmans: third edition, 1945) p65.

2. Canon Hugh Pearson, vicar of Sonning (1842-1882), and the first editor

of this magazine, speculated that 'Sarik' might have been a clumsy

translation of 'Sigeric', the Bishop of Ramsbury (985-990) who is listed

among the 'Bishops of Sunning' on a plaque inside St Andrew’s Church.

Sigeric 'may well have been held in veneration by the people of Sonning

because it was through his advice to Ethelred the Unready that peace

was concluded with the Danes. . .even though it was at the price of the

odious tax called Danegeld being imposed ?' Memorials of the Parish

of Sonning. (Blackwell, Reading, 1890), pp. 80-81. Other variations of the

name include 'Sirik'and 'Serik' and 'Corroc', a Cornish.

. . . To be concluded next month

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Remember, remember, the month of November!

November can be an emotional month. It is a time of

commemoration and celebration. There can be no doubt

that this year Covid-19 will make November a different

experience for everyone and that many of the much-loved

services and events will not be held. With this in mind, on

this, and the next two pages, we reflect on some of the the

events that we will miss coming together to share.

All Saints Day on 1 November is when we give thanks for all

the saints who are in heaven. This includes the Saints (with

a capital 'S') who have been venerated by the Church and

all the saints (with a small 's') who have led Christian lives.

Many of the Saints —there over 1o,000 — have special feast

days that are celebrated throughout the year. Try including

in your prayers on All Saints Day this traditional Church of

England Collect for the day:

O Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect

in one communion and fellowship,

in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord:

Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed saints

in all virtuous and godly living,

that we may come to those unspeakable joys,

which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The next day is All Souls, traditionally called the

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed or the Day

of the Dead. It's the day we offer thanksgiving and prayers

for all those that we have known and who have gone before

us. Many Christian denominations mark this with a day of

prayer and special services for the souls of those who have

died.

At St Andrew's, for example, we usually invite the

bereaved families and friends of those whose funerals were

led by members of our ministry team during the previous

year to join the congregation in a special act of remembrance

and thanksgiving. Sadly, this year it will not take place.

During the service candles are lit for every person as their

names are read out. It can be a very moving, meaningful and

emotional occasion for many people. Pray —and maybe light

a candle — on All Souls Day for those below whose funerals

or interment have been held by the ministry team since our

last All Souls service:

4 November Julie McEwen

18 November Denise Norah Wilkin

4 February David Mervyn Stares

7 February Maureen Harding

10 February Bertram Clifford Emptage

13 February John Henry Lawrence

29 February Linda Beatrice Reeves

3 March Janet Middlemiss

16 March Eric Edward Venner

18 March Colin Lott

19 March Margaret Webby

26 March Francis Aloysious Dodd

30 April Walter Smith

4 May Olive Mary Bevan

26 May Mary Eleanor Thorne

11 June Valerie Buxton

7 July Doreen Blackmore

29 July Margaret Kathleen Hudson

1 September William Henry Simpson

17 September Russell Ayling

24 September Stuart Trotman

8 October Joyce Lucy Killick

Fireworks at Reading Blue Coat School in 2015

Guy Fawkes or Bonfire Night on 5 November,

although not marked by church services has its roots in

the 17th century struggle in the UK between Catholics

and Protestants. It commemorates the failure of the

Gunpowder Plot of 1605. The conspirators, led by Robert

Catesby, were zealous Roman Catholics who were enraged

by King James I for refusing to grant greater religious

tolerance to Catholics. Once again, it is unlikely that any

community bonfires will be allowed this year.

A few days later, on Armistice Day, the nation usually

unites to remember and give thanks to God for all those

who sacrificed their lives while serving the country in the

armed forces. Armistice Day was first observed at 11am on

11 November 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth

to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended the

First World War a year earlier. This happened at the eleventh

hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

The first official Armistice Day commemoration was held

in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and was followed

by a peace parade for which the Cenotaph memorial was

created in Whitehall. Today it is at the centre of the nation’s

commemorations.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

During the Second World War, most of the Commonwealth

of Nations agreed to change the name from Armistice to

Remembrance and so include those who died during that

war. In more recent times, servicemen and women killed and

injured in other conflicts since the Second World War have

also been included, and services are held at parish churches

and local memorials on the closest Sunday to Armistice Day.

Remembrance Sunday this year is on 8 November.

The Royal British Legion, which cares for ex-servicemen

and women injured while serving the country, and for the

families of those who have died, plays a leading role in many

of the services which often attract the largest congregations

of the year. However, this year, for the first time since 1919,

these services will probably not be taking place. While we

won't be remembering them in church with the usual parade,

music, hymns and prayers we will remember them in this

magazine on the following pages.

November ends in hope for the future with Advent

Sunday on 29 November marking the start of a new liturgical

year for the Christian Church, a year that we hope and pray

will enable the world to come to terms with Covid-19 and

enable us all not only to rebuild our local communities,

but make our churches stronger and more relevant to the

new world we will be serving.

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 21 11/10/2020 23:49:50


ALL SOULS DAY — 2 november

All Souls Day on 2 November is a time when prayers and thaksgivings are offered to God as we remember the faithful departed. It is fitting therefore to

remember at this time Canon Chris Clarke who, as we announced last month, died on 13 August 2020. He was vicar of this parish from 1997 — 2008.

Canon Chris Clarke, traveller and partygoer!

Christopher George Clarke was born in Shrewsbury

on 10 April 1943, the only child of Harry and

Beatrice Clarke of Oulton Broad, the most

southerly of the Norfolk Broads. The

Clarkes had been evacuated to Shrewsbuy

in the Second World War to allow their

home to be used by a family evacuated

from London. They moved back at the

end of the war.

He was always called Chris, except when

he had done something wrong. He went

to school in Oulton Broad and then

Lowestoft, but school was not for him! He

was not sure what to do after he left school,

all he knew was that he wanted to travel.

Travelling was not as easy in those days but he

persuaded the P&O Shipping Company to give him

a job in a shop on a passenger liner. It suited Chris because

when the ship docked Customs sealed the shop, and he could

go ashore to explore. He travelled extensively for over 4

years, going through the Suez to India, Singapore, Australia,

and New Zealand, then up the Pacific to Hong Kong, Japan ,

Fiji, Hawaii, Canada, and North America.

