Serving the communities of Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye since 1869
The Parish Magazine - July/August 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
July/August 2021 — Summer Days and Nights
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 - July/August 2021
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Serving the communities of Charvil, Sonning & Sonning Eye since 1869
Church of St Andrew
Serving Sonning, Charvil & Sonning Eye
The Parish Magazine - June 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 July/August 2021
THE VICAR'S LETTER, 5
THE PARISH NOTICEBOARD
— Songs of Praise, 7
— Messy Church, 7
— Rendezvous Club, 7
— Regular Services, 7
— For your prayers in May, 7
— STAY, 7-9
— On Reflection: Zechariah, 11
— From the editor's desk, 11
— The Persecuted Church, 13
features
— St Sarik, 15
— Samaritans, 17
— Sonning Show, 19
— Write us a story, 21
— Summer Days & Nights, 22- 25
around the villages
— Reading Blue Coat Head, 27
— Reading Family Aid Award, 27
— S&SES Garden Party, 27
— FoSTAC Garden Party, 27
— Dunsden Hall Trustee, 29
HEALTH
— Dr Simon Ruffle, 31
HOME & GARDEN
— In the Garden, 33
— Recipe of the Month, 33
THE ARTS
— Comedians of faith, 35
— Edward Hicks, 37
— Book Reviews, 37
— Poetry Corner, 38
the sciences
— Big Questions, 38
PUZZLE PAGE, 39
children's page, 41
information
— Church services, 3
— From the registers, 3
— Parish contacts, 42
— Advertisers index, 42
This ISSUE's FRONT COVER
July/August 2021 — Summer Days and Nights
The
Parish
Magazine
the church of st andrew, SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF
CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY
Summer Days means cricket
in the park
(see centre pages)
Picture: Peter Rennie
EDITORIAL DEADLINE
The editorial deadline for every issue
of The Parish Magazine is 12 noon on
the sixth day of the month prior to the
date of publication.
The deadline for the September
issue of The Parish Magazine is:
Friday 6 August at 12 noon
The Parish Magazine online
This issue can also be viewed online at:
http://www.theparishmagazine.co.uk
Earlier issues from 1869 onwards are
stored in a secure online archive. If you
wish to view these archives contact the
editor who will authorise
access for you:
editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk
From the
registers
Funerals
— Thursday 13 May, Barbara Joyce
Vincent, Interment of Ashes in
St Andrew's churchyard
— Thursday 27 May, Pamela Raie
Bridgeman, Funeral service at,
Easthampstead Crematorium
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 3
Services at
St Andrew’s
IN-PERSON WORSHIP
Services will continue with the Covid
social distance, masks and hand
sanitising restrictions in church until
government restrictions are lifted. At the
time of printing the following services
are planned.
Sunday 4 July
— 8.00am Holy Communion
— 10.30am Family Communion
Sunday 11 July
— 8.00am Holy Communion
— 10.30am Parish Eucharist with
Sunday Club and STAY
Sunday 18 July
— 8.00am Holy Communion
— 10.30am Family Communion
Sunday 25 July
— 8.00am Holy Communion
— 10.30am Parish Eucharist
Sunday 1 August
— 8.00am Holy Communion
— 10.30am Family Communion
Sunday 8 August
— 8.00am Holy Communion
— 10.30am Parish Eucharist
Sunday 15 August
— 8.00am Holy Communion
— 10.30am Family Communion
Sunday 22 August
— 8.00am Holy Communion
— 10.30am Parish Eucharist
Sunday 29 August
— 8.00am Holy Communion
— 10.30am Parish Eucharist
OTHER REGULAR SERVICES
Mid-week Communion in The Ark
will be held every Wednesday at
10.00am
Morning Prayer will be in Church
at 9.30am every Tuesday and once a
month on a Friday — 2 July and 6
August.
Compline on Zoom will be sang
every Wednesday evening — full
details about how to login from Rev
Kate (contact details on page 42)
4 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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The vicar's letter
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 5
Dear friends,
President John F Kennedy’s hero was his grandfather, and he loved to hear stories
about his grandfather’s boyhood in Ireland. One of these stories concerned how
Grandfather Fitzgerald used to walk home from school each day with a group of
friends. Sometimes these boys would challenge each other to climb over the stone
walls along the lanes of the countryside. However, there were times when young
Fitzgerald and the other boys were sometimes hesitant to dare the hazardous
climbs. So they devised a way to motivate themselves to take the risk involved: they
would toss their caps over the wall. You see, they knew that they dare not go home
without their caps, so then they had to climb over the walls to get them.
There are times when all of us long to toss our caps over the wall. There are times
when we hunger in our own way for the heroic, whether we want to change our
lifestyles, jobs, start our own business, go back to university, or whatever. We just
feel we need to make a change.
I know of one young man in particular who decided to make such a change. He
was 30 years old at the time and he owned a successful small business which had
been left to him by his father. He was secure, he was liked and respected by his
friends and neighbours, and he was meeting his responsibilities. But he knew that
this was not where he belonged. He felt called to a ministry, a ministry of teaching
and preaching and healing. So, he threw his cap over the wall. At first he met with
spectacular success, and his reputation spread with amazing speed. But as his
popularity increased, so did the number of his critics, especially in his home village. Some of his closest friends tried to
dissuade him from his insanity, and his family was also concerned for him. But he persevered in his new calling for three
years, only to die an untimely death. As he hung on a tree between two thieves dying a cruel and unjust death, feeling
forsaken by both God and man no one would have judged his life to be a success. But it was. It was the most successful life
ever lived. Jesus tossed his cap over the wall. He modelled for us what the life of adventure should truly be.
ISN'T IT TIME TO TOSS YOUR CAP OVER THE WALL?
Of course, no one has ever accomplished anything of note without critics. If your cap goes over the wall you learn
very quickly who your true friends are. Certainly Jesus had his critics. That is the way life is. Start to make waves and
somebody will try to wrest the oars out of your hands by belittling your work. One author has called this the 'Salk Theory.'
Jonas Salk, that great Doctor of Medicine who pioneered polio research and discovered the polio vaccine, had a legion of
critics he dealt with over the years. At one point he made an interesting observation about the nature of criticism, which
seems to hold true for any person who is successfully innovative. 'First,' he said, 'people will tell you that you are wrong.
Then they will tell you that you are right, but what you are doing really isn’t important. Finally, they will admit that you
are right and that what you are doing is very important; but after all, they knew it all the time.'
We all have our critics and perhaps the best way to answer them is to do as the builder of the Panama Canal did. He
had to endure carping criticisms from countless busybodies back home who predicted that he would never complete his
great task. However, the resolute builder pressed steadily forward in his work and said nothing. One of his subordinates,
irritated by the flak they were receiving, asked the great engineer if he was ever going to answer his critics. 'In time,' he
said, 'when the canal is finished.'
There comes a time when we toss our caps over the wall in spite of everything the critics have to say. Nothing is ever
accomplished by people who value comfort and safety and acceptance above all else. There comes a time for what is often
called a leap of faith.
Of course, the greatest adventure that one can start out on, the most spectacular, and often the most courageous
change that can be made in a life is that of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. Now it is unfortunate that, for the
most part, that statement will fall on deaf ears. All too often we confuse discipleship with membership in the church.
Or we confuse discipleship with respectability. But there is certainly no particular risk involved in being respectable
or belonging to a church. However, to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, to move from a nominal belief to a radical
conviction, to move from a nodding acquaintance with God to a complete commitment of one’s life, that is more of a
challenge for the human creature than digging a canal or finding a cure for polio.
Isn’t it time for some of us to toss our caps over the wall? A certain high jumper was referring to a world record he set
in his sport. He said he threw his heart over the bar and the rest of him followed. Perhaps all of us who consider ourselves
to be Christians need to throw our hearts over the altar, so that we may follow. Jesus had his critics, of course. But he
never let them detract him from his call. His life is a challenge to our lives. Perhaps he is telling you that it is time for you
to toss your cap over the wall as well.
Warm wishes,
Jamie
6 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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Notices
Hold the front page!
As we put the final touches to this issue of The Parish Magazine for July and
August, there was increasing speculation that the end of the Covid lockdown
planned for 21 June was to be delayed because the threat of the Delta variant
of the virus was increasing. There were also concerns about the early signs
of infection rates in the Wokingham area increasing. Because of this the
Churchwardens and the Ministry Team have had to delay the plans to restart
normal services and other regular events. The latest thinking is outlined
below, but as always please check on the parish website, the weekly service
newsletter, or the parish office for the latest information.
Songs of Praise
The celebration Songs of Praise
planned for Sunday 4 July is postponed
until Sunday 12 September at 5pm,
subject, of course, to any further Covid
restrictions.
Regular Worship Services
It is hoped that the regular pattern of
worship listed on page 3 of this issue
will continue to be possible but please
always check on the parish website or
with parish office for the very latest
information. Services that are currently
broadcast online will continue as
planned until further notice.
Messy Church
After a long break due to Covid-19,
Messy Church at St Andrew's will relaunch
this September.
The first session will be on Sunday 19
September from 3 - 4.30pm in The Ark
when the theme will be 'Hope'. Messy
Church will then run every third
Sunday of the month.
Rev Kate said, 'The Messy Church
team is very excited about restarting
and we can't wait for us all to be back
together again. More details will follow
in September's edition of The Parish
Magazine and all plans are subject to
Covid restrictions.'
Thursday at Eight on Zoom
The Thursday 8pm Zoom fellowship
and prayer meeting restarts on Zoom
on 22 July. More details from Westy.
Rendezvous Lunch Club
The plans to restart Rendezvous in
the Ark for senior members of the
community remains the second
Tuesday of July at 12pm. This assumes
that any extension of the end of
the Covid lockdown will end before
that date. Please check on the parish
website or with the parish office to
confirm nearer the time that we will
be able to hold this popular fortnightly
event once again.
For your prayers in
July and August
— For our Churchwardens
and Ministry Team as they
seek to appoint a new
director of music
— For all people around the
world whose lives are still
seriously affected by Covid
— For all those who are
unable to take a holiday this
summer
— For the work of Samaritans
and all in need of their
listening service
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 7
STAY
St Andrew's Youth
By Westy
Everyone who answers a question gets a
stress ball to stay calm and carry on.
STAY in Schools
There have been quite a few recent
assemblies delivered at the four local
schools: Wargrave Piggott, Reading
Blue Coat School, Charvil Piggott and
Sonning Primary. The most exciting
news was that we have returned to
‘in person’ assemblies.
We have been able to cover
some amazing topics, including the
generosity of God and when Jesus
meets the wedding guests at Cana in
Galilee. In God's economy we are all
welcome, he gives us what we need
and he never embarrasses us.
