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
February 2021 — Candlemas and Lent
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 - February 2021
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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 February 2021
THE VICAR'S LETTER, 5
THE PARISH NOTICEBOARD
— Sunday Club Nativity, 7
— For your prayers, 7
— Ash on Wednesday, 9
— STAY, 10-11
— Not being weary, 13
— The Persecuted Church, 15
features
— Revaluing The Pound, 17
— Rydal Summer holidays, 19-21
— Light for the World, 22-23
— St Valentine's Day, 24-25
— Counting Climate Costs, 27
around the villages
— Music for the Community, 29
— Santa at Hare Hatch, 31
— Jenny Adams retires, 31
— Pleasure on the Thames, 31
This month's FRONT COVER
February 2021 — Candlemas and Lent
The
Parish
Magazine
the church of st andrew, SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF
CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY
Candlemas (see page 22)
Pictures: Peter Rennie/Tom Farncombe
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 March
issue of The Parish Magazine is:
Saturday 6 February at 12 noon
The Parish Magazine - January 2021 3
Services at
St Andrew’s
At the time this issue went to press a
third national Covid-19 lockdown had
started. For the latest information about
services in St Andrew's Church please
check the St Andrew's website at:
http://www.sonningparish.org.uk
Or call the
Parish Office
on:
0118 969 3298
HOME & GARDEN
— Birds in the garden, 33
— Recipe of the Month, 33
the sciences
— Hope for 2021, 33
HEALTH
— Dr Simon Ruffle writes, 35-36
THE ARTS
— Forty Days and Nights, 36
— Storytelling Week, 36
— Book Reviews, 37
— Poetry Corner, 37
PUZZLE PAGE, 39
children's page, 41
information
— Church services, 3
— From the registers, 3
— Parish contacts, 42
— Advertisers index, 42
AN APOLOGY
Since just before Christmas I
have had an intermittent/zero
email service caused by a serious
failure of a server through which
all my emails pass. By the time
you read this I am hoping that all
will be restored. I apologise for
any unanswered emails that you
may have sent to me during the
Christmas and New Year season.
Bob Peters, editor
From the
registers
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
Weddings
— Friday 11 December, Ben Marson and Francesca Knight
— Saturday 19 December, Sean Lambert and Grace Whittingham
— Saturday 19 December, Jonathan Henry Rich and Antonia Rowanne Barker
Funerals
— Tuesday 15 December, Rosalind Buchanan, St Andrew's Church
— Wednesday 23 December, Rosaline Ivy Simpson, Easthampstead Park
— Wednesday 6 January, Constance Faith Belsham, Easthampstead Park
4 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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The vicar's letter
POSITIVE CHANGES
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 5
Dear friends,
I hope you are somehow managing during this latest lockdown. We at least
had the consolation of fine weather during the first one last year, and I
really worry, especially for those who live alone. The darkness of isolation
can be all pervading, but of course loneliness is not merely the preserve of
those who live alone. It is my own personal experience that you can feel
lonely in a room full of people, although we can be very good at concealing
this.
The darkness of bereavement is something that I have experience of
from an early age. I well recall the almost tangible darkness which seemed
to surround me and only kept it at bay by trying to ignore it; a huge mistake
as I was to learn. I heard somebody recently talking on tv about how he
felt 'bereaved for his former life' because of Covid-19, and I must confess
to thinking, 'well at least you still have your life', but, on reflection, while
'bereaved' was perhaps not the best choice of word, I think I can see his
point. We have all had to step back from many normal activities, including
seeing family and friends, and yes, this does bring a sense of loss.
As vicar, I feel regret that all the new ways of serving our community
that we had launched and that were thriving, have had to be mothballed.
A Sunday service without congregational singing is an experience we have
learnt to get used to, but something is very clearly missing, and we all look
forward to raising the roof again, especially with our new organ. I am also aware of the sadness and frustration of
pupils and teachers alike who are missing out on all the activities of the school year.
So yes, there is a sense of loss and a feeling that some of the light has gone out of our lives, but at least we can
remind ourselves that the light of the vaccine is shining brighter and brighter each week and that better days are
on the horizon.
There is no doubt that some things will never be the same again. Sadly, some jobs will be lost forever, retail
chains are being consigned to history and I am sure there will be churches that went to sleep at the start of this
pandemic, and they will never wake up.
There are also positive changes that I am witnessing. I see a more caring church family at St Andrew’s, more
ready to reach out to those who are elderly or on their own. I see communities that are more ready to be likewise
and I pay tribute to those in our parish who have organised these initiatives.
I have been aware of a greater awareness of the important work of foodbanks and other charitable endeavours
and I would remind everyone that there is a collection point for the Woodley foodbank in church. Donations to
the Sonning Welfare Trust, of which I am chairman, would be warmly welcomed and can either be given online
or by cheque sent to me at the church office. The communities the Trust includes are Charvil, Woodley, Earley,
Sonning Eye, Dunsden, Playhatch and Sonning Common — the old parish of Sonning. There are some very real
cases of hardship out there at the moment, some enough to reduce me to tears in all honesty, and we only have a
limited investment income so donations would enable us to bring light into some very dark situations.
THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS
At the start of February, the church celebrates Candlemas, the occasion when the infant Jesus was presented
in the temple. He was proclaimed by Simeon to be 'A light to bring the Gentiles from darkness; the glory of your people
Israel.' We have traditionally held a Christingle service on this day where children place a candle in an orange to
symbolise Jesus as the light of the world. [See the centre pages]. John’s gospel states that 'Light has come into the
world, and people loved darkness rather than light ...'. And yet, the light of the world has come, and it is Jesus. Not
just any light, but the light of the one who 'brings grace and truth.' He reveals the truth of who we are and who we
are not. He also shines forth the grace of a God who gives life and rebirth. His truth is a light that exposes and
reveals. But his grace is a light that renews as well as reveals, exposes, and yet also forgives. The light is more than
a candle in the night. The light of the world is Jesus, our Saviour. It is a light that our world needs more than ever.
'I am the light of the world,' says Jesus. 'Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life'.
And the church affirms, 'The light shines in the darkness, and no darkness shall overcome it'.
With warm wishes.
Jamie
6 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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The Parish Magazine - February 2021 7
Sunday Club could not perform the Nativity in Church on Christmas Eve as they usually do, so they divided the story among
nine Sunday Club families and each one filmed their part. The clips were combined and Sunday Club watched their final
production on Christmas Eve over Zoom, along with playing Christmas themed games!
Throughout last year Sunday Club met virtually during
lockdowns and looked at the Christian foundations of our
faith and Christian character (Living like Jesus).
Advent candles for the countdown to Christmas were
sent to families to reflect and pray each day when lighting
it. The Nativity video came together brilliantly, was good
fun and a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas story
together.
Sunday Club will continue via Zoom during the current
lockdown — it will be on the second, fourth and fifth
Sundays of the month at 9.30am. When lockdown ends it
is hoped that children will be able to meet in The Ark on
the same Sundays of the month.
If you have primary school age children and are
interested in joining Sunday Club you would be very
welcome. Please contact Hilary at the church office for
further details:
office@sonningparish.org.uk
For your prayers
in February
— The work of the Children's Society
— Her Majesty the Queen on the 68th
anniversary of her Accession on 6 February
— For the work of local foodbanks
—For the family of Olly Stephens (13 years)
murdered in Emmer Green
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8 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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From the desk
of the editor
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 9
editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday 17 February. But why
'Ash' Wednesday? The reason has to do with getting things
right between you and God, and the tradition goes back to
the Israelites in the Old Testament.
The Israelites, being human, often sinned. When they came
to their senses, and saw their evil ways as God saw them,
they could do nothing but repent in sorrow. They mourned
for the damage and evil they had done and to show their
repentance they covered their heads with ashes. This, and
rending their clothes, was an outward sign of their heart-felt
repentance and acknowledgement of sin. (Genesis 18:27; 2
Samuel 13:19; Job 2:8, 30:19; Isaiah 58:5; Jeremiah 6:26; Jonah 3:6)
In the early Christian Church, the annual 'class' of
penitents had ashes sprinkled over them at the beginning
of Lent. They were turning to God for the first time, and
mourning their sins. But soon many other Christians wanted
to take part in the custom, and to do so at the start of Lent.
They heeded Joel's call to 'rend your hearts and not your
garments' (Joel 2:12-19). Ash Wednesday became known as
either the 'beginning of the fast' or ‘the day of the ashes’.
The collect for Ash Wednesday stresses the penitential
character of the day. It encourages us with the reminder of
the readiness of God to forgive us and to renew us.
MORTALITY
Ahna Ziegler, unsplash.com
Why 'Ash' on Wednesday?
The Bible readings set for the day are often Joel 2:1-2,
12–18, Matthew 6: 1-6,16 – 21 and Paul’s moving catalogue of
suffering, 'as having nothing and yet possessing everything.'
(2 Corinthians 5:20b - 6:10)
The custom of 'ashing' was abolished at the Reformation,
though the old name for the day remained. Today,
throughout the Church of England, receiving the mark of
ashes on one’s forehead is optional. Certainly, the mark
of ashes on the forehead reminds us of our mortality:
'Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return...'
(Genesis 3:19)
The late medieval custom was to burn the branches used
on Palm Sunday in the previous year in order to create the
ashes for this year, which is how the ashes used on Ash
Wednesday in St Andrew's Church are created.
The Collect for Ash Wednesday is: Almighty and everlasting
God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the
sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new
and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and
acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God
of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus
Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the
unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
A lesson to learn
We all take things for granted in life but it is not until
they are not there that we really appreciate them. I first
used email in the 1970's to communicate with some of my
team of writers who were based in distant offices. It was
not always easy to use but the seeds for this revolution
in communications were steadily being sown. Today, like
most people of my generation, emailing is as natural as
using the telephone, which itself, only became widespread
in my youth. When I write in this column that something
arrived on my desk, it is almost always in the form of an
email. The second source is magazines and newspapers.
Letters through the postal service are rare sources of
information for this magazine.
