The Parish Magazine - January 2021 1
The
Parish
Magazine
The John King Trophy and Gold Award
Best Magazine of the Year 2018
National Parish Magazine Awards
Best Overall Magazine 2020
Best Editor 2019
Best Print 2018
Best Content 2016
Best Overall Magazine 2015
Serving the communities of Charvil, Sonning & Sonning Eye since 1869
January 2021 — Epiphany
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
2 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to this advertisement
Looking forward to a
brighter year?
It’s all figureoutable | Haslams.net
0118 960 1000
Serving the communities of Charvil, Sonning & Sonning Eye since 1869
Church of St Andrew
Serving Sonning, Charvil & Sonning Eye
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 1
The John King Trophy and Gold Award
Best Magazine of the Year 2018
National Parish Magazine Awards
Best Overall Magazine 2020
Best Editor 2019
Best Print 2018
Best Content 2016
Best Overall Magazine 2015
information — 1
Contents January 2021
THE VICAR'S LETTER, 5
THE PARISH NOTICEBOARD
— STAY, 7, 9
— Simeon Stylites, 10
— The Persecuted Church, 10
— National Award, 11
— From the Editor's desk, 11
— For your prayers in January, 11
— Morning Prayer, 13
features
— Private Benjamin Dark, 15-17
— History of pandemics, 19-21
— Magi from the East, 21
— Parish winter wildlife, 22-23
— Dutch elm disease, 24-25
— Five things to see this year, 27
around the villages
— Spring Gardens Band, 29
— Sonning Art Group, 31
— Charvil female singers, 31
THE ARTS
— St Joseph the Carpenter, 33
— Archbishop's Lent book, 33
HEALTH
— Dr Simon Ruffle writes, 35
PUZZLE PAGE, 36
the sciences
— Letter to the Church, 37
HOME & GARDEN
— Mistletoe left on high, 37
— In the front garden, 39
— Beware of river chemicals, 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
January 2021 — Epiphany
The
Parish
Magazine
the church of st andrew, SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF
CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY
Parish wildlife in winter (see page 22)
Picture: Peter Rennie
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 February
issue of The Parish Magazine is:
Wednesday 6 January at 12 noon
The Parish Magazine online
This issue can be viewed online at:
http://www.theparishmagazine.co.uk
Earlier issues from 1869 onwards are
stored in a secure online archive. If you
wish to view these archives contact the
editor who will authorise
access for you:
editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk
From the
registers
Funerals
— Wednesday 18 November
Alastair Moncur
Interment of Ashes in churchyard
— Thursday 19 November
Olga Webb
Funeral Service in church
followed by burial in churchyard
— Tuesday 24 November
David Fillingham
Funeral Service in church
followed by cremation at Reading
Crematorium
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 3
Services at
St Andrew’s
At the time this issue went to press
the Covid-19 and Church of England
guidelines meant that the number of
services are being restricted.
The congregation is limited in numbers
and strict social distance seating rules
apply. Live streaming of the Sunday
service can be seen on Facebook - you do
not need a Facebook account.
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 and exit.
Please check the weekly news sheet or
website, or contact the Parish Office for
updates. Unless there is a policy change
the January services will be:
Epiphany Sunday 3 January
— 9.30am Family Holy Communion
Common Worship
Wednesday 6 January
— 10.00am Holy Communion, The Ark
Sunday 10 January
— 9.30am Holy Communion
Book of Common Prayer
Tuesday 12 January
— 9.30am Morning Prayer
Wednesday 13 January
— 10.00am Holy Communion, The Ark
Sunday 17 January
— 9.30am Family Holy Communion
Common Worship
Tuesday 19 January
— 9.30am Morning Prayer
Wednesday 20 January
— 10.00am Holy Communion, The Ark
Sunday 24 January
— 9.30am Holy Communion
Book of Common Prayer
Tuesday 26 January
— 9.30am Morning Prayer
Wednesday 27 January
— 10.00am Holy Communion, The Ark
Sunday 31 January
— 9.30am Holy Communion
Common Worship
4 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to this advertisement
WINTER SEASON
Join us for our Winter Season playing at The Mill throughout January and February 2021.
Shows include Comedy and Magic and Cabaret Nights with all tickets including an A La Carte
Meal with Appetiser in our beautiful restaurant.
We are proud to have secured the UK Theatre 'SEE IT SAFELY' mark. This means that we have
proven that we are following all Covid safety guidelines.
Come and enjoy a show in our beautiful Covid friendly Cabaret Style Auditorium.
X OFFICE
FOR FURTHER (0118) DETAILS, 969 8000 VISIT
millatsonning.com
The vicar's letter
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 5
Dear friends,
Well good riddance to 2020 and here’s to a happier and more normal 2021!
Aren’t we all so weary of talk of 'tiers', 'bubbles' and 'self-isolation'? As
for Christmas without congregational carols, well, please, never again.
It is very good to start the year with some good news. Once again,
this magazine, believed to be the oldest, continuously published such
publication of its kind in the country, has been judged to be the best in
Great Britain! This is an extraordinary achievement and I warmly pay
tribute to our editor, Bob Peters and his team. This is such a vindication of
our decision in 2012 to move over to a free, colour publication, delivered
to every house in Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye, and it is also an
example of what can be achieved when a church council is prepared
to take risks. We had no guarantee of success and the decision was a
bold one, but it paid off, thanks in no small part to Gordon Nutbrown’s
excellent stewardship of the advertising income which funds the printing
costs. A single ecclesiastical parish which comprises three different village
communities is not always an environment in which it is easy to foster a
sense of togetherness. However, since 2012, this magazine has brought
our communities together much more and I know it is an appreciated
means of passing on local news.
EXTRAORDINARY TEACHERS
As we all navigated our way through the pandemic last year a common theme was to thank those who
work in the NHS and other caring professions. We lit the church up in blue and I rang the church bell each
Thursday night as many of you stood outside and clapped and cheered. I have reflected in recent months on
another profession which is, in many ways, at the forefront of the national response to Covid, but we have not
been as demonstrative in showing our appreciation. I am married to a secondary school teacher and my late
mother was a teacher and so I may be biased. However, I suggest that the way those in that profession have
responded, particularly since September, when they have helped keep the schools open, is worth praising.
The extraordinary lengths that schools have had to go to in order to minimise contagion has shocked me and
I simply do not know how teachers cope with the extra demands placed upon them. Of course, they are also
putting themselves at much greater risk of contracting Covid, mixing with 30 pupils in hot classrooms, but
without them, if the schools were closed, the effects on both the economy and the educational prospects of our
young people would be devastating. So, here’s a big thank you to all our teachers and head teachers. We owe you
all so much.
NEW PRIORITIES
As a church, we have much to reflect on from the last 10 months or so. At times it felt as if we had just
been lurching from one week to the next, trying to keep things bubbling along as best we could. I have been
saddened and frustrated at not being able to hold our senior citizens’ lunches and all the youth and children’s
activities. However, there have been some really encouraging signs of new life, not least with our St Andrew’s
Shepherds scheme which I have heard so many good things of. I was really pleased to learn just this week of one
of Westy’s initiatives whereby the young people of STAY are going to bake Christmas shortbread and deliver it
to those from the congregation who live alone.
The Church Council was supposed to go away last October to formulate our 5 year vision plan. It was not to
be because of Covid but the landscape has so changed in the last 10 months that it was clearly not the right
time to make long term plans for our church and its outreach. What a number of us are seeing is that, before
plans, there must be sustained prayer, and so as we enter a new year, that will be our priority; seeking God’s
guidance first and foremost, mindful that we are in a time of great uncertainty and change for the church
nationally, but that as in any time of trial, there are always opportunities and new priorities to be engaged
with.
Brighter days are ahead, of that I am certain!
With warm wishes.
Jamie
6 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
www.velvaerefit.com info@velvaerefit.com 07580 155596
• • Loose covers
• Curtains
• Loose covers
• • Re-Upholstery
•• Tracks Curtains & Poles
• Curtains • Re-Upholstery
• Tracks • && Poles
TEN YEAR GUARANTEE
For personal, helpful service, please call
Tel: 01844 261769
For TEN Mob: personal, YEAR 07802 GUARANTEE 213381 helpful
For personal,
service,
helpful
please
service,
call
grahamblake123@btconnect.com please call
TEL: 0184 426 1769
www.grahamblake.com
Tel: 01844 261769
MOB: 0780 221 3381
Mob: 07802 213381
grahamblake123@btconnect.com
grahamblake123@btconnect.com
http://www.grahamblake.com
TEN YEAR GUARANTEE
www.grahamblake.com
Home Wellness Specialists
Interior Design Equipment Supply Installation
Official Partners of :
Green Retreats - Garden Studios
Please contact us for home design
consultations and showroom tours
the parish noticeboard — 1
STAY
STAY
ST Andrew's Youth
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 7
for Advent
This year I decided to make some Advent reflections, called
‘Walking in their footsteps’, for STAY on Sunday and some
of the STAY on Friday young people. The idea is that the
youth get to walk in the footsteps of four different sets
of characters in the period of Advent — Elizabeth and
Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds.
Each reflection involved reading part of their story from
scripture, doing an action, spending a moment reflecting and
then saying a prayer to finish. For the reflection about Mary,
they had to wrap a bed sheet round themselves, wear their
school bag on their front and then spend a moment walking
in Mary’s footsteps. Thinking about what it might have felt
like carrying the Saviour of the world, then praying to be
more obedient like Mary.
This card explained what to do and when to open each
envelope . . .
Young people roasting marshmallows at STAY on Friday youth club
STAY on Friday
After a short break due to the second lockdown,
the STAY Friday night youth club was able to meet
throughout December with the added bonus of roasting
marshmallows on a fire pit as well as the usual fun and
games in and outside the Ark.
. . . and here’s the Mary reflection . . .
STAY on Sunday
On Sundays we continued with the brilliant Alpha youth
film series over Zoom. It’s been the most engaging and
conversation starting thing we’ve done so far! We’ve
looked at topics such as:
LIFE — is this it?
JESUS — who is he?
CROSS — why did Jesus die?
PRAYER — why and how do I pray?
BIBLE — what is the Bible and how do I read it?
STAY in Schools
The ongoing mentoring and assemblies have continued in
all the local schools, both secondary and primary. We’ve
also started a brand new advocacy group at Piggott. It’s a
group to encourage a small group of teenagers to think of
a cause and, through research and campaigning, they will
amplify the voice of the voiceless.
turn to page 9
8 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
advert-1...vis 1_Layout 1 15/09/2011 11:47 Page 1
Are you thinking about
homecare?
BOOK A BEAUTIFUL
NIGHT STAY WITH
US.
RECEIVE 15% OFF
QUOTE THE CODE
FST1845
TAKE AWAY
FISH AND CHIPS £10
The Bull Inn, Sonning on Thames
Berkshire RG4 6UP, T: 0118 969 3901
e: bullinn@fullers.co.uk www.bullinnsonning.co.uk
If you would like to learn
more please call us on
0118 947 6666
www.thebmgc.com
10% of the value of your first order will be donated to the new community hall fund when you quote Ref: BMGC-CH
• Pull-up banners
• Point of sale
• Window graphics
• Vehicle livery
• PVC banners
• Posters
• Corporate branding
• Graphic design
• Installation services
• Shop signage
• Exhibition systems
• Signage for commerce
• Bespoke wall coverings
For cost effective, locally produced, quality graphics call us on 0118 934 5016
The Homestead, Park Lane, Charvil, Reading RG10 9TR
email: sales@thebmgc.com
the parish noticeboard — 2
from page 7
STAY
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 9
Here’s me hand writing 120 envelopes! All laid out and ready to load up the envelopes with chocolates! All packed and ready to post!