We have also worked successfully
with the Piggott ‘advocacy group’
looking at kitting out and advertising
the school's reflection room which
is a quiet space for pupils to sit, pray
and find space during the business of
a school day.
We have also continued
mentoring over 25 boys a week
in both senior schools and offer
support, someone to chat to, advice
in how to deal with tough situations
and we’ve been handing out infinity
loop sensory toys to help with
concentration in lessons.
Summer sunset at Mudeford, Christchurch
Nick Fewings on unsplash.com
Infinity loop sensory toys.
turn to page 9
8 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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STAY
St Andrew's Youth
from page 7
STAY on Friday
To end the half term in the last week
of May we hired a super fun bouncy
castle. We also had the donut wall
stocked to the max and provided
some fun indoor activities such as
temporary tattoos, coloured hair
sprays and a nail bar.
STAY in Summer
We are planning a few summer
activities, including but not limited to:
— Aqua Park
— Paddleboarding
— Canoeing
— Rounders
— Football
— Frisbee
— Wide games/hide and seek games
— Footgolf
— Cinema
— Coral Reef/inflatables in a pool
— Bowling
— Go Ape
— Escape room
— Open bus tour
— London museums
— Beach trip
Please email me, Westy, on:
youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk
for more details as these will be
confirmed in the coming weeks.
The question cards ask about mental health,
emotional wellbeing and how to deal with hard
situations.
STAY on Sunday
Being back 'in person' makes all the
difference to our faith deepening. We
have had fun watching Kleer Series
videos from Urban Saints Energize
Resource. We have looked at questions
around:
— Is Jesus real and what’s the
evidence for his existence?
— Is Jesus still relevant today even
though his teaching is 2000 years old?
— What is prayer and does it change
anything?
— Why did Jesus teach his disciples
the Lord’s Prayer?
STAY Detached Project
Having continued our Wednesdays in
Emmer Green and Fridays in Sonning
and Charvil we have seen an increase
in numbers of young people about.
This has created great opportunities
to check how they are doing, what
pressures they are currently under
and what they hope for in the future.
We use packs of question cards from
the Luton based youth charity and
give out stress balls, sensory fidget
toys and sweets as prizes.
Cheers!
Westy
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 9
The boys love the nail bar, and roped me into it!
Alex painting my nails a deep purple! Went
great with my eyes!
Year 6 girls use the new hair sprays and mirrors
A moment of reflection…
Utilising what was around us, the final thought was
all about a story of when I was a donut at school but
bounced back by changing my ways.
Jaiden following in his mum's
hairdressing footsteps by spraying
Oscar's hair multi coloured!
The bouncy castle proved to be a
hit for all the young people.
10 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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the parish noticeboard — 3
On reflection . . .
By Elizabeth Spiers
Zechariah: God encourages
us through his Word
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 11
From the desk
of the editor
editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk
Share a story with us
freebibleimages.org
Zechariah was a prophet living in Jerusalem almost
70 years after the nation of Israel had been enslaved in
Babylon. He was among the first of his people returning
to their desolate homeland. The Jewish people who had
survived were returning in small numbers. Their temple lay
in ruins and things looked bleak. They didn’t have much of
anything and were especially short of hope. It is into this
situation that Zechariah speaks.
God gave him a series of messages to help motivate and
encourage the people to both rebuild the temple and look for
the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Zechariah points to the coming of Jesus. The Messiah
will come, says Zechariah, as Saviour, Judge, and
ultimately, as the righteous King ruling his people from
Jerusalem. He will punish the people for their sins, yes,
but afterwards he will come to them if they are obedient.
CERTAINTY
Zechariah’s book brims over with the hope — meaning
the certainty — that God would remember his promises
to his people, even after all the time they spent in
captivity. Things may look hopeless now, Zechariah said
— in a nutshell — but God is faithful and he will bring
things right in the end.
Although they had been scattered, God had not
forgotten his promises and was still willing to help them if
they were willing to obey him. Deuteronomy 7 says:
‘Know therefore that the Lord your God is God,
the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love
with those who love him and keep his commandments,
to a thousand generations’.
Through his word God continually encourages us
and he is utterly faithful. The God who never changes
always keeps his promises. No matter what we do or how
unfaithful we may be, he is true. We can trust the one
who sees all but still loves us unconditionally. Just as
he encouraged the people of Israel through Zechariah’s
messages, so God encourages us today through his Word.
Have you read it lately?
One of the good things to emerge from the lockdowns
is that I heard some young people say they grew tired of
looking at a screen for almost everything they did so they
started doing some of the more traditional things that the
older generation often occupy their time with — things
such as playing a musical instrument, board games,
painting, handicrafts, cooking and even writing their own
stories. The fun thing about these types of activities is
that they are shared with friends and families, although
story writing can be more difficult to share.
As a magazine editor, of course, I get lots of stories
coming across my desk which I can share, and I have a
ready made outlet for my own stories that I enjoy writing.
For young people, however, sharing their stories is not so
easy so I have had in mind for a while about offering space
in this magazine for young people to be able to share their
stories in print.
YOUNG WRITERS
One of my grandchildren asked if she could write me
a story, which of course, I was delighted about. She often
writes stories but apart from giving them to her parents
or grandparents to read she has few other opportunities
to share them. Stories are for sharing and there must be
many other young story writers who would like to share
their stories more widely. This is why, on page 21, you
will see that I am offering space in The Parish Magazine to
publish stories written by school children of all ages.
My problem as an editor, as well as a journalist, is that
I can't resist editing almost every item in this magazine
but doing this with stories by young writers can be very
discouraging for them so, apart from correcting spelling,
the odd grammatical error, and the use of words which in
my younger days meant something different, I will try not
to rewrite their stories too much!
If you know any young people who enjoy writing
stories — fiction or nonfiction — then suggest they
send them to me and together we can encourage them to
develop the ancient skill of story telling which dates back
30,000 years when stories were first painted in caves.
OUR HIGHEST IDEALS
There are lots of reasons why story telling is
important, here's one I came across on the internet:
Stories can increase our empathy and often help reinforce our
highest ideals such as compassion and kindness.
The greatest example of compassion and kindness
reinforcing stories can be found in the world's oldest, best
selling collection of stories that has been translated into
more languages than any other — the Bible! So if you are
short of ideas for your own stories, try reading it first!
12 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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the parish noticeboard — 5
The Persecuted Church
Christians in Nigeria are often
targeted for abduction, whether by
Islamist militants or by bandits.
Eight Christians were abducted
from a church minibus in March,
and in April one Christian was killed
and four abducted on the Kaduna-
Kachia road. Kaduna State is in the
Middle Belt of Nigeria, where at least
240 Christians have been killed in
Islamist attacks since the beginning
of July 2020.1
The eight Christians abducted in
March were subsequently released.
They had been travelling for an
evangelistic mission.2
A further eight Christians were
killed in an attack by armed bandits,
again in Kaduna State, on 19 May.
The attackers also burned down a
church building and several homes.3
Later in May, in Katsina State,
a church minister was killed and
another was abducted by gunmen in
a targeted attack on a church.4
The United States Commission
on International Religious Freedom
(USCIRF) produced a study in
February 2019 which found that
some Nigerians consider current
religious divides in the country to be
'the worst they have ever been.'5
The USICRF’s website state their
mission is to 'advance international
freedom of religion or belief, by
independently assessing and
unflinchingly confronting threats to
this fundamental right.'
They list Nigeria as a 'country of
particular concern (CPC)' and point
out in their most recent annual
report that religious freedom
conditions in the country have
deteriorated.
To quote from their key findings,
'Despite Nigeria’s constitution
protecting freedom of religion
and belief, Nigerian citizens faced
violence by militant Islamists and
other nonstate armed actors, as
well as discrimination, arbitrary
detentions, and capital blasphemy
sentences by state authorities.'
They report how elements from
Boko Haram and from the Islamic
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 13
A round-up of news items, features, and links by Colin Bailey. Please read for
awareness, and support by prayer and any further support — financial or otherwise.
Nigerian risk of genocide say UK parliamentarians
THE WORST SEEN
Worshippers inside a Nigerian Church
State in West Africa Province
(ISWAP) abducted and executed
several individuals based on their
religious beliefs.
Nigeria is, according to their
data, estimated as 53.5% identifying
as Muslim and 45.9% identifying as
Christian.
One of the commissioners has
said in the report that 'the status quo
is unsustainable', with the 'perilous
situation…now spreading more and
more to other countries'.
The commissioner described the
the situation as a 'tinderbox' and said
that 'the world must do more.'5
According to the data company,
statista.com, Nigeria ranks number
dreamstime.com
six in the world at risk for genocide,
while 'the risk percentage of mass
killing stands at 7.3%, about seven
times higher than the global average.' 6
UK REPORT
Last year, a report by the All Party
Parliamentary Group on Freedom
of Religion and Belief, Nigeria:
Unfolding Genocide? was published.
It was the result of an investigation
by 100 UK parliamentarians from
a wide range of political parties.
The report warned of the risk of an
unfolding genocide and called for UK
aid to be linked to efforts to protect
Nigerian villagers from attacks by
Islamist extremists.7
Sources and further reading
1 Barnabas Fund https://barnabasfund.org/news/one-christian-killed-fourinjured-and-four-abducted-in-kaduna-nigeria/
2 Barnabas Fund https://barnabasfund.org/news/eight-nigerian-christiansreleased-after-abduction-from-church-minibus-i/
3 Barnabas Fund https://barnabasfund.org/news/eight-killed-in-attack-whichleft-church-destroyed-in-kaduna-nigeria/
4 Barnabas Fund https://barnabasfund.org/news/church-minister-killedanother-abducted-in-attack-on-northern-nigerian-c/
5 USCIRF website https://www.uscirf.gov
6 Statista.com https://www.statista.com/statistics/1203253/risk-of-genocide-innigeria/
7 Anglican Ink https://anglican.ink/2020/06/16/parliamentary-report-warns-ofunfolding-genocide-in-nigeria-against-christians/
14 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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feature — 1
Even though there are more than
10,000 officially named saints there
are few that are not shared, for
example, there are more than 600
churches in England named after St
Andrew. It is rare for any church or
parish to claim a unique saint, but we
can for our ecclesiastical parish that
serves Charvil, Sonning and Sonning
Eye. Our unique saint is St Sarik!
St Who? is a common response to
strangers hearing his name, assuming,
of course, that he was male, after all,
there are 2,368 churches dedicated to
St Mary in the Church of England.
The Parish Magazine archives only
give a little background as to who
Sarik may have been and why he was
associated with our parish church, but
then the archives only go back to 1869!