CATCH-22
Just before Christmas, a computer used as an email
server through which all my emails are routed failed and
all the emails and files stored on it were lost. Although
I have back up copies, it could not have failed at a worse
time, with the world moving into the biggest holiday
season of the year and Covid restrictions affecting every
aspect of our daily lives.
Added to this, the server affected was in the United
States, and the engineers who manage my internet
services, and have done so for more than 20 years, are
based in Australia. To cut a long story short, the result was
that my registered internet domain names used for my
emails — and which are provided by another trustworthy
company that I have also used for more than 20 years —
were locked because their security monitoring system
could not communicate with the server that had failed.
The process of unlocking the domain names can only be
achieved by email, and I could not email them because my
email system was down! It was, and at the time of writing,
still is, a Catch-22 situation! Hopefully, by the time you
read this, it will be resolved and my preferred method for
communications will be restored.
ONLY ONE CERTAINTY
The lesson to learn from this affair is not to take
anything for granted in life, particularly when it involves
technology. Whether it's old or new we need to be
prepared for every eventuality and we should never rely
completely on man-made things.
In the midst of trying to re-establish my email
communications with the world I was asked to take the
funeral of a 95 year old lady whom I knew had been a
faithful Christian throughout her life.
This privilege reminded me that while we can never
be certain about the reliability of our worldly things, we
always have our unchanging, everlasting God on whom we
can, and ought, to rely!
10 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
the parish noticeboard — 3
STAY
ST Andrew's Youth
STAY in Schools
This crucial work in schools continued until the
schools broke up before Christmas. This includes:
mentoring 20 pupils each week, and assemblies
at all four local primary and secondary schools
— the picture of me as an alien is so Rev Kate
could explain Christmas to me! Could there
have been more than three wise men? Why
do we give and receive gifts? Why did God
send Jesus to a dirty animal trough for us,
and not to a five star hotel with a pool?
Plus I have the privilege of the new Piggott
lunch time hang out work and it’s been fun
planning the advocacy group.
STAY on Friday
In December we had two Friday evenings at the
youth club when we played games, listened to
music, painted our nails, munched on tuck, toasted
marshmallows and enjoyed one another’s company.
Sadly we had to cancel the Christmas party night as
we didn’t want to risk ruining anyone’s Christmas
with a positive case of Covid-19.
The families and young people who continued to
be involved in the youth club in 2020 are a joy and a
pleasure to work with. The STAY on Friday team love
working with all the local young people! They’re such
a lovely and energetic bunch of young people that it
makes our Friday nights such a blessing!
STAY on Sunday
We were able to meet for only one Sunday in
December when we looked at ‘The Bible — how and
why do we read it?’ The Alpha Youth series has really
lent itself to being on Zoom and I pray this continues
in 2021. The young people chat and joke more, and the
discussions go deeper than when meeting in person.
STAY Christmas Gift Bags
Throughout December I was able to gather a bunch
of goodies to put into paper bags ready to deliver to
all the STAY on Sunday youth! The gift bag included
sweets, chocolate, a wristband with a Bible verse on,
a card wishing them a merry Christmas as well as
advertising a new summer camp hoping to start in
2021, and a pin badge with an encouraging message
that relates to a Bible verse. The bags were delivered
on Christmas Eve. Here’s what some of the young
people said about them:
— 'I like the wristband because when I wear it, it reminds
me of Jesus'
— 'I really appreciated the gift bags and found them
really helpful and uplifting especially given that I had no
idea I was going to get one. They had lots of lovely things
inside for example a little pin badge which has a nice
phrase on — mine says ‘FEAR LESS’ — accompanied
by a wristband with a Bible quote on, a card and a few
sweets. They were a lovely surprise which I have really
been encouraged by this Christmas'.
— 'My favourite item was definitely the pin badge as
it reminded me that God is always with us and we are
unstoppable through Christ. The item I’ve used most also
has to be the pin badge as it is on my school bag. It gives
me motivation knowing I'm not alone. The pin badge also
lets me think about his goodness and how we can look to
him when we need him the most'
STAY Advent Reflections
On 1 December, I posted to 30 young people from
STAY an Advent reflection. One of the parents wrote
this to me, which sums it up beautifully!
This year Westy and the STAY team put together a
thoughtful Advent calendar for the youth club members.
We received ours appropriately socially distanced
through the post :). Inside were four envelopes dated
each week of Advent in December. Charlie was excited
to open the first envelope which related to Elizabeth and
Zechariah. Inside was a reflection, an action, a Bible
verse and a treat. The treat was consumed in short order,
but while doing so we read through the reflection and
Charlie really enjoyed spraying his room with a new
scent. He decided to use Eucalyptus because it reminded
him of outdoors and woods and Christmas trees
strangely enough! Then Charlie asked if we could read
the Bible passage listed in the Advent envelope. I was
touched that Charlie wished to do this and it actually
become a new bedtime activity. We would read a passage
together and I was then asked a lot of searching and
surprising questions about it. Surprising because I was
amazed at the depth and thought Charlie had applied to
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 11
the themes and topics. So much so that Charlie asked for
his own personal copy of the Bible.
The Advent seemed very relevant to the current times
and the many issues people have been facing during the
pandemic especially.
For Charlie it linked to his participation in the Big Sleep
Out at Home for Launchpad Reading and he wanted to
do something more and asked if he could give practical
help for a local homeless charity. Unfortunately, the Covid
restrictions and the new tiers put paid to this but he
suggested we put a remote version in place instead and we
were able to do this safely.
I was proud and touched that he was thinking of others
and putting thought into practise and I thank Westy and
the STAY team for the Advent calendar which sparked
this energy.
He looked forward to each weekly Advent envelope
and tried each action enthusiastically (especially the
Shepherds and Joseph). We both enjoyed standing
barefoot in the garden and came back into the warmth of
the house refreshed. Charlie mentioned those that don’t
have the option to go back into warmth and it made us
both reflect on that.
His enthusiasm was catching and it made us all think
about and consider things we could do. Those small
actions and acts that add up to make a bigger difference
and don’t seem so big as to appear impossible, like the
shepherds at the manger. It was such a lovely way to
remind us of the true spirit of Christmas and we again
thank Westy and the STAY team for such a thoughtful
Advent'.
Another parent and their children also gave some
useful feedback on the Advent reflections...
'The reflections were a good prompt each week to read
the Bible together over a meal. We found it useful to place
ourselves in the shoes of the different characters in the
story to better be able to empathise and understand how
they felt. Although not all the actions were completed,
directing us through the footsteps of the individuals
was meaningful and a good way of journeying through
Advent.”
Lastly, one young person simply put it like this...
'I think it was nice to know how Mary felt'.
STAY & Sunday Club Shortbread Delivery
My wife has many hair-brained ideas throughout a
normal month, but this one was too good not to do!
'Let’s get the youth and children to make shortbread for
all the older people from church and hand deliver it to
their doors!' OK I thought ... so we got recruiting and
managed to bag some willing volunteers and off we
went. We’ve had so much lovely feedback in phone
calls, emails, texts and face to face at church (while
staying 2m away of course!)
Here’s a few lovely feedback emails (paraphrased)
from those who received shortbread:
'What a lovely surprise to see you the Wednesday
before Christmas bearing gifts of beautifully wrapped
homemade shortbread stars made by Phoebe and her
One of the STAY Advent cards
Grandma. Having not been able to get to church for the
last four weeks due to Covid-19 it was lovely to chat to
you from a distance. It gave us so much pleasure to see
you all in what was to be a very quiet Christmas. The
shortbread was very much enjoyed on Christmas Day,
thank you Phoebe and Grandma. Many thanks again for
your support, which is very much appreciated. Keith and
Daphne'
'We would like to thank you both for the lovely idea of
making and delivering shortbread to us 'oldies' of St
Andrew’s from the Youth Group. We wish you both and
Phoebe a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy
2021. Rosemary and Gordon'
'What a surprise! Thank you and STAY for the lovely
cookies delivered yesterday. With love and best wishes to
you all. Sonia'
As we are set to STAY at Home for the start of 2021
I’d like to say a prayer for all the young people and
their families.
Dear God. I pray that you would be close to each and every
young person and their families at this time. I ask you
Jesus for an abundance of patience, kindness and grace.
Help us all by your Holy Spirit to be quick to say sorry and
quick to forgive. Finally, I want to pray against the feelings
of being angry, overwhelmed and lonely at this time.
Amen.
I am always here to chat or text me on 0794 622 4106
or youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk
Peace and Love! Westy!
12 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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The Parish Magazine - February 2021 13
'Let us not be weary in well doing' (Galatians 6:9 KJV)
By Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, international director, Barnabas Aid
Most Christians who have committed their lives wholeheartedly to the Lord's
service know what it is to become dejected, listless and discouraged. We cease
to feel much for the things that we used to be passionate about. We have
little empathy for the suffering, or righteous anger about injustice. Prayer,
worship and reading the Bible seem to be meaningless mechanical exercises.
In modern times, an extreme version
of this state is sometimes called by the
exciting name of 'burn-out'. Long ago,
however, the Greek word acedia was
used, literally meaning 'not caring'.
Such sluggishness of heart was greatly
feared by the early Christians.
Although the word does not occur
in the Bible, acedia was considered one
of the most dangerous sins into which
a believer could fall.
OVERWHELMED
Even towering spiritual heroes
can be overtaken by acedia, especially
after a time of great stress, exertion
or persecution. Elijah was afflicted so
badly at one point that he begged to die:
I have had enough, Lord. Take my life; I
am no better than my ancestors.
(1Kings 19:4)
Jeremiah, worn down by mockery
and opposition to his prophetic
ministry, reached such a low that
he cursed the day he had been born
(Jeremiah 20:7-18).
John the Baptist was apparently
overwhelmed with doubts while in
prison and needed assurance that his
cousin Jesus was indeed the Messiah
(Matthew 11:3).
BIBLICAL MESSAGE
We have all come through a long
hard year of Coronavirus. Even if not
much affected ourselves, we were
burdened by the knowledge of rising
poverty, shrinking economies and
growing inequality across the globe,
with increasing anti-Christian violence
in many places too. At the same time,
our normal spiritual disciplines and
input were probably disrupted by
lockdown.