It was during his travels that Chris developed his faith.

He became aware that God was calling him to change the

direction in his life, so in 1966 he studied in Salisbury

Theological College for two years.

One evening in a pub, Chris’s date introduced him to

her friend Christine, who attended the Teacher Training

College. They instantly got on. At the end of the evening, he

walked Christine home, blissfully unaware that his date had

arranged the situation for him. Within weeks Chris proposed

as they toasted crumpets over a gas fire.

BANNED FROM RAFFLES

His first ministry post was curate of Sprowston, a suburb

of Norwich — Christine became head of music at the

Secondary School.

In 1972 he was appointed vicar of Hemsby on the Norfolk

coast. The vicarage had 19 rooms and two staircases, but they

could not afford to either furnish or heat it. Chris, who was

always punctual, overslept on his first Sunday as vicar and

was late for church. By coincidence, Julian was born exactly

9 months later! In addition to his parish duties, Chris was

director of the Great Yarmouth branch of the Samaritans.

Helen was born 4 years later, and the family moved to

Sutton Courtney in Oxfordshire, which was a very different

experience from Norfolk. There were lots of scientists and

academics, including two Oxford Dons. George Orwell is

buried in the churchyard, and Chris was there in 1984, a year

which saw many visitors.

He was a regular at the local Plough Inn and always

supported fundraisers by buying raffle tickets. When he

won the pub’s weekly meat raffle for the third week in a row

everyone agreed that it could not be down to good luck and

he was banned from the competition!

From the early 1980’s Chris and Christine began to travel

abroad with Julian and Helen, including a short

time working in America. This sparked a

passion for travel in the next generation.

After 6 years Chris became Bracknell's first

team rector with four team vicars and a

curate in training. He was also chaplain to

the RAF Staff College, the rural dean,

and an honorary canon of Christ Church,

Oxford.

Christine had returned to teaching

and they realised, because of the

demands of work and their ageing

parents, they were spending less and less

time together. After 12 years, for the first

time in his ministry, Chris answered an

advertisement in The Church Times for the

position of vicar of St Andrew's Church Sonning.

He would often say Sonning was their 'earthly reward'

and they spent 14 happy years here. Christine took early

retirement for the last 4 years, so that she could enjoy living

here.

During his ministry, Chris encouraged six people to

offer themselves for the ordained ministry and always

looked forward to hearing about how God had blessed

their lives.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Surprisingly, after his early dislike of education, Chris

came to see the importance of schools and the opportunity

for outreach they offered the church. He came to enjoy

leading school assemblies and other activities for children. He

was a governor of six different schools and chair of governors

in three of them.

After 40 years of ministry, the Clarkes retired to Upton

Snodsbury, to be near Helen and Matt, her husband. Two

interregnums soon occurred after they moved there, which

meant that Chris often took Sunday and other services to

help out and keep his brain active.

Chris and Christine had always enjoyed caravanning, and

later had a camper van. After retirement they spent as much

time as they could visiting places and people, including 6

weeks each spring and autumn in Europe.

After Christine's death, Chris continued travelling on his

own, with his dog Thornton for company, until 2 years ago

when he fulfilled an ambition to explore the Highlands and a

final trip last year to the Lake District.

Christine was diagnosed with cancer of the lung caused by

asbestos in 2014, and died in October 2015. It was never the

same for Chris, but thanks to children and grandchildren, he

found meaning in his life.

During chemotherapy Chris developed an infection and

the doctors got him well enough to go home, but said that he

was likely to live only a couple of weeks. They also told him

that he could eat and drink whatever he liked.

'Right,' he said, 'I’m going to have a party' and ordered

Helen and Julian to make sure there was a decent bottle of

brandy at home. He managed to make the party last 9 weeks!

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 22 11/10/2020 23:49:58

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY — 8 NOVEMBER

We will remember them . . .


PARISH ROLL OF HONOUR

First World War 1914-1918

William Ansell, William Brind, John Collins, Louis A Duke, Edward T Frewen,

George P Gould, Willy G Hughes, Ernest R Jacob, E. Denis Festus Kelly, Edward Knight,

George Knight, Ernest Pope, Leonard C Powell, Alfred Rackley, Frank Rackley,

Mark L R Romer, Arthur H Rose, T. Dennis Russell, John Sumner, Leonard Sumner.

Second World War 1939-1945

B T Abbott, F G Ashcroft, R A J Bosworth, N S Collins, R J S Dale-Harris,

S J Dean, F E Fass, H L Guy, J H R Harris, E S Napthine, G J Parkin, F R Pym,

J J Snowball, C R Young.

Other conflicts: A S H Pollen - Londonderry

READING BLUE COAT SCHOOL

First World War 1914-1918

Herbert John Bawden, John Aubrey Bawden, Arthur James Beechey, Reginald J Brill,

Percival Charles Bundey, William Charles Coggins, Albert Stanley Cude, Joseph Davis,

William H Fox, Frederick Walter Fullbrook , Edward Gooch, Richard Goodhall, Frank Edgar

Hewitt, John Henry Howes, Percy Howlett, Leonard Leaver Hyde, W J Lucking, Walter Morland,

Manfred Morley, Austin Percival Nash, Albert James North, Sydney Edward Oates,

Albert George Odell, Edward Victor Odell, Albert Henry Oliver, William A Stacey, A Shepherd,

George Walter Spencer, William Edward Davis Wellbelove

Second World War 1939-1945

Percival John Baker, Ernest John Beasley, Stephen Dennis Bray, Edgar Glynn Challis,

Robert Chapple, Philip Victor James Dunstone, Ronald Edwards, Eric Daniel Gardner,

Luke Halford Harber, A H Hatton, Robert Hooker, Joseph Hopgood, Peter Huggins.

Ronald Walter Hurn, George C Jefferies, Cecil Frederick Johnstone, Oswald Herbert Leggett,

John Alfred Plumb, R H Rampton, Humphrey Peter Robinson, Stanley Webb.