STAY Christmas Gifts
For Christmas I wanted to send
a little gift bag of goodies to the
STAY on Sunday young people! The
gift bag included; a pin badge to
encourage their faith - e.g. ‘LOVE
NEVER GIVES UP’ from Psalm
27:14. A postcard to wish them a
merry Christmas and advertise a
summer camp next year. Something
chocolaty. A wristband with an
encouraging Bible verse on - e.g.
Isaiah 40:31. A personalised pop
socket with their name on and a
lollipop!
STAY Resources Online
With so much online youth work and with young people spending so much time
online it felt pertinent to equip them with some useful faith building websites
and resources!
Thanks for reading and please get in
touch if you’d like to know more of
what the young people get up to, or
to get more involved. Westy!
My email is:
youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk
10 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
the parish noticeboard — 3
Simeon
Stylites
— one
of the
weirder
saints!
5 JANUARY
This hermit,
commemorated
as a saint by the
Coptic Orthodox
Church, was as
weird as they
come, but he
loved God, and
God blessed him,
strange though he
was. So perhaps
Simeon Stylites
(390-459) should
be the patron
saint of all really
eccentric people!
Simeon was the son
of a shepherd on
the Syrian border
of Cilicia. He joined
a monastery near
A 'tower church' dedicated to Saint Simeon
Stylites, in Veliky Ustyug, Russia
Picture: Boris Breytman, Dreamstime.com
Antioch, where he practised mortifications and penances
that nearly killed him. When the abbot dismissed him as
crazy, Simeon moved to Telanissos — called Dair Sem’an
today — and spent his first Lent there in a total fast. He was
found unconscious on Easter Day. After three years in the
monastery he felt life was too easy, and moved to the top of
a nearby mountain, where he chained himself to a rock. He
began to be talked about, and people went to look at him.
SACRED LICE
Simeon, not wanting their company, escaped to the top
of a 9 foot high pillar where he lived for the next four years.
More people went to see him so, in desperation, he added to
his pillar. It grew to 18 feet tall but still people went to see
him. Three years later, he built a pillar 33 feet high, but even
more people — both Christians and pagans — went to see
him. He built yet another pillar. This one was was 60 feet
high and 6 feet wide. At last he found peace and quiet, and
lived there for the last 20 years of his life even though people
— including emperors such as Theodosius, Leo and Marcian
— still went to see him. They tried to catch the ‘sacred’ lice
that fell off his body and enjoyed his twice daily exhortations
to everyone below.
A scholar has written of Simeon: 'His preaching was
practical, kindly, and free from fanaticism. In an age of
licentiousness and luxury he gave unique and abiding witness
to the need for penance and prayer; his way of life provided a
spectacle at once challenging, repulsive and awesome.'
The persecuted church
A round-up of news items, features, and links: please read for
awareness, and support through prayer and further support —
financial or otherwise — by Colin Bailey.
This month we see what we can learn about faith and
danger from the Open Doors 2020 World Watch List,
concluding with a message from possibly the best-known
persecuted Christian of recent times.
Each year, Open Doors publishes a report about the 50
countries in the world where it is most difficult to be a
Christian because of the worst cases of persecution. There
is a launch event in Parliament of the 'World Watch List',
on 13 January, to which MPs are invited. We look forward
to the 2021 report to discover the latest news about the
faith of the persecuted church.
Below are some brief details about the top five countries
from the 2020 list, with information gathered from Open
Doors UK and USA.
#1 North Korea
Leader Kim Jong-un and his family are worshipped
like gods. It is difficult to be sure of the total number of
Christian believers as they must keep their faith secret.
Open Doors gives an estimate of 300,000, with around
50,000-70,000 in labour camps because of their faith.
#2 Afghanistan
In Afghanistan it is illegal to leave Islam which is seen as a
core part of Afghan identity. Even exploring Christianity
(such as via the internet) can mean immediate action
through re-indoctrination, potentially torture.
#3 Somalia
There is a militant Islamist group in the Horn of Africa,
akin to ISIS in the Middle East, called al-Shabbab. They
have said that they want ‘Somalia free of all Christians’.
#4 Libya
There is a tiny proportion of Christians in Libya. Almost
all of that, approximately 36,000, are migrant workers. No
churches are allowed to be built. If the migrant workers
meet for worship, they risk attack by Islamic extremists.
Much of Libya is effectively lawless because there is no
central government.
#5 Pakistan
A strongly Islamic society, jobs that Christians have
are generally regarded as low and derogatory. The
controversial blasphemy laws in the country are
frequently used to target Christians and other religious
minorities. Asia Bibi, who was convicted under those
blasphemy laws in 2010, was given a death sentence.
She was finally freed in 2018 and left the country the
following year. In a message to those who supported her
and prayed for her, Asia said 'God is with you in the exact
way he was with me. You are in God’s hands and you are vital.'
Thank you to the readers of the magazine for your concern
about the persecuted church and for your prayers.
the parish noticeboard — 4
The National Parish
Magazine Awards
We are proud to announce that The Parish Magazine
serving Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye, has won its
fifth National Parish Magazine Award. In the latest
awards for 2020, which were announced at the end of
November, this magazine came first and was judged to
be 'The best overall'.
Parish magazines from throughout the UK are first judged
for the quality of their editing, content, design and print
with awards being presented for each of these categories,
and then an overall winner is chosen.
This is the second time that we have been chosen as the
best overall winner and on other occasions we have been
awarded 'Best Editor', 'Best Content', and 'Best Print'.
Thank you to everyone who supports the magazine,
especially our readers who often suggest ideas for the
content, our editorial contributors — especially those who
don't complain when I edit their stories! — our advertisers
whose adverts not only boost the interest and quality of
the magazine but enable us to produce the magazine free
of charge for every home in Charvil, Sonning and Sonning
Eye, our creative photographers who spend a great deal of
their time planning and ensuring we have a large range
of top quality pictures to choose from, and my colleagues,
Gordon Nutbrown and Pat Livesey who manage all the
financial aspects of the magazine and so enable me to
concentrate on the editing and layout.
Bob Peters, editor
— All teachers in our local schools
— For Christian school governors
— For the Ministry Team of our parish
and their families
THANK YOU!
For your prayers in
January
— For our young people completing the
Youth Alpha course
Picture: EdwardJE on Dreamstime.com
From the desk
of the editor
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 11
editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk
History repeating itself
January always reminds me of the editor of the first
newspaper I worked on. He was a quiet, thoughtful man
unlike the editors often portrayed on tv and in films who
tend to be noisy, rude and bossy — he left that role to the
news editor! Each week, under the pen name of Janus, he
wrote an influential column about the electronics industry
that the newspaper was serving. Janus was a Roman god
who had two heads that enabled him to look both ways at
once, hence January is the month that we look back on the
previous year and forward to the future.
As the events of last year demonstrated, we can always
see clearly when looking back to the past, but we can never
accurately see into the future. All that we can do is to
see the errors we have made and try to do better. This, of
course, is why history is so important, as long as we learn
from our past mistakes.
This is also why I welcome the opportunity to publish
an article on page 17 of this issue about the history
of pandemics by Dr Tim Mason, a retired lecturer in
microbiology from the University of Portsmouth and who
continues to give lectures on the history of infectious
diseases to a wide range of audiences. It is encouraging
that scientists usually find a way of dealing with
pandemics, just as they seem to be doing so with Covid-19.
We just need to be patient.
LISTEN AND FOLLOW
In the meantime, we can all continue to help relieve the
situation by doing what may seem small things to improve
each other's lives, especially in our local environment. On
the centre pages, for example, are two appeals, one from
the RSPCA and another from a Charvil nature lover, who
are asking us to help them preserve local wildlife that has
a fundamental role in the environment in which we live.
And then, on the following two pages, we report on
an environmental issue that has been prevalent in our
locality for nearly half a century — Dutch elm disease.
The way that this has been dealt with in the past is an
excellent example of how local residents have come
together to work with scientists to save our environment.
Just like the pandemics of the past, and of the present
day, everyone has a role to play. We all need to listen to
the scientists and follow their advice. If it worked for the
Dutch elm disease pandemic, and the plagues of the past,
it can work for us today.
History also shows us that throughout all the upheavals
of pandemics and environmental disasters there has always
been one constant source of life that we, and the scientists,
politicians and engineers, and everyone else, have, and
still can, draw strength from — our unchanging and everpresent
God! (see page 37) Happy New Year!
12 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
Independent And FREE Advice For All Individual & Company Members
Switch to an alternative scheme – If you are currently insured, switching to a competitor can mean substantially lower rates
Pre-existing conditions covered – It is often possible to include pre-existing medical conditions currently covered by your existing provider
Improve your coverage – We can frequently improve your cover whilst also lowering the cost of your premium
Complexities of different schemes – In many cases, people are over insured – we can ensure you are covered with a scheme that
meets your individual needs and requirements
Full cover for cancer treatment – Many polices do not cover cancer in full – we are able to advise on your current level of coverage
For further information, please call Steve Maguire at M&L Healthcare Solutions:-
PHONE 01628 945944 or 01223 881779
Email: steve.maguire@mlhs.co.uk
quoting ref: The Parish Magazine
M&L Healthcare Solutions is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Reference number 554206)
ADD Plumbing
& Heating
THE FUNERAL PEOPLE
A FAMILY BUSINESS SERVING
SONNING SINCE 1826
READING 0118 957 3650
HENLEY 01491 413434
CAVERSHAM 0118 947 7007
ALSO AT MAIDENHEAD, BRACKNELL, WOKINGHAM, THATCHAM
TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY FUNERAL
SERVICE AND DIRECT CREMATION
FLORAL DESIGN & MONUMENTAL MASONRY
PRE-PAID FUNERALS, LATER LIFE LEGAL SERVICES
BEREAVEMENT CARE
WWW.ABWALKER.CO.UK
Experienced plumber &
heating engineer
Free written estimates
– no job too small
Many positive testimonials
from local residents
‘Trustworthy, reliable and efficient’
‘Excellent attention to detail’
‘Meticulous in his work’
SELECTED
Independent
FUNERAL HOMES
0118 934 4624
07932 072912
addplumbingsolutions.co.uk
the parish noticeboard — 5
Join us every Tuesday for Morning Prayer
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 13
The traditional service of Morning Prayer is being restarted in St Andrew's
Church at 9.30am on Tuesday 12 January.
Morning Prayer will be said weekly
by members of the ministry team
who invite everyone to join them. The
15-20 minute service will be using the
Common Worship Morning Prayer
service recommended by the Church
of England. It includes the reading
of the Bible, psalms, prayers and
intercessions.
There are no hymns or sermon,
although during Lent, which starts
on Wednesday 17 February, a member
of the ministry team will give a short
Lenten talk.
According to Wikipedia: The
Anglican practice of saying daily morning
and evening prayer derives from the pre-
Reformation canonical hours, of which
eight were required to be said in churches
and by clergy daily: Matins, Lauds, Prime,
Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline.