Perhaps some of us feel the
inertness of acedia creeping up on us?
As a new year starts, our hearts sink
and we struggle to find the energy to
keep giving of ourselves. If so, the Bible
has a message for us at the beginning
of 2021: Let us not become weary in doing
good. (Galatians 6:9)
These words were written by Paul,
who knew all about stress, danger and
exhaustion. In the first chapter of 2
Corinthians, he shares with us very
frankly about a time when he hit rock
bottom, when he became so extremely
discouraged and his afflictions were
so crushingly great that he despaired
even of life itself. (2 Corinthians 1:8-9)
But he goes on in the same letter to
state, with determination that: we do
not lose heart. (2 Corinthians 4:1,16)
In fact, the Greek word that Paul
uses to the Corinthians, enkakoumen,
usually translated into English along
the lines of 'not losing heart' or 'not
being discouraged', is the same word
that he uses to the Galatians, where it
is most often translated along the lines
of 'not becoming weary'.
BE STILL
What is clear is that we must strive
to conquer inner discouragement,
rather than yield to it. We must not
give up seeking to walk closely with
the Lord, to hear his voice and to do his
will. We must continue to do good, in
Christ's name.
Paul goes on to clarify what he
means about doing good: '
As we have opportunity, let us do good to
all people, especially to those who belong
to the family of believers. (Galatians 6:10)
So, we face a new year with courage,
with faith, with trust in God and with
a resolution that we will continue to
serve him with our whole being.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hast'ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief,
and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul:
when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
(Katharina von Schlegel, translation, Jane
Borthwick)
This article, which first appeared in the
Barnabas Aid journal, is republished here with
permission.
Praying for the
Persecuted Church
barnabasfund.org
Travel the world
in your Lenten
prayers
When Lent begins this month on
Ash Wednesday 17 February, none
of us know if it will be possible to
meet in groups to explore the Bible
and pray together, but there are lots
of alternative ideas for individuals
to have their own Lent activities
at home — and here, as the saying
goes, is something different!
Barnabas Aid has published for Lent
a free booklet called 'Praying for the
Persecuted Church' that highlights
the plight of millions of Christians
around the world who are being
persecuted for their faith.
FREE BOOKLET
Each day throughout Lent there
is a short, one page introduction
to the persecuted church in a
different country — or on some
days it is about a particular topic
such as 'women', 'children', 'refugees'
'converts', 'pastors', or 'martyrs' —
which ends with a brief suggestion
for your prayers.
The Lent prayer booklet shown
above — and others —can be
downloaded free from:
https://barnabasfund.org/resources/
The prayer booklets can be found
towards the bottom of the page.
14 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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The persecuted church
A round-up of news, features, and links by Colin Bailey: please read for
awareness, and support through prayer and any further support —
financial or otherwise. This month we look at the conflict in Nagorno-
Karabakh, the Armenian populated enclave of Azerbaijan, and reflect
on the Armenian genocide of 100 years earlier.
Azerbaijan is a mostly Muslim country, while the majority
of Armenia is Christian.
Between September and November 2020, an armed conflict
took place in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Open Doors
reports that thousands were killed, including Christians:
'many Christians in Azerbaijan from Muslim backgrounds have
been killed in the recent fighting, including church leaders'.
In Armenia, Orthodox and Protestant Christians have
been killed, as have believers from Yezidi backgrounds.
Several churches in the two countries have been bombed and
seriously damaged, including properties where two small
house groups met.
The European Asylum Support Office (EASO) has
provided a chronology of events. The region is within the
borders of Azerbaijan and recognised under international
law as a part of it. It is under de facto control by the Republic
of Artsakh, which is supported by Armenia. This was
established after a referendum and led to a war between 1992
and 1994.
There had been a 'Four Day War' in 2016, resulting in some
territorial gains by Azerbaijan. The clashes in 2020 started
on 27 September and led to the announcement by Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Russia of the signing of a ceasefire agreement
on 10 November, 'according to which Azerbaijan would maintain
its control over the territories it captured in Nagorno- Karabakh
and adjacent areas, and gain the regions of Agdam and Lachin.'
CHRISTIANS TARGETED
In recent articles, Barnabas Fund described how this
conflict has echoes of the genocide of 100 years earlier,
when an estimated 3.75 million Christians died. Not only
Armenians but also Assyrian, Syriac and Greek Christians
were targeted for their faith by the Ottoman authorities.
Even today only 31 countries recognise the genocide.
The United Kingdom is not among them, although the
parliaments of Wales and Scotland have voted to do so.
Turkey continues to deny the genocide.
Barnabas outline how on the eve of the German
invasion of Poland at the beginning of the Second World
War, Hitler said to his generals 'Who, after all, speaks today
of the annihilation of the Armenians?' They describe how 'His
directive was to kill every man, woman and child of the mainly
Roman Catholic Polish population, just as the Nazis were soon to
slaughter millions of Jews, and other ‘undesirables’, in Germany.'
This 'chilling analysis' has proved to be correct, they
say — not because no one knew what had happened to the
Christians, but because countries’ own vested interests took
priority.
Their argument is that Armenia today believes her
existence is at risk, and that Armenians see the prospect
of a new genocide before them. If the world 'stood on the
sidelines' during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict then what
of the fate of Christian minorities in other parts of the world
– even if they were to be facing genocide?
Armenian genocide demonstrators
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 15
Maria Oswalt, unsplash.com
In the preface to the 2015 edition of his book The Crossing
Place, Philip Marsden also talks about how the Turkish state
has denied that there was an organised campaign to kill
Armenians, and this despite growing evidence since the
events of a century earlier.
In his memoir Surviving the Forgotten Armenian Genocide,
Smpat Chorbadjian describes how wives and children of
young Armenians in Turkey were killed in front of them.
Turkey had run out of coal during the First World War. The
young men were working in the forests, cutting down trees to
aid Turkey’s war effort. But after their efforts of labouring in
the forests and building roads for the Turks, they were then
sent 'to join their wives'.
'One of the great forgotten catastrophes of the 20th century',
is how film-maker Terry George described the Armenian
Genocide. His 2016 film The Promise is a fascinating tale, set
in the last days of the Ottoman Empire and the Armenian
genocide, at the start of the First World War. Writer and
director George said of it that he ' jumped at the opportunity' to
make it. He admits that it is 'one of the most contentious subjects
out there. Even now, they’re locking up journalists who speak up on
the matter.'
'The story of the Armenian Genocide has been suppressed by
successive Turkish governments, and we were well aware of that,
but we wanted to go after it anyway', George says. 'We never
wanted to dictate perception, just tell the truth. He adds, 'The
genocide is burned into the soul of the Armenian diaspora. And
until they get some kind of recognition, it’s not going to go away'.
References and further reading
Open Doors Christians among thousands killed in fighting between
Armenia and Azerbaijan; ceasefire agreed.
https://tinyurl.com/y9k85fxb [2 Jan 2021].
European Asylum Support Office (EASO) COI Chronology: The course
of the Nagorno-Karabakh armed conflict and its impact on the civilian
population. https://tinyurl.com/yd87bxk9 [2 Jan 2021].
Barnabas Fund A blanket of shame covers the world’s continued denial
of the Armenian Genocide. https://tinyurl.com/yc5v2lp4 [2 Jan 2021].
Barnabas Fund Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh: a forgotten genocide
– a people in repeated peril. https://tinyurl.com/ya53nxyq [2 Jan 2021]
Terry George quotes on The Promise: IMDb (Internet Movie Database)
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0313623/ [2 Jan 2021].
The Promise (2016) Directed by Terry George. Amazon Prime Video
[Dec 2020].
Philip Marsden (1993) The Crossing Place: a journey among the
Armenians. London: William Collins.
Vasily Grossman (2014) An Armenian Sketchbook. London: MacLehose
Press.
Smpat Chorbadjian (2015) Surviving the Forgotten Armenian Genocide:
a moving personal story. McLean VA (USA): Isaac Publishing.
16 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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feature — 1
Revaluing The Pound
By Prof Alastair Driver
Sandwiched between King George’s Field car park and
Pound Lane is a small area of enclosed woodland about 80
by 10 metres. It is known as 'The Pound', because, as the
hugely informative 'Book of Sonning' by Angela Perkins tells
us, it was, until the early part of the last century, a fencedin
enclosure for straying livestock, that could be retrieved
by their owners through payment of a fine.
In 1938, the recreation ground, which had been purchased by
Sonning Parish Council two years earlier, was designated as a
King George’s Field for recreation, an amenity in perpetuity.
At the same time, natural succession took over in The
Pound with nearby tree and shrub species self-seeding.
A probable exception to this natural re-wilding was the
planting of a couple of Scots Pines which are not native
to this part of the country. Sadly they have gone. The last
remaining specimen succumbing very rapidly to red needle
blight last year which led to its felling for safety reasons.
15 years ago, with the support of the Parish Council and
some willing volunteers, I oversaw some clearance work in
The Pound when we created a pathway through it, planted
native snowdrop, bluebell and wild daffodil bulbs, and a few
native trees and shrubs, to complement what had established
naturally. For several years it looked great but it gradually
became overgrown again so, about 5 years ago, I offered to
repeat the exercise and enhance it. The offer was declined by
the Parish Council until last year when they changed their
minds. Bolstered by the fact that the Friends of Ali’s Pond
now exceed 70 volunteers and that I was struggling to find
enough work for them, I agreed to take on the task. And so it
was that 20 volunteers put in a total of 60 man-hours in two
work party sessions in late November 2020 and transformed
The Pound to its former glory — and hopefully beyond.
TASK THANKS
— Removal of brambles and ivy from the main pathway area and
less densely covered areas of the sloping bank
— Removal of ivy from selected trees
— Raking leaves and woody debris to clear areas for wildflower
seeding
— Transfer of 12 ballast bags of debris to Reading waste tip
— Creation of 3 habitat piles for great crested newts and other
wildlife using remaining wood and leaf
— Litter picking (app 3 bin bags full)
— Creation of steps in the slope down from the car park
— Restoration of clear pathway through the site
— Planting of 1,025 native wildflower plants, bulbs and corms:
300 snowdrops, 250 wild daffodils, 250 bluebells, 100 aconites,
50 wild garlic, 50 wood anemone, and 25 primrose.