Other conflicts

Ian Coward on active police duties, David Pearson, terrorist mine in Zimbabwe

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 23 11/10/2020 23:50:09


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NOVEMBER 2020.indd 24 11/10/2020 23:50:09

around the villages — 1

New life in the

old High Street

By Robert Lobley

For many years Sonning High Street

was a hive of activity central to

village life.

As well as homes for the villagers,

Sonning High Street was full of

shops and businesses.

There were butchers and grocers

and the man who mended boots and

shoes, and made metal candlestick

holders in the back of his cobbler's

shop, and a visiting barber who

worked in the newsagents.

There was also a Post Office, a

bank, a doctor's surgery, a sweet

shop, a clothes shop and even a

garage that sold petrol.

With universal car ownership and

superstores opening up in nearby

towns the Sonning High Street shops

dwindled and eventually disappeared

leaving only a tea room and an

adjacent grocery shop.

The Cosy Tea Room and shop then

became The Ivy, an Indian restaurant

that was a popular venue until earlier

this year when closed.

VILLAGE HAMPER

Kathy Drogemuller, a long time

resident of Thames Street, decided

that Sonning still needed a shop and

tea room.

Kathy took over the vacant Indian

restaurant premises and embarked

on a complete refurbishment

programme.

After much work she has

reopened the shop in Sonning High

Street and intends to reopen the

tea room as soon as it is has been

redecorated.

Now called. The Village Hamper'

the new village shop sells general

groceries, fresh farm eggs and fresh

bread. It also has a cheese counter

and sells lovely homemade cakes by

the slice or whole.

Let us hope the residents of

Sonning and the many sightseeing

visitors to the village support the

new shop and tea room in this

excellent endeavour which could

bring new life back to the old High

Street that has known much busier

times.

(Above and right) The

new Village Hamper

in Sonning High

Street, and (below)

some High Street

images dating back to

the early 1900's


NOVEMBER 2020.indd 25 11/10/2020 23:50:11

26 The Parish Magazine - November 2020 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements

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Enjoy Mulled Wine, Hot Chocolate,

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NOVEMBER 2020.indd 26 11/10/2020 23:50:14



Remembering a grown up daughter who left home

For 1,467 churches in the country called All Saints, 1 November

— All Saints Day — is a special day to give thanks to God. As the

closest All Saints Church to ours was once part of the parish it's

appropriate that we mark the occasion . . .

If you have ever wondered why, from time-to-time we publish

items about Dunsden, the answer is that both the parish of

St Andrew's Church and this magazine share the same roots

as All Saints Church, Dunsden. Indeed, Rev Hugh Pearson,

the first editor of The Parish Magazine made a commitment

that we would publish contributions from Dunsden.

All Saints Chapel Dunsden was a 'daughter church' created

by St Andrew's to serve the Dunsden community, especially

the children for whom a school was also established. In 1842

the building, which had been paid for by the Robert Palmer

family, was consecrated and it was run under the ecclesiastical

control of St Andrew's until 1876 when Hugh Pearson wrote this

in his New Year message for 1877:

All Saints has become Dunsden

Church, and the new parish has

started under the happiest auspices.

It is pleasant to feel that we still keep

up a parochial connection with our

friends on the other side of the river,

by means of the magazine, to which we

invite their contributions.

The separation of the two

churches had taken more than

a year. In his previous New Year

message for 1876 Hugh Pearson

wrote:

In the year now opening, some

important changes may take place in

our parish. Arrangements are being

made for constituting All Saints in

the Liberty of Eye and Dunsden,

into a separate ecclesiastical district.

This has long been in contemplation,

and the present time, when by

the munificence of Miss Palmer, a

considerable addition is about to

be made to the endowment of the

Church, offers a fitting opportunity

for effecting the change. The new

district will comprise the whole area

from the Bird in Hand [Sonning Common]

to Playhatch inclusive, and will be

bounded by the Henley Road. The whole of

Dunsden ... will thus be included...Sonning

Eye will still belong to Sonning.

In March of the same year, Rev

Henry Hulton who, as curate, had

been in charge of All Saints for the

previous 6 years and had worked

in the Parish of St Andrew's for 14

years, took on a new role as vicar of

Great Waltham, near Chelmsford.

One of Rev Hulton's many

achievements in the parish included

designing the first issues of this

magazine. In March 1876, Hugh

Pearson included in a tribute to him:

We cannot help mentioning,

with peculiar gratitude, Mr Hulton's

interest in our Magazine. His was the

first design, and his zeal which has

supported and carried forward the

publication each month (no slight task).

Interestingly, in 2012, when this

Pictures: David Woodward

magazine undertook its biggest

redesign since Hugh Pearson's time,

it was an Eye and Dunsden graphic

designer who oversaw the work!

In All Saints Church today there

are still physical signs of the close

connection with St Andrew's,

including the 'Hugh Pearson' pulpit

(pictured above) which dates from

1852 and was installed in All Saints

in 1885. A plaque inscribed in

Latin explains that the pulpit was

previously used for 40 years by the

much beloved vicar of Sonning, Hugh

Pearson, before it was removed to

All Saints. The inscription concludes:

'May Christ accept, assist, inspire and

bless'.

Today, All Saints Dunsden is

one of three churches in the United

Benefice of Shiplake, Dunsden and

Harpsden — a benefice in the Church

of England is a group of churches

served by one priest.

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 27 11/10/2020 23:50:15



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Santa Claus is still

coming to town!


The art of social distancing

Picture: Osman Rana, unsplash.com

The Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs of

Reading Maiden Erlegh are excited

to welcome back Santa Claus to Hare

Hatch Sheeplands Garden Centre

— and the fun starts this month on

Saturday 28 November

Plans are in place for children to visit

Santa and his elves in a special openplan

area at Sheeplands. Pre-booked

appointments and a one-way route

will help to keep everyone safe.

Breakfast with Santa and other

fun events will be held from 28

November - 20 December and each

day from 21 - 24 December.

To ensure a safe visit to Santa,

bookings should be made online at

http://www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk

FUNDRAISERS

Rotarians and Inner Wheel

members will be helping Santa. The

money they raise during Christmas

will be given to local organisations.

During the past 7 months, over

£10,000 has been allocated from the

Rotary Community Fund to Covid

related causes, including the Woodley

Food Bank, The Salvation Army,

CIRDIC, Wycliffe Food Share and

NHS Royal Berkshire Hospital.

