The Parish Magazine June 2022

The Parish Magazine - June 2022 1 

The 

Parish 

Magazine 

The John King Trophy and Gold Award 

Best Magazine of the Year 2018 

National Parish Magazine Awards 

Best Content 2021, 2016 

Best Overall 2020, 2015 

Best Editor 2019 

Best Print 2018 

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

June 2022 — Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee — Pentecost 

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 -June 2022 

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The Parish Magazine - May 2022 1 

The John King Trophy and Gold Award 

Best Magazine of the Year 2018 

National Parish Magazine Awards 

Best Content 2021, 2016 

Best Overall 2020, 2015 

Best Editor 2019 

Best Print 2018 

information — 1 

Contents June 2022 

THE VICAR'S LETTER, 5 

THE PARISH NOTICEBOARD 

— Churchyard buggy, 7 

— Platinum Jubilee Service, 7 

— For your prayers in June, 7 

— Christian Basics Part 5, 9 

— Claude's view from the pew, 9 

— STAY, 10 

— Easter Fun Day, 10 

— From the editor's desk, 13 

— The Persecuted Church, 15 

features 

— The river of everlasting life, 17 

— Hedgehog rescue, 19 

— Platinum parties, 20 

— God save the Queen, 21 

— Platinum Jubilee poem, 21 

— Ukraine War, 22-25 

— Karun covid update, 27 

around the villages 

— FoStAC fund raising, 29 

— Art Club stone painting, 29 

— Not too late for a scarecrow, 29 

— Village Rounders, 29 

— Pearson Hall users meeting, 29 

— S&SE outing, 29 

— London Virtual Marathon, 29 

— Woodley Carnival, 29 

— Ride & Stride, 31 

— Charvil Project Singers, 31 

HEALTH 

— Dr Simon Ruffle, 33 

HOME & GARDEn 

— Energy tips, 35 

— In the garden, 35 

— Recipe of the Month, 35 

THE ARTS 

— Thread of God's love, 37 

— Poetry Corner, 37 

history, 38 

This ISSUE's FRONT COVER 

June 2022 — Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee — Pentecost 


Parish 

Magazine 


CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY 

An official Platinum Jubilee portrait of 

Her Majesty The Queen by 

Jacob King/PA Wire/PA Images 

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 July/August 

issue of The Parish Magazine is: 

Monday 6 June at 12 noon 

The Parish Magazine online 

The most recent issues can be viewed 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 


Services at 

St Andrew’s 

Pentecost Sunday 5 June 

— 11.ooam Community Service 

to celebrate the Queen's 

Platinum Jubilee 

Trinity Sunday 12 June 

— 8.00am Holy Communion 

— 10.30am Parish Eucharist with 

STAY and Sunday Club 

Sunday 19 June 


— 10.30am Family Communion 

— 3.00pm Messy Church in The Ark 



— 10.30am Parish Eucharist with 

STAY and Sunday Club 

— 6.00pm Sunday at Six in The 

Ark with refreshments served 

on arrival from 5.50pm. 

OTHER REGULAR SERVICES 

Morning Prayer is held in church 

every Tuesday at 9.30am. 

Mid-week Communion in The Ark is 

held every Wednesday at 10.00am. Tea 

and coffee is available following the 

service. 

Home Communion at Signature at 

Sonning is held on the first Monday 

of each month at 11.00am. Visitors 

must comply with the care home's 

Covid restrictions so please check with 

Signature at least four days before. 

the sciences 

— Dinosaurs or God? 38 

PUZZLE PAGE, 39 

children's page, 41 

information 

— Church services, 3 

— From the registers, 3 

— Parish contacts, 42 

— Advertisers index, 42 

From the register 

BAPTISMs 

— Sunday 1 May, Florence Violet Roberts 

FUNERALs 

— Thursday 28 April, Kenneth Flitcroft, interment of ashes in the churchyard 

— Saturday 7 May, Valerie Buxton, memorial service in church

4 The Parish Magazine - June 2022 

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The vicar's letter 

DEAR FRIENDS, 

It is 40 years since the Falklands conflict and 14 June is the date when the white flags 

flew over Port Stanley and the people of those islands were liberated by our armed 

forces. I was 9 years of age and those events have left a lasting impression on me. A 

school friend’s father was a Harrier pilot and he shot down the first Argentinian plane. 

My own father, in a civilian capacity, worked with the Fleet Air Arm to support the 

enormous efforts involved in sailing the Task Force 8,000 miles to fight a war. The Prime 

Minister who took the courageous decision to see off the invader was, of course, the late 

Margaret Thatcher. In the early part of the campaign she famously came out onto the 

steps of Number 10 with John Nott, her Defence Secretary and invited Mr Nott to read 

a statement which I remember watching during the next news bulletin. He then read a 

message from the Task Group Commander, Captain Brian Young, after the surrender at 

South Georgia: 'Be pleased to inform Her Majesty that the White Ensign flies alongside 

the Union Jack in South Georgia. God save the Queen.' 

LET'S PULL OUT THE STOPS 


All these years later I recall feeling puzzled by those opening words 'Be pleased to 

inform Her Majesty'. There he was standing next to the seemingly all-powerful PM and 

I simply couldn’t understand why he wasn’t addressing her. Of course, the finer 

details of a constitutional monarchy are lost on most 9 year olds, so my confusion 

is not surprising. An 'A' Level in Government and Politics and years of interest 

in current affairs has enabled me to appreciate completely why the task group 

commander was addressing the sovereign, as head of the armed forces, rather than a politician who could have been 

kicked out of office within two years. In many ways in this modern world a hereditary monarchy is a questionable 

concept, except for the fact that it works rather well! 