— Sowing of a native woodland wildflower mix in the barer areas
I would like to sincerely thank all the volunteers who
worked hard to get the job done swiftly and who told me that
they found it very enjoyable and a great way to exercise while
'giving something back to the community' in difficult times.
I also thank parish councillor Trefor Fisher for his positive
support and the Parish Council for funding the purchase of
the wildflower bulbs and seeds. Roll on the spring, by which
time The Pound should be realising its true value once again!
1 2
6
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 17
5
1: Bluebells and snow in 2008; 2: Summer in 2004; 3: The
Pound after being cleared in 2005; 4: Greg Elphick crafting the
new steps; 5: Jim (bramble basher) Reeve; 6&7: Volunteers
clearing The Pound and below 8: the result of their hard work!
Pictures: Ali Driver
8
3
7
4
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feature — 2
A young man came out of his chalet
in the dark and walked straight
over a 20 foot high cliff, landing on
his knees. Shaken, but otherwise
unhurt he staggered into the
kitchen and sat down for a rest.
This is the time of year when
holidays are planned and after
the Covid restrictions they will be
looked forward to.
The first summer holiday I had
was just after the Second World War
ended. I was 12 years old.
The holiday was in Exmouth
where my cousin and I found a land
mine in the sand on a remote part
of the beach. Not thinking that it
might not be a dud we picked it up
and played with it.
There have been many holidays
since then but none better than
those spent at Rydal Hall, Ambleside
in the Cumbrian Lake District.
My youngest son Chris was a
parish worker, living with a priest
in a very rough part of Sunderland.
The vicarage had a 10 foot high chain
link fence with barbed wire all round
it at the top and there were steel
shutters over the windows at night.
THE BISHOP CALLS
Barbara, my wife and I, stayed
there overnight on one occasion
and it was feared that there might
not be any wheels on my car in the
morning!
While there, my son trained
as a chef at a local college and
then worked at St John's college
in Durham. When working in the
kitchen there he was told 'There's
some bishop on the phone asking for
you'.
It was the Bishop of Carlisle
asking him if he would be interested
in a job at Rydal Hall.
A former stately home built in
1789, Rydal Hall is set in over 30
acres of grounds and is a UNESCO
World Heritage site.
It is at the foot of Nab Scar, which
is the peak at the western end of the
ring of fells known as the Fairfield
Horseshoe.
It is also at the southern end of a
rocky footpath known as the Coffin
Trail because the remains of William
Wordsworth were carried along it to
his funeral at Grasmere in 1850.
The hall was bought by the
Diocese of Carlisle in 1970 for use as
a retreat house and holiday venue. It
accommodated about 50 guests when
Chris went there in 1992.
There were about four or
five permanent staff and a few
Hungarians who came for the
English experience. Each of them
worked there for a year or so, making
a community of about 10.
The warden was Rev Peter Walker,
a very nice man liked by everyone.
Guests made their own beds and
were expected to make their own
bed with clean sheets before leaving.
On the ground floor in the middle
of the grand façade is a small chapel
and to one side is the dining room
and the other a large lounge.
OVER THE CLIFF
So it was in 1992 that Barbara
and I started to stay there as paying
guests of the community, twice,
sometimes three times a year,
and on one occasion to the lavish
Christmas party. Barbara says that
we never went on retreat. Only to
the bar!
It was when Chris was going
to prepare the evening meal on
Christmas Eve that he went over the
cliff.
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 19
Happy summer holiday memories of Rydal
By Claude Masters
Claude and Barbara Masters in the Lake District
Claude Masters
In 1997 we organised a group of
about 12, mostly elderly ladies, from
St Luke's with St Bartholomew's
Reading to go there for a holiday.
Weekends were booked by local
parishes so we went mid-week
travelling on Sunday and returning
Friday.
Barbara arranged insurance for
the group and the insurers needed
to know the name, age and state of
health of each individual and they
would not cover one of the two very
old ladies. We knew she was really
looking forward to the holiday and
we wanted her to go. So we said
nothing to her, prayed, and took
her along anyway. She died three
months later.
These two ladies were too frail
to travel by rail or clamber on a
mini bus, so on the morning of
departure I picked them up from
their homes in my car and drove
them to Cumbria — and then took
them around in my car for the whole
holiday.
Chris took time off to drive a
hired mini bus and met Barbara
with the others when they arrived at
Windermere railway station.
We had been to Rydal Hall
a month earlier and toured the
Lake District to decide where to
go, find where the car parks were
turn to page 21
20 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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feature — 3
Rydal Hall dates from 1409 when
Sir Thomas le Fleming and his family
built the first Rydal Hall at St John's
Knott. In 1600 William Fleming built
a new hall on the present site. The
original house is adjacent to the tea
shop and now is known as the 'Old
Kitchen and Bar'.
Rydal Hall was passed down
through the Fleming family and in
1757 the fourth baronet Sir Michael
built the Georgian south wing which
is the modern front of Rydal Hall in
1789.
After the death of the last Squire
le Fleming, the Hall was let from the
1940's and during the Second World
War, it was used as a school. Later
it became a hotel and then in 1963,
it was let to the Diocese of Carlisle
as a retreat house for 'hospitality,
tranquillity and spirituality for all'.
In 1970 the Diocese of Carlisle
purchased Rydal Hall and 30 acres of
the surrounding land.
Today, Rydal Hall is still owned by
the Diocese of Carlisle and continues
to provide Christian hospitality
regardless of faith. It now has enfrom
page 19
Rydal Hall
and to make sure there were toilets
available.
During the four days we visited
Beatrix Potter's home 'Hill Top' set in
its beautiful gardens, and the nearby
small lake Tarn Howes. We also had
a boat trip on Lake Windermere and
Ullswater, rode on 'Ratty' the narrow
gauge railway from Ravenglass to
Eskdale and saw most of the lakes
as well as going over the treacherous
Hardknot pass with its precipitous
sharp bends.
The hall kitchen provided each of
us with a picnic lunch every day and
we were fortunate indeed to have
fine warm weather all the time — the
locals say that the Lake District has
its own micro climate rather than
that it rains a lot!
A party of 11 year old children and
their teachers from Northern Ireland
were staying at Rydal at the same
time. The youngsters were very polite
and helped we oldies whenever they
could.
What was particularly nice was
that they sang grace before each
meal.
The only man in our group, other
than me, was Dougie Ewers who was
jovial and joking, and amused the
children — once taking a chip off of
one of the teachers plates when she
wasn't looking.
On the last evening we all
got together in the lounge and
Rydal Hall, a Christian holiday and retreat centre
entertained each other. Some of the
children did turns and Dougie's wife
Eileen, who played the piano by ear,
led a sing song and supported me
when doing my party piece. It was an
enjoyable evening for everyone.
The next morning we made our
beds and went home with happy
memories.
RYDAL HISTORY
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 21
suite rooms and is run on a more
commercial basis.
The grounds are set at the foot of
the valley formed by the horseshoe
and around a stream with a 3m metre
high waterfall. There are a couple of
self catering cottages, a camp site
with eco pods, an adventure play
ground and, next to the falls, there is
a popular snack bar. Outside the site
and further up into the valley there
is a reservoir which supplies water
for the complex and an even more
impressive waterfall.
For more about Rydal Hall see:
https://rydalhall.org/
Dreamstime.com
The waterfall at Rydal Claude Masters Rydal Water Claude Masters
22 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
feature — 4
While candles, electricity and LEDs light the c
Peter Rennie
The Christian festival of Candlemas, celebrated
annually on 2 February, marks the ‘Presentation
of Christ in the Temple’ (Luke 2:22-40), which is
the official name for this feast day. It is an occasion
that is considered almost as sacred as Easter and
Christmas for millions of Christians around the
world, writes Bob Peters.
Ten years ago, when in Madeira, I witnessed an
amazing celebration when hundreds of local people,
carried lighted candles through the streets as they
processed into a cathedral. There were so many people
that most of them had to stand outside, as I did, and
listen to the service on loudspeakers.
The name, ‘Candlemas’ evolved from a tradition
that when churches celebrated the time that Mary
and Joseph took the child Jesus to the temple in
Jerusalem in order to present him to God according
to the Jewish law, many churches would also bless the
candles that they had bought for the coming year.
According to the Gospel of Luke, when the family
was in the temple they met an elderly man named
Simeon who took Jesus in his arms and declared that
this child was 'the light of the world'. He said:
'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now
dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen
your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all
nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory
of your people Israel.'
Candles, of course, were the usual source of light
in dark church buildings before the electric light
became available in the early 1900’s. In our parish
church of St Andrew's a single electric light bulb was
installed in October 1934 to supplement the candles
that had always been used. It was first light bulb in
Sonning and caused a huge amount of interest. The
2014: Midnight Mass in St Andrew's begins in candlelight
vicar, writing in this magazine, said: ‘At Evensong,
when the congregation was even larger than usual,
the church looked extraordinarily beautiful … and
the combination of the electric light and the candles
throughout the church being markedly effective.’
ESSENTIAL COMMODITY
Candles were not only one of the main sources
of light at the time in churches but also in people’s
homes and workplaces. Most villages, and certainly
most towns and cities, had a candlestick maker. The
Sonning candlestick maker lived in the High Street.
Candles, or the light they provided, were an
essential commodity, hence the nursery rhyme,
‘Rub a dub dub, three men in a tub, the butcher,
the baker and the candlestick maker’.
It is estimated that today in the UK we spend £1.9
billion on candles every year but apart from the rare
power cut, very few are used for lighting, although
Holy Trinity Church York
Leklek73, Dreamstime.com
Holy Trinity Church in York
electricity, still relies on c
Despite a modern day L
welcomes visitors to St And
still used for all services. Be
over 650 candles every year
candlesticks and chandelie
especially at weddings. Our
use, and featured on the fro
CURIOUS M
The chandelier was dona
a member of a local family w
several churches in Reading
At sometime in its histo
removed from the centre of
Sonning Boys' School room
'I must not forget the old b
which hung in the centre of th
Boys’ Schoolroom. On it is the
'The gift of George Blagrave, o
Some will no doubt remember
lighting up of this chandelier f
could remember, on Ash Wedn
began to have a week-day eve
The chandelier is not th
that the Blagrave family lef
monument in the St Andre
that was found in the unde
Victorian refurbishment.