This practice derived from the earliest
Mihai Cosmin, dreamstime.com
centuries of Christianity, and ultimately
from the pre-Christian Jewish practice of
reciting the Shema prayer in the morning
and evening as well as a remembrance of
the daily sacrifices in the Temple.
Today, many Christians continue
the tradition by giving thanks and
praise to God at set times every day.
The clergy will usually do this alone in
their church although many churches,
and cathedrals, welcome others to join
them, as we at St Andrew's certainly do!
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1130763-0
When shopping online with Amazon you can help raise
funds for St Andrew's Church by logging in to Amazon
using the link above. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon
you know — except Amazon will donate 0.5% of the net
purchase price (excluding VAT, returns and shipping
fees) of eligible purchases to the
Parochial Church Council
of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sonning.
14 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
An independent company
rated good
Home Carers Wanted!
Bridges Home Care is growing...
Rated highly by customers... Staff and the profession...
Providing quality care in the Oxfordshire area...
Why not join our close knit team?
I love care work
and being around
to help people
The managers
are approachable
and supportive
My main carer
is very good, she
is wonderful,
like a friend
by Care Quality
Commission, our customers
and staff alike.
The training gives
you confidence to
learn more
• Top brand name flooring at the lowest price
• Samples to view in your home/office day/evening
• Free Advice / FreeQuotes
• Old flooring uplifted & furniture moved
• Fast turn around on fitting if required
Bridges ticks all the boxes
n✔ Full training given
n✔ Existing skills
& experience valued
n✔ Guaranteed work,
local area
UKHCA
Supported by Oxfordshire County Council
n✔ Flexible hours or
shifts available
n✔ Supportive hands-on
management
If you think this might be for you, find out more...
call Bonny or Wendy on 01491 578758
or email bonny@bridgeshomecare.co.uk
visit www.bridgeshomecare.co.uk
Oxfordshire Association
of Care Providers
• Carpet, design and wood flooring specialists
We supply and install: Amtico
Carpets - Laminate - Wood - Vinyl
Non-slip and more...
Tel: 0118 958 0445
10 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
info@richfieldflooring.co.uk/www.richfieldflooring.eo.uk
feature — 1
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 15
A dark churchyard mystery
By David Hedley-Goddard
Tom Farncombe
Bob Peters
Buried in the churchyard of Saint Andrew's Church lies the remains of Private
201317 Benjamin Dark of the 5th Bn (Reserve) Royal Warwickshire Regiment.
He was not a local man and there is no mention of him on the war memorial
inside the church.
Benjamin was born in July 1884
in Birmingham. Before the second
World War he worked as a tinsmith.
He was an average man, 5 feet 4
inches tall, weighing 133 lbs, of fair
complexion with grey eyes and dark
brown hair. He came from a large
family with seven siblings.
When war arrived, Benjamin, like
many other young men, enlisted in
the army. However it seems he was
not a natural soldier and was often in
trouble with the military or in poor
health.
He was eventually transferred
from military duties, due to his
poor health, and seconded to the
munitions factory at Farnborough.
HELP
On, or around, 24 August 1917
Benjamin arrived in Sonning.
Later on that day two lads
walking on the tow path at Sonning
found a man hanging from a tree
at a place then known as the Dell,
in the grounds of Holme Park. They
immediately went to find help, and
this came in the form of Edwin
Ernest Light, the Sonning lock
keeper.
The police were called and the
body was taken to the Sonning
Mortuary, now part of the Saint Sarik
Room at Saint Andrew's. The body
was that of Benjamin Dark.
The story is best continued by
evidence at an inquest in Sonning
by Rowland Kent, deputy coroner,
Eastern Division, Berkshire.
The following transcript is taken
from the original documents and
from Benjamin's service history.
Many such documents were
destroyed in World War II, however,
Benjamin's were recovered, albeit
severely damaged, hence some of the
following is noted as unreadable.
EVIDENCE
First called to give evidence by
the coroner was Benjamin's mother,
Fanny Dark. She said:
I am the mother of Benjamin Dark,
I am a widow. I have seen the body at
the Mortuary Sonning and it is the body
of my son Benjamin Dark. He is/was
34 years of age and a tinplate worker
by trade. He joined the army since
war broke out, he joined 5th Bn Royal
Warwickshire Regiment, and was a
private.
From the Army he was released
for work in munitions work at
Farnborough. I last saw him alive about
two months ago when he came home to
attend his father's funeral, he did not
appear to be in good health, he seemed
depressed but probably that was owing
to the death of his father.
I think he was transferred to
munitions work in consequence of
his health after a severe attack of
bronchitis. He was a single man. I do
not know anything that would cause
him to take his own life.
Next to give evidence was Leah
Dark, Benjamin's sister and one of
his seven siblings. She said:
I live with my mother at 26, Dymoke
Street, Birmingham, and have seen the
body in the mortuary and I identify it
as that of my brother. I have heard my
mother's evidence and agree that we
know no reason why he should take his
life.
OATH
Evidence was then given by Edwin
Ernest Light of Sonning and on his
oath states:
I am the lock keeper and reside at the
Lock Sonning on (unreadable) August
at 11.30am I was at Sonning Lock when
two boys came (unreadable) me that
there was a man hanging in a tree
(unreadable) Park.
The body was hanging from a dead
limb of the tree (unreadable) being
about nine inches to a foot from the
ground. I found (unreadable) hanging
from a cord.
I cut the cord and found that
the (unreadable) stiff and cold. He
had apparently been dead for some
(unreadable) indication of a struggle
having taken place or any (unreadable).
Evidence was then given by Police
Constable Albert John Whal who on
his oath said:
turn to page 17
16 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
Complete Pest
Solutions
WASPS • RATS • MICE • SQUIRRELS
BED BUGS • FLEAS • BIRDS & RODENT PROOFING
Leslie Parker
parkerleslie65@aol.com
0125 624 2135 0799 081 4143
PROFESSIONAL PEST
CONTROLLERS REGISTER
2 Vyne Lodge Farm Cottage, Bramley, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5EA
Whatever you want to store...
...for whatever reason - house sale and purchase
not coinciding, travelling, house building work,
paperwork overload or even “de-cluttering” to
sell your house more quickly - we offer a
friendly and flexible local service.
With competitive rates, secure storage
and hassle free 24/7 access,
contact us now!
0118 940 4163
www.barn-store.co.uk
Only 5 minutes
from Henley on
the Reading road!
www.etsheppard.co.uk
01491 574 644
36 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames RG9 1AG
Established in 1858
A.F. Jones
Stonemasons
Limited
0118 9573 537
www.afjones.co.uk
33 Bedford Road, Reading, RG1 7EX
feature — 2
from page 15
The dark mystery from Sonning churchyard
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 17
Benjamin's grave on the north side of the church is marked by a white Commonwealth War Grave Commision headstone
Bob Peters
I am a PC stationed at Sonning.
On Friday the (unreadable) of August
at about 12.15 pm from information
I received, I went to the Dell on the
tow path at Sonning. There I saw the
last witness Edwin Ernest Light who
showed me the body of a man he had cut
down out of a tree.
The body was cold and stiff and had
been dead for some hours. I searched
the spot but could find no evidence of
any struggle having taken place or any
violence.
I took the body to Sonning Mortuary
and searched it and found the following
articles:
One metal watch, a Post Office Savings
Bank book issued to Benjamin Dark
showing a credit of £1.0.6d. A war
saving certificate to B Dark value
15/6d with the address of No. 10, Hut
(unreadable) Taft Town Farnborough.
One war association savings book with
two (unreadable) 2/- stamps therein.
A purse containing 9 1/2d, a letter from
the Ministry of Munitions in answer to
a letter he had sent for transfer to some
other munitions factory.
Also a certificate from the army
authorities showing that he was a
soldier liberated (unreadable) for work
on munitions and that he could wear
civilian clothes.
No further evidence was
offered and no representatives
of the military or the Ministry
of Munitions were asked to give
evidence.
The Jury returned the following
verdict, that (unreadable) took his own
life by hanging during temporary fit of
insanity.
CUSTODY
Private Benjamin Dark was buried
in St Andrew's churchyard on the
afternoon of 28 August 1917. The cost
of his funeral was borne initially by
the local constabulary who were later
repaid the full costs of £1/18/6d by
the military.
His mother was given custody of
his personal effects and was awarded
£1/17/2d Benjamin's back pay, no
gratuity was awarded.
Benjamin's grave lies on the
south side of the church next to a
path and is marked by a standard
Commonwealth War Grave
Commission Portland stone white
headstone.
QUESTIONS?
It is interesting that the Coroner's
Court never asked some pertinent
questions such as:
— Why was Benjamin in Sonning?
There seemed to be no connections
whatsoever with Sonning and he was
based in Farnborough, quite a long
way in those times.
—How did he get there? No travel
documents or tickets were found and
he seemed to have little cash.
—Why did he choose Sonning to
eventually end his life?
—Did he know someone in the
village?
FRONTLINE
No mention was made of the fact
Benjamin had received notification
that he was under orders to be
returned to military duties for
trade testing on 31 August 1917.
This presumably could have meant
that he would be sent to the front
line in France. This information
presumably did not come to light as
there was no military or munitions
representation.
MYSTERY
Was Benjamin more prepared to
kill himself rather than go to the
front? Sadly it remains a mystery.
Benjamin's name is not
called out at the Remembrance
commemoration services, he was not
a son of Sonning and he was a long
way from his home. Whatever the
reasons were for his death, it comes
down to the fact that he was another
victim of this horrible conflict which
took the lives of over 750,000 men.
18 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Life Begins
at 55...
Our Later Life Lending experts are here to help
you understand how you can use the equity built
up in your home to help finance your retirement.
We offer free, friendly, professional advice.
Repay your existing mortgage
Pay off your debts
Help your family financially
Carry out home improvements
Go on holiday or buy a new car
To arrange an
appointment visit
our website or
give us a call
mortgagerequired.com
01628 507477
Finance House, 5 Bath Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 4AQ
This is a lifetime mortgage to understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. There will be no fee for Mortgage Advice. There may be a fee for arranging a mortgage. The precise amount
will depend upon your circumstances, but we estimate it to be £599. Mortgage Required Ltd, Finance House, 5 Bath Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4AQ is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
reference 573718 at www.fca.org.uk.
‘Excellent’ School
‘Pupils’ social development and collaboration skills
are excellent.’
‘Pupils make an outstanding contribution to
the lives of others.’
ISI Inspection, November 2019
Register online: rbcs.org.uk
An Independent Day School for Boys 11-18, and Girls 16 -18
Bathrooms &Kitchens Ltd
Plumbing, Plastering, Tiling
and all associated work
Contact us today for a
FREE
No obligation Consultation
and Quotation
0778 897 2921
markt@kingfisher-bathrooms.com
http://www.kingfisher-bathrooms.com
167 Kingfisher Drive, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3JQ
feature — 3
Pandemics: An historical perspective
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 19
By Dr Tim Mason
turn to page 21
Marseille was the last-significant European outbreak of the 'Black Death' pandemic
Heritage/Dreamstime.com
We are currently threatened by
the Coronavirus which has caused
a global epidemic, a pandemic, of
Covid-19. Pandemics though are
nothing new and over the centuries
we have developed ways of dealing
with them. This is a brief history of
pandemics and ways of responding
to them. Today’s problems are not so
dissimilar to those of the past.