However, Canon Chris Clark,
vicar of Sonning from 1999 - 2008,
announced in the December 1999 issue
of The Parish Magazine why the PCC
had decided to dedicate a new meeting
room to St Sarik.
Quoting from the 16th Century
historian John Leland's Itinerary,
Canon Clark wrote: 'Thens a mile and
half to Sonning, an uplandish Toune, but
set on a fair and commodius Grounde ...
there is an old Chapelle at the Est ende of
the Chirche of S. Sarik, whither of late tyme
resorted in Pilgrimage many folkes for the
Disease of Madness.'
The new St Sarik meeting room was
created by rebuilding part of what was
in Victorian times a morgue — the
nearby Sonning lock was a natural
stopping place for the unfortunate
bodies that entered the River Thames
upstream at Reading.
Canon Pearson, founder of this
magazine in 1869 also researched the
subject of St Sarik and concluded that
a chapel dedicated to him certainly
existed. The biggest uncertainty seems
to have been the saint's name which
could be Sarik, Sarac, Siric or Cyricus.
SIGERIC THE SERIOUS
Cyricus, with his mother Julitta,
were two of the earliest martyrs
venerated by the Catholic Church.
They were put to death in 304 AD and
in the Eastern Orthodox Church and
Oriental Orthodox Church their feast
day is this month on 15 July.
Another character in the St Sarik
mystery is Sigeric the Serious who
from 985-992 was in residence here as
the Bishop of Ramsbury and Sonning.
He went on to become, Archbishop of
Canterbury and died in 994.
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 15
Saint who? St Sarik, our unique parish saint!
A statue of Sigeric the Serious in Glastonbury
The St Andrew's choir emerge from the St Sarik Room
Alexirina27000, dreamstime.com
Tom Farncombe
Sigeric's name is engraved in a
bronze plaque in St Andrew's which
lists the 'Bishops of Sunning' and it has
been suggested that he buried some
of St Cyricus's relics in the church.
Burying a saint's relics in a holy place
was a common thing to do in those
days because it would encourage
pilgrims from distant places to visit
the burial site which, in turn, became a
lucrative tourist attraction!
Often the pilgrims were attracted
because they believed that they would
receive some kind of spiritual or
physical healing from being close to
the relics.
Any evidence of the relics being
buried has long been lost in time but
one of the interesting aspects of John
Leland's quotation above is this hope
that pilgrims had of a cure for 'the
Disease of Madness'.
While there is no documented
evidence of pilgrims being cured of
mental health illnesses, there has
been a suggestion from the work of
archaeologists in the church grounds
in 2001 that some of the Saxon
remains buried there could have been
from people suffering from physical
ailments and that they may have come
to Sonning for healing by St Sarik.
The remains were found in
the garden of The Bull during a
construction project and were clearly
the result of an ancient Christian
burial alongside what is believed to
have been the original site of the first
wooden Saxon church.
The Saxon remains found by The
Bull are now buried in a 'mass' grave in
the churchyard and the St Sarik Room
is used as a choir vestry.
16 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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feature — 2
It began with a vicar who was
willing to listen on his
telephone — now there
are 20,000 listeners!
'In an emergency the citizen turns to the telephone
and dials 999. There ought to be an emergency number
for suicidal people, I thought.' So said Chad Varah in
the summer of 1953. His thought led to the founding
of Samaritans, the crisis telephone service for anyone
contemplating suicide.
Chad's lowly stipend was barely enough to pay his
secretary, so this meant he had to subsidise his income
by sitting up into the early hours of the morning drawing
cartoons and writing scripts. Then he was offered the
incumbency of St Stephen's Church in the City of London.
Now he could spend the early hours doing something about
his idea for an emergency number for people considering
suicide. On 2 November 1953 he took his first call and
Samaritans was born!
Like many of today's social services, hospitals, schools
and adoption agencies, that were originally started by
Christians, Samaritans has become an integral part of daily
life, not just for Christians, but for everyone whatever their
faith — or none. They are always there, if you need them.
116 123
Although Chad was a little sceptical about passing his
listening ear on to volunteers, he soon discovered they
were often better equipped than him to help. Today there
are over 20,000 listening volunteers in 201 branches in the
UK and the Republic of Ireland. Every day, they respond to
about 10,000 calls for help.
Chad died in Basingstoke in 2007 and left behind him a
charitable organisation that today still plays a vital role in
helping suicidal people who can contact volunteer listeners,
anonymously, and free of charge from any landline or
mobile phone. The Samaritans' number, 116 123, will not
appear on the caller's phone bill.
According to Felicity Varah, Chad's daughter: 'The
challenge now is to look to the future. As the way
people choose to communicate changes over time, we
need to continue to evolve, combining technology with
compassion, to reach people who still so desperately need
our help.'
To enable this, Samaritans is investing in new
communications technology such as an instant messaging
service, all of which, of course, needs to be financed from
donations.
JULY AWARENESS MONTH
To raise awareness of Samaritans and the work they
do, each year they run a month long campaign in July.
This year the theme is 'Talk to Us. They are asking people
to give their time for 60 seconds, creating the UK’s largest
conversation. Samaritans’ branches up and down the
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 17
Chad Varah who founded Samaritans in 1953
samaritans.org
country will be popping up in local towns and cities to
let people know that they are there, round the clock and
that they provide a safe space for them to talk and be
themselves.
Throughout July, Samaritans is running several social
media campaigns encouraging support for the work they
do. People up and down the country can get involved by
simply texting ‘SUPPORT’ to 70080 to make a £4 donation
which is the cost to the charity of answering one call for
help.
A focus for the awareness month will be the 'Big Listen
Day' on 24 July which aims to encourage us all to become
better listeners.
READING SAMARITANS
The nearest Samaritans' branch to our parish is in
Reading where there are 150 dedicated volunteers who
all play a vital part in supporting callers — whether
by phone, text, email, in person at a local branch or at
community events across Berkshire.
Last year Reading Samaritans answered more than
40,000 calls. If you think you can help them to continue
Chad's dream of being there for others in a crisis, a good
starting place is to visit their website at:
https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer/
Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time
from any phone on 116 123,
even a mobile without credit.
This number won’t show up on your phone bill.
Or email: jo@samaritans.org
Or visit http://www.samaritans.org
18 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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feature — 3
classes. For the full details and rules see the show's schedule published by the organisers.
ADULT SECTION
PRESERVES
Handmade Card
Pot of Marmalade
Unfinished Projects - Any item started but
Pot of Jam
not finished!
Pot of Lemon Curd
Article of any other Craft
Jar of Chutney
COOKERY
Victoria Sandwich – three egg mixture
Rachel’s Raspberry & White Chocolate Loaf
See recipe right
Gingerbread – show three pieces
Scones – show three
Chocolate Shortbread Biscuits - see recipe
right, show three
Favourite Cake – judged on taste and
texture - please supply recipe – winners
recipe will be a class for next year
COOKERY MEN ONLY – Chocolate
Brownies show five pieces - recipe right
VEGETABLES
Nine Runner Beans
Three Carrots
Four Onions
Two Vegetable Marrows
Four Potatoes
A Truss of Tomatoes
Six Tomatoes
The Heaviest Marrow
The Longest Runner Bean
Any Other Vegetable (at least three)
Collection of Four kinds of vegetables (at
least three of each)
Heaviest Pumpkin
FRUIT
Four Dessert Apples
Four Cooking Apples
Four Pears
Any other fruit
FLOWERS
Three Large Dahlias - 6" diameter or greater
Three Small Dahlias - Less than 6" diameter
Hanging Basket
Three Roses
One Specimen Rose
Vase of Annuals - max 10 stems (mixed or
one variety)
Vase of Perennials - max 10 stems (mixed or
one variety)
Pot Plant - Foliage
Pot Plant – Flowering
Largest Sunflower Head (dead or alive)
FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
OPEN CLASS - ALL WELCOME
Flower Arrangement of your choice. Any
size from pedestals to table centre pieces. To
be viewed all round or front facing.
CHILDRENS CLASS 5 - 12 years
A Small Flower Arrangement in a container
of your choice.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Colour print, Weather, 3½" x 3½" min
Colour print, Flowers or Trees, 10”x 8” max
Black & White or Sepia Print – any subject
CRAFT
Knitted, Crochet or Woven item
Any item, Embroidery, Tapestry or Stitchwork
ART
Drawing - Pen and Ink
Drawing - Pencil
Drawing - Pastels
Painting in Oils
Painting in Water Colours
Painting in Acrylics
Painting in any other medium
TIMES GONE BY
Exhibits will be judged for interest and rarity.
A small card giving a short description of
any knowledge you have of your entry should
accompany them. The organisers cannot be
responsible for loss or damage of valuable items.
Favourite object connected with Sonning
history
Something made by a family member a long
time ago
Guess the purpose of this historic object
Technology from the past
CHILDREN’S SECTION (8-12 years)
The White Hart Cup will be awarded to the
child gaining the most points
COOKERY
Iced Fairy Cakes – show three
Jam Tarts – show three
My Favourite Sandwich - list ingredients
FUN WITH FLOWERS
An arrangement in a teacup
Largest Sunflower head (dead or alive)
Heaviest Pumpkin
PHOTOGRAPHY
Any subject size from 90mm x 90mm to
250mm x 200mm
CRAFT, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Handwriting – Maximum 15 lines
Hand Drawn Picture of an Olympic event
Design a Birthday Card
A Garden using Plasticine or equivalent
Fruit and/or Vegetable Sculpting
INFANTS SECTION
A special prize of £10 will be given to the infant
gaining most points. Age is taken into account.
For 6-7 year olds:
A Picture of Yourself
A Decorated Crown
Largest Sunflower Head (dead or alive)
Heaviest Pumpkin
Iced Fairy Cakes – show 3
The Seaside on a Plate
Dressed Lolly Stick or Wooden Spoon person
For 5 years old and under
Hand Drawn Picture of an animal
A Decorated Crown
Largest Sunflower Head (dead or alive)
Heaviest Pumpkin
Decorated Gingerbread People – show three
A plate of your favourite food made from
Plasticine or equivalent
Make a Junk Model
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 19
It's time to start planning your Sonning Show entries!
To help you plan your entries for the Sonning Village Show on Saturday 11 September here is summary of all the
RECIPES
Times and temperatures are for guidance only
Rachel’s Raspberry & White Chocolate Loaf
125 g butter
125 g caster sugar
3 eggs
175 g selfraising flour
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tblsp milk
125 g raspberries (keep some for decoration)
150 g white chocolate chips
Freeze dried raspberries
Cake: Whisk together butter, sugar, eggs,
flour, baking powder, vanilla extract
and milk until light and fluffy. Fold in
raspberries and half of the chocolate
chips. Put in greased loaf tin. Cover loosely
with foil. Bake for 40 minutes - Oven
Temperature 170 ˚C. Remove foil and cook
for another 20 – 30 minutes. Put on a
cooling rack.