It was the Blagrave fami
people that are thought to b
three daughters of a Blagra
James 1 who reigned 1603 –
60 years before the chande
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 23
hurch only 'God gives light to our eyes' (Ezra 9:8)
Christingle at home
It seems almost certain that there will not be a
Christingle service in St Andrew's this year, but
it should not stop you making one at home. You
will need: A candle, an orange, four cocktail sticks,
some fruit or sweets, red ribbon, and a small piece
of aluminium foil to catch the drips from the
candle. Make a hole in the orange and the foil to
hold the candle. Push the cocktail sticks
into the orange as shown in the diagram.
LEAVE ONE OF THE COCKTAIL
STICKS EMPTY TO REMIND US OF
THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WHO
ARE HUNGRY
which does not have
andles.
ED lighting system that
rew's today, candles are
fore Covid, we bought
to replenish the 100+
rs that are used regularly,
oldest chandelier still in
nt cover, dates from 1675.
ONUMENT
ted by George Blagrave,
ho were benefactors of
and the surrounding area.
ry the chandelier was
the nave and hung in a
:
rass chandelier, of 16 lights,
e Nave, and is now in the
following inscription:
f Bulmarsh, Gent, 1675'.
the interest excited by the
or the first time that anyone
esday, 1846, when we
ning service in Lent.
ought to be the only thing
t us. There is a curious
w's Church side chapel
rground crypt during the
ly tomb and depicts six
e the three sons and
ve from the time of King
1625, which is only 50 to
lier was donated.
Picture above: Keith Nichols
CANDLEMAS
FOIL
Like some other churches, Candlemas has also
become the time when St Andrew's celebrates
Christingle. Many churches celebrate during the
weeks immediately at Christmas but at St Andrew's
we are usually extremely busy with carol services
for the three schools in the parish, and other very
popular celebrations, such as Nine Lessons and
Carols, the Crib Service and Midnight Mass, that
holding Christingle at Candlemas on the first Sunday
of February has become a very popular family
occasion amidst the dark days of February. And, of
course, it fits perfectly with the Candlemas feast day.
Sadly, like most of the Christmas services, it is
highly unlikely that Christingle will take place in
its usual way at St Andrew's this year because of the
Covid restrictions. However, there is no reason why
it can't be celebrated at home, hence the instructions
on the right show you how easy it to make a
Christingle.
The Blagrave monument in St Andrew's
Peter Rennie
PUT THE FRUIT OR SWEETS ON
THE STICKS TO SYMBOLISE THE
'FRUITS OF THE WORLD'
TIE THE RED RIBBON AROUND
THE ORANGE TO SYMBOLISE THE
BLOOD OF CHRIST SHED FOR
EVERYONE IN THE WORLD
TIP: BEFORE MAKING YOUR
CHRISTINGLE CUT OFF A PIECE OF
THE ORANGE SO THAT IT STANDS
UP SAFELY
Finally, keep the Christingle in a safe place that
can be seen and light the candle at Candlemas —
Tuesday 2 February — and say this prayer:
Father God, the orange represents the world. We
pray for our world, that men and women, boys and
girls can live together peacefully and that there will
be no more wars. We pray for children who are sad
and lonely, especially refugees in our country.
The red ribbon reminds us that Jesus died at
Easter time. We pray that people may be able to
choose their religion and practice it freely. Comfort
those who are sad because a relative or neighbour
has died, and please look after children whose
parents have died.
The cocktail sticks remind us of the spring,
summer, autumn and winter. Thank you for your
world.
The sweets or fruit remind us that the things we
have come from God, who made the world. Thank
you for the sun and the rain which make crops
grow, we pray for children who are hungry because
bad weather has spoiled the food their family were
growing.
The candle reminds us that Jesus Christ is the
light of the world. We pray for those who have died
and we have lit the candle to symbolise the light of
Christ which shines to bring hope to our world.
Amen.
24 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
feature — 5
St Valentine's Day — myths, love,
On these two pages we take a look at some of the myths, legends, poetry and what the Bible tells us about love.
There are some confusing things about 14 February being a day of romance, with anonymous love and
cards strewn with lace, cupids and ribbon. There seem to have been two different Valentines in the 4th
century — one a priest martyred on the Flaminian Way, under the emperor Claudius, the other a bishop
of Terni martyred at Rome. Neither seem to have any clear connection with lovers or courting couples.
So why has Valentine become the patron saint of romantic love? By Chaucer’s time in the late 1300's the link
was assumed to be because on the 14 February the birds are supposed to pair. Or perhaps the custom of
seeking a partner on St Valentine’s Day is a surviving scrap of the old Roman Lupercalia festival, which took
place in the middle of February.
One of the Roman gods honoured during the festival was Pan, the god of nature. Another was Juno, the
goddess of women and marriage. During the Lupercalia it was a popular custom for young men to draw the
name of a young unmarried woman from a box. The two would then be partners or ‘sweethearts’ during the
time of the celebrations. Even modern Valentine decorations bear an ancient symbol of love — Roman cupids
with their bows and love-arrows.
For better or for worse, to love and to cherish
By Rev Peter Crumpler, a former communications director for the Church of England
You do not see many Zimmer frames, wheelchairs or
hearing aids on Valentine’s Day cards.
Young love is wonderful and beautiful, full of
optimism, and plans and hopes for the future. But
love in later life is also precious. It is a love that has
been forged through years of shared experiences
and joy, maybe raising children together, perhaps
enjoying grandchildren.
It is a love that has stood the test of time,
and deeper, much deeper, than any shop-bought
Valentine’s Day card can describe.
That long-term love can also be shown by the
devoted wife or husband who visits their spouse in a
care home each day, gently talking with them when
they are, perhaps, deep into dementia. Or sitting for
long hours by a hospital bed. Or dutifully caring for
them at home. Love is a marathon, not a sprint. It
starts with white lace and promises and grows over
the years.
Mature love is about the commitment that spans
decades and is seldom shown on the cards on sale in
the High Street this Valentine’s Day.
LOVE AND MARRIAGE
As a priest, when I marry a couple and take them
through their wedding vows, I hear them make their
lifelong commitment 'for better, for worse, for richer,
for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to
cherish, till death us do part.'
It is so wonderful to see the bride and groom
smiling, and enjoying this precious moment, making
vows that will, hopefully, span the rest of their lives.
I love taking weddings — it’s an immense privilege to
be part of a couple’s special day.
And I find myself pondering what the future will
hold for them. I wonder, as I pray a blessing on their
marriage, what shape that lifelong commitment
will take. How much wealth or poverty will come
their way? Will it be sickness or health that will
accompany them through the years? How will they
support each other as the years go by?
‘Love is patient. Love is kind.’ These are familiar
words from the popular wedding reading in Paul’s
letter to the Corinthians. Patience and kindness are
qualities that can develop over years of marriage.
Just how much patience will be needed in the years
ahead cannot usually be known on the wedding day.
So, this year, as I look at the rows of red or pink
Valentine’s Day cards on sale in the shops, I shall
look out for cards that have a deeper message.
I shall seek out cards that celebrate long-term
love. Cards that say something about the joys and
challenges of growing older together.
Cards that go beyond hearts and roses to the
deeper love that transcends love’s first blossoming. I
just hope I can find some!
Dying for love legend
The Roman Emperor Claudius II needed soldiers.
He suspected that marriage made men want to stay
at home with their wives, instead of fighting wars,
so he outlawed marriage.
A kind-hearted young priest named Valentine felt
sorry for all the couples who wanted to marry, s0
secretly he married as many as he could until the
Emperor found out and condemned him to death.
While he was in prison awaiting execution,
Valentine showed love and compassion to everyone
around him, including his jailer. The jailer had
a young daughter who was blind, but through
Valentine’s prayers, she was healed. Just before
his death in Rome on 14 February, he wrote her a
farewell message signed ‘From your Valentine.’
So, the first Valentine card was not between
lovers, but between a priest about to die, and a little
girl, healed through his prayers!
Saint Valentine depicted in an 18t
Metzinger
Public
Love takes many forms. Here a g
his granddaughter share a mom
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 25
cards, legends, lyrics and the Bible
h Century painting by Valentin
domain, Wikimedia Commons
randfather out walking with
ent of love.
Jana Sabeth, unsplash.com
Porcupines huddling together
The prickly side of love
By Canon Paul Hardingham
Devoxer, dreamstime.com
As we mark Valentine's Day on 14 February, it’s good to ask the question: what does real love look like?
The Apostle Paul says: ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not
dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.’
(1 Corinthians 13: 4-8).
Love is unconditional
At its heart, love is not just feelings but action! Paul
talks here about unconditional love — the Greek
word Paul used was agape, meaning 'brotherly love' —
which is demonstrated in God’s love for us:
‘We love, because he first loved us.’ (1 John 4:19).
Love is forgiving
According to the film Love Story, ‘Love means never
having to say you’re sorry.’ This is rarely true of
course! According to Paul, love is being ready to
forgive others and ‘keeping no record of wrongs’
(1 Corinthians 13: 5). We can only forgive others
because we know God's forgiveness in our own lives.
Love is sacrificial
Paul says that agape is not selfish or self-seeking,
but selfless and self-sacrificial, putting the needs of
others first. This is modelled by Jesus giving his life
for us on the cross. Take the words from
1 Corinthians and instead of the word love, substitute
your own name. Now substitute the word Jesus. This
is the Jesus who is available to you to make your love
for others grow and flourish.
Love is prickly
Someone once compared love to being like a group
of porcupines huddling together on a cold night. The
closer they get, the more they jab and hurt each other.
‘To love at all is to be vulnerable.’ (C S Lewis).
Poetry of love
St Valentine’s Day, many believe, was named
after one or more Christian martyrs and was
established by Pope Gelasius 1 in 496 AD.