The Inner Wheel club is also

donating to JAC (Just Around the

Corner) based near Wokingham.

CONTACTS

Both clubs welcome new members

of all ages who enjoy friendship,

fundraising and helping the local

community.

Contact Rotary Club of Reading

Maiden Erlegh at:

http://www.readingmaidenerlegh.org

and Inner Wheel Club of Reading

Maiden Erlegh at

http://www.innerwheelrme.org

The latest social distancing rules has put an end to any hopes Sonning Art

Group had of restarting their weekly meetings at Pearson Hall in the near

future — and the weather will probably stop them meeting in King George's

field as they did in August (above). However, the club continues to meet

virtually on social media and is planning a Zoom meeting. At their latest

online session, members painted the themes of Harvest Festival, a sunset and

showtime — the latter to remember the Sonning Show that would normally

be held at the end of summer and include an exhibition of their work.

Sunset by Kate Saunders, Showtime by George

Gallagher and Harvest Mouse by Sue Bell

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 29 11/10/2020 23:50:21



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NOVEMBER 2020.indd 30 11/10/2020 23:50:21


A letter from the

Reading Toys and Teens

Appeal organisers


Rebra's well

Dear Supporter,

Sadly, after a lot of discussion, we have

decided that it is not possible to safely conduct

our Toys and Teens Appeal in the normal

manner this year.

As most of you will know, we usually collect tens

of thousands of toys and gifts from public donation points, businesses, schools

and churches and check, sort and pack them in a church hall with the help of an

army of volunteers and then deliver them back to the requesting organisations all

over Reading.

We felt that to do so would be putting our committee, volunteers and,

potentially the people and places we collect from and deliver to, at too much risk

of contracting the virus.

So, if you would normally have been a volunteer or a donation point or

arranged a collection at your work, school or church or just donated toys to us

directly, we’re sorry we will not be needing your services this year.

However, all is not lost! You can still help!

We are aware that, this year more than ever, there are an increased number of

Reading families in need as a result of the pandemic, so we are turning our Toys

and Teens Appeal into an appeal for money instead of toys.

We will launch this appeal on 22 October with a view to raising at least

£15,000 with which we will buy gifts that will be delivered directly to some

organisations for them to distribute to the most disadvantaged families that they

support. We believe this to be the best way to still help disadvantaged Reading

children this year, with hopefully less chance of catching or spreading the virus.

We will write again in a few weeks to give you more information and an

opportunity to donate to this year's Toys and Teens Appeal.

We hope you understand why we have had to take this difficult decision and

will still support our Appeal.

Please keep any toys that you were hoping to donate until next year when,

hopefully, normal service will be able to resume!

That's all for now. Thanks to you all for your continuing support.

Reading Family Aid Committee

Info@ReadingFamilyAid.org http://www.ReadingFamilyAid.org

A new old perfect

name in Sonning Eye

When Jane Gascoine was looking

for a traditional name to call a piece

of land in Sonning Eye she turned

to the 1783 map of Sonning that

we published on page 19 of this

magazine in September.

On it Jane found the word 'Pightle'

pronounced pie-tell. What does it

mean she asked. Some wild guesses

such as pig sty (well the map names

were handwritten!) were quickly

followed by some online research. This

revealed that Pightle is an ancient

name for a piece of land that is usually

a field with a hedge around it. Perfect!

Picture: Nigel Leviss

Our front cover picture this month

was taken at Rebecca's Well, c.1870,

the site of a grade II listed building in

Crazies Hill near Wargrave.

The name, Crazies Hill, is believed to

have evolved from Cary-wy-seath Hill,

which means the hill of fresh water.

In Victorian times the hill was home

to deprived families whose only water

came from a muddy pool fed by a

spring known as Rebra.

When the Wargrave vicar, Rev

Grenville Phillimore came across

them he was determined to ease their

plight and fitted a basin to keep the

water clean. One account tells us that

because the local people worshipped at

the well he also placed a cross there to

claim it for Christ.

He then decided that the name

Rebra came from Rebecca in the Bible.

She drew water from a well for Isaac's

servant who was on a mission to find

a wife for his master. The servant had

prayed to God: May it be that when I say

to a young woman, ‘Please let down your

jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says,

‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’ —

let her be the one you have chosen for your

servant Isaac.'

Rev Phillimore also raised £25

from his parishioners to create a brick

building around the well, the gable

of which was painted with a scene

depicting the Biblical story. In June

this year the well was restored and

today it is popular with people looking

for health-giving and healing water.

The answer is . . .

The question is: is the angel that tells

the truth by the door to heaven?

Either of the angels will answer

‘Yes’ because the devil’s angel will

lie. If he asks the angel at the door to

hell the answer would be ‘No’.

If you are puzzled about what

this refers to see page 31 of our

October issue.

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 31 11/10/2020 23:50:22



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NOVEMBER 2020.indd 32 11/10/2020 23:50:22

health

During the glorious September sunshine, I went for a walk;

not for any purpose although it didn’t end up as just a walk.

I had my camera with me and a quick walk around Sonning

turned into a couple of hours stopping and taking photographs

(on the right) which we will all recognise. The walk was

supposed to blow the cobwebs off and get a bit of exercise.

This then turned into a Google Scholar search to look at the

benefits of walking. I also did a normal Google search to

compare what health gurus, rather than scientists, say.

The words used in normal mode over emphasises

the benefits but the science shows that the effects are

statistically significant. A study, that combined many small

studies together (meta study) showed that group walking

was more beneficial than solo walking but both lone and

groups gained benefits.

— Weight Loss

— Falling BMI

— Lower blood glucose

— Better memory and cognitive function

— Lower Cholesterol

— Mood improvement

— Lower subjective measures of stress

— And follow up studies showed longer life.

An interesting study that only included women showed

that long walks had a more significant reduction in hip

circumference. I couldn’t find one that was men only

measuring hip circumference but stereotypes still exist in

science!

None of this should come as a surprise but misconceptions

form from un-evidenced theory and our basic thinking leads

us to the quickest easiest answer or conclusion. It’s why we

see teddy bears or sharks in the clouds.

However, the science proves that going for a walk is

probably the easiest route to better health for most of us.