That this month we celebrate the 70 year reign of the longest serving monarch of all time, is not lost on any of us. We look 

forward at St Andrew’s to a celebration on Sunday 5 June at 11am, with choral music from the Coronation, the 103rd Archbishop of 

Canterbury preaching and an Ark garden party afterwards. The villages of our parish are also bringing their communities together 

for celebrations and I am sure we will all do justice to this remarkable landmark of dedicated service from our treasured Queen. 

It is pretty much inconceivable that anyone alive in Britain today will ever have the opportunity to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee 

again, so let’s pull out all the stops, and not just on our wonderful new organ! 

SERVICE, FAITHFULNESS AND DETERMINATION 

Sometimes with anniversaries of ‘a significant age’ you are celebrating no more than the fact that someone has survived for 

a very long time. In the case of Queen Elizabeth II, however, we do not simply celebrate years but virtues as well. It has been 

suggested that our Queen has demonstrated three great virtues, all particularly commendable because they are rare in our age. 

1. Service — In 1947, at the age of 21, she said this in a broadcast to the nation: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life, 

whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.’ 

She has more than kept that promise. We take her service to the nation for granted but it’s worth remembering that we live at a 

time when putting yourself first is almost universally taken to be the first rule of life. Denying this, our Queen has served, and 

continues to serve, her people, nation and the Commonwealth. 

2. Faithfulness — We have a Queen on whose shoulders have fallen enormous responsibilities yet who has remained committed 

for seven decades to fulfilling them. This lifelong commitment is striking given how unpopular duty is in our age. One of the 

overriding trends in Western culture has been the gradual erosion of commitment and obligation in almost every area of life. 

Whether in private or public life, we find that where there were once solemn bonds there are now only loose, breakable and 

disposable links. Behind this trend is the belief, now celebrated as a universal truth, that we human beings can only find the true 

purpose of life if we have the freedom to seek our own pleasure. Here, too, the Queen has gone against the flow. 

3. Determination — In one sense determination is the least of virtues. In another, it is the rarest. After all, we can all do a bit of 

duty and service for a few hours or even a few days; the challenge is to do it for a lifetime. And that is exactly what the Queen has 

done. Here again we find that determination is not one of the values of our unsettled age. During her long reign the currents of 

shifting values and fashion have flowed so fast and fierce through British life that age-old traditions and social patterns have been 

swept away. Amidst it all, the Queen has persevered, enduring as a fixed element in the tumult of our time. Indeed, as the bonds 

that unite the peoples of Britain seem to become fewer and more strained, her role as the embodiment of what we are as a nation 

has become even more vital. There can be no higher praise for the Queen’s role here than the fact that it is troubling to imagine the 

thought of Great Britain without her. 

The Queen has demonstrated service, faithfulness and determination. That she has been able to do this against the spirit of the 

world is surely because she takes her bearings not from the world and its wisdom, but from something else. That something else is 

her strong Christian faith, something that Her Majesty has openly and unashamedly talked about. The qualities she has displayed 

are Christian virtues, lived out to the full in Jesus Christ who came to serve and to give his own life for the world. The Queen 

exhibits these virtues not simply because she seeks to imitate Christ but because she has a relationship with him. She knows, I 

believe, the great truth that in order to live out Christ’s teaching you must live in Christ. In Her Majesty we see a great Monarch, 

perhaps our greatest ever, but her greatness comes from the fact that she has trusted in an even greater King. May he continue to 

bless and keep her. God save the Queen! Warm wishes, Jamie

6 The Parish Magazine -June 2022 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements 

©Alice Morgan Photography 

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the parish noticeboard — 1 

Churchyard buggy to 

be inaugurated 

The new churchyard mobility buggy 

will be unveiled and inaugurated 

during the drinks party after the 

Jubilee service. The total costs are 

being generously met by Christina 

Goodacre, in memory of her late 

husband, Peter, and also by Janet 

Robson, in thanksgiving for the 

work of our church. We will be 

seeking volunteer drivers (with a 

driving licence) to cover Sunday 

services, Rendezvous lunch club and 

the Wednesday communion. Please 

let the Parish Administrator know if 

you are interested in helping. 


HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II PLATINUM JUBILEE 

A Community Service of Celebration 


at 11.00am 

St Andrew’s 

Church 

Sonning 

Guest Preacher: The 103rd Archbishop of 

Canterbury, The Rt Rev & Rt Hon 

The Lord Carey of Clifton 

Followed by a Drinks Reception in 

The Ark Gardens 

For your 

prayers 

in June 

Our Most Gracious Sovereign 

Lady, Queen Elizabeth II 

The Dean and people of Port 

Stanley Cathedral, Falkland 

Islands 

All veterans who were involved 

in the liberation 

of the Falkland Islands 

For all who are thinking of being 

Confirmed this year 

For peace in Ukraine, those 

trying to find safety in their home 

or elsewhere, and those who are 

seeking to relieve the suffering 



EVERYONE 

WELCOME! 


CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7th CENTURY

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Christian Basics — Part 5 

Rev Paul Hardingham's series on the foundations of the Christian faith 

Worship 

freedom 

is still 

worth 

fighting 

for . . . 


Claude's 

view 

from 

the 

pew 

Andrey Popov, dreamstime.com 

Understanding the Bible 

‘THE MOST PRECIOUS THING THIS WORLD AFFORDS’ 

The Holy Bible is a popular book — with about 100 

million copies printed worldwide every year — as well 

as being a uniquely precious book. At her coronation the 

Queen was given a Bible, ‘the most precious thing this 

world affords’. 

The Bible isn’t simply one book, but a library of 66 books, 

composed by some 44 writers over a period of 1,500 years 

in a range of styles including history, poetry, prophecy, 

letters and apocalyptic — looking at the end times. 

Despite having a number of different writers, the Bible 

claims one author — God himself! 

INSPIRED WORD 

As the Word of God, it is the primary way by which God 

speaks to us. ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for 

teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 

so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every 

good work’ (2 Timothy 3:16). 