Valentine of Rome was martyred about 269, and
this day usually ‘belongs’ to him.
The first recorded association of Valentine's Day
with romantic love (1382) is from Geoffrey Chaucer.
He wrote, ‘For this was Saint Valentine’s Day, when
every bird cometh there to choose his mate.’ This
poem was in honour of the first anniversary of
the engagement of King Richard II of England to
Anne of Bohemia. Valentine's Day is referred to by
Ophelia in Hamlet (1600-1601):
To-morrow is St Valentine’s day
All in the morning betime
And I a maid at your window
To be your Valentine.
A more modern mention of Valentine’s Day can be
found in a collection of English nursery rhymes
(1784):
The rose is red, the violet’s blue
The honey’s sweet, and so are you.
Thou are my love and I am thine
I drew thee to my Valentine.
26 The Parish Magazine - February 2021 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
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feature — 6
Counting the 2020 climate costs
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 27
A huge cyclone thought to be the result of climate change brings increased rainfall
A new report by Christian Aid,
'Counting the cost 2020: a year of
climate breakdown', has identified
15 of the most destructive climate
disasters of last year.
Ten of the 2020 events cost $1.5 billion
or more, with nine of them causing
damage worth at least $5 billion.
Most of these estimates are based
on insured losses, meaning the true
financial costs are likely to be higher.
Among them is Storm Ciara
which struck the UK, Ireland and
other European countries in February
costing, $2.7 billion and killing 14. The
UK’s Environment Agency issued 251
flood warnings.
WORST FLOODS EVER
While the report focuses on
financial costs, which are usually
higher in richer countries because they
have more valuable property, some
extreme weather events in 2020 were
devastating in poorer countries, even
though the price tag was lower. South
Sudan, for example, experienced one
of its worst floods ever. It killed 138
people and destroyed the year’s crops.
Some of the disasters hit fast, like
Cyclone Amphan, which struck the
Bay of Bengal in May and caused losses
valued at $13 billion in just a few days.
Other events unfolded over months,
like floods in China and India, which
had an estimated cost of $32 billion
and $10 billion respectively.
Forest fires
Toxic water
Elantsey, dreamstime.com
Motortion, dreamstime.com
Floods Andril Biletskyi, dreamstime.com
Six of the ten most costly events
took place in Asia, five of them
associated with an unusually rainy
monsoon. And in Africa, huge locust
swarms ravaged crops and vegetation
across several countries, causing
damages estimated at $8.5 billion.
The outbreak has been linked to wet
Karayuschij, dreamstime.com
conditions brought about by unusual
rains fuelled by climate change.
But the impact of extreme weather
was felt all over the world. In Europe,
two extra-tropical cyclones, Ciara and
Alex, had a combined cost of almost $6
billion. The US suffered from a recordbreaking
hurricane season and a
record-breaking fire season adding up
to more than $60 billion in damages.
URGENT ACTION
Less populated places also suffered
the consequences of a warming world.
In Siberia, a heat wave during the first
half of the year set a record in the city
of Verkhoyansk, with temperatures
reaching 38°C. A few months later, on
the other side of the world, heat and
drought drove the fires in Bolivia,
Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.
While there were no human casualties
reported from these events, the
destruction of these areas has a great
impact on biodiversity and the planet’s
capacity to respond to a warmer world.
Christian Aid says that: 'These
extreme events highlight the need
for urgent climate action. The Paris
Agreement, which set the goal of keeping
temperature rise ‘well below’ 2°C, and
ideally 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial
levels, has just turned five years old. It
is critical that countries commit to bold
new targets ahead of the next climate
conference, which will take place in
Glasgow, in November 2021.'
Read the full report at: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-12/Counting%20the%20cost%202020.pdf
28 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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around the villages — 1
LINKS
http://www.gf.me/u/zdzs8g
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=o4O4o-Lgc3g
He said: 'While Covid-19 has had a
huge impact on almost every part
of our daily lives, there are some
workplace and entertainment sectors
that have suffered the most —
particularly the performing arts.
'Never before has the performing
community been forced to leave
the stage, cancel events for months
and not be able to offer their work
to the eyes and ears of their bereft
audiences.
'In order to make music and the
arts more widely available in the
local community, some people have
been developing the knowledge and
technology to livestream and prerecord
events to broadcast via the
internet. However, a lot more needs
to be done.'
LEADING ROLE
During the Christmas period,
Nathan took a leading role in live
streaming and pre-recording services
for St Andrew's Church, including
directing and managing the
technical aspects of the Nine Lessons
and Carols service that was livestreamed
around the world. To-date,
more than 500 viewings have been
achieved making it a great success.
(You can view the service using the
youtube link on the left)
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 29
Young musician of the year plans for
more music in the local community
Nathan May (left), St Andrew's organ scholar, and winner of Reading
Symphony Orchestra's 2020 young musician of year competition, is hoping
to share his love of music and the performing arts more widely in the local
community.
To undertake the task, Nathan
was able to borrow equipment from
Reading Blue Coat School, which
fortunately was unusually available.
To further his ambition to share
music and the arts more widely
in the community, Nathan needs
to have access to the type of high
technology equipment he was able
to borrow from the local school. The
equipment is not usually available
because it is in great demand during
school time.
GRATEFUL
Undaunted by the situation,
Nathan started an online fundraiser
project to raise the money he needs
to buy the equipment needed for his
community service plans.
Nathan said: 'If you are able, I
would be so grateful for any donation
of any size.
'You really would be helping me,
not only in the first steps of beginning
a career in the production industry,
but also you will be doing your
part to bring music back into the
community.
'Please also share the link (on the
left) for the fundraiser with your
social media friends and family. The
more people who hear about it, the
better!'
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.
30 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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around the villages — 2
Santa and his elves
feed the community
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 31
Jenny 'the hall' retires after 42 years
Santa at Hare Hatch Sheeplands
The Covid-safe Santa area at Hare
Hatch Sheeplands Garden Centre
was a resounding success in the run
up to Christmas with all visits to
Santa being fully booked. Sadly,
however, the lockdown meant some
families were disappointed.
The Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs of
Reading Maiden Erlegh were hugely
indebted to the generosity of Hare
Hatch Sheeplands who continue to
support them and donate food and
funds towards their community work.
Since March 2020, the clubs have
supported Woodley Food Bank,
CIRDIC, the Salvation Army and
Wycliffe Baptist Church FoodShare
scheme. Right up to Christmas Eve
they were delivering funds and
foodstuffs to support the many
families who have been struggling
since the first lockdown.
The income from Christmas 2020
will allow them to continue tackling
food poverty in our community.
The clubs also made donations
to JAC (Just Around the Corner),
Samaritans, Dingley’s Promise,
Daisy’s Dream, Yeldall Manor, Arc
Counselling, Launchpad and KidsOut.
LIKE TO HELP?
Rotary and Inner Wheel are ‘service
clubs’, meeting on Zoom at present, for
friendship, fun and forward planning.
Their focus is on improving the lives of
others mainly through organisations
carrying out great work in our locality.
The clubs thanked all the readers of
this magazine who have supported
them. If you would like to become
involved with their community work,
contact them on Facebook or:
http://www.innerwheelrme.org
http://www.readingmaidenerlegh.org
Ricture: Penny Adams
There cannot be many people who use the Pearson Hall who don’t know Jenny
Adams. Jenny has been the caretaker since 1978, when she moved into the
Pearson Hall Cottage with husband Arthur. At the time life was a lot simpler.
Jenny gave birth to Penny and Richard in the early 1980's and the family spent
many happy years together in the cottage until it became a little small for the
couple and their growing children. Happily, they were able to move, along with
their four cats and two dogs, to Little Glebe in 1993. However, the hall has always
played an important part in Jenny’s life and this has continued up until now.
Jenny recalls her worst moment during her period as caretaker when she
returned home after shopping to find the fire brigade tackling a fire in the kitchen
just after Arthur had finished its redecoration.
Jenny has devoted a large part of her life to the hall and has taken part in, and
enjoyed, many of the activities. During this time, she has also made many friends
and Jenny will continue to enjoy using the hall after her retirement without the
responsibility she has managed so ably over the last 42 years.
There have been many changes over the years and Jenny’s retirement will not
be the last as the hall moves to a computerised system. It will however be quite
different without Jenny’s involvement and she will be missed.
Lesley Bates, chairman of Pearson Hall Trustees, said: 'On behalf of the current
and past trustees of the hall and all users we wish Jenny a very happy retirement,
which is well deserved after 42 years of sterling service.'
In pursuit of pleasure
On 12 March at 7.30pm in Pearson Hall, Sonning and Sonning Eye Society are
hoping to host a talk by Simon Wenham, author of several books about pleasure
boating on the Thames. His lecture, subject to Covid restrictions, will be entitled
'The Pursuit of Pleasure: Victorian and Edwardian Leisure'. Our picture, dated
1888 is one of the earliest 'boating' images from the Hoyle collection. Tickets may
be strictly limited so book in advance with Penny Feathers on 0118 934 3193 or
penny.feathers@btinternet.com
32 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
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HOME AND GARDEN
Leave them alone
The National Trust is urging the public
to stay away from certain areas during
breeding season this spring. It hopes to
mimic the effects of lockdown last year,
which helped more vulnerable species.
The call follows the discovery last year that
lockdown did our peregrine falcons, (Pictured
left by Michael De Nysschen, dreamstime.com) grey
partridges and other species a favour. The
tern colony at Blakeney Point in Norfolk
had a bumper season, with more than 200 tern chicks
fledged, the most in 25 years. The Peak District had more
curlew, and the Llyn ˆ Peninsula saw more stoats, weasels
and rabbits emerging from the woodlands of Plas yn
Rhiw. Meanwhile, the ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset
became home to peregrine falcons, and a cuckoo arrived
in Osterley, west London. Even Dartford warblers were on
the move, some to as far as Shropshire.
Some Charvil residents might be thinking that this
might explain the appearance of a lone peregrine falcon
that seems to have adopted our neighbourhood.