Topping: Put remaining white chocolate
chips in a food bag and place in a jug of
lukewarm water to melt chocolate slowly.
When melted snip corner of bag and drizzle
over the cake. Place remaining raspberries
down the centre of the cake then sprinkle
over dried raspberries.
Chocolate Shortbread Biscuits
75 g plain flour
A pinch of salt
125 g softened butter
40g caster sugar
40g chocolate chips
Extra sugar for sprinkling
Oven 170˚C/ 150˚C fan / Gas Mark 3
Rub butter into flour and salt, add sugar
and chocolate chips and make into a ball.
Turn onto lightly floured board and roll out
to about 1 cm thick. Cut into rounds and
place on baking sheet. Sprinkle lightly with
sugar. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Chocolate Brownies
375g plain chocolate, broken into pieces
250g margarine
2 tsp instant coffee
2 tbsp hot water
2 eggs
250g caster sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
90g self-raising flour
175g walnut pieces
250g plain chocolate chips
Grease a 30 x 23cm (12" x 9") roasting tin,
line the base with greaseproof paper, and
grease the paper. Put the chocolate and
margarine in a bowl and sit the bowl on top
of a small saucepan of gently simmering
water. Melt the chocolate slowly, then
remove the bowl from the pan and let the
chocolate cool.
Put the coffee in another bowl, pour in the
hot water, and stir to dissolve. Add the eggs,
sugar, and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in
the chocolate mixture. Fold in the flour and
walnuts, then the chocolate chips.
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and
bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (170°C
fan, Gas 5) for about 40–45 minutes or
until firm to the touch. Don’t overcook –
the crust should be dull and crisp, but the
middle should still be gooey. Leave to cool
in the tin, then cut into 24 pieces.
20 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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feature — 4
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 21
WRITE US A STORY! If you are at school and love to write your own stories then send one to us and we will try to
publish it here so you can share it with all our readers. You must have your parent's or guardian's permission. Send
your stories with your name and age to editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk Your story can be up to 750 words long and
the editor reserves the right to edit it.
Lexi’s surprise
By Angel Young age 12 years
It was one long summer term and
Lexi had worked hard in school to
go on her annual summer holiday
trip to a surprise location. Her
parents were telling her that it was
somewhere they had never been
before and with an airline that was
not known to them.
She went on and on to her friends
that she was going away to a
beautiful white beach with a
turquoise sea that stretches for miles
along side the white fluffy sand that
had tall shading palm trees that had
some private hammocks.
The only issue was that there had
been a huge lockdown with a big
pandemic and there was a risk of
another lockdown happening at the
time of the holiday.
Lexi — who is 10 — has beautiful
long curly blonde hair, and she likes
to wear beautiful white and pink
dresses. Her favourite thing is to
explore and go for long walks in new
different places.
After a long week, her parents
finally revealed that they were going
to holiday in a famous Dubai hotel.
The plane ride was OK. It had a
bit of bad turbulence but when they
arrived they had a great welcome.
They had been greeted by staff and
had their bags carried to their room
by a butler. The suite was a surprise
for Lexi. It was kept quiet until they
opened the room's door.
They had a great big two bedroom
suite and the first thing Lexi saw
when she opened the door was a
great big curved sofa that was on
an electric board that rotated and
a big 72 inch TV in front of the
sofa. Across the room was a small
kitchen with its own mini bar. The
decoration of the suite was beautiful.
It had gold and white patterned
wallpaper and was filled with flowers
and elephant statues. Behind the
massive curtains that covered one
wall of the living room was a balcony
with the most incredible view.
For the next day they had booked
to go on a tourist walk with a tour
guide to see all the sights in Dubai.
They woke up the next morning
and were told the tourist walk was
cancelled and the resort beach was
closed, but there was no reason why.
TERRIFYING
Lexi came up with the bright
idea of going on their own walk and
exploring the scenery. So, they left
the hotel and snuck onto the closed
beach but suddenly the security
guard walked round the corner, so
they ran down an alley way that led
them into a forest.
They could hear a noise coming
from behind them, so they went
further into the forest until there
was no one in sight. They stopped
running, but the noise continued.
It sounded like someone grunting.
It was a frighting sound in the dark
woods.
A few minutes passed when Lexi
and her parents had established
that they had messed up as they
had realised they did not know the
area or the way back to the resort.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps —
but not human footsteps. It came
round the corner. It was something
terrifying. It was a bear! They ran!
It got so late the sky was pitch
black, but they had to try and find
a way to camp in the forest for the
night as they could not see an exit.
The next morning, they were
awoken by the sound of footsteps
again. They jumped up to run but
as it came round the corner, they
realised it was one of the hotel staff
that had seen the CCTV footage and
came in search of them.
When they returned to the hotel
they bathed
and slept all
day and for the
rest of the
holiday they
stayed on the
resort.
When they
returned
home, they
found out
why the
beach had
been
closed for
the day. It
was because
it had been
vandalised
and was being
cleaned. They
soon realised
they were also
lucky to be
home as the
world had
returned to
lockdown.
22 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
feature — 5
July: Sweet Food for Thought!
Now is the time to dig out the picnic hampers and
clean the BBQs! July is officially National Picnic
Month, and on 2 July BBQ week begins – if taking
a BBQ on a picnic beware, many picnic locations
ban fires and BBQs for safety reasons. And while
planning your picnic remember that July is also
the World Plastics Free Month so avoid using
plastic wrappers, utensils, etc. There are lots of
ideas about how you can support this worldwide
effort — including plastic free picnic ideas — on:
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
By 7 July you may fancy a sweet break because
it is World Chocolate Day! It was on this day in
1550 that chocolate was first brought to Europe.
The cocoa bean, from which chocolate was first
made in Mexico about 4,000 years ago, was said by
the Aztecs to be a gift of the god who gave them
light and drink – it came in the form of chocolate!
Christians will know that they were correct in
chocolate being a gift from god, only they would
question who the true God is!
MEXICAN COINCIDENCE
After spending a whole day of eating chocolate
without feeling guilty you can then take a break
for three days as you prepare to enjoy National
Doughnut Week from 10-18 July. By the end of
doughnut week, you will be able to take a slightly
longer break to recover before celebrating Vanilla
Ice Cream Day on 23 July.
By coincidence, vanilla, like the cocoa bean,
originally came from Mexico and it is said to be
the second most expensive spice after saffron.
Also, like chocolate, the best way to celebrate
Vanilla Ice Cream Day, is to eat it either on its own
or with one or more of your favourite foods – food
maybe you could add a chocolate flake!
To round off a glorious month for food lovers,
30 July is National Cheesecake Day. Cheesecake is
believed to have originated in Ancient Greece, and
the earliest evidence is in a book by the Greek
physician Aegimus (5th Century BCE), who wrote
a book on the art of making cheesecakes.
By the first century BCE it was established in
Rome as evidenced by the oldest known Roman
cheesecake recipe credited to a politician, Marcus
Cato.
There are hundreds of cheesecakes recipes
online, a good starting place is:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/
cheesecake-recipes
August: Great and Small!
With fewer opportunities for overseas holidays
this year, many of us will be visiting the UK’s
beaches and shorelines and so what better time
could The Wildlife Trust choose than to have its
annual National Marine Week from 25 July to 9
August.
Despite its name, it lasts for 15 days to allow for
variations in tide times around the country, so
you need to bear that in mind when planning your
visits.
There is a lot of information to help you
on: https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/get-involved/
campaign/national-marine-week where the trust
says they are particularly interested in sightings
of Pacific oyster, wireweed, slipper limpet, Chinese
mitten crab, oarweed, snakelock anemone,
stalked jellyfish, shore crab, beadlet anemone
and common limpet, but feel free to report all
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 23
Image credits
Mountain picnic table: Lina1984malina on dreamstime.com
Elephants: Jonathan Pledger on dreamstime.com
Lions: Ciolca on dreamstime.com
Owls: Pedro Turrini Neto on dreamstime.com
Seaside: Three Cliffs Bay, Eutuxia Ntzereme on unsplash.com
Bats in the night sky: Amy Smith on dreamstime.com
other sightings as well. August is also a month to
celebrate several other creatures, great and small.
The 4 August should be a hoot as the International
Owl Awareness Day is being celebrated around the
UK at bird sanctuaries, wildlife parks and even by
book sellers who are suggesting you spend the day
reading a wide selection of owl-centred stories!
Four days later cats take centre stage while on
the 24th dogs get their turn. If larger animals are
your love, then look out for lions on 10 August,
elephants on the 17th and orangutans on the 19th!
HOMELESS ANIMALS
For most animals lovers, however, 22 August
is perhaps the most important day of the month
because it is when The International Society for
Animal Rights is holding its annual ‘Homeless
Animals Day’. This special day was introduced to
spread awareness about pet overpopulation and
the society’s meaningful work which includes
saving the lives of millions of animals.
https://isaronline.org/programs/internationalhomeless-animals-day-ihad/
BAT NIGHT
To round off a month of animal celebrations
the ‘night owls’ among us can sit up all night long
on 28-29 August and take part in the International
Bat Night. This annual night out started in 1997
and if you want get involved visit:
https://www.eurobats.org/international_bat_night
. . . and fresh
air memories
of UK holidays!
Camping and caravanning holidays have been
around for many years and for obvious reasons
seem to be increasingly popular this year, so on
this, and the following pages we share some past
experiences of this traditional pastime ...
How did we ever find
time for church . . .
By Paul Masters, son of Claude a regular contributor
My memories are from our early caravanning days and
membership of the Berkshire branch of the Caravan
Club which seemed to meet every weekend ... how we
ever found time for church, I don't remember!
However, I remember well the first Sprite caravan.
It was towed by what I would now think a most
inappropriate vehicle — a 1500cc automatic Hillman
Avenger. Dad had to buy a special oil cooler to stop
the automatic gearbox overheating!
I remember that Dad converted a drop down
double bed from a wall into a bunk bed made from
a steel tube and a canvas sheet — a typical make
do and mend, but it worked well for many years,
although I never got to use it. Being a male offspring,
I was banished forever to sleep in the awning with
whatever animals we took with us.
The rally weekends seemed to be a lot of people
showing off their latest asset and that the bigger
units always belonged to the smallest family with the
very best rigs reserved for retired folk.
ANOTHER NIGHTMARE
The highlight was always to claim the souvenir
badge for the weekend which would be proudly stuck
with the smallest piece of Blu Tack possible to the
most visible part inside the caravan.