The Bible is inspired, ‘the word of God in the words of 

men’ and is a manual for life, equipping us to live for God 

in every aspect of our lives. 

We also have the promise of the Holy Spirit, who helps 

us to apply its words to our lives: ‘But when he, the Spirit of 

truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth’ (John 16:13). 

The Bible can also be described as a love letter from 

God, as it deepens our relationship with him. Jesus said: 

‘You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by 

them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that 

testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life’ 

(John 5:39,40). 

Christians follow a person not a book, and the 

Scriptures are intended to help us to know Jesus better. 

Like a signpost, the Bible points us to the person of Jesus. 

By Claude Masters 

I expect most people, like me, can remember things that 

happened in their early years better than the things that 

happened yesterday! Being born in 1934, one of my earliest 

memories is the Battle of Britain (July 1940 – October 1941). 

I remember cheering when I heard on the wireless how many 

more of the enemy aircraft had been shot down compared 

with those the RAF had lost. The Nazis, led by Adolf Hitler, 

thought that all they had to do to bring Britain to our knees 

was to crush the RAF. However, this was not to be the case 

because Winston Churchill and his advisers had foreseen the 

likelihood of war and our country had been well prepared. 

STRONGER POSITION 

During the Battle of Britain, the RAF Fighter Command 

had more Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft than the Luftwaffe 

Messerschmitt and Stukas, although that was not what most 

people thought at the time. The RAF believed that the enemy 

had more planes than them, while the Luftwaffe thought 

they had the strongest force. 

The RAF, however, was in a stronger position and the 

Nazis attempt to destroy them by bombing our airfields was 

unsuccessful because Hitler made the mistake of changing 

tack. He started bombing the East End of London instead. 

Here again the RAF fighters were successful in breaking 

up the German bomber squadrons and in fending off the 

Nazi fighters trying to defend them. When Hitler asked his 

commanders why they were losing so many aircraft he was 

told it was because of the Spitfires. 

THEN AND NOW 

So, the enemy started night-time air raids and the Blitz 

of London ensued. It must have been awful for Eastenders 

to emerge from their overnight shelters to find their homes 

destroyed. Sadly, history is repeating itself in Ukraine. Let 

us pray that the war will soon end peacefully, and innocent 

Christians will not only be reunited with their families once 

more, but that their churches will be in a condition that 

enables them to worship together with the same freedom 

that we enjoy today. It was a freedom worth fighting for when 

I was 6 years old, and it is still worth fighting for now that I 

am 86!



They hunted high . . . 

STAY at Easter 

Over the Easter school holidays we had a full 

programme of activities and fun events for the 

youth. We kicked off with a favourite drop-in sports 

session in Charvil. We played football, uni hoc, 

dodgeball and had free ice pops and lemonade. We 

also went bowling and allowed the young people to 

make up our names, never again! 

At the end of week one we arranged a football 

match with our friends from the SYNC youth club 

in Emmer Green, but we don't dwell on the 7-1 win 

score line. The rematch is already in place for May 

half term. 

Easter Saturday was a knock out day. We had 

a soft obstacle course, a bouncy castle, Messy 

Church activities, tower tours, a BBQ, drinks and 

two massive Easter egg hunts for the children 

and youth! 500 eggs across 75 children and young 

people! That’s a lot of chocolate eaten! 

The second week 20 of us went to Thorpe Park 

and all the amazing roller coasters they have on 

offer — we all agreed that: Swarm, Saw, Nemesis, 

Stealth, Detonator, Colossus and Rumba Rapids all 

were the best rides! 

To end week two we took a few young people to 

see Lost City at the Cinema. It’s always enjoyable 

watching a movie together with popcorn, drinks, 

sweets and mates. 

On your marks for The Easter Saturday obstacle course 

STAY on Friday 

Our weekly Friday youth club has continued to be 

really popular with 50-60 young people attending 

each week. We’ve baked fairy cakes and cookies, 

played football and swing ball, we’ve double dutched 

on the jump rope and we’ve had final thoughts on 

being generous, working as a team and how life can 

sometimes feel like the game ‘shot in the dark’. We 

can sometimes feel like we are winging it at life, but 

with good friends, a supportive family and a God 

who loves us, it makes life that bit more manageable. 

STAY on Sunday 

Our STAY on Sunday sessions have been lots of fun. 

The theme of relationships has continued and as we 

thought about our relationship with creativity. Do 

we consider ourselves to be creative? What do we 

think of when we hear the word creativity? Do we 

ever think that a creator, created us to be creative? 

STAY Detached Project 

Our detached work on Thursdays in Charvil still 

sees up to 45 or so local young people taking part. 

We engage in positive conversations, we give out 

lemonade and ice pops and we get them to think 

about important topics such as revision, exams, 

work ethic and planning our futures. 

STAY Schools Work 

We were invited to do a Blue Coat assembly about 

Easter, so Rev Kate and I did a double act and got the 

students to think about what eggs have to do with 

it. We thought about the old Cadbury's creme egg 

adverts asking ‘how do you eat yours?’, and watched 

a video of young people talking about what Easter 

means to them. We ended by asking them what 

Easter meant to them? We also had the privilege 

of speaking to years 7-11 at The Piggott School in 

Wargrave on Jesus feeding the 5,000. With a couple 

of stories and a game called SHARE or STEAL we 

made the point that Jesus’ heart is always to see us 

fulfilled and our needs met, just like the 5,000 people 

he fed! 

For more info, to chat or grab a coffee, email me on 

youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk — Westy 

they hunted low . . . 

. . . and between! 

Bowling is always fun


GO! One of two massive Easter Egg Hunts begins 

Hundreds of of Easter eggs were hunted 

by different age groups inside the church 

and in the churchyard 

When the egg hunting was over there were plenty of other activities for all the family including, egg and spoon racing, a bouncy castle, an assault 

course and a very popular Messy Church tent. 