And while talking about our neighbourhood, some of
our local birds are short of nesting holes, because gardens,
parks and woodland are much neater than they used to be,
and modern homes offer few crannies for nest building. To
help with this, National Nestbox Week, which is celebrated
from 14 February each year, aims to encourage us to
put up more nestboxes and to consider planting shrubs
or trees with fruit that birds eat. These can make a big
difference to birds struggling to survive, especially blue
tits, great tits, house sparrows, robins and starlings.
The British Trust for Ornithologiy offers a variety of
ideas for building and placing nestboxes at:
https://www.nestboxweek.com
Recipe of the month
From Emma's Kitchen
Spanish Turron de Chocolate
'A nice simple recipe to use up the
leftover chocolate!' says Emma!
Ingredients
— 250g of dark chocolate (70%)
— 125 of hazelnut chocolate spread
— 50g of Rice Krispies
Method
Melt chocolate either in the microwave
or in a bowl over hot water until shiny and smooth.
Add the chocolate spread and mix until fully combined.
Add the rice krispies and fold gently until all combined.
Pour into a lined rectangular tin.
Cover with baking parchment and leave to set on the
side (shouldn't need to go in the fridge but if you have a
particularly warm house then you may need to)
When set, turn out onto a chopping board and slice into
any shape you like!
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 33
the sciences
Hope for now and the
future creation
By Dr Ruth M Bancewicz, Church engagement director at The Faraday
Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge
Gabriella Clare Marino, unsplash.com
I find watching buds swelling on trees and plants during
the winter months gives me a tremendous sense of hope,
and we all need some need extra hope for 2021.
When you read this a number of us may have been
fortunate to receive a Covid vaccine, but we will all still be
under various restrictions. After creation’s winter shutdown,
the sight of tiny flowers poking out of brown earth
may be more important than ever.
Getting outdoors during daylight hours, enjoying
green spaces and getting some fresh air and exercise are
great ways to keep ourselves healthy at any time of year.
A psychologist colleague wrote, 'Attending to the details
of nature can also inspire awe, which has been linked to
positive mood and increased life satisfaction.' I expect it
is this sense of awe that makes it easier for many of us to
connect with God outdoors.
ULTIMATE HOPE
Helping ourselves and others to thrive is a good start
to 2021, but it is also vital to have hope for the future.
The Covid-19 pandemic was caused by an animal virus
jumping into the human population. Diseases like this are
not ‘natural disasters’, but are almost certainly caused by
environmental destruction and poor farming practices -
either from greed or the desperation born of poverty. Part
of the answer to the current crisis is for us to care for all
of creation, human and everything else, with God’s help.
Our ultimate hope is in God’s promise that he will
bring about a new heaven and new earth. We can look
forward to the day when creation will be fully redeemed
and liberated from evil. The Greek word to describe the
new creation is the same as that used to describe someone
who becomes a Christian, whose humanity is restored and
renewed. There will be continuity between the old and
new earth as it is cleansed and purified, surpassing and
perfecting what has gone before. There will also be some
discontinuity, as there will be no more suffering or death.
One source of hope for 2021 is that we can enjoy caring
for, and meeting, God in creation. The parts of creation we
find most beautiful, give us a sense of awe, and help us to
worship, are also a reminder that there is something much
better to come.
34 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
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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
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summer houses, etc
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we will work hard to provide you with a memorable and
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eight bells, beautiful flowers, over 100 lit candles set in
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the church of st andrew SERVING CHARVIL,
SONNING & sonning eye since the 7 th century
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As well as offering excellent nursing care in a warm, friendly
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Residential,
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HEALTH — 1
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 35
Dr Simon Ruffle writes . . . Communicating Covid-19
So much scientific information is in the media at this time.
As someone who grew up with a scientifically minded
elder brother and a father who was a master welder and
engineer, this is exciting. It seemed inevitable that I’d end
up in a science based discipline.
The ability to communicate, highly complex systems, in
a way that anyone can understand, and enjoy, is difficult.
This difficulty has been helped and hindered by social media,
and by the reduction in teacher numbers in science and
the growth of professional politicians. Mrs Thatcher was
a chemist graduate, Mr Baldwin a metallurgist and Mrs
May a geographer. Whatever you think of these politicians
I would rather see them in cabinet jobs where the ability to
understand and communicate ideas is vital. I’m not saying I
could communicate better. For a cabinet of talents see Canada
2015!1 You need to understand the fundamentals to educate,
let alone accept evidence and form policy.
TEACHER
Doctor comes from the Latin ‘to teach’ — docere. Good
medical practice is the guiding document from the General
Medical Council and part of it states: 'we as a profession have
a duty to maintain a good standard of practice and care.' This
statement is later clarified: 'You should be willing to contribute
to the education of students or colleagues.'
Therefore, as a doctor, one of my duties is to teach and
this comes in many forms:
— Encouraging young people to explore the options to
join the profession.
— Teaching medical students.
— Teaching and supervising junior doctors.
— Clearly communicating with colleagues about patients
and their care.
— And the most important, the day-to-day, teaching of
patients about their condition, what to do about it and
what to watch out for. Let’s take an example:
‘It is really important that if you get a pyrexia, rigours and
diaphoresis that you contact me.' This means little or nothing
to lots of people. They are symptoms that sepsis might be
developing from a pyelonephritis.
Jargon: The previous sentences are gobble-de-gook. What
they mean is if you feel hot, shake uncontrollably and sweat,
a lot, your kidney infection may be spreading to your blood.
STEM
STEM2 is an organisation that support teaching and teachers
in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This
work is massively important especially in deprived areas and
those with teacher shortages. It is something I’d like to be
involved in someday.
BLUEPRINTS
In manufacturing a design is produced. The final product is
made from many smaller parts being created. The blueprint
is transcribed into smaller instructions. These instructions
then multiply the parts required and then those transcribed
blueprints are no longer required.
The parts made then go on to make the whole or is the
final product.
DNA
What I have just described is the production of proteins
that allow cells and, thus, the body to function. DNA is the
blueprint, this is unpackaged and segments of it produce
mRNA — Messenger RNA. This instructs (messages) the
cells to make proteins. (Here comes the small print — the
previous sections have been deliberately shortened, Ts+Cs apply.)
COVID VACCINE
Vaccine syringe, my surgery and a virus
The Pfizer vaccine is mRNA surrounded by a lipid (fat)
coating. Many of these particles are injected into muscle
cells in the arm. These delicate sections are taken up by
our cells. Our cellular mechanisms are already producing
proteins from our native DNA — via RNA — and they will
do the same with the mRNA in the vaccine. Because there
is only a small part of the blueprint, not the whole plan, the
cells cannot create the virus, they create a small piece of
the virus surface, known as the spike protein. The mRNA
then disintegrates. Any mRNA not taken up into the cells
degrades naturally, so never leaves the site of injection.
LOCK AND KEY
Simon.Ruffle
The spike protein, on the surface of the natural virus, is a
key. It unlocks a door in human cells so the whole virus RNA
can enter the cell. As the cell will recreate proteins, from the
instructions delivered, it produces new viruses that then go
on to infect other cells.
Our body recognises these proteins and new viruses as
foreign and produces antibodies. These will attach to the key
and stop them entering the lock. The door remains closed
and the virus is then useless.
As the vaccine has already produced the spike protein, via
our own cells, our body gets busy producing the antibodies
to block the spike key. If we then meet the natural virus key
protein we are already to block its action. It does not mean
you cannot catch the virus but it does mean you will respond
to the virus quickly and prevent major illness.
turn to page 36
36 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
HEALTH — 2
from page 35
One of the best ways to improve communication is
to get feedback. When I taught Oxford students we
had to receive anonymous feedback. I was told that
the students had a lecture on how to give feedback
and had to produce feedback on that lecture. I
cannot possibly disclose the results but it is as
ironic as you may think.
If you can, please feedback to anyone who is
explaining things to you; even better question
it. If I cannot answer your question or cannot
communicate it properly then I need to learn and
grow.
I hope my analogy of blueprints to protein
synthesis (production) and the Covid vaccine is
clear. If not I have failed and need feedback. Take
this article as educational mRNA. If we have all
understood my missive, we are all now teachers or
doctors in the Latin sense.
References
Dr Simon Ruffle writes
Our very own Sonning resident and magazine contributor,
Robert Lobley, receiving his Covid vaccine. Simon Ruffle
FEEDBACK
1. https://www.stem.org.uk/
2. https://www.macleans.ca/politics/the-bestqualified-cabinet-since-all-the-other-ones/
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!
Please wait for a call to receive your Covid vaccine.
Please accept your appointment.
Please get vaccinated and allow those muscle cells
in your arm to produce a little bit of magic
— oops, science!
THE ARTS
Forty days and forty nights
By Rev Michael Burgess
This month we enter Lent: 40 days when we follow
Jesus into the wilderness and prepare to celebrate
his Easter victory. In the last century Stanley
Spencer planned 40 paintings, each depicting a day
in the wilderness. He completed nine, one of which is
‘Christ in the Wilderness – Scorpions’ from 1938. It is
currently held in a private collection.
Stanley Spencer lived and worked in Cookham,
Berkshire. Through the everyday life of local people he
tried to glimpse and convey the transcendent. ‘Angels
and dirt’ he called it: the divine seen in the ordinary.
So, in a painting of Christ carrying his cross, Jesus
has the face of the local grocer.
Another villager modelled for this Jesus in the
wilderness: a strong, hefty, broad figure. This is a
great contrast to the Christ of stained-glass windows
who often seems too good to be part of our world.
Here is real life: a large man filling the canvas with
his head, his hands and his feet. This figure of Jesus
comes as a shock: a very human model, ordinary with
nothing handsome or special about him, apart from
his tunic which seems to sprawl and undulate like the
hills around. Here is a Jesus born into this world and
one with it.
There are two focal points – the neat, little
scorpion and the massive, unkempt head
contemplating each other. One is life in all its hefty
reality; the other a tiny creature able to squeeze that
life out by one swift flick of its tail.
Jesus is shown in the wilderness pondering the
The Society for Storytelling was set up in 1995
to promote the oldest art form in the world —
storytelling.