I remember the water being delivered to the sink
via an awkward hand pump and it felt very posh
when the next caravan upgrade sported a foot pump!
Our last caravan had hot and cold running water!
Toilets were another nightmare. Our first van had
nothing more that a bucket and a small pack of 'Elsan
Blue' to keep the unpleasant smells at bay. No doubt
that the job of emptying it would not have been
Dad's favourite job of the weekend.
All in all, I have many pleasant memories of those
weekends away, but most of all I remember watching
the adults getting increasingly more inebriated as
it went on. They sobered up just in time for the haul
back home late on Sunday evening, knowing that the
working week ahead would end with the preparations
for yet another weekend away!
24 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
feature — 7
Making friends, overcoming
dangers, and drinking wine!
By Claude Masters
When waiting in a traffic queue with a caravan hitched up, the
driver of the car behind got out and came to tell me that when my car
was indicating to go one way the caravan was indicating the other.
On arrival at the previous site, I had unhitched the car and driven it
clear without removing a 7 pin plug that connected the car light to
those of the van. All the wires were ripped out and I had the tedious
task of reconnecting them — erroneously as it turned out.
The first caravan my wife, Barbara, and I owned was second hand. It cost
£240 in 1975 and was very basic. It was the very opposite to the latest
ones equipped with central heating, dishwashers and microwave ovens.
Called a ‘Sprite’, it had glass windows, including a large one at the front
which one of my sons tried to open with his head. It shattered!
There were no electrics except the rear lights and
indicators. The lighting was two gas mantles and the
only way to heat it was via the gas rings on the hob.
The toilet was ‘bucket and chuck it’! It was kept in a
recess by the door which meant no one could get in or
out when it was in use. Water was stored outside in
a container and it was drawn into the sink by a hand
pump on the tap.
The most dangerous feature was its lack of
ventilation. One cool evening five of us were sitting in
it with gas lights and two hobs burning when it slowly
got darker and darker. Fortunately, I realised what
was happening. That the oxygen in the air was being
replaced by carbon monoxoide. I threw a window
open and the lights came up instantly.
OVERLOAD
The first trip in our van was to holiday in
Tewkesbury and my inexperience as a caravanner
soon became apparent. The van was loaded with toys
and games for the youngsters, a library of books and
anything else we thought might be useful or needed.
Not knowing what the site facilities might be like, we
took a 5 gallon container of water and a spare cylinder
of Calor gas.
I knew that a towing vehicle needed to be heavier
than that being towed so that was loaded too.
Subsequently the best speed I could do along the
M4 was 35mph! However, this was the first of many
happy caravan holidays over the years.
The Caravan Club published a manual each year
listing the location and map reference of hundreds
of small sites around the country and, when we had
decided where to go, I bought an ordnance survey
map to find the precise position of the site so that we
knew what to expect in that vicinity. The back garden
of a pub was my favourite!
Sometimes we would take Candy and Floss our
pet cat and dog. At the site the van's spare wheel was
put on the grass and the dog tied to it with a couple
of metres of rope so that it couldn’t wander off and be
a nuisance. The cat was free to pester the birds in the
Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor
trees. It knew where it’s food was and always ready to
go when we left. On the journeys it sat contentedly
on my lap as I drove.
Initially we went on rallies and holidays with the
Caravan Club but as friends from St Bartholomew's
Church began to get vans the days away became
even more enjoyable.
At Whitsuntide and Easter the choir and
congregation would be sadly diminished but we
would all go to the local church on Sunday, or
Salisbury Cathedral if we were in the New Forest.
These were the happiest of times with all
our friends from church. John and Peggy Lot,
remembered by many at St Andrew's, were among
them.
EMBARRASSMENT
Our favourite site was Burrowhayes Farm near
Porlock in Exmoor. It was a large, well equipped,
National Trust site with toilet blocks, a well stocked
shop, and a laundrette, At the foot of the Horner
Valley it is ideally placed for walks around the
adjacent hills and it was a couple of hours walk from
Dunkery Beacon the highest point on Exmoor hills.
One pool, formed in an adjacent stream, was big
enough to swim in but the water was too cold for me.
There were four or five families there for a week
or fortnight and about equal numbers of adults and
youngsters. Each did their own thing in the day —
visiting Minehead or Porlock, maybe going up the
notoriously steep hill and driving into Lynton or
Lynmouth.
In the evenings there might be a communal BBQ
but certainly we would gather in two of the vans,
the adults in one and youngsters in another. On one
occasion a nearby caravanner complained about the
noise from the kids van and to the site manager's
embarrassment one of the kids was his son! The lad
and his wife now run the site.
Homemade wine was popular. The men would delve
into each other’s car boots to see what they could find
and an enjoyable time was had by one and all.
One of my wife’s relative
Colne in Essex and we had s
there when I spent most of
in the harvest.
The caravan was parked
field and one year it was nex
roosting there tried to scare
wonderfully displaying its t
My son and daughter wa
sleeping on the hay in the b
of the bales to make a safe r
did not welcome their intru
had settled down it started
a hell of a noise so they soon
ladder back to the van. Geo
scruffy and used a length of
one occasion when waiting
pulled up and the driver gav
At the end of our fortnig
BBQ for George and his fam
to the funfair at Clacton-on
George gave the youngsters
The Masters' family rig
H
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 25
elen Hotson, dreamstimes.com
s owned a farm near Earls
everal summer holidays
my time helping to gather
in the most convenient
t to a barn. A barn owl
us off by diving at us,
hree foot wing span.
nted a bit of adventure
arn so I rearranged some
ecess. However, the owl
sion and soon after they
screeching and making
scrambled down the
rge the farmer was always
string for a belt and on
at the side of the road a car
e him some money!
ht there we would host a
ily and on the last day go
-sea to spend the money
.
Gatherings for social events and times of worship are a feature of a CCCF rally
. . . and how did we find time for caravanning?
By Bob Peters
So, where are you going for your summer holiday
this year? Are you looking for somewhere in the
UK with a low risk of Covid infections that is safe
for young and old alike? Somewhere with plenty
of clean, fresh air that the scientists say is good
for us, and somewhere with like-minded people?
Have you thought of camping or caravanning?
Have you heard of CCCF? If you have, you will
know that a CCCF holiday is an ideal solution for
such a holiday!
CCCF stands for Christian Caravanning and
Camping Fellowship, a title that sums up the
organisation well.
It is a nationwide, nondenominational Christian
nonprofit making organisation run by volunteers
since 1969. It aims to encourage like-minded
Christians to meet for fellowship in a relaxed
caravanning and camping holiday environment
– you need to provide your own tent, caravan or
motorhome of course. In my experience, the best
way to find out what makes it such a great way
to caravan, or camp, is to book into one of their
weekend rallies which are held all around the
country on farms, camping sites and schools.
EVERYONE WELCOME
You will be assured of a warm welcome and
you will soon make life-long friends with other
Christians from different churches to your own,
and you will want to book one of its holiday rallies
that last for a week or longer. It does not matter if
you are a family with young children, or teenagers,
or more elderly, or disabled. Everyone is welcome
in the CCCF family.
Typically, each day begins with a short meeting
with prayer, a hymn and a brief ‘Thought for the
Day’ by one of the members. At the longer rallies
there are usually evening events with speakers
and live music, and sometimes guest entertainers.
For children there are on-site clubs and organised
games, all supervised by volunteer members.
More than 25 years ago, after some persuasion,
I nervously stood up and gave a ‘thought for a day’
at a weekend rally. It was a turning point in my
life. Unfortunately, because I am now so busy as a
lay minister at St Andrew's I no longer have time
to be a member of CCCF.
There are, of course, Covid restrictions in
force at the time of writing, but these are being
relaxed all the time. Take a look at the CCCF
website on http://www.cccf.org.uk/ and ignore any
preconceived ideas you might have.
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!
In addition to the stunning and historic location in Sonning,
we will work hard to provide you with a memorable and
moving occasion. We can provide a choir, organ, peal of
eight bells, beautiful flowers, over 100 lit candles set in
ornate Victorian chandeliers and the use of our beautiful
churchyard as a backdrop for your photographs.
Church of St Andrew
Serving Sonning, Charvil & Sonning Eye
cccf.org.uk
the church of st andrew SERVING CHARVIL,
SONNING & sonning eye since the 7 th century
26 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements
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around the villages — 1
A letter from Reading Blue Coat's 'new' head . . .
Dear neighbours June 2021
It has been described as ‘a year like no other’, and the past months have
certainly brought challenges for everyone. As I write, the forecast is promising
improvements, athletes and rowers are training hard, the term is in full swing
and the Government’s road map heralds a welcome relaxation of restrictions
over the weeks ahead. We all hope for a rather different year to come!
My purpose in writing is two-fold. Firstly, I wanted to introduce myself as
your relatively new neighbour. My family and I moved into the Headmaster’s
house last August, having taken the reins from Jesse Elzinga who is now in
Sevenoaks. Busy terms and lockdown are not the ideal means to get to know
others living close by, but I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks
and months ahead.
To be honest, any of you who are on Sonning Buzz might already be
aware of our slightly adventurous black lab, Arthur, who has been known to
wander to the far corners of the village with members of the Thomas family
in hot pursuit, thanks to Sonning Buzz leads. If you have provided particular
sightings, thank you!
CELEBRATIONS
Andrew Wilbey
I also wanted to flag up our planned end of year celebrations for the last
week of term. As you might know, the School’s Prize Giving moved online last
summer, so we are delighted that as restrictions ease we will be able to increase
the number of people who can safely gather on the school site for events.
Two of note in our final week are: ‘Swing into Summertime’ on Tuesday 29
June, which is an evening of music with various groups and styles represented.
This will be held on Way Hall Field in front of the main School House until
about 10pm. I very much hope that any sound that you hear will be pleasant!
The second event is on Saturday 3 July when we will have various leavers’
celebrations during the day, culminating in a leaver's party beginning at
7.30pm, to be held on Back Lawn. In previous years this has been the ‘Summer
Ball’, but restrictions at the time of planning (and committing resources!)
means this is not possible. What we are able to do is have some music and
we have arranged for a band to perform a number of cover songs during the
evening. They have been superb in previous years but I am sure that they will
also be audible to our near neighbours who, I appreciate, might not necessarily
agree! The evening is due to conclude with a 5 minute fireworks display starting
at approximately 10.15pm, and all guests should have left the school site by
10.45pm.
I very much hope that any disruption to the evenings of 29 June and 3 July
will be minimal for you, but also that any sound might also be quite enjoyable
and a hopeful reminder that we are starting to breathe again!