Pictures by: Indy Biddulph


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From the editor's desk 


The day when I 

almost met the 

Queen . . . 

On my first day as a weekly news 

reporter I was greeted with a huge 

pile of paper that had arrived in the 

morning post. My job was to edit 

every sheet and write some stories 

before lunch time. I had the most 

advanced office equipment of the 

time, an IBM electric typewriter — 

personal computers had not been 

invented! Since then my desk has 

always been piled high with paper, 

although today it is rare to receive 

'news' by post, so you can imagine my 

surprise when an envelope appeared 

with the words ER Buckingham Place 

stamped on it. 

I assumed it was a mailer from a Royal 

Household department — I am on 

some their email lists to receive news 

about exhibitions and royal gardens 

that I sometimes write about in this 

magazine. The letter sat on my desk 

with a pile of other unopened junk 

mail until curiosity got the better of 

me and I opened it. I was wrong! 

Unknown to me, my name had 

been put forward by the Diocese of 

Oxford to be a recipient of this year's 

Maundy Money, the annual gift 

that The Queen gives personally in 

recognition of service to the Church. 

It was an invitation for me, and a 

companion, to attend the Maundy 

Thursday service in St George's Chapel 

followed by a reception in Windsor 

Castle — yes, Sue bought a new dress! 

Unfortunately, a few days before 

Maundy Thursday, it was announced 

Prince Charles presents the Maundy Money to me 

that the Queen would not be present. 

Prince Charles would represent her at 

this service for the first time. 

Traditionally the Queen personally 

hands Maundy Money to the number 

of men and women that reflects her 

age. This year this meant 96 women 

and 96 men were personally given two 

Maundy leather purses. 

RELAXED 

One purse contained silver coins 

to the value, in today's money, of the 

silver coins originally given to the 

poor by the monarch in the 1600's. We 

received a newly minted Jubilee crown 

and a Jubilee 50p. 

The second purse had 96p in silver 

1p, 2p, 3p and 4p coins — 96 reflecting 

the Queen's age. All are legal tender, 

although I doubt many traders will 

accept a 4p silver coin! 

Prince Charles handled the task 

in such a dignified and unhurried 

manner that the 192 anxious recipients 

were soon as relaxed as he appeared. 

During my career I have attended 

countless press conferences and 

events staged by some of the largest 

international organisations but 


bcafilm.co.uk 

none were so well organised, or as 

welcoming, as this. From the moment 

we arrived at Windsor Castle to the 

time we left there were always friendly 

and helpful people to show us where 

to go, explain what happens next and 

suggest when we should take a comfort 

break! And this includes the armed 

police officers who greeted us when we 

arrived and said farewell. 

During the reception after the 

service a constant stream of Royal 

Household staff wandered around 

chatting to the recipients while the 

catering staff constantly plied us with 

refreshments. 

We met many members of the 

Royal Household and others on duty 

including one of the Queen's GPs, the 

matron of the boys choir — the choir 

sang magnificently during the service 

— a gardener, some junior officers 

in training and a slightly eccentric 

but charming Knight of the Garter 

wearing full dress uniform and his 

ceremonial sword. 

It was a very special and colourful 

day. If you ever receive an envelope 

stamped, ER Buckingham Palace, 

make sure you open it! 

From left, a Knight of the Garter, a Yeoman of the Guard, local school children 

bcafilm.co.uk 

Maundy purses and money 

Bob Peters



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Myanmar Christians 

sheltering under bamboo 

trees and plastic sheeting 

Myanmar (previously called Burma) has been under a 

military coup since February 2021. The military, known as 

Tatmadaw, are well known for their genocide against the 

Muslim majority Rohingya. 

This was recognised as genocide by the US government 

in March 2022. According to the annual report of the US 

Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) 

released at the end of April, the treatment of Myanmar’s 

Christian minority since the military coup is comparable. 

Myanmar is at number 12 on the Open Doors World 

Watch List. Christians are numbered at around 8% (4.4 

million people) of the country’s population. The World 

Watch List entry for Myanmar also states that persecution 

of Christians in Myanmar has worsened since the February 

2021 coup. 

FORCED TO LIVE IN CAMPS 

Christians were systematically persecuted between 

1962 and 2011, during the leadership of Myanmar by the 

'staunchly-Buddhist' military. The military junta was 

officially dissolved in 2011 and there was for a transitional 

period a military dominated civilian parliament. 

The first nationwide multiparty elections were held in 

2015. Aung San Suu Kyi became Myanmar’s de facto leader. 

After the 2021 coup she was detained, and the military have 

brought several cases against her. 

The coup of 2021 has exacerbated the country’s ongoing 

civil war and the army has attacked Christian villages and 

churches. 

Open Doors reports that more Christians than ever have 

been forced to live in internally displaced people camps 

where they are often deprived of food and water. Persecution 

from their Buddhist, Muslim or tribal families is experienced 

by converts who leave their former faith. 

Thousands of Christians from Myanmar’s ethnic 

minorities have fled into nearby countries, including a 

district in India’s mainly Christian Mizoram state. 

Local Indian Christians have welcomed the refugees. 

Some are sheltering under bamboo and plastic sheeting, 

which will be vulnerable in the monsoon season. 

To donate towards provision for these refugees please 

follow the bottom link (above right) or call 0800 587 4006 and 

quote project '75-763 Myanmar Christian refugees in India'. 