One of the first pandemics of which
we are aware was ‘The Plague’.
Starting out as a harmless bacterium
colonising reptile intestines it had,
by 1000BCE, evolved to cause lethal
infections in people.
That evolution continued for
another millennium when, in 180CE,
a strain arose which would change
the course of human history.
By 660CE it had killed a third of
the population of Constantinople,
from where it spread further west,
reaching Britain 120 years later.
That’s less than 20 miles per year!
History shows us then, that
pandemics begin imperceptibly as
microbes evolve and are then spread
by human activity.
CHINA ORIGIN
A second pandemic of the Plague,
one which became known as ‘The
Black Death’, originated in China
around 1200.
From there, facilitated by trade
and warfare, it spread at twice the
speed of the first. It arrived in Dorset
on 7 July 1348, an event now proudly
recorded there, on a plaque!
From here it spread along the
coast in small trading vessels,
arriving in my home village of
Titchfield in October that year - the
first place in Hampshire to get the
disease.
The Manorial Court there
recorded eight deaths that month, a
figure which by May of the following
year had increased to a total of 155, a
third of the population. A death toll
that was repeated throughout the
land.
INFECTIOUS
By this time the disease was
recognised as infectious, so the
response made to it was to prevent
the sick from coming into contact
with the healthy.
Houses where a sick person lived
were sealed up, leaving sick and
healthy together to their fate. Doors
were guarded and food provided.
No-one was allowed in or out for six
weeks.
By that time sufferers would have
either died or recovered and certainly
none would be infectious. We’d call
that enforced quarantine today.
Windsor in the 16th Century
adopted an even more radical
measure. Seeing London as a
potential source of infection, they set
up a gallows to hang anyone arriving
from there! A rather extreme
enforcement of Lockdown!
A century later the capital was
again suffering from the disease and,
in an attempt to escape it, Charles I
moved the law courts out to Reading.
The result was an outbreak of the
disease there and sufferers were
moved out to a recently built ‘Pest
House’ in Whitley.
The disease remained a threat
until the late 18th Century, by
which time improved housing and
nutrition, along with recognition
that rats were an undesirable
presence in places of human
habitation, saw the disease decline.
This decline was probably
also driven by a drop in global
temperature. It was not unusual for
the Thames to freeze over for up to
two months!
VACCINES
While pandemics of plague ceased
without vaccines, the expectation
is that a vaccine will soon be widely
available for Covid-19.
The first disease for which a
vaccine was produced was smallpox,
which had been causing pandemics
since the second century CE.
That disease was caused by the
variola virus. It had been recognised
well before that, in China in the 5th
Century BCE. They observed that it
could only be contracted once and, by
the 10th Century CE, it was common
turn to page 21
20 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
Open Morning
Saturday 16 January
Limited spaces available
www.shiplake.org.uk/opendays
#ShiplakeInclusive
#ShiplakeIndividual
#ShiplakeInspirational
Uncompromising Excellence in Hair Care
Spring Issue
|Hair Cutting and Beauty Therapy
|Experts in Colouring and Permanent Waving
|Hairdressing for Men, Women and Children
@stylebyjulieReading
@stylebyjulie
@stylebyjulieRG
Private Hair
and Beauty Salon
Badgers Rise,
Woodley, Reading,
RG5 3AJ
0118 4378178
salon@stylebyjulie.co.uk
www.stylebyjulie.co.uk
salon@stylebyjulie.co.uk
Banish limescale with a
TwinTec Water Softener
• Enjoy a scale-free kitchen and bathrooms
• Protect and improve the efficiency
of your boiler
• Lower your energy bills
• Reduce time spent cleaning
• Enjoy softer skin and shinier hair
No buttons or routine maintenance: it’s easy
Call for a free installation
survey or quote
Twyford: 0118 9344485
Finchampstead: 0118 9733110
thamesvalleywatersofteners.co.uk
10
YEAR
GUARANTEE
THAMES VALLEY
WATER SOFTENERS
feature — 4
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 21
from page 19
Pandemic history
EPIPHANY
Magi from the East
Daniel Schlui, unsplash.com
for children there to be deliberately
infected with a mild form of the
disease and thereby be protected
from any more serious form.
It was not until the early 18th
Century that news of this technique,
called ‘Inoculation’, reached Britain.
Its use soon became widespread.
COW CALLED BLOSSOM
In the context of smallpox
immunisation though, it is Edward
Jenner who is remembered by
his establishing the alternative
technique of ‘vaccination’, using
Vaccinia, a similar virus from
cows. He had heard that milkmaids
infected with cowpox became
immune to smallpox, without their
having risked a smallpox infection.
They developed no more than sores
on their fingers. So, in 1796 he
vaccinated Sarah Nelmes, using
cowpox from a cow called Blossom.
It worked and subsequent worldwide
vaccination resulted in the eventual
elimination of smallpox in 1980. The
first infection for which that had
been achieved.
The elimination of Covid-19 is
today's objective. It will undoubtedly
be a bigger challenge, but bigger too
are the tools at our disposal.
This article was first published in ‘Titchfield
News’, December 2020. Dr Tim Mason is
a retired lecturer in Microbiology from the
University of Portsmouth. He continues
to give lectures on the history of infectious
diseases to a wide range of audiences.
Magi from the East isn’t a lot to go on. The Magi had originally been a Persian
religious caste. Their devotion to astrology, divination and the interpretation of
dreams led to an extension in the meaning of the word, and by the first century
the Magi in Matthew’s gospel could have been astrologers from outside Persia.
Some scholars believe they might have come from South Arabia.
In the first century astrology was practised there, and it was the region where the
Queen of Sheba had lived. When she visited Solomon she would have heard the
prophecies about how a Messiah would be born to become king of the Israelites.
Matthew’s gospel (chapter 2) tells us the Magi asked Herod: ‘Where is the one
who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship
him.’ So it is possible that in southern Arabia the Queen of Sheba’s story of an
Israeli Messiah had survived. Certainly, there are other early legends that connect
southern Arabia with Solomon’s Israel.
To many people this makes sense: that the ancient stories of a Messiah,
linked to later astrological study, prompted these alert and god-fearing men to
the realisation that something very stupendous was happening in Israel. After
centuries, the King of the Jews, the Messiah, was about to be born.
Adding weight to the theory that the Magi came from southern Arabia is that if
you study any map of Palestine in biblical times, you will find that the old Arabian
caravan routes all entered Palestine ‘from the east’.
GOLD, FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH
The story of the coming of the Magi grew with time and by the 6th Century
they had acquired names: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. By medieval times they
were considered to be kings. Whoever they were, we know from Matthew that they
brought three gifts to Jesus — gold, frankincense and myrrh. A Victorian scholar,
Rev John Henry Hopkins, an American Episcopalian minister, offered a possible
explanation as to the significance of the gifts in a much-loved Christmas carol that
he wrote in 1857 — We Three Kings of Orient Are.
Gold, said John Henry Hopkins, was a gift that would have been given to a king.
Frankincense had traditionally been brought by priests as they worshipped God in
the temple. Myrrh was a spice that the ancients used in preparing bodies for burial.
If this is true, then you could say that the wise men, in choosing their gifts for
Jesus, honoured him with gold because he was King of the Jews, with frankincense
because he was to be worshipped as divine, and with myrrh, because he would also
become a sacrifice and die for his people.
The wise men were the first Gentiles ever to worship Jesus. What faith they had!
They travelled for months over difficult terrain, they never saw any evidence of
Jesus’ kingship, his divinity or his sacrificial death. They worshipped him through
faith in God’s promises about him. Isaiah foresaw this response to Jesus: ‘Nations
will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.’ The Magi’s eyes of faith
saw clearly and far into the future.
Compare that with the high priest and religious leaders whom the wise men
saw in Jerusalem when they first arrived. These head priests knew all about the
prophecies of their own coming Messiah, but not one Jewish religious leader
travelled to look for him in Bethlehem. And it is only six miles down the road!
22 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
feature — 5
RSPCA and a Charvil nature lover appeal for help d
The River Thames in winter: Rod Thomas
In the wake of Covid-19, RSPCA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), like most
of the 168,000+ charities registered in the UK, is facing extremely difficult times and appealing for
additional financial and practical help from the public. As well as caring for the increasing numbers of
animals being taken into their care as result of the pandemic, it continues to be concerned about the
annual seasonal fluctuations that comes with the winter weather.
The RSPCA was the first national animal welfare
society in the world and was founded in 1824 by
an Anglican priest, Rev Arthur Broome. He asked
the question, ‘Can the infliction of cruelty on any
being which the Almighty has endued with feelings
of pain and pleasure consist with genuine and true
benevolence?’
It was called the Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals until Queen Victoria gave it her
royal patronage in 1840.
The prime concern in 1824 was pit ponies and
the harsh cruelty that was being inflicted on them.
Today the work it undertakes is staggering and
includes all animals — working, farm, household
pets and wild. It has over 640,000 animals in
its care and during the pandemic this number
continues to grow along with the workload.
For example, between 24 March and 5 August, it
was swamped with 442,344 calls, and responded to
106,676 incidents of animals in need. That averaged
790 incidents a day!
Such a volume of need was a challenge as the
charity was working with fewer officers, due to
‘furlough, shielding and ill health’, a spokesman
explained.
He went on: 'As well as operating an emergency
service, rescuing animals in need, RSPCA officers
Squirrel: Shri Hooley, unsplash.com
have also been collecting animals from the homes
of people who have been admitted to hospital with
Covid-19, and who may not have anyone else to
care for them while their owners are being treated.
HELP YOUR LOCAL WILDLIFE
Now, with a second Covid wave in progress
and the winter months adding to the existing
demands caring for wildlife, such as that
found in our local environment — badgers,
foxes, deer, hedgehogs, squirrels, rabbits and
a variety of birds and wildfowl — the RSPCA is
appealing for communities everywhere to help
by actively keeping an eye out for animals in
need and help the wildlife by putting out extra
food and shelter.
A great example of a simple way of helping
the RSPCA is to join Karen (read her story on the
right) by creating a hedgehog highway in your
neighbourhood.
You can find plenty of ideas for doing this and
other things on the RSPCA website which has an
excellent series of information sheets that can be
downloaded free of charge — and you can also
make a donation to their work while you are there!
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife
Rabbit: freepngimages.com
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 23
uring the second Covid wave and winter months
Deer: Peter Rennie
Deer: Perry Mills
Badger: Peter Rennie
Fox: Peter Rennie
.
SAVE OUR HEDGEHOGS
By Karen Ostrowski
Make a hole, make a difference!
When I was growing up in the 60’s hedgehogs were a common sight. Even when I first
moved to Charvil in 1995 we had regular hedgehog visitors to our garden. However, I
realised several years ago that I was no longer seeing any sign of them. Since the Millennium
hedgehog numbers have fallen dramatically by 50% in suburban areas and they are now listed
as 'vulnerable to extinction' as of July 2020. Therefore, it is now up to us to help these beautiful creatures.
Mankind, unfortunately, has compartmentalised
gardens with walls and fences, and this is thought
to be a major reason for their decline.