If you have any questions, please get in touch on hm@rbcs.org.uk and I look
forward to meeting you in due course.
Yours
Pete Thomas
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 27
Toys and Teens
charity wins
Queen's Award
Reading Family Aid has won the
highest award a voluntary group
can receive in the UK — The Queen’s
Award for Voluntary Service.
The award was created in 2002 to
celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee
and recognises the outstanding work
done by volunteer groups for the
benefit of their local communities.
Reading Family Aid started
in the 1950's when they helped a
handful of families. The first outing
recorded costs of just £10. It became
a registered charity in 1993 and
recently has been helping up to 1,000
families each year.
Despite the challenges of Covid,
Reading Family Aid was still able
to provide over 1,400 children with
gifts at Christmas and the charity's
generous supporters helped raise
over £33,000.
Garden party talks
Details of Sonning and Sonning Eye
Society's summer garden party being
held on 8 August can be found on its
website.
Following Simon Wenham's talk
on 25 June in Pearson Hall about the
pursuit of pleasure on the Thames,
the society will be holding two more
in the coming months: Owen Green
the map maker on 10 September and
John Painter, Reading Abbey, on 5
October.
For tickets or reservations contact
Penny Feathers on 0118 934 3193 or
penny.feathers@btinternet.com
FoStAC garden party
Friends of St Andrew’s Church
Sonning (FoStAC) invites readers
to its garden party on Monday 30
August from 3-5.30pm in Allan and
Wendy Williams' garden at 8 West
Drive, Sonning.
Entrance is by ticket which can be
obtained at £15 from Bob Hine 0118
969 8653, Sally Wilson 0118 979 3328,
or Keith Nichols 0118 969 4628.
28 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 29
around the villages — 2
Dunsden Village Hall seeks another part-time trustee
The Dunsden Village Hall Board of Trustees is seeking a new voluntary
member to help manage the historic Victorian building that originally served
as the village school. The hall is close to the village green and community
orchard and consists of two bright halls, a garden with a terrace and a field
for outdoor events. The centre is a registered charity run by two paid parttime
staff under the direction of the voluntary trustees.
Dunsden Village Hall has it roots in
a long history of local community
service which began in 1829 when
Dunsden’s first school, which was part
of Sonning School, opened in a cottage
in Tagg Lane. It had 30 pupils.
When All Saints Church, Dunsden
was consecrated in 1843, it became
obvious that there was a need to
provide proper education facilities in
the parish, hence the school building
which today is used as the village hall.
TWO HALLS
Much of the funding was provided
by the Palmer family of Holme Park,
Sonning — part of the building today
is called the Palmer Room which was
first used as a Sunday School on 20
December 1846.
By 1869 the school had grown and
the main hall, was added.
After a chequered history recorded
in A short history of Eye & Dunsden
Village Hall and which is based on Brian
Law’s Eye & Dunsden Two Centuries of
Change, published in 2001, the school
was closed in 1977.
Subsequently, Eye & Dunsden
Parish Council bought it for £8,000
and refurbished the near derelict hall
at a cost of £30,000.
COMMUNITY
A separate charitable trust was
set up with the objectives of being:
‘for the use of the inhabitants within the
present boundaries of the said Parish of
Eye and Dunsden in the County of Oxford
without distinction of political religious or
other opinions including use for meetings
lectures and classes and for other forms
of recreation and leisure time occupation
with the object of improving the
conditions of life for the said inhabitants’
The community contributed
generously to a fundraising campaign,
many of them by buying tiles for
the new roof which still bear their
signatures. After much refurbishment
the Parish of Eye & Dunsden proudly
opened its first Village Hall in 1980.
COMMITMENT
In 1987 the Robert Phillimore
family generously gave to the parish
council a field by the hall which is used
for village fetes and outdoor events.
Today the hall is used regularly
by clubs and groups and the entire
building and grounds are popular for
weddings and community functions,
live music and entertainment.
Anyone with commitment and
enthusiasm is welcome to apply for the
voluntary trustee post, especially if
you have experience of:
— Events promotion and management
— Fundraising and grant applications
— Personnel management and
compliance issues
— Property and asset management
— Online promotion including
websites and social media
INFORMAL CHAT
If you would like an informal
chat about the roles available, how
to apply for the trustees position,
or for more information about
Dunsden Village Hall, contact David
Woodward:
chairman@eyedunsden.org
http://www.dunsdenvillagehall.co.uk
30 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 31
HEALTH — 1
Dr Simon Ruffle grasps the nettle . . . of dying
One of the most controversial subjects to discuss in any
community is how people die. It is the inevitable and an
unescapable end of life, as much as birth is the beginning.
Too long, as a nation, we have filed the discussion in the ‘to
do’ cabinet.
Rarely in discussing other issues do we ignore the full scope
of an argument. 60% of people in the UK have no will when
they die.1
Compare our attitude to South America. Día de Muertos
(day of the dead) is celebrated. Anyone watching James
Bond Spectre (2015)2 could not fail to see the scale of the
celebrations of the dead that coincides with All Saints and All
Souls days — the first two days of November.
Depending on which surveys you read between 70%
and 80% of the public are in favour of assisted dying, yet
parliament allows a free vote on this subject, leaving it to
the individual MP. This is not an easy decision for anyone
to contemplate making; and I doubt any MP wishes to go
against their constituents' wishes. Strangely, we can have a
referendum to decide to choose our European status but not
on our own choices about our lives.
The issue is so personal to everyone and many different
influencing factors lead a person to their own decision. I
doubt I could list everything but personal experience, legal,
professional, religious and societal factors are some of these.
TERMINOLOGY
However, I am not certain that everyone is aware of the
terminology used. While researching this topic, I found that
the House of Lords voted against changing the Assisted
Dying Bill to have the title Assisted Suicide.
Wanting to die and wanting to determine your death are
two totally different issues. Choosing a method to die when
your life expectancy is determined does not mean someone
is actively suicidal. The definition of suicide does not help.
Intentionally taking action to end your life is suicide. A lot of
suicidal attempts are not intentional. The person often lacks
the capacity to make a rational decision due to the
effects of drugs, alcohol, financial issues and mental
health problems. This problem gets projected onto
someone who wishes to choose when and how to die
when they have been given a terminal diagnosis, even
if not a totally determinable time to live.
Euthanasia is a step beyond this. This is someone
else ending your life.
In some countries and USA states, notably
Oregon, the term favoured is physician assisted
suicide. Only 0.4% of deaths in Oregon, USA are
from assisted dying. It was legalised and since
then hospice use has increased and the numbers
using the legislation remains small, but the
fear, anxiety and pain scores associated
with dying have decreased.
The figures from Oregon also show that the
slippery slope and exploitation arguments are not
valid. Louis Theroux made a hard watching but
sympathetic documentary on this.4
The religious argument is out of my remit as are the
legal aspects and the argument that we have to extend the
protection of the law to those who are dying is irrefutable,
but it is parliament that chooses legislation.
Among the medical profession surveyed in 2020,3 50%
believed there should be a change in the law. 39% were
opposed to physician assisted dying but only 36% of doctors
were prepared to be involved, 45% would not participate and
11% were undecided. This poses really thorny questions —
Who is going to prescribe medicines to take a life? Who is
capable of deciding whether a terminal illness is correct, or
the patient has capacity and is not being coerced?
When I was at medical school palliative care education
was pretty pathetic, fuelling the belief that if something can
be done it must be done. Palliative care services were seen as
a Cinderella service — neglected, underfunded, and poor.
QUALITY OF LIFE
In the last few years palliative care services have
improved. This is mainly through the use of the third sectorcharity.
Research into palliation has increased.
Receiving palliative care is not an immediate sentence of
death. It is an acknowledgment that the disease process has
a life limiting aspect to it, but it doesn’t just mean length of
life. Palliation is the treatment of symptoms that remove
quality of life.
It is time that this Cinderella service got it’s happy ending
(no pun intended) and is elevated to its rightful position and
funding.
Patient choice has been high on the health services
agenda for many years now but sometimes it’s a choice
between a kilo of mud and 2.2lb of mud, no real choice. I
mention this because a huge question for me is if palliative
care services were of ‘gold standard’ would people want to
choose differently?
At the moment we have the unacceptable legal/moral
position of ‘turning a blind eye’ to those who assist
someone to travel to a foreign country with the sole
purpose of dying. It is a criminal act whereas
suicide was decriminalised in 1961. Doctors in our
country are not allowed to aid dying or provide
material or information that may lead to it. They
face prison and their licence to practice to be
removed. We cannot provide an opinion on whether
someone is capable of making the decision.
People in their most needed time of life are faced with so
many decisions. Palliative care and assisted dying
are not binary choices and correctly used,
together, could offer peace at the end of life; a
choice.
Even with the best care and the support
and love of family, friends and the community
around them, some people suffer in their final
days and there are alternatives to being rendered
confused and sedated, which just prolongs the
inevitable decline and death.
I hope I haven’t offended or hurt anyone by
discussing this topic and indeed hope that some
may take comfort in knowing that with correct help
the end of life can be well managed; but that needs
not only the medical profession but all of society,
turn to page 33
32 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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HOME & GARDEN
In the garden
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 33
Recipe of the month
Basil Pesto and Fig Tart
Ivy on your house is not
really bad after all — RHS
In an effort to restore ivy's reputation, the Royal
Horticultural Society (RHS) is showcasing the species
at its flagship garden in Wisley, Surrey. It hopes to set
a new trend, and to get people to stop seeing ivy as ‘the
enemy.’
RHS experts from Reading University and Wisley have
concluded that ivy is not such a bad thing for growing up
verticals walls as previously thought. They say that ivy is
a ‘super plant’ that not only has insulating benefits, but is
good for the environment, offering habitats for a variety
of wildlife, as well as being a food source for birds and
pollinators during months of the year when there is very
little else for them to eat.
ECO-FRIENDLY
Kouklabazar, dreamstime.com
In its new Centre for Horticultural Science and
Learning at its flagship RHS Garden Wisley, you can now
see 390 varieties of ivy, with a vast array of leaf shapes,
sizes and colours. 'We want people to see that ivy can
be an attractive and even eco-friendly addition to your
home.' RHS said.
The study looked at the impact of three plant species
(Hedera helix – common ivy, Parthenocissus tricuspidata
– Boston ivy, and Pileostegia viburnoides – climbing
hydrangea) on temperature and humidity when grown as
building cover in the summer and winter.
All the plants reduced the air temperature internally
and externally during the summer daytime by at least
1o⁰C compared to bare ‘buildings’.