The Persecuted Church by Colin Bailey 

Naw Bu Baw Mountain 

Aung Myint Myat, dreamstime.com 

References and further reading 

Persecution of Myanmar minorities – Barnabas Fund article: https:// 

www.barnabasfund.org/gb/news/persecution-of-myanmar-christianslikened-to-rohingya-genocide 

SCIRF press release for the 2022 Annual Report with 

recommendations for US policy: https://www.uscirf.gov/newsroom/releases-statements/uscirf-releases-2022-annual-reportrecommendations-us-policy 

Open Doors World Watch List – Myanmar: https://www.opendoorsuk. 

org/persecution/world-watch-list/myanmar/ 

Background on Myanmar history – Council on Foreign Relations article: 

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/myanmar-history-coup-militaryrule-ethnic-conflict-rohingya 

Myanmar Christian refugees in India – Barnabas Fund article: 

https://mailchi.mp/barnabasfund/myanmar-christian-refugees-in-indiaurgently-need-food-and-shelter-will-you-help-820049?e=a668ae9426 

Barnabas Fund appeal for Myanmar persecuted Christians: 

https://www.barnabasfund.org/gb/donate/?project=75- 

763&amount=25&appealcode=RME%2004/22 

If you 

would like to 

explore what being 

confirmed in the 

Church of England 

means call: 

0118 969 3298 

Hans Slegers, dreamstime.com 

10-18 year young people will meet on a Monday 

Adults will meet on a Tuesday evening 

If you decide to be confirmed this will take place in 

St Andrew's Church on Sunday 20 November 2022



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feature — 1 

By Sally Churchus, Chair of the Association for Church Editors 

On a recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land, I was fortunate to visit some of the sites 

on the River Jordan. It has now dawned on me that we had been from the source 

to the end of the river, but that was not the end of the story. 

The river rises from the foot of Mount 

Hermon in the north at a beautiful 

place called Caesarea Philippi — or 

Banias. It is where in Jesus’ time there 

were numerous temples to pagan gods, 

including Pan and it was here that 

Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Who do you 

say I am?’ Peter replied, ‘You are the 

Messiah, the Son of the living God’. Jesus 

told him, ‘You are Peter and on this rock I 

will build my church and I will give you the 

keys to the kingdom of heaven’. 

From here, the river flows into the 

Sea of Galilee, where we enjoyed a 

boat trip to the hotel in which we were 

staying at Tiberias, near Nazareth. I 

was relieved it was calm as I don’t have 

very good sea legs! 

The geography of the area means 

storms can blow up quickly, especially 

in the late afternoon. The gospels 

of Matthew, Mark and Luke give an 

account of how Jesus calmed a storm 

when the disciples were terrified that 

they were going to drown, although 

they were seasoned fishermen. It is 

also where Jesus walked on the water, 

and Peter briefly did too. 

FIRST CENTURY 

In 1986, during a severe drought 

when the water levels were low, the 

remains of a 1st Century boat were 

found and after years of treatment it is 

now on display. Analysis of crew sizes 

suggests that this was the type of boat 

used by the disciples referred to in the 

Gospels. 

On the north west shore of the 

Sea of Galilee where the resurrected 

Jesus appeared to his disciples for the 

third time, we visited a church called 

Mensa Christi — Latin for the table 


The River Jordan takes us from birth to death 

. . . and on to an everlasting life 

Sea of Galilee by Alefbet26, Dreamstime.com 

Cave of Pan, Caesarea Philippi 

S Churchus 

of Christ. There is a large rock, both 

inside and outside the church, said to 

be the site of the breakfast of fish and 

bread, cooked on a charcoal fire, that 

he shared with the disciples early one 

morning on the shore. 

They had been fishing all night 

but not caught anything. Jesus called 

out to them to lower the nets on the 

right side of the boat, and they were 

soon full to bursting. Jesus then asked 

Peter three times if he loved him — to 

counter the three times that he had 

denied knowing him on the eve of the 

crucifixion. He also told him ‘Feed my 

sheep’. 

We were able to renew our Baptism 

vows at a place called Qasr El-Yahud, 

which is just southeast of Jericho and 

within a military zone, with warning 

signs of land mines. This is very likely 

the site where Jesus was baptised by 

John the Baptist, when the Spirit of 

God descended on him like a dove and 

a voice from heaven said ‘This is my Son, 

whom I love; with him I am well pleased’. 

First Century fishing boat, Sally Churchus 

CAESAREA PHILIPPI 

From an illustration, Mycolors, dreamstime.com 

(Matthew 4:13-17). On the opposite 

bank in Jordan, others were also being 

baptised. 

The River Jordan is mentioned at 

other times in the Bible, including 

when the prophets Elijah and Elisha 

crossed it dry-shod and when Naaman 

was cured of leprosy when Elisha told 

him to bathe in it seven times. 

The southern most part of the river 

flows into the Dead Sea, which is 430m 

below sea level making it the lowest 

place on earth. The warm climate 

causes the water to evaporate leaving 

all the salt and minerals at very high 

concentrations. We had fun floating 

on it — it is impossible not to, but 

we were warned that the salt stings 

if you have a cut! It was an amazing 

experience, as indeed was the whole 

pilgrimage … but the story goes on ... 

EVERLASTING LIFE 

In Ezekiel 47, the Bible talks of a 

spiritual river flowing from God in the 

Temple in Jerusalem down to the Dead 

Sea where it brings the new, eternal, 

everlasting life, that we can read about 

in John 7:37. At a feast day ceremony 

that re-enacts this spiritual river by 

the pouring of water on the Temple 

altar and allowing it to flow out and 

down the mountainside towards the 

Dead Sea, Jesus cried out: 'If anyone is 

thirsty, let him come to me and drink'. The 

way to everlasting life is through Jesus!



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feature — 2 

INQUISITIVE 


Shweta Saikumar is unfortunately all too familiar with this type of injury. Shweta (pictured above left), runs Herbie 

Hedgehog Rescue, and knows that as the warmer weather arrives in spring, it brings with it the casualties that have 

fallen foul of people using these types of garden tools, writes Karen Ostrowski. 