Hedgehogs need to cover a mile during the
night to enable them to find enough food and to
breed. They are attracted to our gardens because of
the wide range of plants, which naturally attracts
the food that they love. They do so much good
by keeping pests at bay as they eat caterpillars,
beetles, slugs, and snails. They really are a
gardener’s friend.
Gardens also provide nesting sites under sheds,
decking, and compost heaps. By making our
gardens inaccessible we are depriving hedgehogs
of a valuable and safe habitat.
HEDGEHOG HIGHWAY
During our first lockdown, I was thrilled to
find hedgehogs had returned to my garden. I
started to feed them regularly with cat biscuits
and fresh water.
Having bought a trail camera I have been able
to monitor their activities and currently have four
hedgehog houses which are all in regular use.
I want to do more to help these prickly friends
and so I am asking all local residents to please
help by making small CD-sized access holes in
your boundary fences and walls (picture right)
to allow hedgehogs to roam freely. Speak to your
neighbours and by linking our gardens, we can
create hedgehog highways and provide a safe route
for them avoiding hazardous roads.
It’s a small thing to do but it could make a
huge difference to help these animals increase in
numbers and come back from the brink.
My daughter is 22 and had never seen a
hedgehog before spring last year. It would be heart
breaking if the next generation never experienced
seeing these lovely little creatures in our gardens.
Black &white images are by Karen Ostrowski
and the hedgehog cutout is from a picture
by Tadeusz-Lakota, unsplash.com
For more information on the national campaign
to create a safe hedgehog highway see the website
below, where you can log your activity and put
Charvil and Sonning on the hedgehog highway map.
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org
24 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
feature — 6
The 'Dutch pandemic' story that killed 25 millio
CHARVIL TREE WARDENS
AWARDED DISEASE-RESISTANT
ELM TREE FOR THE VILLAGE
In January 1972 a brief note in this magazine
heralded a story that has run for 49 years. The
note told residents in the Parish of St Andrew's
Church that 'The Forestry Commission has been
asked to give guidance on how Dutch elm disease
can be recognised at this time of the year—if this
is possible, and any information will be passed
on through the magazine'. The repercussions of
this destructive disease that spread throughout
Europe, the UK and North America is still
being felt today. Indeed, only 6 months ago the
Brighton Argus reported that Dutch elm disease
was 'killing off trees in an unusually severe
outbreak'.
The Argus report said, Brighton’s 17,000 elms are
at risk and the infection could wipe out thousands of
historic trees if it is not brought under control.
Last year, one of the city’s two 400-year-old elms,
known as 'The Twins', was felled in Preston Park after
contracting Dutch elm disease. It was planted in the
reign of James I.
Throughout the UK during the 1960's and 70's
Dutch elm disease has been responsible for an
estimated 25 million trees — about 90% of the
total — being lost. Despite its name, the disease
did not originate in the Netherlands — it is
named after Dutch scientists who identified the
ophiostoma ulmi fungus that attacks and kills the
trees. They also discovered that it was spread from
tree to tree by elm bark beetles.
While Dutch elm disease is still a threat today
— it is spreading slowly northwards across the
country — there are several types of diseaseresistant
species already available and others are
being developed.
UNEXPECTED WINNERS
In 2020, The Tree Council held a national
competition to celebrate the 30th year of its
volunteer tree warden scheme who were asked to
enter a suitable site for one of the new diseaseresistant
elm trees. There would be 30 winners.
Charvil's three tree wardens, led by Sarah
Swatridge, and supported by Charvil Parish
Council, submitted a site for an elm tree on the
mound at the opposite side of East Park Farm
playing field from the village school. Unexpectedly
Charvil wardens proposed site was chosen.
It is hoped that in years to come for future
generations the 'elm on the mound' will become
a local landmark that will be clearly seen as you
look across the playing fields from the village
school and pavilion. It will be a constant reminder
Above: Giant elm tree
Insert: An elm bark beetle
Below: View from the mound
Yuryz, Dreamstime.com
Alamy
Sue Peters
to children and adults alike of the importance of
caring for our environment and preserving it for
the future.
THE TREE COUNCIL
The Tree Council was formed in 1974 as the
parent charity for organisations in the UK
involved with caring for, conserving and planting
trees. It came about after the National Tree
Planting Year in 1973 which encouraged everyone
to 'Plant a Tree in 73'. (see archive account opposite)
In 1990, the Tree Warden Scheme, grew out
of the work of a few community-minded people
in Leicestershire and East Sussex who wanted to
plant and care for their local trees.
Today, there are thousands of volunteers
around the country who have planted, and care
for, millions of trees, rejuvenated woodlands,
created community orchards, and worked with
local authorities to establish and care for trees in
parks, woodlands and on the streets.
January 1972: The Forestry Commission has been
asked to give guidance on how Dutch elm disease
can be recognised at this time of the year.
April 1972: Expert advice was being taken especially
for the preservation of trees and the retention of
Sonning Lane in its natural state.
August 1973: The County Council Dutch elm disease
Officer has also made a round of the Parish and been
extremely helpful...we have a serious problem and
and if nothing is done about it at once, in a year or so
all the elms in the parish will die.
August 1973: Charvil’s list of trees recommended for
tree preservation has been forwarded to the District
Council. In order to encourage a pioneering effort
by members of the local tree planting committee —
some of whom personally treated trees for Dutch
elm disease — the council have authorised a grant of
£25 towards the cost of the apparatus needed.
Sonning: Good luck to all who are working to save
a tree in ’73. Maples, red hawthorns, silver birches,
white beams and a beech tree are among some 20
trees so far planted throughout the village. In the
autumn it is hoped to replace some of the diseased
elms in Milestone Avenue.
Charvil: Contributions totalling £120 from
individuals and organisations in the village made
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 25
n UK elm trees continues today in our parish
The Dutch Elm disease story in Charvil and Sonning . . .
The following are edited extracts from this magazine's archives which date from January 1869
this fine effort possible. In addition some £115 was
raised for the campaign against Dutch elm disease,
and Charvilians should note with some pride that we
were the first village in Berkshire to organise such a
campaign.
September 1973: The response to the call for
volunteers to operate on the Dutch elms has been
truly magnificent and, clearly, a spirit exists in
Sonning to deal with such emergencies for which one
is hard put to find a word which adequately describes
it...well over 45 trees will have been treated by these
volunteer efforts alone and, together with those
done in the parish by private owners, makes it a very
impressive performance indeed.
October 1973: In accordance with the policy of
preserving and planting trees, the council has sent
a list of trees in Charvil which it is suggested should
be preserved, and representatives are obtaining
quotations for the planting of new trees. Dutch elm
disease continues to be dealt with by local volunteers.
Between 30 and 40 trees had so far been treated.
March 1974: Charvil tree planting committee...with
the planting of a field maple in Charvil House Road
by the 1st Charvil brownie pack, the first phase of the
tree planting scheme has been completed.
August 1974: Dutch elm disease is again with us.
February 1977: A huge pile of timber from the trees
stricken with the mortal Dutch elm disease awaited
attention, and, a happy band of amateur foresters set
to with gusto...hand saws and axes.
September 1977: Dear editors, Some time ago
you were kind enough to publish a note in which I
forecast the effects Dutch elm disease would have
on our trees, if it was allowed to spread. Sadly my
forecast has proved accurate.
January 1981: The last of the dead elms in the
spinney in the [Sonning] recreation ground, which
were fast becoming a serious menace to life and limb,
have now been felled and the problem besetting the
parish council is how best to replace them.
It will be remembered that when a call went out for
volunteers to help in the job of injecting the elms, in
an unavailing attempt to save them from Dutch elm
disease, the response was excellent. The idea now
is to invite a few parishioners, a couple of dozen or
so, to enter into a scheme whereby they would each
provide a tree, plant it in the spinney themselves and
then tend it, by watering for instance, until it became
established.
26 The Parish Magazine - January 2021 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
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
Bright and Fresh
The Professional Carpet,
Upholstery, Curtain and
Leather Cleaning Specialist.
0118 9883026 ~ 07956137308
www.brightandfresh.co.uk
info@brightandfresh.co.uk
Plumbing & Decorating Service
Complete Project Refurbishment
Repairs to Bathroom Suites, Showers
Toilets, Basins, Radiators and more ...
Full Interior and Exterior Decorating
Reliable, Clean and Efficient
DAVID SHAILES
0770 860 2442 i.plumber@btinternet.com
www.iplumberuk.com
Interior & exterior blinds,
shutters, awnings
& screens
Always excellent service
and great value
www.blinds-reading.co.uk
Call John at Blinds Direct
on 0118 950 4272
johndacre@blinds-reading.co.uk
feature — 7
Five things I’d like to see in 2021 . . .
Rev Peter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans,
Herts, and a former communications director for the Church of
England, considers the New Year ahead.
I keep hearing people say that 2020 was a ‘year like no
other.’ Friends have been writing a special journal recording
the year, so they can pass it on to their grandchildren.
Others just want to leave 2020 behind and look to a happier
new year.
Both reactions are completely understandable. But I’ve been
looking ahead to 2021 and thinking about the five top things
I’d like to see in the year ahead. I wonder if you’ll agree with
them or not? Maybe you could put together your own list.
#1: Let’s make sure the vaccines are distributed fairly and
speedily. Those who need the vaccine most urgently should
receive it first, with a fair system for ensuring everyone else
can be vaccinated quickly and efficiently. We need to ensure
that everyone receives the vaccine wherever they live in the
world — from the poor to the rich. Especially, in those parts
of the world where there is war, and where there are refugees.
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 27
#2: Let’s learn the lessons of the pandemic — not just going
back to how life was, as quickly as possible. Many of us learnt
to appreciate our family so very much more — especially
when we could not be with them for months on end. We
learnt lessons about how important our neighbours and local
businesses are, how precious our NHS, medical researchers,
care providers and other frontline workers are. Let’s not
forget them.
#3: Let’s value nature. Those of us with gardens, or with
parks or fields nearby, have been massively blessed. I’ve learnt
to pay attention to bird song, to the changing colours of the
trees, and how unexpected plants have taken root in our
garden. Pets have played a major part in helping us endure the
lockdowns, especially for people who live alone. May we all
learn to value the natural world on our doorsteps.
#4: Let’s bless technology. Without the use of the internet,
meeting people ‘online’ or keeping in touch via email,
Facetime or other technologies, 2020 would have been a whole
lot tougher. Churches across the country moved their Sunday
services online, and soon adapted to a different way of
worshipping — not the same, but still helping us to worship
together and see familiar faces. Let’s continue to give thanks
for the science that made that contact possible in 2020.
# 5: Let’s value our church family. Imperfect we may be, like
any family. But the months without being physically able
to worship with them, share communion with them, sing
alongside them have been hard. I value so much how many
churches have risen to the pandemic challenge and sought to
serve their communities in all kinds of ways. May we take all
this experience into 2021 and build upon it.
Whatever 2021 holds for you and all those that you love, I
pray that you may know the love of God in your life, and be
able to pass it on to others.
Old word gets new meaning
'Quarantine' has
beaten 'pandemic' and
'lockdown' in Cambridge
Dictionary's ‘Word of
the Year’ 2020'. It was
the word most looked up
between January and
October of last year.