COOLER AND LESS HUMID
The evidence showed that the best plant for summer
cooling was provided by ivy. It was able to reduce the
internal and external wall temperature by 7.2⁰C and 5.7⁰C
respectively. Not only did ivy provide the best summer
cooling for buildings, but it also demonstrated the
greatest summer reduction in daily variation of relative
humidity (RH).
During warm winter afternoons, RH was 5.7% lower
inside ivy-covered compared to bare ‘buildings’. This
means that ivy covered walls would keep buildings less
humid in winter months.
For more information visit: http://www.rhs.org.uk
With early figs in season this is a delicious recipe from the Good
Housekeeping Cookery Team which can be served hot or cold,
making it ideal for Picnic Month (see page 22)
Ingredients (Four Servings)
— 320g sheet of ready-rolled puff pastry
— 4 tbsp basil pesto
— 3 fresh figs, each cut into six wedges (we defrosted some
frozen figs from last year's autumn harvest and they
worked well)
— 75g (3oz) of Stilton cheese (or blue cheese)
— Handful of rocket, or other dark green salad leaf, plus
extra to serve
Method
Preheat oven to 200⁰C (180⁰C fan) gas mark 6.
Unroll the pastry onto a baking sheet and score a border one
inch in from the edge with a knife — don't cut right through
the pastry. Prick the pastry well with a fork inside the
border. Spread the pesto in an even layer inside the border,
then scatter over the figs. Crumble the Stilton or blue cheese
over the figs. Bake for 20 minutes or until the pastry is risen
and golden. Scatter rocket over and serve in quarters with
extra rocket.
HEALTH — 2
from page 31
Dr Simon Ruffle . . .
religious and secular to be open and discuss this issue
dispassionately and use the evidence that other nations
have collected. Considering the decisions the government
and parliament make everyday; inter alia go to war, tell the
nation difficult facts, hide them, re-new nuclear weapons,
fund or de-fund services, what to teach our young, I do not
think we have ever been offered, via manifestos or otherwise
a balanced, reasoned argument to discuss end of life matters.
The death penalty however was legal for a few causes until
1998 and debated in parliament every year until 1997 since
the abolition of the penalty for murder in 1969.
To explore this further from a doctor and son of a
terminally ill person I recommend: Being Mortal, Illness
medicine and what matters in the end by Atul Gawande. It is an
uplifting read despite the subject material.
Notes:
1 https://www.co-oplegalservices.co.uk/media-centre/articlesmay-aug-2018/60-of-people-dont-have-a-will/
2 www.007.com
3 https://www.bma.org.uk/media/3367/bma-physician-assisteddying-survey-report-oct-2020.pdf
4 Altered States https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0bshjrp
34 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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THE ARTS — 1
Truth can come from a range of places. In Shakespeare, it’s the fool who often
has the insight that the main characters lack. In the Old Testament, it’s the
prophets that proclaim the truth from God’s perspective.
Maybe today, we should be listening
more to the comedians — to the
people who stand back from our dayto-day
happenings and see the world
from different angles. They can make
us laugh, but they can also teach us
truths about ourselves that can be
distinctly uncomfortable.
Take the new book by comedian,
and Catholic, Frank Skinner. It’s
called A Comedian’s Prayer Book and is
published by Hodder & Stoughton.
The book runs to just over a 100
pages, yet in this thin volume, Frank
Skinner — who is very open about
his devout Christian faith — poses
serious questions for both believers
and atheists.
It’s far from being a comfortable
read, though it never ceases to be
amusing and thoughtful.
Setting the scene for the book,
Frank Skinner, an award-winning
comedian, television and radio host,
explains:
'Imagine someone on a pilgrimage,
stopping at churches, martyr-related
tourist spots and sacred wells, while
dressed in a medieval jester outfit.
'The intention is serious and
completely devout, but the pilgrim just
feels more at home in the motley than in
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 35
Comedy — the gift of seeing the world in another way
By Rev Peter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans, Herts, and a former
communications director for the CofE
THOUGHTFUL
sackcloth and ashes. He feels jest is an
integral part of who he is, and it seems
wrong to deny that part.'
Frank Skinner sees his role as
a comic as integral to this faith,
although some ‘fellow pilgrims’ may
be uncomfortable with someone who
seems to see humour all around him
— and can easily make others laugh.
Yet he raises deep issues in
the chapters of this slim volume,
including questions that will
connect with people both within the
Christian faith, and those standing
outside.
He describes his prayer life as
'a telepathic dip into a long, ongoing
conversation with thousands of tabs left
open and no helpful ‘new readers start
here’ summaries or simplifications for
the neutral observer.'
QUIRKY
His ‘prayer book’ is on my
bookshelf alongside '10 Second
Sermons,’ (Darton, Longman &
Todd) written by fellow comedian
Milton Jones in 2011.
Again, the comedian’s quirky
view on life brings fresh insights and
challenges.
Milton Jones, a master of oneline
jokes, describes gossip as
'bullying people who are not there', lust
Frank Skinner
Milton Jones
dreamstime.com
dreamstime.com
as 'rehearsing for a play in which you
shouldn’t have a part' and salvation
as 'like being returned to the factory
settings — but you have to admit there
is a factory, and that there could be
some settings.'
One of my favourites is Milton
Jones’s description of the Holy Spirit
as 'a real person you can invite in. But
watch out – in time He will go over, pull
the fridge from the wall and say ‘What’s
all this mess under here?’ But at least
He helps clear up.'
Both Milton Jones and Frank
Skinner are comedians of faith —
comedic commentators with a gift of
making us see the world with fresh
insight. And, as importantly, making
us laugh.
36 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to this advertisement
THE ARTS — 2
Promise and fulfilment in
the Peaceable Kingdom
By Rev Michael Burgess
When St Peter preached his first sermon on the day
of Pentecost, he showed how the life, death and
resurrection of Jesus had to be understood in the light of
the Old Testament.
The promise of the Old was granted fulfilment in
the New. This is how we understand the unity of the
two Testaments: the messianic hope in one finds full
expression in the other. We read of the Suffering Servant
in Isaiah and look to the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus.
Earlier in that prophet we read of a wondrous Child
who is granted the spirit of the Lord to bring Paradise
once more to the world:
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down
with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them…..
They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain:
for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.(Isaiah 11:6,9)
That vision of peace and harmony inspired this
month’s painting, The Peaceable Kingdom by Edward
Hicks.
INNOCENT AND FREE
Edward Hicks was born in Pennsylvania in 1780 and
worked as a carriage and sign maker. After a rebellious
adolescence, he became a Quaker, living as a preacher and
minister before taking up his brushes.
His fellow Quakers were uneasy with this pursuit of
such a worldly profession, and so Edward Hicks tried his
hand at farming. His efforts proved unsuccessful, and he
returned to painting, creating a whole series of canvases
on this single theme. He painted almost a hundred
versions of the Peaceable Kingdom of which over 60 still
exist. The one illustrated above is from 1834.
The foreground is occupied by not just one child, but
several. They are innocent and free, playing with the
animals around — lion, tiger, leopard, bear, wolf, cow and
lamb.
VISION OF PEACE
There is no sign of ‘nature red in tooth and claw’ here
for all is peace and tranquillity. The bear and cow nudge
each other in the bottom corner with no fear and no
assertion of strength.
That vision of peace is being realised in the distant
scene, where we see William Penn and his fellow Quakers
working on a treaty of co-existence with the Indians. The
animals in the foreground symbolise the human traits we
see at work in the background: leadership and strength,
sensitivity and gentleness.
As he worked on later versions of this painting, Edward
Hicks knew that such peace was not an easy and simple
achievement. Arguments and misunderstandings divided
his own flock, and as a result the animals he painted look
tired and anxious with sad eyes and white whiskers.
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 37
commons.wikimedia.org
But here in 1834 there is a freshness and a promise
of paradise restored. The cow and the calf, the bear and
the bear cub, and the other animals are at one with the
children playing.
That harmony can be realised in human affairs also,
the artist is saying. ‘Follow the Inner Light’ and Isaiah’s
prophecy can be fulfilled in our world. It needs both
the innocence and strength we see here; it needs action
and waiting, it needs wisdom and gentleness as we take
counsel one with another.
Follow those qualities to be channels of God’s peace to
make this world the Peaceable Kingdom.
Book Reviews
The Treasures of English History — witnesses to the
history of a nation
By Matthew Byrne, Shire Publications,
supported by National Churches Trust,
£17.00
This will be a sheer delight for
anyone who enjoys the magnificent
artefacts to be found in metropolitan
cathedrals and remote parish
churches. The wide range of stunning
photographs include 16th century
carvings on the choir seats of a village church to iridescent
stained glass windows commemorating the Second World
War, to ultra-modern art in Liverpool cathedral. These
artistic treasures trace the changing attitudes towards
theology, politics and social life of Britain.
The Lion Storyteller Book of Family Values
By Bob Hartman and Krisztina Kallai Nagy, Lion Children’s
Books, £14.99
Here is a practical way of considering
the moral, spiritual, and cultural
values that shape our lives and society.
It would be helpful for use within
children’s church groups and schools.
The book uses a number of engaging
stories to encourage children to think
and make connections within their
own lives.
38 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
the ARTS — 3
Poetry Corner
the sciences
Exploring big questions
Sunlight on St Patrick's Stream
Rambling Reflections
By Steven Rolling
Tune: Lasst Uns Erfreuen – ‘All creatures of our God and King’
Saint Patrick’s Stream your waters gleam
Reflecting of the sun’s bright beam
Alleluia, Alleluia!
And River Thames here flowing by
Your peaceful waters they are nigh
Drink Water of Life and ne’er die
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Farmlands surround, you cows and sheep
Farmers them diligently keep
Geese come to join, fly down from sky
Or travel from water-side nigh
Resting in green pastures you lie
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
On through permitted paths we tread
Following signposts we are led
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Not to trespass on private ground
For there no rambles should be found
Nor the tread of runners feet sound
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
O’er open countryside we roam
Till making our way back to home
Alleluia, Alleluia!
If haply we enjoy bright days
As we progress along our ways
God has made us, creation says
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
You crows, magpies, swans, birds many
Fields for you where you may come, see
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Or perching on telegraph wires
Your flight wish for freedom inspire
In us, in our human desires
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Stop for moments, see hill and dale
Gather memory of country tale
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Back to town, roads we may need go
Everyday life makes it so
Yet times of leisure too we know
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Andrew Smith, wikimedia
parish pump/pixabay
By Dr Ruth M Bancewicz, church engagement director at The
Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, Cambridge.
It is important to have debates about science and Christian
faith and to dig into the hot topics, but we can’t exist solely
on a diet of controversy. I find it helpful, at times, to simply
enjoy the wonders revealed by science and the big questions
they raise about meaning and purpose.