Why do 29% of UK adults do less than 30 minutes of

exercise per week. And 5% do not walk continuously for more

than 5 minutes over 4 weeks?

This is an Italian tradition of going out for a leisurely

stroll for, apparently, no reason. But the Italians will dress up

in their finery to do this.

This nonchalant activity is a pathway to socialising

because most people engaged in this activity are doing the

same. This gives them all a common purpose and sense of

community.

Thus the no reason becomes a reason.

We have a beautiful village and despite the weather that

we see through the winter there is little reason not to enjoy

it as it changes through the seasons and you do not become

ill from being out and about except for a very few conditions

where getting cold may exacerbate symptoms, such as severe

heart disease and lung disorders.

May I suggest that Sonning Passeggiata becomes a ‘thing’

for all of us? While we persuade ourselves it is for no reasons

the benefits are clear.


Dr Simon Ruffle writes . . . when going for a walk isn’t just that!

WOMEN ONLY?

HERE COMES THE 'BUT'

PASSEGGIATA

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 33 11/10/2020 23:50:25



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57732 AF Jones Parish Magazine Advert.indd 1 19/11/2014 10:43

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 34 11/10/2020 23:50:26

THE ARTS — 1

Rev Michael Burgess continues his series on

animals and birds as seen in art and scripture

‘He never makes it his business to

inquire whether you are in the right

or the wrong, never asks whether you

are rich or poor, silly or wise, sinner or

saint. You are his pal.

That is enough for him.’

Jerome K Jerome was writing above

about the special bond between

human beings and dogs who offer

us those vital gifts of loyalty,

companionship and help.

We can think of guide dogs, sniffer

dogs, and dogs serving with the

forces in war torn countries. And

dogs who have a special part to

play in care homes, prisons, with

undergraduates taking exams,

and autistic children. Dogs are a

reassuring, dependable presence in

so many ways.

A few years ago, Dion Leonard

was running an ultra-marathon

across the Gobi desert. A stray dog

befriended him and together they


Tobias, the angel and the dog, by Andrea del Verrocchio

Book reviews

In the Shadow of the Shahs –

Finding Unexpected Grace

By Farifteh V. Robb, Lion Hudson, £9.99

This is the fascinating and moving

story of a woman’s journey between

two cultures – her Persian Muslim

heritage and her Christian life in

Scotland. It describes the challenges

she faced in an Iran torn apart by

political turmoil, and in her new life

in the UK.

Where Do I Come From?

By Bob Hartman, Lion Children, £7.99

This will help children understand

how you are created by God through

the clever set of instructions, DNA,

and how this connects you with the

big family of living things through

God's imaginative and creative plan.

What Good is God? – Crises, faith

and resilience

By Roger Abbott and Robert White FRS,

Monarch, £9.99

The perspectives of survivors,

responders, and academics provide

Picture: Parish Pump

ran the course. It was an amazing

adventure that eventually brought

them both back to this land, and

they can now be seen exercising in

the streets and parks of Edinburgh.

In the apocrypha book of Tobit a

dog accompanies his son, Tobias, on

another incredible journey. Tobias

leaves home with his dog to collect

a debt, and Raphael, the angel of

a multilayered and compassionate

examination of the difficult task

of making sense of earthquakes,

tsunamis, and pandemics. It's an

inspiring resource for thought,

prayer, and action.

Come Let Us Adore Him – a Daily

Advent Devotional

By Paul David Tripp,

Crossway/10ofThose, £4.99

Sometimes the most significant

aspect of the Christmas season —

focusing on the coming of Jesus —

grows old and familiar. In his book,

Paul Tripp seeks to reawaken our

healing, is also a companion. It is

the theme of this month’s painting

from the workshop of Andrea del

Verrochio which is now in the

National Gallery.

The studio flourished in the 15th

century in Florence, and it is possible

that Leonardo da Vinci painted the

little dog.

We know that it was not an easy

journey and we see the stones along

the way. Tobias holds a fish from the

river Tigris which will heal his father’s

blindness. His arm is entwined with

the angel’s arm, and there at their feet

is the faithful dog.

While ‘dog’ is often a word of

contempt in the Bible, here in the

apocrypha we meet a dog who

provides friendship and security on

the journey of life.

Dostoevsky wrote ‘Love the animals.

God has given them the rudiments of

thought and untroubled joy.’

We know that to be true as we

think of the part dogs play in our

lives, and as we rejoice in the special

gifts they bring us on the journeys

we make.

awe during Christmastime. Each day

begins with a compelling, gospelcentred

thought followed by an

extended meditation for the day.

Each of the 31 devotions also

includes a Scripture reading and

notes for parents and children,

equipping us to do the one thing

that matters most each December —

celebrate Jesus.

One True Light – Daily Advent

Readings from The Gospel of John

By Tim Chester, The Good Book

Company/10ofThose, £4.24

We may be familiar with the baby

in the manger, but have you met the

Word who was in the beginning with

God? Have you met the One True

Light who is full of grace and truth?

Or the Cosmic Lord who won the

right for people to become Children

of God? They are one and the same

person.

Join Tim Chester as he guides

us through the opening verses

of the Gospel of John, and enjoy

a Christmas infused with new

meaning and light.

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 35 11/10/2020 23:50:26


PUZZLE PAGE

CROSSWORD

Across

1 Uses again (8)

5 Large US feline (4)

9 Small drum (5)

10 Turf out (5)

11 Dishonest (10)

14 Destroy (6)

15 Not as bright (6)

17 A liking for sugary foods (5,5)

20 Mosquito (5)

21 Expels from a position (5)

22 Inflammation of an eyelid (4)

23 Greek dish (8)

Down

1 Precious red gem (4)

2 Insincere moral talk (4)

3 Reticent and secretive (12)

4 Personify (6)

6 Specified work outfits (8)

7 Creative skill (8)

8 Detailed reports (12)

12 Includes in something else (8)

13 Amicable (8)

16 Lively Spanish dance (6)

18 One of the continents (4)

19 La ---- Bonita: Madonna hit (4)

CODEWORD

5 6 8 5 23 2311 - Dishonest 5 23(10)

14 26 16 25

14 - Destroy (6)