The editors also added
a new meaning for
'quarantine': ‘A general
period of time in which
people are not allowed to
leave their homes or travel
freely, so that they do not
catch or spread a disease.'
They are also considering
possible new words
for their dictionary:
‘Quaranteam’ — a group
of people who go into
quarantine together,
'Lockstalgia' — a feeling
of nostalgia for the
lockdown period, and
'Coronnial' — someone
born around the time of
the pandemic.
Rachel Strong, dreamstime.com
Kelly Sikkema, unsplash.com
28 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
WATER
SOFTENER
SALT
Tablet/Granular
25kg from
£9.99 £6.50 £6.99
per bag
Block Salt
2 x 4 kg
per bag
Winter/Rock Salt
20kg
per bag
FREE LOCAL
DELIVERY
MINIMUM ORDER REQUIRED
Email:
Martyncollins@portmanpm.com
ORDER ON LINE AT
www.salt-deliveries-online.com
Telephone:
0778 577 2263
0118 959 1796
Unit 2, 6 Portman Road
Reading RG30 1EA
creative
communication
adverts · books · brochures
company logos · exhibition
graphics · leaflets · marketing
photography · press releases
printing · websites · more
0118 969 3633 · designforprint.org
MUCK ‘N’ MULCH
THE LOCAL COMPOST COMPANY
Organic all purpose horse manure compost
Fully composted and milled to fine crumbly texture
Clean and pleasant to handle — weed free & pet friendly
10 BAGS MINIMUM DELIVERY
Half Pallet: 35 bags — Full Pallet: 70 Bags
FREE DELIVERY — SPREADING & MULCHING SERVICE AVAILABLE
24 hour: 0783 143 7989 T: 0179 357 5100
www.muckandmulch.co.uk
Assisted Living | Nursing | Dementia Care | Respite
Reassuring our community that resident safety and wellbeing is our first priority and at the heart
of everything we do, to ensure that life at Signature is a life well-lived. We have safe visiting protocols
& robust infection control measures in place, and regular Covid-19 testing
for our residents and staff.
To find out more about how a Signature at Cliveden Manor can provide total peace of mind for you
and your loved ones, please contact Sarah Loveday, Client Liaison Manager today
01628 702319 | enquiries.cliveden@signaturesl.co.uk | signature-care-homes.co.uk
around the villages — 1
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 29
Help a local brass band to play on after Covid-19
The Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band is seeking help from local
communities to help them as part of a national initiative launched by Brass
Bands England to save the many UK brass bands which are struggling to
survive the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the past, volunteer musicians
played in many brass and silver
bands that were at the heart of most
villages and towns.
Sonning had Mr Prior's muchloved
Silver Band, while in Reading,
according to past issues of this
magazine, there were several other
bands that also visited Sonning to
perform. These included the Reading
Mechanics Band, Mr Farr's Reading
Band, Reading Temperance Band and
the Reading Spring Gardens Brass
Band.
In September 1907, for example,
we reported that at the Woodley and
Sonning Horticultural Society's 34th
annual show:
'There were various forms of amusement,
and music was discoursed by the Reading
Spring Gardens Band.'
VICTORIAN ROOTS
The Reading Spring Gardens Brass
Band dates from Victorian times
when a ladies’ sewing circle at the
Spring Gardens Mission Methodist
Chapel — now Reading Hindu Centre
— raised funds to purchase brass
instruments for the Spring Gardens
Wesleyan Mission Concertina Band.
In the early 1930's the band cut
its links with the chapel because the
chapel leaders objected to the band
raising money to buy instruments
and new uniforms by selling scent
cards and football tickets. The band
has remained an unsponsored,
community based musical organisation
and continues to actively support and
promote Reading both locally and
further afield.
In the 1900's there were a large
number of bands around the country
but today many of them have
disappeared — and many of those
that have survived are now facing an
extremely difficult year ahead.
Like the Reading Spring
Gardens Band, most are formed
with volunteer musicians which
means that, while charging for
performances, the income is only
used to cover their operational costs
and for supporting charities.
The Reading Spring Gardens
Band has, over the years, supported
charities such as the Sue Ryder
Hospice, the Duchess of Kent Hospice
Andy Scicluna
Reading Pride and Sarcoma UK.
Not being able to perform for
almost a year means many such
bands throughout the country will
not be able to survive.
To help the band in the current
difficult financial situation, the
Reading Spring Gardens Band is
taking part in a Brass Bands England
initiative by holding an online
crowdfunding campaign with a
target of £1,000.
Matthew Ruel, Reading Spring
Gardens Brass Band conductor, said:
'Any contribution received, large
or small, will help keep brass band
music-making and our cultural heritage
in Reading alive. With your generous
support the band will play on!'
Hopefully this might also mean
that we will hear the band playing
again in our parish!
http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/readingband
Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band c1950
30 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
The Window Cleaner
• Interior & exterior
• All windows, frames, sills & doors
• Conservatory cleaning
• Fully insured
Ever wondered why
Mrs Miggins cat
needed sleeping
pills?
We provide a reliable, professional service, ensuring that your home
will sparkle. For a free quote call or email
07967 004426
thewindowcleaner1@googlemail.com
24 hours service | Private client parking | Private chapel of rest
Free home visits | Pre-paid funeral plans | Full written estimate
Woodland funerals | Religious and non-religious services
Are you a naturally curious,
compassionate, caring person
who wants to be part of the
solution?
Tel: 01491 573370
www.tomalins.co.uk tomalin@btconnect.com
Anderson House, 38 Reading Road, Henley-On-Thames, RG9 1AG
A Family Run Independent Funeral Service
We’re hiring exceptional home
care assistants.
Contracts for anything from a
couple of hours per week to a full
structured career path in care.
Call us if you want the answer...!
0118 9323 865
www.q1care.co.uk/careers
Unit 7, The Old Mill Trading Estate
Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 7HY
around the villages — 2
From ancient
chess pieces
to Christmas
baubles . . .
To celebrate St Andrew's Day on 30
November, Rob Farquhar, a Sonning
Art Group member, painted four of
the 12th Century chess pieces found
on a beach near Uig on the Isle of
Lewis in 1831 by Malcolm MacLeod
of Pennydonald.
Almost four sets of chess pieces
made from walrus ivory were found
and most of them can be seen in
museums — there are some in the
Lews Castle Museum, Stornoway on
the Isle of Lewis, the British Museum
in Bloomsbury, London and National
Museums Scotland in Edinburgh.
When the chessmen were found,
a knight and four warders were
missing — a 'warder' was a bearded
figure with a sword in his right hand
and shield at his left side and today is
better known as the 'rook' or 'castle'.
However, in July 2019, one of the
missing warder's came to light. It had
been kept unknowingly in someone's
drawer for at least 55 years and was
purchased by a private buyer at a
Sotheby's auction for £735,000.
As well as Rob Farquhar's picture,
other Sonning Art Group members
met virtually to paint on the theme
of St Andrew's Day, for example,
Sue Dobson's delightful picture of a
Scottie dog.
Another theme for the group
recently was, of course, Christmas
as can be seen (right) by George
Gallocker’s Christmas card of a
church on a snowy morning, while
John Birtwistle kept things simple
with colourful baubles.
The art group's traditional
Christmas party took place on a
Zoom meeting with a quiz, a poem
and everyone dressing in their
Christmas finery and enjoying
Christmas treats to eat and drink.
Like all parish groups, they are
looking forward to being able to
meet together in real life!
Sue Dobson
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 31
Rob Farquhar
George Gallocker
John Birtwistle
SNOW AND BAUBLES Charvil female voices warm up for 2021
Jewel Tones, the Charvil choir for girls between 10 and 18 years of age, have
continued to hold Sunday afternoon rehearsals online this term but are hoping
to be back 'live' in Charvil Village Hall this month. The girls have been working
on some great new songs including a medley of Disney movie ballads, California
Dreamin, Inscription of Hope and When You Believe. They have a concert planned for
14 March at Queen Anne's School, Caversham and there are also four spaces for
new members to join them.
Meanwhile, Sapphire, the Charvil ladies choir, who normally rehearse on
Monday evenings and which involves short themed courses, is hoping to resume
in February. The ladies choir is planning an informal performance on 24 May
with songs from Broadway shows including a medley from Oklahoma, I dreamed
a dream, For good and Lullaby of Broadway. A second course will take place in June
and July — the theme being 'Coming home'. Songs will include Nine hundred miles,
Homeward bound, Home and One mile. There are spaces for both courses.
Contact: Suzanne Newman on 0118 934 0589 or suzanneynewman@btinternet.com
32 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
For a helpful professional service
FIELDSPHARMACY
Wide range of health advice provided
including private consultation area
1a LONGFIELD ROAD, TWYFORD RG10 9AN
Telephone: 0118 934 1222
Fax: 0118 932 0372
Email: fields.pharmacy@gmail.com
CHRIS the plumber
I offer the same friendly, reliable service as
always but in addition to general plumbing
I now offer domestic and commercial gas
work — boiler repairs, installations, fault
finding, power flush.
Repairs not covered by Homeserve?
Speak to a tradesman, not a salesman!
Emergency call out available
Ask Chris Duvall for a FREE quote
christheplumber75@gmail.com
0785 095 6354
3584769
THE ARTS
The light to guide us
through the New Year
Revd Michael Burgess views ‘St Joseph the Carpenter’ (right)
by Georges de la Tour which hangs in The Louvre, Paris.
When St Paul wrote about the birth and humanity of
Jesus to the Philippians, he described it as an emptying
and a humbling. Jesus humbled himself, he wrote, ‘and
became obedient to the point of death, even death on
a cross.’ In obedience and love Jesus followed the will
of his Father through his ministry from baptism to the
cross and Easter beyond.
But what about that period called ‘the hidden years’, after
the Holy Family’s return from Egypt?
The Gospels tell us of only one event in that period
leading up to adulthood — the pilgrimage to Jerusalem
when Jesus was 12. For 30 years, he lived with Mary and
Joseph ‘growing in wisdom and in divine and human
favour.’ Just as he followed his heavenly Father’s will in
his ministry, so in these growing years Jesus followed the
guidance and teaching of Mary and Joseph.
HIGHLIGHTS
This month’s painting highlights one moment in those
years of growth: St Joseph the Carpenter by Georges de la
Tour.
‘Highlights’ is the right word, because this painting
captures the strong contrast of light and darkness.
Georges de la Tour lived from 1593 to 1652 in Lorraine.
He was part of a Franciscan-led revival, and this work
from the 1640's captures St Joseph and the Christ-Child
with Franciscan tenderness and insight.
We can see the tools of Joseph’s trade on the ground.
He leans over them, hard at work on a piece of wood.
Jesus is sitting by his side, his face lit by the candle, which
lights up the carpenter’s shop. As well as contrasting light
and dark, there is the contrast of young and old, and the
thought that the child learning from the old man is also
the one who can teach us.
De la Tour was particularly fascinated by light and
shadows cast by a candle or a lantern. Here the artist
The Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book for 2021
Living His Story – revealing
the extraordinary love of God
in ordinary ways
By Hannah Steele, SPCK, £7.99
The Archbishop
of Canterbury
has chosen
Living His Story
as his Lent Book
for 2021.
It explores
evangelism as a
way of sharing
God’s love with
people.
Lent 2021 begins next month
on Wednesday 17 February — Palm
Sunday is on 28 March and Easter
Day is Sunday 4 April.