Storytelling is at the root of every art form: we
think in story form, make sense of our world in
narrative — from something we’ve seen, through
last night’s television, to what family and folk
stories we remember and retell.
Storytelling can be a powerful experience, both
entertaining and moving.
From Biblical times it is the traditional medium
of communication from generation to generation,
a tool for education and therapy.
National Storytelling Week began 20 years ago
to increase public awareness of the art and is held
during the first week of February every year. It
coincides with Candlemas, on 2 February, when
part of the ancient rituals for this festival included
a blessing on the throat, a prime tool in the store
of nearly all storytellers of every belief and culture.
The Society for Storytelling provides advice on
organising and publicising events, and possible
life and ministry that will
countryside into the town
to his death on Good Frida
strength and renewal to e
during his time in the des
follow Jesus, we seek to liv
mean dying to all that sep
He has a calling for each
that calling this Lent, we m
through the 40 days to life
find it a journey that calls u
our God.
Are you sitting comfortab
NATIONAL STORYTELLING WEEK 30 January — 6 Feb
sources for funding inform
Directory of Storytellers, wh
information on over 150 s
the UK.
For more information
Storytelli
https://www.sfs.org.uk/na
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 37
Book reviews
Poetry corner
WikiArt.org
take him from the
s and villages and also
y. Will he find the
mbrace that ministry
ert? During Lent, as we
e for God. That may
arates us from God.
of us. As we contemplate
ay find that it leads us
and Easter life – we may
s to 'die to self' to find
ly?
ruary
Ben, unsplash.com
ation. It publishes The
ich provides detailed
torytellers throughout
about the society and
ng Week:
tional-storytelling-week
The Bible: a story that makes sense of life
By Andrew Ollerton, Bible Society, £14.99
This book explores how the story of the Bible helps us
understand our lives and gives a framework for making
sense of life in general. Helpful diagrams and maps are
integrated throughout.
Holy Habits: following Jesus
By Andrew Roberts, BRF, £6.99
This book provides seven weeks of material for Lent.
Although written before Covid-19, many of the
applications, questions and take-home ideas are highly
relevant to the pastoral needs, and challenges created
by it. Andrew Roberts writes: ‘No one can know with
any certainty the range and scope of challenges that
will be present when you use this material, but I believe
that whatever they are, the life and example of Jesus
and the way he responded to the challenges he faced
will always be of utmost value in shaping our lives as we
seek to him.’
Come and See – learning from the life of Peter
By Stephen Cottrell, BRF, £7.99
When we look at the life of Peter – fisherman, disciple,
leader of the early Church – we find a man who
responded wholeheartedly to the call to ‘come and
see’. This book focuses on Peter, not because he is the
best-known of Jesus’ friends, nor the most loyal, but
because he shows us what being a disciple of Jesus is
actually like. Like us, he takes a step of faith, flounders,
and needs the saving hand of God.
A London Sparrow – the inspiring and true story of
Gladys Aylward By Phyllis Thompson, 10Publishing, £9.99
A down-to-earth London girl, without prospects,
Gladys Aylward became a Christian when she was
18. She felt God’s call to go to China as a missionary,
overcame great obstacles in order to obey. She is
remembered for her ‘incredible journey’ during the
Second World War, when the Japanese invaded China
and she led hundreds of Chinese children to safety.
Opening our Lives – devotional readings for Lent
By Trystan Owain Hughes, BRF, £8.99
The author offers six weeks of reflections to encourage
and challenge readers to open their lives to God and
the final reflection, for Easter Day, invites us to open
our world to God’s hope. The book is imbued with the
Welsh culture, language and landscape
Stories from the Streets – an insight into the work
of Street Pastors By Luke Randall & Sue Shaw, Instant
Apostle, £9.99
A celebration of the work of the formidable UK army
of ‘Street Pastors’. Whether offering a listening ear
to the vulnerable, mentoring a troubled teen, giving
food to a homeless person or responding to a national
emergency, Street Pastors have been credited with
saving police and NHS time and money, reducing crime
and improving neighbourhoods.
If you enjoyed Jane Gascoine's book, 'Doggerel
Days' or if you were disappointed that it did not
include more of your favourite poems, then rest
assured that her latest collection will probably
satisfy your need!
'More Doggerel Days' includes another 51 of Jane's
often hilarious, thought provoking and candid
view of life poetry.
It is a handy sized, 72 page paperback that looks
at every aspect of life from babies to old age, from
work to pleasure and all the ups and downs of
everyday life.
Jane's book is now available in the Village
Hamper, Sonning High Street, for £10 per copy
and will be a great way to take your mind off Covid
while eating one of the Village Hamper's cakes!
Here's a few lines taken from To Life, one of
Jane's poems based on the experience of her first
92 years ...
If you're old at 80,
you were old at 18
Its no good thinking of
what might have been
Life's for the living
and all for the taking
No matter how sad
or even heartbreaking
And I've still got a lot of living to do
People to meet,
places to see
I'll try, on the way,
to help others who
Haven't been quite as lucky as me.
38 The Parish Magazine - February 2021 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
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PUZZLE PAGE
CROSSWORD
Across
1 Plant yield (4)
3 Out of date (8)
9 Concepts (7)
10 Set of moral principles (5)
11 Monotonous hum (5)
12 Reindeer (7)
13 Insurgents (6)
15 Sacred phrase (6)
17 Eg Mo Farah (7)
18 Commerce (5)
20 Where one finds Rome (5)
21 Farewell remark (7)
22 Gibberish (8)
23 Run at a moderate pace (4)
Down
1 Dismay and amazement (13)
2 Semiaquatic mammal (5)
4 Split into two (6)
5 Excessive response (12)
6 Show (7)
7 Expression of approval (13)
8 Pungent gas preservative (12)
14 Persian Gulf Sheikdom (7)
16 Rules over (6)
19 Natural yellow resin (5)
CODEWORD
ANSWERS IN THE NEXT ISSUE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8
9 10
11 12
13 14 15
17 18 19
16
20 21
22 23
Across
1 - Plant yield (4)
3 - Out of date (8)
9 - Concepts (7)
10 - Set of moral principles (5)
11 - Monotonous hum (5)
12 - Reindeer (7)
13 - Insurgents (6)
15 - Sacred phrase (6)
17 - Eg Mo Farah (7)
18 - Commerce (5)
20 - Where one finds Rome (5)
21 - Farewell remark (7)
22 - Gibberish (8)
23 - Run at a moderate pace (4)
10 2 10 13 21 16 10 9 1 12 13 21
23 4 25 8 8 23
22 7 12 16 10 19 12 17 16 20 7 10
8 22 17 5 16 22
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16 17 12 8 22 13 20 6 22 20 24 12
16 15 17 10 15 23
10 7 6 5 7 6 22 25 7 5 22 23
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
SOLUTIONS FOR THE JANUARY PUZZLES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
E
Down
1 - Dismay and amazement (13)
2 - Semiaquatic mammal (5)
4 - Split into two (6)
5 - Excessive response (12)
6 - Show (7)
7 - Expression of approval (13)
The Parish Magazine - February 2021 39
SUDOKU
8 - Pungent gas used as a preservative (12)
14 - Sheikdom in the Persian Gulf (7)
16 - Rules over (6)
19 - Natural yellow resin (5)
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.
WORDSEARCH FOR FEBRUARY
In this month's Wordsearch grid above there are
23 words, all of which are hidden below.
February — the time for love
February opens with Candlemas – the
naming of Jesus in the temple. Simeon
and Anna praised God to see the
promised Messiah, sent by a loving
God to save his people. February also
celebrates the love between a man and
woman: Valentine cards and romance
abound. ‘Love’ as in social compassion is
also remembered: Fair Trade fortnight,
Holocaust Memorial Day, World Leprosy
Day, and National Nest Box Week.... Love
is truly needed by everyone!
QUIZ
CROSSWORD CODEWORD SUDOKU WORDSEARCH
14 15 16 17 18 A 19 R M 20 Y R21I V22U L 23 E T 24 S U25R G 26 E N T U N I Q U E
The February G
Quiz answers
will be
here
next
month!
THE FEBRUARY QUIZ
1 Who said 'Who will rid me of this base, turbulent priest?
2 What notable event occurred on 25 October 1415?
3 Which war began in 1455?
4 What English battle victory occurred in 1588?
5 Who was 'the wisest fool in Christendom’?
6 What happened on 30 January 1649 in Whitehall?
7 Who was the last British sovereign to be on a battlefield?
8 Who said as he lay dying 'Thank God, I have done my duty'?
R O L N N M E
B E T W E E N F A B L E
O I G L R M
R E F R I G E R A T O R
E T I T I M
A P E I N G O T L E A
L A M H E C
B R E A K T H R O U G H
I L T I P I
N O I S E K I N G P I N
C E L I G E E
H U R R Y I N G A R T S
R
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
E
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
G
R
N A O D E U R
S A M U R A I A I A
E B M S T R A T U S
A X L E S P E E
T I L S C A N S
N K N E L T D
D O G M A A J V
E R S C R A Z E
T I M P A N I O C R
O A O N E W N E S S
U N K G E N U
R H Y M E D F R O T H S
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
40 The Parish Magazine - February 2021
Local Trades and Services
ACG SERVICES - LOCKSMITH
Locks changed, fitted, repaired and opened
Door and window locks fitted, UPVC door lock expert
Checkatrade member - Which Trusted Trader
Call Richard Homden: 0149 168 2050 / 0771 040 9216
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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
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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
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MC CLEANING
We are a family business with excellent references
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All cleaning materials provided
For free quote call: Maria 0779 902 7901
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Member of the Guild of Master Sweeps
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
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
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0118 937 1929 0786 172 4071
bighearttreecare.co.uk info@bighearttreecare.co.uk
SMALLWOOD
Landscaping, garden construction,
patios, lawns, fencing, decking etc
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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
CARER — COMPANION
Experienced lady carer who is local to this area
offers live-in support at competitive rates
Excellent references provided — Contact Louise
0784 226 2583 lasheppard61@gmail.com
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The Parish Magazine - February 2021 41
42 The Parish Magazine - February 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
Carer Companion 40
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 - February 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 - February 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
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