Herbie Hedgehog Rescue is our local, 

home run, self-funded hospital whose 

aim is to rescue, rehabilitate, and 

release injured hedgehogs. 

As each new case arrives, Shweta 

makes a detailed assessment to check 

for injuries and infection. 

New arrivals are usually cold and 

dehydrated, so require warmth and 

fluids before treatment can begin. 

The rehabilitation period can last 

several weeks and sometimes involves 

intensive care in an incubator. 

Wounds from dog attacks, which 

result in fractures and lacerations, 

can be complicated to treat. Injuries 

also arise from hedgehogs’ becoming 

trapped in netting, wire, and 

discarded elastic bands. 

Plastic litter also poses a threat, 

as hedgehogs can become stuck in 

cups and caught in plastic rings that 

surround drink cans. 

'Hedgehogs are naturally inquisitive 

creatures', says Shweta. This, coupled 

with their poor eyesight, can become 

a problem when they fall into open 

drains or become trapped in deep 

pits left by builders. Ponds, pools and 

cattle grids, which lack escape ramps, 

are also big hazards to these little 

animals. 

Last year Herbie Hedgehog Rescue 

admitted over 250 hedgehogs, with 

Shweta single handedly cleaning 

out, feeding and administrating 

treatments. In December she took on 

a handful of volunteers to help her, of 

which I was one, and I now know first 

A cardboard box is 

taken to a home in 

Lower Earley by a 

concerned member 

of the public. The box 

contains an injured 

hedgehog, yet another 

casualty caused by a 

strimmer . . . 

hand how hardworking, caring and 

dedicated she is. 

Unfortunately, the rescue 

doesn't receive any funding from 

the government. So, any donations 

or fund raising from supporters, 

wanting to help with the immense 

costs of food, vet bills, and medicines 

are always appreciated. 

Once rehabilitated, the hedgehogs 

are preferably released at the same 

location as where they were found. 

Hedgehogs have fantastic memories 

and can recall established nesting 

sites and bountiful food sources. 

However, if a hedgehog was found 

injured on a busy road or building 

site, then a new safe release location 

nearby must be found. 

The reasons for the humble 

hedgehog’s decline are complex. 

However, the predominant reason 

why their numbers have plummeted 

is due to the actions of mankind 

resulting in habitat loss, lack of food 

and water and other physical hazards. 

HOW TO HELP 

— Make sure hedgehogs can access your 

garden. Having gaps in your fences is 

the easiest way to help. New hedgehog 

highways can then be logged on The Big 

Hedgehog Street Map at:. 

https://bighedgehogmap.org/ 

— Put out fresh water in shallow dishes. 

— Make your garden more wildlife friendly 

by growing a range of plants or creating a 

log pile to attract insects. 

— Make ponds and pools safe. 

— Support feed with cat/kitten biscuits. 

— Pick up litter. 

— Drive carefully at night. 

— Donate to a local rescue. They are always 

grateful for cat biscuits and newspapers! 

— Keep dogs on a lead when letting them 

out at night. 

— Don't use slug pellets or poisons. 

— Don't use a garden fork in a compost bin 

or strim/mow without thoroughly checking 

the area first. 

— Don't look after a sick hedgehog yourself. 

Hedgehogs need specialist care and 

deteriorate rapidly due to the stress of 

captivity. 

— Don't leave drains/ holes uncovered 

overnight 

— Don't place traps on the ground 

If you discover an injured or sick 

hedgehog, please contact the rescue as 

soon as possible, either by phone, 0759 

879 4442, (leaving a voicemail), text or 

Facebook message http://www.facebook. 

com/herbiehedgehogrescue 

Shweta works full-time in addition to 

caring for hedgehogs, so please be 

patient when contacting her.


PLATINUM JUBILEE EVENTS 

Street parties are at the top of the list 

of events that Buckingham Palace asks 

the nation to hold as we celebrate Her 

Majesty The Queen's unprecedented 

achievement of serving the United 

Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the 

Church for 70 years. 

Jubilee Street Parties — send us 

your pictures for our souvenir issue! 

The village of Sonning's street party is on 

Sunday 6 June from 2.30pm in Pearson 

Road (near Pearson Hall). The road will be 

closed for the street party which is being 

organised by the Sonning and Sonning 

Eye Society. 

The names of everyone attending the 

party should have been registered by 

now. 

The Sonning street party follows the 

special parish celebration service in St 

Andrew's Church at 11am, when the 

103rd Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord 

Carey, will be preaching. 

Charvil Parish Council has told us that 

it will be supporting local street parties, 

although they could not give any details. 

They also told us that a virtual treasure 

hunt might be being arranged, but again, 

no further details were available when we 

went to press. 

Below is the Jubilee Calendar for 

events arranged in the parish of 

St Andrew's Church. 

The July/August issue of The Parish 

Magazine will include a souvenir section 

for the Jubilee celebrations so please send 

your photographs (of the highest possible 

resolution please) to us and we will try to 

include as many as possible. 

Please note: the deadline for our July/August 

issue will be extended by 6 hours to 6pm on 

Monday 6 June for your Jubilee photographs 

which should be emailed to: 


Parish Platinum Jubilee Diary 

SATURDAY 28 MAY — SUNDAY 5 JUNE 

SATURDAY 28 MAY SUNDAY 29 MAY MONDAY 30 MAY 

Sonning Regatta 

on the 

River Thames 

12 noon - 6pm 

Adult Wetland Walk 

led by Ali Driver 

Meet in St Andrew's 

churchyard at 2pm 

Children's Tennis 

at the 

Sonning Tennis Club 

2pm - 4pm 

TUESDAY 31 MAY WEDNESDAY 1 JUNE THURSDAY 2 JUNE 

Put your feet up! 