What’s the universe for? What do you do with your feelings
of awe and wonder? Where do we get our sense of the value
of the living world from?
I had the privilege of meeting a group of Christian
scientists and theologians who shared thoughts about
these big questions, and will share some of their thoughts
here.
The Oxford-based theologian Alister McGrath shared
that 'science is wonderful at asking questions. Some of those
questions can be answered, but very often when you answer
them, they simply open up yet more questions. But of course,
there are some more fundamental questions I think science
simply cannot answer … questions like, Why am I here?'
COMPATIBLE WITH GOD
Rhoda Hawkins, a physicist at Sheffield University, has
had a similar experience. “I never cease to be amazed at
quite how impressive the world is, and how impressive the
mechanisms are for how things work ... It really is beautiful
in many ways, and it leads me to think about God. I’m not
saying that I have any proof, but I’m saying that by looking at
the world around me, it tells me more about God and it leads
me to worship him.”
Another scientist who appreciates beauty is Jeff Hardin,
who explained that 'studying the wonders of the living world
is an exercise in art appreciation. For me, God is the creator
of everything … so the joy of discovery is also the joy of
appreciating the world that God has made…and leads me to
thank God for the amazing world that we have to enjoy and
to explore.'
I will close with some words from Jeff Schloss, who – like
the others quoted above – finds that Christian faith makes
science more satisfying for him. 'Once I became a Christian
… I had the sense that I was studying the marvels of the
natural world, which are marvellous in their own right but
become more profoundly engaging and enticing when one
thinks that you’re studying the works of God.'
Perhaps if we can spend more time listening to people
like this, our discussions about science and faith will also be
richer and deeper.
Video quotes on: http://www.wondersofthelivingworld.org
CROSSWORD
1 2 3 4 5 6
8
7
9 10
11 12 13
14
15 16 17 18 19
21 22
24
Across
Across
1 Spout (6)
7 Bogs or marshes (8)
8 Annoy constantly (3)
9 Group of 12 constellations (6)
10 Capture a piece in chess (4)
11 Church instrument (5)
13 Highest singing voice (7)
15 Confused struggle (7)
17 Skin on top of the head (5)
21 List of food items available (4)
22 Tithes (anag) (6)
23 Very cold; slippery (3)
24 People who consume
a particular beverage (8)
25 Gained deservedly (6)
1 - Spout (6)
7 - Bogs or marshes (8)
8 - Annoy constantly (3)
9 - Group of 12 constellations (6)
10 - Capture a piece in chess (4)
11 - Church instrument (5)
13 - Highest singing voice (7)
15 - Confused struggle (7)
17 - Skin on top of the head (5)
21 - List of food items available (4)
22 - Tithes (anag) (6)
23 - Very cold; slippery (3)
24 - People who consume a particular beverage (8)
CODEWORD
25 - Gained deservedly (6)
1 21 11 20 23 14 26 8 7 14 23
20
25
23
2 - Move with short sharp turns (6)
19 Made a victim
16 - Happy
of
(6)
(6)
18 - Something done (6)
19 - Made a victim of (6)
20 - Compact (5)
3 8 7 2 1 2 3
2 15 5 8 18 12 23 16 8 1
23 16 2 18 8 10 8 1 18
4 24 1 20 23 4 6 8 21
22 2 15 8 18 7 8 21 4
7 8 21 18 12 2
1 2 19 19 8 18 4 7 22
14 9 4 18 24 24 4 15 18
2 26 4 8 23 14 2 26 1
18 4 1 7 8 17 20 23 20 16
13 22 25 8 20 1 5
3 2 7 23 4 23 14 8 7 3 13
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
G S L
SUDOKU
Each of the nine blocks has to contain all the
numbers 1-9 within its squares. Each number
can only appear once in a row, column or box.
WORDSEARCH
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 39
PUZZLE PAGE — the answers will be published in the next issue
Down
Down
1 - Papal (6)
1 Papal representative (6)
2 Move with short sharp turns (6)
3 Electronic 3 - Electronic message message (5) (5)
4 Farm vehicle (7)
4 - Farm vehicle (7)
5 Recondite (8)
6 Calculate
5 -(6)
Recondite (8)
12 Wealthy 6 (8) - Calculate (6)
14 Rattling
12
noise
- Wealthy
(7)
(8)
16 Happy (6)
14 - Rattling noise (7)
18 Something done (6)
20 Compact (5)
Search for 25 words hidden in the grid above
that are from the story below ...
Doubting Thomas
If you have ever doubted aspects of your
Christian faith, St Thomas is the saint for you.
His feast day is on 3rd July. Thomas, one of
Jesus’ 12 disciples, was deeply devoted, but also
very honest whenever he got confused. When
Jesus spoke of going to his Father (John 14),
Thomas was not afraid to ask Him where His
Father was. As for the Resurrection, that really
baffled Thomas. He demanded to see the risen
Jesus for himself - and touch the wounds in His
hands and feet. When Jesus appeared, Thomas’
immediate response was one of worship: 'My
Lord and my God' (John 20). Thus, Doubting
Thomas’ honest doubts, turned to honest faith,
have become a reassurance for thousands of
us down the centuries who also sometimes
doubt Jesus. In Doubting Thomas’ complete
affirmation of faith, after meeting the risen,
crucified Christ, we can find support for our own
faith in Him.
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURING VILLAGES QUIZ?
1. Which village do you associate with 'Moley and Ratty'?
2. Which village do you associate with 'Tom Brown'?
3. In which village within 4 miles of Sonning was there once a silk mill?
4. Which village is reputed to be haunted by a 'White Dog of Teens'?
5. Which village church was burnt down on Whit Sunday?
6. Which village do you associate with the picture of The Last Supper?
7. Which village during the Civil War had its castle besieged by General Daldier?
8. Which village do you associate with the red cottage of the lieutenant?
Last Month's
Solutions
CROSSWORD
S A P S C O N F U S E D
T L U U L I R
A G A I N S T Y E M E N
C I S R O P O
C O N S E Q U E N T L Y
A A N T E M
T H R U S T C H A R G E
O H O O E A
C O U N T R Y W O M A N
S M A I A E I
K E B A B G A L L E O N
E U L I L T G
W E S T E R N S A S K S
CODEWORD
M E D I A A I R L E S S
E E P E E Q
Z E P R D A T U M
Z E P P E L I N G I
A E A A J U M B O
N O S T R I L S E L
I T S A V I
N S E D I F Y I N G
E P I C S O F N A
L U D O M I N E E R
W A I L S M X G C
I P E E A H
K N I T T E D D E R B Y
SUDOKU
WORDSEARCH ST ALBAN
NEIGHBOURS QUIZ
1. The Vicar of Bray
2. Conway Bridge on the
Wargrave to Henley road
3. In 1822 at 72 London
Road, Reading
4. A hurricane swept through
southern England
5. Finchampstead Ridges or
Dogmersfield, Hants
6. Calcot
7. Summer is a-coming in
8. Pennsylvania - the
Quaker founder, William
Penn lived in Ruscombe
40 The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021
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CHIROPODY AND PODIATRY
Linda Frewin MInstChp, HCPC member
General foot care and treatments
25 Ashtrees Road, Woodley RG5 4LP
0118 969 6978 - 0790 022 4999
CLARK BICKNELL LTD - PLUMBING & HEATING
Qualified Plumbing and Heating Engineers Gas Safe
25 years experience - local family run company
Office: 0118 961 8784 - Paul: 0776 887 4440
paul@clarkbicknell.co.uk
COMPUTER FRUSTRATIONS?
For jargon free help with your computer problems
PC & laptop repairs, upgrades, installations, virus removal
Free advice, reasonable rates
0798 012 9364 help@computerfrustrations.co.uk
INTERSMART LIMITED
Electrical Installation and Smart Home Automation
intersmartuk@gmail.com
Elliott — 0777 186 6696
Nick — 0758 429 4986
HANDYMAN & DECORATING SERVICES
Reliable and affordable
Small jobs a speciality!
Call Andy on 0795 810 0128
http://www.handyman-reading.co.uk
JAMES AUTOS
Car Servicing, Repairs and MOT
Mole Road, Sindlesham, RG41 5DJ
0118 977 0831
james_autos@hotmail.co.uk
ALL AERIALS
A local business based in Sonning. TV - FM - DAB aerials etc.
Sky dishes. Communal premises IRS systems, TV points.
Free estimates - All work guaranteed
0118 944 0000
MC CLEANING
We are a family business with excellent references
and we are fully insured
All cleaning materials provided
For free quote call: Maria 0779 902 7901
THAMES CHIMNEY SWEEPS
0779 926 8123 0162 882 8130
enquiries@thameschimneysweeps.co.uk
http://www.thameschimneysweeps.co.uk
Member of the Guild of Master Sweeps
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
NPTC qualified — Public Liability of £10million
0118 937 1929 0786 172 4071
bighearttreecare.co.uk info@bighearttreecare.co.uk
SMALLWOOD
Landscaping, garden construction,
patios, lawns, fencing, decking etc
0118 969 8989
info@smallwoodcc.co.uk http://www.smallwoodcc.com
BEECHWOOD CARPENTRY & CONSTRUCTION SERVICES LTD
All types of Carpentry, Kitchens, Renovations
Built-in Cupboards & Wardrobes, Flooring & Doors
78 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley 0776 276 6110
http://www.beechwood-carpentry-construction.co.uk
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
PAINTER and DECORATOR
Roger McGrath has 25 years experience
Restoration painting work of any size undertaken
For a free quotation call
Roger 0742 332 1179
CHILDREN'S PAGE
The Parish Magazine - July/August 2021 41
42 The Parish Magazine - July/August 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 10
ACG Services Locksmith 40
ADD Plumbing 12
AJH Roofing 40
All Aerials Sonning 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
DAC Mobility Services 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
Newgate Car Finance 20
Odd Jobs 40
Painter and Decorator 40
Pearson Hall Sonning 30
Pennymatters Finance Advice 10
Q1 Care 30
Reading Blue Coat School 18
Richfield Flooring 14
Sabella Interiors 36
Shiplake College 20
Signature Cliveden Manor Care Home 28
Sonning Golf Club 32
Sonning Scouts Marquees 32
Smallwood Garden Services 40
Style by Julie 10
Sunrise of Sonning Senior Living 34
Thames Valley Water Softeners 10
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 advertisement
The Parish Magazine - July/August 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 - July/August Please mention 2021 The Parish Magazine when responding this advertisement
The French Horn,
Sonning. Quality.
A continuing commitment to
wonderful food and wine.
0118 969 2204
www.thefrenchhorn.co.uk
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