26 18 3 4 26 13 16

15 - Not as bright (6)

23 8 10 3 22 17 - A 3liking for sugary 24foods 10 (5,5) 18 15 21

20 - Mosquito (5)

13 9 17 25 14 14 18

21 - Expels from a position (5)

24 5 2 22 - Inflammation 20 12 of 25 an eyelid 21(4)

25 3 14

10 20 8

23 - Greek

23

dish (8)

21 23 25

5 2 5 8 13 23 20 25 16 5 18 21

13 10 25 25 23 10 7

10 5 17 3 11 5 21 26 13 5

18 3 25 19 10 22 8

19 25 10 23 13 3 26 22 3 1 1

25 5 7 23 13 21 26

13 25 24 7 24 5 13 5 8 13 18 10

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

1 6 - Specified 14 work outfits A (8)

B

7 - Creative skill (8)

2 15 C

8 - Detailed reports (12) D

3

12 - Includes 16 in something E else (8)

F

4

13 - Amicable (8)

17 G

16 - Lively Spanish dance H (6)

5 18 I

18 - One of the continents (4)

O J

6 19 - La 19 ___ Bonita: Madonna K hit (4)

X

L

7

8

9

20

21

22

M

N

O

P

Q

R

10 23 S

S T

11 24

U

V

12

13

25

26

W

X

Y

Z

PARISH PASTIMES POSERS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1. What year was FoStAC

X

set up?

2. 14How 15long 16has 17Charvil 18 held 19 a 20summer 21 22 fete 23 - over 2410, 25 over 26 20 or over 30 years?

3. When did the Sonning O fete and produce show S combine to create Sonning Show?

4. When did Charvil Meadows come into public ownership?

5. Where did the aircraft manufacturer, Frederick George Miles, build his home?

6. When was the first lock built on the River Thames at Sonning?

October Parish October Crossword Answers October Codeword Answers

Pastimes Posers

F O L I O O D Y S S E Y P U N I S H K P E W

Answers

I A U C Y V

R T B O N N Y H

1. Ligugé

2. 1930's

3. Bridge Street

4. 1987

5. 17 December 1896

6. Blue

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

9 10

12 13

11

14 15

17

20 21

22 23

Across

1 - Uses again (8)

5 - Large US feline (4)

9 - Small drum (5)

10 - Turf out (5)

R N T E P L I E D

E N C I R C L E V R

P E A O L I F T S

L I T I G A T E A E

A S E I U M

C A T A S M A N I A

E A R N S L A T P

T S E P I G R A P H

B L O W S I I M O

A E N N E R

A S C R I B E E D D I E

16

8

Answers in the next issue

Down

18 19

1 - Precious red gem (4)

2 - Insincere moral talk (4)

3 - Reticent and secretive (12)

4 - Personify (6)

M A R T I A L E J E

N F U E R A S E

F I N A L I S T M Z

U I H E A E

I M P E N D E X I S T S

D E G Y P R

I N R E Q U I T A L

O R C A S L N P

T I A L I G H T E R

I L A V A S E Z

C O S E O S P R E Y

SUDOKU

Each of the nine blocks has to contain all the

numbers 1-9 within its squares. Each number can

only appear once in a row, column or box.

Sudoku solution

for October issue

WORDSEARCH FOR ST ANDREW'S DAY

In this month's Wordsearch grid above there are 24

words, all of which are hidden below.

St Andrew's Day — 30 November

This month Scotland remembers one of the very

first disciples of Jesus. St Andrew is honoured not

for any mighty deeds of his own, but for his love of

introducing people to Jesus. He went straight off

and introduced his brother Peter to the Saviour, and

followed that up by bringing Nathanael/Bartholomew

to Jesus. ‘Better Together’ seems to have been his

slogan, too! ‘We have found the Messiah!’, he told

them, unable to keep the good news to himself.

Andrew’s connection with Scotland dates back to the

claimed translation of his remains from Patras in

Achaia to Scotland in the eighth century. The church

in Fife where these remains were buried became

a place of pilgrimage during the tenth century. All

of this may be no more than pious legend, but that

St Andrew was highly regarded in Scotland and

became its patron saint is beyond doubt.

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 36 11/10/2020 23:50:27

THE ARTS — 2 the sciences

Poetry corner

Named Storms

By Nigel Beeton


God of mountains

and valleys

Picture: Joshua Sukoff on unsplash.com

This series is written by Dr Ruth M Bancewicz, who is church engagement

director at The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge.

Ruth writes on the positive relationship between science and Christian faith.

Picture: Max-Larochelle on unsplash.com

Nigel Beeton writes: Five years ago, in November 2015, the Met office

began the practice of naming storms, and the idea seems to have

caught on! Apparently, you can even send suggestions to them now.

Would you want one named after you?

Deirdre, Angus, Katie, Jake

These are names which trouble make;

Gertrude, Doris, Caroline

Bring us weather less than fine!

Desmond, Erik, Imogen

Storms are named, but only when

Just like one named Abigail

They bring wind and rain and hail!

Barney, Clodagh, and Aileen

What, I wonder, does it mean

Barbara, Dylan, Eleanor

If the choice of name is poor?

Ali, Freya, Callum, Ciara

Does it make things any clearer

Jorge and Hannah, Brian too

If they name one after YOU?

The start of the permissive society?

60 years ago, on 2 November 1960, a British jury cleared

Penguin Books of obscenity for publishing D H Lawrence’s

novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover. This is often considered to

be the beginning of the permissive society in Britain.

The book had been published before, though not in this

country, but the law was changed by Roy Jenkins’ Obscene

Publications Act 1959. This made it possible for publishers

to avoid conviction if the work in question could be shown

to be of literary merit, despite the use of crude sexual

language. Dr John Robinson, the Bishop of Woolwich, was

a defence witness. He said that while Lawrence’s view was

not Christian, his intention had been to 'portray the sex

relationship as something essentially sacred'.

Lawrence enjoyed the open countryside and traditional

life, saying: 'The rhythm of life itself was preserved by the church,

hour by hour, day by day, season by season, year by year, epoch by

epoch, down among the people, and the wild coruscations were

accommodated to this permanent rhythm.”

Lady Chatterley's Lover sold 3.5 million copies.