Vladgavriloff, dreamstime.com 

Children's Pond Dipping 

led by Ali Driver 

10am - 12 noon 

Children's Football 

7 - 11 years, 1pm - 3pm 

Berkshire County 

Sports Ground 

Sonning Scarecrows 

10am-5pm 

Cherished Car Display 

Bishops Close 1pm - 4.30pm 

Art Exhibition 

Pearson Hall 10am - 5pm 

FRIDAY 3 JUNE 

Sonning Scarecrows 

10am-5pm 

Cherished Car Display 

Bishops Close 1pm - 4.30pm 

Art Exhibition 

Pearson Hall 10am - 5pm 

SATURDAY 4 JUNE 

Sonning Elegant Picnic 

Reading Blue Coat 

7.30pm - 11.45pm 

SUNDAY 5 JUNE 

Platinum Celebration 

Service for Her Majesty 

The Queen at 11am 

Sonning Village Street 

Party in Pearson Road 

2.30pm

Traditional images of monarchy 

portray power, status, and superiority 

over other people. In Biblical times, 

monarchs were to be feared. 

When teaching his disciples about 

leadership, Jesus said, 'The kings of the 

Gentiles (pagans) lord it over them; and 

those in authority over them are called 

benefactors.' 

A benefactor was a conspicuously 

generous person who acted in a way that 

made the recipient feel obligated. 

All this was in complete contrast to 

Christ’s own style, which was to act like 

a servant. 

This radical stance was adopted by 

the young Princess Elizabeth, when she 

promised the British Commonwealth, 

'I declare before you all that my whole life 

whether it be long or short shall be devoted 

to your service …' 

It was just the same when she became 

Queen in 1952. Queen Elizabeth has 

consciously and deliberately applied 

Christ’s teaching to her reign for 70 

years. 

She has outlived scores of leaders, 

some with ambitions beyond their 

abilities, and a few with delusions of 

grandeur. Her ideals have outlasted 

theirs. Consistent, determined, 

charming, and single-minded, she has 

held before her the model of Christ 

washing his disciples’ feet. 

Those closest to her also speak of the 

Queen’s sense of humour. It emerged 

publicly at the opening ceremony of the 

2012 Olympic Games in London, when 

she took part in a spoof scene with James 

Bond, before seemingly parachuting into 

the Stadium. 

This year we celebrate her Majesty’s 

Platinum Jubilee. Over 50 countries will 

light beacons on 2 June to start four 

days of events: a spectacular pageant, 

a live concert at Buckingham Palace, 


Sing ‘God save the Queen’ with more gusto than ever 

Ven John Barton asks 'what kind of Queen'? 

SINGLE-MINDED 

Platinum Prosperity 

Give the Queen your judgements 

O God, wisdom, good sense 

You have upheld years seventy 

All by your good grace be 

And give your righteousness 

To royalty, them bless 

So shall they judge your people free 

With righteousness, so be 

Karollyne Hubert, unsplash.com 

Jubilee lunches and street parties across 

the nation, plus a nationwide bake-off 

competition to create a new ‘platinum 

pudding’. From the northernmost tip 

of Scotland to the Channel Islands and 

beyond, 848 public events are planned, 

plus 1,171 parties or private events. 

So popular is Britain’s monarch, that 

there are calls to perpetuate the occasion 

with a new public holiday each year. 

This month we shall sing, ‘God save the 

Queen’ with more gusto than ever. 

By Steven Rolling 

Based on Psalm 72; Tune: Diademata ‘Crown him with many crowns’ 

Grant they be like the rain 

Which showers earth again 

Bringing refreshment, in their days 

Righteous flourish in ways 

Of the Lord, too and peace 

Abundant, ne’er shall cease 

Shall endure long as moon and sun 

Their nature courses run 

And the poor of the land 

They shall assist, good hand 

Of justice, judgement shall be shown 

And your ways shall be known 

Help unto the needy 

Freedom from tyranny 

As they do your justice dispense 

O God, from now and hence 

Speedfighter17, dreamstime.com 

Their name shall endure e’er 

In blessings do we share 

All peoples, nations, give Him praise 

For many gracious days 

Silver, gold, and diamond 

A rich heritage fund 

Platinum, three score years and ten 

You favour us again


THE WAR IN UKRAINE — 1 

'Thank you to the world for your support, thank you for hostin 

Masha, a remarkable young Ukrainian who is staying with friends in Charvil, 

shares some of her experiences of the Russian invasion of her country. 

Masha with her Charvil friend, Stuart Holden 

A year before the war a friend told 

me that he had joined the Territorial 

Defense. 'If the war starts I will 

fight', he said. I thought he had found 

a hobby, that these were just words, 

this cannot happen in our country . . . 

And why you?' I said. 'Let someone go, but 

not you!' 'Masha,' he replied, 'you have 

spoken like every woman in Ukraine. Who 

will defend Ukraine then?' 

I was outraged and upset that he could 

think such a thing. I remember telling my 

dad, who said, 'You should be proud of him 

and respect his choice. This is the position 

of every ordinary man. If the war starts, I 

will also go to fight.' 

Deep down, I was upset with both of 

them. How can they leave everyone they 

love and go? What about us, how will we 

feel if something happens? This is unfair. 

FAR FROM REALITY 

Then a friend gave me instructions 

on what to do if there was an invasion. I 

remember reading it and thinking that he 

is smart. But it was all far from reality. I 

thought there would not be war. I thought 

that video files with the instructions about 

Martial law were a waste of time. 

Then, all my friends who were joining 

the Territorial Defense, and my relatives, 

started calling me to say that if it happened 

I should leave. They were all paranoid, I 

thought. 

Because I was not interested in politics 

and did not read the news, I stopped 

communicating with some of them because 

I did not want to hear about it. I just 

listened and said: 'Yes, I understand.' I went 

home where everything was quiet and life 

went on — boxing training in the morning, 

classes in the evening, I was happy with my 

life, there would be no trouble . . . 