Hannah Steele's Lent book asks
how can we convey the love of God to
our neighbours in a post-Christian
world that has largely forgotten the
gospel of Jesus Christ?
She then uncovers liberating and
practical ways of sharing the gospel
story afresh.
With warmth and encouragement,
she shows us how we can live Jesus’
story in our own lives simply by
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 33
A faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public
domain work of art. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
File:Georges_de_La_Tour._St._Joseph,_the_Carpenter.JPG
shows the candlelight illuminating the face of the child
Jesus who will grow up to be the 'Light of the world'.
As this New Year begins, we can think back to the light
from the Bethlehem manger we celebrated at Christmas.
We can look ahead to the light shining from the adult
Jesus through his teaching and healing.
Here in these hidden years, we can celebrate the light
of wisdom and divine favour, as Luke calls them, shining
on the face of the child Jesus.
We pray for that light to guide us through this new
year. When the way ahead may look dark and uncertain,
let us pray that God’s light will make clear the path ahead.
being the people God made us and
allowing people to be drawn to him
through our natural gifts.
This Lent devotional may change
the way you think about evangelism,
and give you confidence in sharing
God’s love with the people around
you.
Set out in six sessions to take
you through Lent, it can be used as
a single study for individuals or by
small groups to prepare for Easter.
Revd Dr Hannah Steele is director of
St Mellitus College, London.
34 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
Cruz Kitchens
Bespoke, Made to
Measure Kitchens
Designed | Supplied | Installed
Call 0118 961 1295
Email: info@cruzkitchens.co.uk
Visit: www.cruzkitchens.co.uk
Planning Your
Traditional Wedding?
Then you might like to
discuss the possibility of
marriage in our ancient and
beautiful parish church.
If so, call the vicar, Jamie
0118 969 3298
He will be pleased to help!
ALL WASTE CLEARANCE
John and his team can clear all waste and
rubbish from your office, house, garden or loft.
He can deal with property clearance for probate
and the demolition of any outbuildings –
sheds, greenhouses, garages, conservatories,
summer houses, etc
LICENSED WASTE CARRIERS - NO JOB TOO SMALL!
Free phone: 0800 012 6798
Mobile: 0771 021 2056
email: j.garmston@ntlworld.com
In addition to the stunning and historic location in Sonning,
we will work hard to provide you with a memorable and
moving occasion. We can provide a choir, organ, peal of
eight bells, beautiful flowers, over 100 lit candles set in
ornate Victorian chandeliers and the use of our beautiful
churchyard as a backdrop for your photographs.
Church of St Andrew
Serving Sonning, Charvil & Sonning Eye
the church of st andrew SERVING CHARVIL,
SONNING & sonning eye since the 7 th century
We’re open to new residents
We’re excited to welcome new residents into our home and can’t
wait to meet you.
At Sunrise of Sonning, the health and safety of our residents
continues to be of the utmost importance to us. We’ve created
a home that people love to live in. A place that is full of life and
activity. A place that you’ll love to call home.
Living at Sunrise
• 24 hour residential, nursing,
dementia and respite care
• Dedicated and compassionate
care team
• Picturesque garden
• Welcoming bistro with
complimentary refreshments
• Home cooked, nutritious
meals
• Wide range of daily activities
Sunrise of Sonning
Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ
Call 0118 338 2986 or visit
SunriseSonning.co.uk for more details.
Residential, nursing and
dementia care home 9 June 2018
ADV_SON_1120_ParishMagazine_02.indd 1 03/11/2020 17:21
health
Dr Simon Ruffle writes about . . . plants
So, here we are in 2021. Predictions, resolutions and hopes for 2020 were roundly
beaten by a virus and its devastating effects. I sincerely hope that by the end of
this year we are all celebrating the end of 2021 as a year of recovery and hope for
all of our futures; and to give us some time to reflect on the past and not let the
sacrifices of many go to waste.
Like most years, it starts with 1 January.
History suggests that January was
added as a month in 450BC but it wasn’t
initially the first month of the year, that
was March. It seems to have changed
when the two consuls of Rome — while
it was a republic — started their year of
office on 1 January
January’s flower is the carnation. It
gets its name from the original, deep
red version reflecting the incarnation
of God into the flesh and blood of
Jesus. Carnations have long been used
in medicine and modern research
shows that there are highly potent
chemicals in carnations that may be
anti-cancer or antiviral.
The above trip into the rabbit hole
that is the internet leads me to writing
a few words on the use of botanicals in
medicine.
HEALING ARTS
Before analytical chemistry, trial,
error and vertical transmission of
knowledge was the way healers,
shaman, witch doctors and quacks
gained their knowledge. Like the
infinite monkey cage being able to
produce the works of Shakespeare,
they got it right — sometimes. Thus,
herbal treatments were better than
nothing, mostly.
Herbalism became more scientific
from the 10th Century onwards and
was given a massive boost by the
crusades bringing home teachings
from the east. Often, it was royalty and
the knight’s priests and monks that
were tasked with this work and this
was taken forward in monasteries.
Edith Pargeter (1913–1995) wrote
the wonderful Cadfael series under
the name 'Ellis Peters'. While fiction,
the work is based on a lot of facts and
the fable of a crusading knight who
turns to the healing arts and becomes
a monk on his return.
So what plants give us medicines?
Three of the most famous are poppies,
willow and foxglove; giving us opium,
‘aspirin’ and digitalis.
The best way to have a look at this
subject is to look at the chemicals
that the plants yield as the effect on
Poppy Victoria Tronina, unsplash.com
the body are similar despite different
plants producing the substances —
‘class effect.’
However, very slight changes to
the structure of the chemicals can also
have a very slight or enormous effect
on how the body reacts.
Alkaloids are found worldwide and
it is very likely that you have ingested
alkaloids today — if you are reading
this years ahead I bet I’m still correct!
Caffeine, nicotine, quinine and
turmeric are all alkaloids. Mostly weak
but have effects such as increasing gut
motility and mild euphoric effects.
Turmeric would need to be consumed
in huge quantities to produce an effect
and like most berberine (Berbaris)
derived chemicals are best used as dye.
Potent alkaloids are found in
poppies and deadly nightshade or the
inaptly named 'belladonna'.
Morphine, codeine, cocaine are
commonly used painkillers from
poppies and atropine hyoceine and
scopolamine are from belladonna and
used to dry recreations and stop some
muscle spasm, but will cause cardiac
Foxglove
Elisa Way, unsplash.com
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 35
Carnations Le Thuy Do, dreamstime.com
rhythm problems and arrest if used
incorrectly.
Opium has been used since 3,400BC.
The flower was known to the Sumerians
as 'hul gil', the joy flower.
Salicylates are produced from willow
and wintergreens. Aspirin was produced
in Germany in the late 19th and early
20th Century, however its use in fever
and pain is reckoned to be thousands of
years old. Aspirin is also vital in stopping
clots forming in the blood in people who
have had strokes or heart attacks.
UNTAPPED RESERVE
The most common glycoside is
from the foxglove. Foxglove extract
has been used for many centuries to
poison people. It changes the way the
electrical pathways work in the heart.
It is used in a common, but potentially
deadly, condition where the top part
of the heart contracts wildly out of
control. This causes that bottom part
of the heart to beat so fast that it
will cause a fall in blood pressure and
collapse. Digoxin stops the electrical
signal from passing from the top to the
bottom thus regulating the heart beat.
Other glycosides include senna,
which effects are well known but has
no effect on the heart.
The diversity of the plant world and
the vast difference in effects on the
body, shown by just a few examples,
suggests we have a large untapped
reserve of medicines in nature.
The fact that many common
herbs and spices have not been
thoroughly researched and we still
rely on anecdote as an antidote for
our ills means we need to protect the
environment and the wisdom of the
ancients too.
36 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
PUZZLE PAGE
CROSSWORD
Across
1 Military force (4)
3 Small streams (8)
9 Among (7)
10 Legend (5)
11 Cooling device (12)
14 Large primate (3)
16 Gold block (5)
17 Grassland (3)
18 Productive insight (12)
21 Sound (5)
22 Central bolt (7)
23 Moving at speed (8)
24 Creative disciplines (4)
Down
1 Relating to trees (8)
2 Dominant theme (5)
4 Pub (3)
5 Uncomplimentary (12)
6 Entangle (7)
7 Appear to be (4)
8 Lawfully (12)
12 Number after seven (5)
13 Automata (8)
15 Prior (7)
19 Opposite of lower (5)
20 Unit linear measure (4)
22 Relations (3)
CODEWORD
ANSWERS IN THE NEXT ISSUE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8
9 10
11 12
14 15 16 17
20
18 19
21 22
23 24
Across
1 - Military force (4)
3 - Small streams (8)
9 - Among (7)
10 - Legend (5)
11 - Cooling device (12)
14 - Large primate (3)
16 - Gold block (5)
Down
13
1 - Relating to trees (8)
2 - Dominant theme (5)
4 - Pub (3)
5 - Uncomplimentary (12)
6 - Entangle (7)
7 - Appear to be (4)
8 - Lawfully (12)
26 20 12 11 19 2 17 - Grassland 26 (3) 19 22 23 26 11
1 12 - Number 14 after seven A (5)
M
AZING!
19 7 9
B
18 - Productive insight (12)
13 - Automata (8)
5 11 26 20
2 15 C
21 - Sound (5)
T15 - Prior (7) D
21 7 1 26 20 7 22- Central bolt (7) 7 22 7
3
19 - Opposite
16
of lower E(5)
X F
11 6 1
23 - Moving at speed (8)
4 20 - Unit of linear measure (4)
21 2 20 7 2 26 21
17 G
Z
24 - Creative disciplines (4)
22 - Relations (3) H
7 16 18 11 21 24 11 11
5 18 I
J
2 22 18 21 13 7 19 21
6 19 K
L
19 25 19 11 18 2 5
7 20 M
N
5 9 12 1 7 7 10 4
8 21 O
P
11 20 21 13 20 7 17 11
9 22 Q
R
2 22 1 24 7 19 22 9 13 20
10 23
S
T
9 7 9 19 11 8 19 11 21 21
11 24
U
V
12 25
26 19 25 12 11 19 26
W
X
13 26
20 3 15 1 11 5 14 20 9 2 3 21
Y
Z
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 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
T
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
X Z
START
HERE
A
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 December
2020 issue
WORDSEARCH FOR EPIPHANY
In this month's Wordsearch grid above there are 19
words, all of which are hidden below.
Epiphany
The Christmas story carries on into the
New Year, with Epiphany and the arrival of
the Wise Men, led by the Star in the East.
Through the eyes of faith, they saw Messiah
in that small baby, and worshipped him,
giving gifts that foresaw his life and work.
New Year is also a time of new beginnings
for us — resolutions about diets and paying
the bills and doing better at work — Happy
New Year!
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 37
the sciences HOME & GARDEN — 1
A US scientist’s letter to
the Church in the UK
The year misletoe was
left up on high By Kirsty Steele
Romain Dancre, unsplash.com
By Dr Ruth M Bancewicz, church engagement director at The Faraday
Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge
I want to share a message of hope that Christians in the
sciences can bring to the church. Dr Francis Collins, who
leads medical research in the US, wrote earlier in the
pandemic about his faith and his hope in God to help us.