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell

me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions?

Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it?

On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone

... the earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features

stand out like those of a garment… Have you journeyed to

the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep?

Job 38:4–7, 14, 16 (NIV)

These verses from the Biblical book of Job focus on the

Earth, from the top of the highest mountains to the deepest

valleys of the sea floor. Job used to have a very comfortable

life, but lost everything: health, children, and much of his

property. He can see no obvious reason for this terrible turn

of events, so he demands an answer from God, asking 'What

have I done to you…? Why have you made me your target?'

THE IMMENSITY OF CREATION

There is no direct reply to Job’s question, but instead

a long conversation with his friends who wrongly assume

that he must be being punished for doing something very

bad. When God finally speaks, he draws Job’s attention to

his surroundings. The sun, moon and stars, the immensity

of land and sea, the creatures that inhabit them, and the

processes that produce weather are a wonderful display of

God’s creative power. God is the origin and sustainer of all

these things, and they are far beyond anything humankind

could produce, fully understand or imagine — even today.

The things we do know about the processes described

in Job can help us appreciate how marvellous they are.

Mountains are produced by the movement of the Earth’s

rocky crust over great periods of time. Erosion by weathering

or glaciers then grinds down those rocks to produce the

mineral component of soil.

Considering the wider perspective of creation can help

restore our sense of who we are, who God is, and where we

fit into his purposes. God speaks to Job in the midst of his

suffering, lifting his eyes to the power and creativity of his

Maker. Only after this theology lesson are Job’s practical

needs addressed. What will life be like for us over the

coming months? A constant check on our own thinking —

reminding ourselves of the bigger picture of God’s plans and

purposes — might be what we need to help us keep going.

This article drew on the writing of Prof Bob White in New Daylight

(BRF, Sept-Dec 2020), and the input of a Cambridge Bible study group.

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 37 11/10/2020 23:50:30



WEDDINGS

BY THE RIVER

‘…the most fairy-like little

nook on the whole river’

marry@rarebirdhotels.co.uk

The Great House, Thames Street,

Sonning-on-Thames, Berkshire, RG4 6UT

| 0118 9692277

WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR

The English Wedding Awards 2018

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 38 11/10/2020 23:50:31

HOME & GARDEN

In the garden


Recipe of the month

By Kirsty Steele

Despite the changing seasons, there is at least one plant

that is in full bloom at this time of year. Not spectacular

to look at, yet ivy is an important source of nectar for

bees, moths, flies and wasps, and while they are not most

people's favourite insects, they all play a vital part in

Nature's jigsaw.

Ivy produces flowers from September to November.

Spherical clusters of greeny-yellow blobs, which on closer

inspection have endearing little horns with knobs on!

The resulting fruits are dark berries with ridged sections,

resembling tiny black footballs each containing five seeds.

Poisonous for us, but birds love them.

Ivy is one of the few native climbing plants that can

reach a substantial size. Contrary to popular belief, it is

not a parasite. Its stems have lots of fibrous, adhesivecovered

roots which cling to buildings, brickwork, trees,

telegraph poles, in fact just about anything to help it gain

some height.

NOURISHINGLY USEFUL

Picture: Pixabay.com

Never underestimate ivy

However, when it comes to nourishment, that comes

via the roots in the ground — there's not much nutritional

value in a brick. Although ivy does not normally damage

sound buildings or walls, and is rarely a threat to healthy

trees, its weight can cause problems.

What a useful plant it can be! Providing shelter,

hibernation and nesting sites for birds and insects, its

glossy green leaves are happily munched by sheep, goats

and deer. These leaves, so familiar, are different shapes

according to whether they are on flowering or growing

branches.

The flowers are surrounded by heart, or spear shaped

leaves, while the rest of the plant has the three or five

pointed ones we all recognise.

Many legends involve ivy. But has anyone discovered

why although mentioned in the first line of the carol The

Holly and the Ivy, it is absent from the rest of the verses?

Malva Pudding

From Emma's Kitchen

Malva Pudding originated in South Africa. It became

popular there during the 1980's and remains a firm

favourite today.

Ingredients — Serves 6

Pudding

— 250g sugar

— 2 eggs

— 30ml apricot jam

— 30g butter

— 5ml vinegar

— 125ml milk

— 310g all purpose flour

— 5g bicarbonate of soda

— Pinch of salt

Sauce

— 250ml cream

— 125g butter

— 125g brown sugar

— 125ml water

— 5ml vanilla essence

— 30g golden syrup

Method

Heat the oven to 180°C

Beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy

In a small pan melt the butter, add the milk and vinegar

—it will curdle, don't worry.

In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour,

bicarbonate and salt.

Slowly add to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk

mixture.

Mix until all ingredients are combined together.

Pour into a large 2 litre oven proof dish and bake at 180°C

for 45 minutes until the top if browned.

For the sauce bring the butter, cream, sugar and water to

the boil and then simmer. Add the vanilla essence and

golden syrup, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.

Pour over the hot pudding.

Serve immediately with either custard, cream or ice

cream.

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 39 11/10/2020 23:50:31


Local Trades and Services


ACG SERVICES - LOCKSMITH

Locks changed, fitted, repaired and opened

Door and window locks fitted, UPVC door lock expert

Checkatrade member - Which Trusted Trader

Call Richard Homden: 0149 168 2050 / 0771 040 9216

CHIROPODY AND PODIATRY

Linda Frewin HCPC member

General foot care and treatment including home visits

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0118 969 6978 - 0790 022 4999

CLARK BICKNELL LTD - PLUMBING & HEATING

Qualified Plumbing and Heating Engineers Gas Safe

25 years experience - local family run company

Office: 0118 961 8784 - Paul: 0776 887 4440

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INTERSMART LIMITED

Electrical Installation and Smart Home Automation

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HANDYMAN & DECORATING SERVICES

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Built-in Cupboards & Wardrobes, Flooring & Doors

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NOVEMBER 2020.indd 40 11/10/2020 23:50:32

CHILDREN'S PAGE


?