He expressed the grief of many, described an intensity of
scientific work he has never experienced before, and shared
his conviction that he is in the right place — serving God
with science. He is holding on tight to the words of Paul in
2 Timothy 1:7, ‘for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of
power and love and self-control.’
POWER: In 2 Timothy the apostle Paul encourages his friend
to ‘fan into flame the gift of God’ that is in him. I am thankful
that scientists, like Francis, are using their own particular
talents to understand Covid-19, and to help prevent or treat
infection. Their discoveries are not only useful, but they can
also display the beauty and wonder of God’s creation.
LOVE: A scientist shows their love for God, for people and all
of creation through their work in the lab. One described his
experiences to me: 'I study God’s fingerprints in his creation to
learn more of him and the world he placed us in and to learn how
we should take care of it and each other…I pray for inspiration
and insight into how his creation works…and that he provides the
opportunities to give the glory to him.'
SELF CONTROL: It is largely our own and others’ selfish
actions that can turn one animal’s friendly virus into our
own personal nightmare. Thankfully Jesus’ suffering, death
and resurrection are the solution to evil. Our ultimate and
certain hope is that one day all Creation will be renewed. We
can also have hope for God is with us in our suffering. When
we respond in positive ways to painful events, it is evidence
that Jesus is alive and working in our lives.
Science will not solve all our problems, but with God’s
help and wisdom we can use the tools of science to serve him
and love others. Let’s pray together for the strength to cope,
and for an end to this pandemic.
Bertold Werkmann, dreamstime.com
The demand for mistletoe this past Christmas should not
have been as great as usual because kissing strangers
under it was strictly taboo. It remains, however a
tradition. Adherents use holly, ivy and mistletoe. While
holly and ivy are to be found in gardens and hedgerows,
mistletoe usually only appears in greengrocers' shops, or
high up in a trees well out of reach. [Examples of this can be
seen in St Andrew's churchyard]
Mistletoe is hemiparasitic, meaning that although its leaves
enable it to feed itself through photosynthesis, its roots
invade the host tree or shrub to extract water and other
nutrients. Its favourite host trees are apple, lime, hawthorn,
poplar or oak and it normally hangs as a large globe,
tantalisingly high and totally visible once winter arrives and
it is the only green left on the tree.
There are some spectacular examples in Windsor Great
Park, clearly visible from the path on the opposite side of the
River Thames.
PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING
We all know about the almost translucent white berries,
fleshy and sticky, which form in the forks of mistletoe's many
branches. While they are toxic to humans, they are attractive
to birds. When birds have enjoyed the juicy flesh, they wipe
the remaining seeds off their beaks onto the nearest branch
(somewhat like small children wiping sticky hands on any
surface close by – mummy's face or clothes?). With luck
the seed remains stuck to the bark and solves mistletoe's
problem of reproduction.
In Greek mythology, mistletoe gave access to the
underworld. Romans thought it represented peace, love and
understanding and perhaps that is how it has sidled into our
Christmas celebrations. The earliest documentary evidence
for kissing under mistletoe dates from the 16th Century.
Some people think a berry should be removed after each kiss.
Given the small size of pieces generally available these days,
perhaps that is a practice not to be pursued!
38 The Parish Magazine - January 2021 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
YOUR LOCAL
INTERIOR DESIGNERS
INTERNATIONALLY
RECOGNISED
S i m p l y
S t u n n i n g
I n t e r i o r s
S O N N I N G - O N - T H A M E S
Interior architecture and interior design, from concept to completion.
We create beautiful homes for our clients, listening to your hopes and aspirations, with second to
none service including a full architectural experience. Our in-house experts can offer you full layout
schemes, sections & elevations and lighting & electrical plans for your interiors.
Furniture layouts are currently priced at £100 a room.
We wish you a very happy and safe New Year!
Call us for an informal chat or visit The Studio (by appointment only)
www.sabellainteriors.com | 07780836747 | 01189449629 | enquiries@sabellainteriors.com
HOME & GARDEN — 2
In the 'front' garden
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 39
Recipe of the month
Grant Durr, unsplash.com
What’s in your front garden? If it is sparse, why not
consider adding some plants this year?
Apparently, the presence of greenery can lower your stress
levels as much as two months of mindfulness sessions.
Plants can also help you to feel happier.
A recent trial study by the Royal Horticultural Society
found that people who introduced ornamental plants such
as juniper, azalea, clematis, lavender, daffodil bulbs and
petunias had a significant lowering of the stress hormone,
cortisol, and many reported that they felt ‘happier’.
We are always pleased to receive pictures of your front -
or back - garden to share with our readers!
Beware what’s lurking in the river
Hot Chocolate Pudding
From Emma's Kitchen
Christopher Elwell, dreamstime.com
Ingredients — Serves 8 . . . apparently!
— 175g unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
— 225g soft brown sugar
— 3 large eggs - beaten
— 1tsp vanilla
— 175g plain flour
— 40g cocoa powder
— 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
— Pinch of salt
— 3 tbsp milk
For the sauce
— 75g soft brown sugar
— 2 tbsp cocoa powder
— 3/4 pint of boiling water
Peter Rennie
Every river in England has chemicals in them.
A recent waterways survey has found that agricultural,
industrial and household pollutants now contaminate,
to some extent, all of our surface water. It is a huge
turnaround since 2016, when 97 per cent of our surface
water was deemed to be free from chemicals.
Using new Environment Agency sampling methods,
which include looking at the flesh of fish, it was found that
there are PFAS chemicals (from cosmetic and cleaning
products) and mercury (from burning waste and fuel) in
all of England’s waterways. Overall, just 14 per cent of our
rivers merit ecologically ‘good’.
That proportion of waters being in good health is one
of the worst in Europe, with a European average of 40 per
cent of surface waters being rated as ‘good’.
Wildlife charities warn that the Government’s 25-year
environment plan target for 75 per cent of our water bodies
to be in good condition is now ‘all but unachieveable.’
Method
Set oven 170°C/Gas mark 3
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Slowly add the beaten egg until mixed in.
Sift flour, salt, bicarb and cocoa into the bowl and mix
until just incorporated.
Add milk and mix until smooth.
Add to greased 9 inch dish and smooth over.
Add the remaining sugar, cocoa with the boiling water and
carefully pour over the top of the batter. Do not mix in.
Cover with foil and bake for 35 mins or until the end of
a skewer comes out clean (do not go too deep as you will
encounter the sauce which is the main point about this
pudding!)
Rest for 10-15 minutes
Serve with your choice of cream, ice cream or custard
Enjoy!
40 The Parish Magazine - January 2021
Local Trades and Services
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
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
25 Ashtrees Road, Woodley RG5 4LP
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
paul@clarkbicknell.co.uk
COMPUTER FRUSTRATIONS?
For jargon free help with your computer problems
PC & laptop repairs, upgrades, installations, virus removal
Free advice, reasonable rates
0798 012 9364 help@computerfrustrations.co.uk
INTERSMART LIMITED
Electrical Installation and Smart Home Automation
intersmartuk@gmail.com
Elliott — 0777 186 6696
Nick — 0758 429 4986
HANDYMAN & DECORATING SERVICES
Reliable and affordable
Small jobs a speciality!
Call Andy on 0795 810 0128
http://www.handyman-reading.co.uk
JAMES AUTOS
Car Servicing, Repairs and MOT
Mole Road, Sindlesham, RG41 5DJ
0118 977 0831
james_autos@hotmail.co.uk
AERIALPHIL.CO.UK
For all your aerial photos. Good for surveying,
also for assessing conditions of roofs, etc
Thames Street, Sonning
0118 944 0000 http://www.arialphil.co.uk
MC CLEANING
We are a family business with excellent references
and we are fully insured
All cleaning materials provided
For free quote call: Maria 0779 902 7901
PROFESSIONAL HOME VISIT WILL SERVICE
Thames Valley Will Service
Also Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate Service
We are still working during the pandemic period
0134 464 1885 tvwills@yahoo.co.uk
THAMES CHIMNEY SWEEPS
0779 926 8123 0162 882 8130
enquiries@thameschimneysweeps.co.uk
http://www.thameschimneysweeps.co.uk
Member of the Guild of Master Sweeps
AJH ROOFING Co (READING) Ltd
Tiling, Slating and Flat Roofing specialists
36 Chatteris Way, Lower Earley, RG6 4 JA
0118 986 6035 0794 447 4070
ajhroofingco.co.uk info@ajhroofingco.co.uk
WANT HELP WITH AN ‘ODD JOB’?
For local odd jobs please call Phil on
0118 944 0000
0797 950 3908
Thames Street, Sonning
BIG HEART TREE CARE
Reliable and friendly service for all tree care
NPTC qualified — Public Liability of £10million
0118 937 1929 0786 172 4071
bighearttreecare.co.uk info@bighearttreecare.co.uk
SMALLWOOD
Landscaping, garden construction,
patios, lawns, fencing, decking etc
0118 969 8989
info@smallwoodcc.co.uk http://www.smallwoodcc.com
BEECHWOOD CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES LTD
All types of Carpentry, Kitchens, Renovations
Built-in Cupboards & Wardrobes, Flooring & Doors
78 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley 0776 276 6110
http://www.beechwood-carpentry-construction.co.uk
CHILDREN'S PAGE
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 41
42 The Parish Magazine - January 2021 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
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
ADD Plumbing 12
Aerial Phil 40
AJH Roofing 40
All Waste Clearance 34
Barn Store Henley 16
Beechwood Carpentry and Construction 40
Big Heart Tree Care 40
Blandy & Blandy Solicitors 14
Blinds Direct 26
Blue Moose 8
Bridge House 43
Bridges Home Care 14
Bright and Fresh Cleaning 26
Bull Inn 8
Chimney Sweep, Thames 40
Chiropody, Linda Frewin 40
Chris the Plumber 32
Clark Bicknell 40
Complete Pest Solutions 16
Computer Frustrations 40
Cruz Kitchens 34
David Shailes Plumbing & Decorating 26
Design for Print 28
Freebody Boatbuilders 6
Fields Pharmacy 32
French Horn 44
Gardiners Nursing 8
Graham Blake Soft Furnishing 6
Great House Sonning 26
Handyman, Decorating 40
Haslams Estate Agents 2
Hicks Group 16
Intersmart Electrical Installations 40
James Autos 40
Jones & Sheppard Stone Masons 16
Just Brickwork 20
Kingfisher Bathrooms 18
MC Cleaning 40
Mill at Sonning 4
M & L Healthcare Solutions 12
Mortgage Required 18
Muck & Mulch 28
Odd Jobs 40
Pearson Hall Sonning 30
Q1 Care 30
Reading Blue Coat School 18
Richfield Flooring 14
Sabella Interiors 38
Shiplake College 20
Signature Cliveden Manor Care Home 28
Sonning Golf Club 32
Sonning Scouts Marquees 32
Smallwood Garden Services 40
Style by Julie 20
Sunrise of Sonning Senior Living 34
Thames Valley Water Softeners 20
Thames Valley Wills Service 40
Tomalin Funerals 30
Velvaere Studio 6
Village Hamper 20
Walker Funerals 12
Water Softener Salt 28
Window Cleaner 30
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding this advertisements
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 43
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
44 The Parish Magazine - January Please mention 2021 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
Change language