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 41 11/10/2020 23:50:34

42 The Parish Magazine - November 2020 Please mention The Parish Magazine when replying to advertisements

information — 2

Parish contacts

Ministry Team

— The Vicar: Revd Jamie Taylor*

The Parish Office, Thames Street, Sonning, RG4 6UR

vicar@sonningparish.org.uk / 0118 969 3298

*Day off Friday

— Associate Vicar: Revd Kate Wakeman-Toogood

revkate@sonningparish.org.uk / 0746 380 6735

On duty Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

— Youth Minister: Chris West (Westy)

youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk / 0794 622 4106

— Licensed Lay Minister: Bob Peters

bob@sonningparish.org.uk / 0118 377 5887

Children's Ministry

— Alison Smyly office@sonningparish.org.uk / 0118 969 3298

Pastoral Visiting

— Helen Leviss helen@leviss.co.uk / 0779 074 1521

Churchwardens

— Perry Mills perry@oaktreeoffice.com / 0786 035 5457

— Stuart Bowman sdbowman73@aol.com / 0118 978 8414

Deputy Churchwardens

— Liz Nelson liz.nelson1@ntlworld.com / 0118 934 4837

— Simon Darvall sdarvall@businessmoves.com 0793 928 2535

— Sue Peters mail@susanjpeters.com / 0118 377 5887

— Molly Woodley (deputy churchwarden emeritus)

mollywoodley@live.co.uk / 0118 946 3667

Parish Administrator

— Hilary Rennie

office@sonningparish.org.uk / 0118 969 3298

Parochial Church Council

— Secretary: Hilary Rennie 0118 969 3298

— Treasurer: Richard Moore 0118 969 2588

Director of Music, organist and choirmaster

— Chris Goodwin MA (Cantab), ARCO (CHM), ARCM, LRAM

music@sonningparish.org.uk

Sacristan

— Helen Goodwin 0134 462 7697

Parish Website: http://www.sonningparish.org.uk

The Parish Magazine: http://www.theparishmagazine.co.uk

— Editor: Bob Peters

editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk / 0118 377 5887

— Advertising and Distribution: Gordon Nutbrown

advertising@theparishmagazine.co.uk / 0118 969 3282

— Treasurer: Pat Livesey

pat.livesey@yahoo.co.uk / 0118 961 8017

— The Parish Magazine is produced by St Andrew’s PCC and delivered

free of charge to every home in Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye.

— The Parish Magazine is printed in the United Kingdom by The Print

Factory at Sarum Graphics Ltd, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6QX

— The Parish Magazine is distributed by Abracadabra Leaflet

Distribution Ltd, Reading RG7 1AW

— The Parish Magazine template was designed in 2012 by Roger

Swindale rogerswindale@hotmail.co.uk and David Woodward

david@designforprint.org

Advertisers index

ABD Construction 20

ACG Services Locksmith 40

Active Hearing at Spire Dunedin Hospital 20

ACW Picture Framing 34

ADD Plumbing 12

ADSJ Architects 26

AJH Roofing 40

All Waste Clearance 28

Barn Store Henley 16

Beechwood Carpentry and Construction 40

Big Heart Tree Care 40

Blandy & Blandy Solicitors 14

Blinds Direct 26

Blue Moose 8

Box Clever Sash Windows 38

Bridge House 43

Bridges Home Care 14

Bright and Fresh Cleaning 26

Bright Horizons Nursery 32

Bull Inn 8

Chimney Sweep, Thames 40

Chiropody, Linda Frewin 40

Chris the Plumber 34

Clark Bicknell 40

Complete Pest Solutions 16

Computer Frustrations 40

David Shailes Plumbing & Decorating 30

Design for Print 28

Freebody Boatbuilders 6

Fields Pharmacy 32

French Horn 44

Gardiners Nursing 6

Graham Blake Soft Furnishing 6

Grant & Stone Builders Merchants 16

Great House Sonning 38

Handyman, Decorating 40

Haslams Estate Agents 2

Hicks Group 16

Intersmart Electrical Installations 40

James Autos 40

Jones & Sheppard Stone Masons 34

Just Brickwork 20

Kingfisher Bathrooms 18

Little Cottage Cleaning 20

Local Home Care 40

MC Cleaning 40

Miles & Daughters Funerals 28

Mill at Sonning 4

M & L Healthcare Solutions 12

Mortgage Required 18

Muck & Mulch 34

Odd Jobs 40

Pearson Hall Sonning 32

Physiocare 30

Q1 Care 30

Reading Blue Coat School 18

Richfield Flooring 14

Sabella Interiors 24

Seasons Art Club 8

Shiplake College 20

Signature Cliveden Manor Care Home 28

Sonning Golf Club 32

Sonning Scouts Marquees 38

Smallwood Garden Services 40

Style by Julie 40

Sunrise of Sonning Senior Living 26

Thames Valley Water Softeners 12

Thames Valley Wills Service 40

Tomalin Funerals 30

Valerie O'Donnell Hypnotherapist 20

Walker Funerals 12

Water Softener Salt 34

Window Cleaner 34

Yoga in Sonning 40

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 42 11/10/2020 23:50:34

Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding this advertisements


BRIDGE HOUSE

of TWYFORD

Because you deserve

the very best

Welcome to Bridge House Nursing Home

Established for 35 years, the elegant Georgian Grade II listed Bridge House has extended its facilities to

include a beautiful, light-filled and airy purpose built nursing home.

Our philosophy is built upon helping residents maintain their independence and dignity, whilst ensuring

their needs and expectations are fully met. We believe that being independent means having the freedom

of choice and flexibility over how the day is spent. Working closely with families and professionals

is fundamental in delivering and maintaining the required level of health and wellbeing.

At Bridge House, our comprehensive facilities and care provision is designed to deliver skilled,

professional and individually planned care in an unobtrusive manner.

Call 0800 230 0206

Visit www.bridgehouseoftwyford.co.uk

INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • NURSING HOME

190821 - Bridge House Ad Parish Mag v01.indd 1 21/08/2019 18:06

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 43 11/10/2020 23:50:35

44 The Parish Magazine - November Please mention 2020 The Parish Magazine when responding this advertisements

The French Horn,

Sonning. Quality.

A continuing commitment to

wonderful food and wine.

0118 969 2204

www.thefrenchhorn.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2020.indd 44 11/10/2020 23:50:39

The Parish Magazine November 2020

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