On 23 February I walked along the 

embankment in Kyiv with a friend and 

looked at the clear evening sky. We talked 

about remembering this moment. What 

if there is a war and we will not see the 

beauty of Kyiv again? 

I lay in bed thinking about tomorrow. 

I was about to launch a completely new 

project and my career would take off. It was 

something I had waited a long time for. 

THE WAR BEGINS 

I was woken up by my mom's call, she 

never rang me early, she knew my boxing 

practice was at 7.30am. Something must 

have had happened. 'Get ready and leave, 

the war has begun,' she said. However, I 

was lost in my thoughts about training, 

work, a laptop that I left in the office, and 

so on. I was sitting in shorts on the couch. 

Then I came to after hearing explosions. 

I turned on the TV, and there were 

pictures of the people leaving in cars in all 

directions. They said martial law had been 

introduced. 

Then I started looking for nearby bomb 

shelters. I packed my things in chaos — I 

wanted to take everything. I called my 

family and friends and decided to go to my 

friends in a village in the Chernihiv region. 

One friend I phoned asked me to pick 

up her two children, Kiril, 16 years old, who 

was at college, and Zhenya, who had been 

studying at a school outside Kyiv. Kiril was 

able to get a taxi to my house, but it was 

more difficult with Zhenya. 

LOUD EXPLOSIONS 

When I left home to go to the office, 

there were loud explosions, so I thought 

about the laptop to take my mind off them. 

The streets and the subway were unusually 

empty. There were people in the centre near 

the metro. It was not possible to pick up 

Zhenya, none of the taxi drivers wanted to 

go. It was too dangerous. 

That night we picked up all the towels, 

blankets, pillows, and jackets and decided 

to spend the night in the basement. There 

were many thoughts in my head, how I 

wanted to sob. 

At such moments you overestimate 

everything and material things become 

so unimportant. Looking at the families 

in the basement I thought how happy 

The beautiful city of Kyiv pictured before the invasion 

they are, hugging and comforting each 

other, while the children ran around. I 

asked myself, why didn’t I get married, 

why didn’t I give birth to children, what 

was I waiting for, or whom? Work, money, 

material things, an apartment, ambitions, 

fulfilment, hobbies, books, these would 

not warm me that night. 

It was cold and painful inside where 

such thoughts took over my mind. I 

constantly read the news in order to 

understand what was happening. My 

Masha leaves home to become a volunteer in Lviv

I stood and forced myself to believe that 

this is reality and you need to learn how to 

live in this reality. I began to write down 

the thoughts in my head on the third day 

of the war. I made the following notes in 

case I stay alive, then I will re-read how it 

was. And if not, then at least something 

would be left of me. 

— I tried not to close my eyes in the basement, 

I was afraid that I would never open them again 

and see tomorrow. 

— I miss my relatives who are in Kyiv so much, 

I so wanted to see you that on 26 February 

2022, on a bright sunny morning, I decided to 

run through the park to visit my sister, Nadya. 

I had to run, as walking was not safe. Nadya is 

leaving Kyiv with her 8 month old daughter, my 

niece, Zlata. I miss them terribly, but I am not 

scared of being killed because of the meeting. I 

want to see them before they leave, kiss them 

goodbye, smell my niece, hug her and touch her 

chubby cheeks 

— I was not afraid of explosions. When you sit 

for 3 days in the basement and go out only to 

cook, go to the store and sometimes get some air, 

you feel like you are in prison. When you hear 

the voice of your relatives only in the handset, 

you hate the phone, because you cannot do much 

through the phone. This hour we spent together 

was very valuable for me, they left, I stayed. 

— I thought about death, it seemed that death 

was near, because people were dying. I thought 

I was in the last days of my life. I thought about 

the past, memories scoured my soul. There was 

no future, my dreams would never come true. 

— I realized that it’s not scary to die, it’s scary 

before death not to apologize to someone, not to 

see loved ones. Everything changes in your head 

and you understand that life is one and you need 

to live only today. Tomorrow may not come. 

— Every day was the same: news, call everyone 

to find out where explosions can be heard, 

whether everyone still lives, cooking, and 

basement. It seemed like it would be forever. 


g us in your homes, thank you for not remaining indifferent!' 

of Ukraine 

Olena Buyskykh, dreamstime.com 

father went to the draft board, the fear 

inside for him is beyond words. 

My friends who called me said that they 

were going to fight. I was so sorry for being 

in a quarrel with someone, then it seems to 

me that I forgave everyone and let go of all 

grievances. 

I realized that none of this matters. I 

sent a lot of SMS messages to everyone 

with apologies, with support, I wanted to 

help everyone. I wanted to apologize to 

everyone, I just thought that there might 

not be a tomorrow. 

It was so cold at night that when I 

woke, my chest hurt and it was difficult to 

breathe. I decided not to go anywhere, but 

to stay in Kyiv, at home. 

My friend brought Zhenya to me. He 

really wanted his mother and asked me 

to take him to her. The taxi couldn’t and I 

can't drive such distances. 

I was so hurt inside, so scared. I 

understood that I had a great responsibility 

for their lives, but I did not even allow the 

thought that I could not cope. 

After a while, we all became friends, 

they listened to my instructions and did 

everything. 

I left them in the basement, while I ran 

to quickly cook food upstairs. Every time I 

thought, 'what if a missile would fly in now'. 

I prayed that they would live. 

At night, I came out of the basement 

to stand and see what was happening. The 

sky was red and blinking constantly from 

explosions, they were somewhere on the 

other side of us, you could see how the sky 

was sparkling, and shots were heard. 

MY NOTES 

Aunt Masha with her husband, Kiril, Zhenya and Stuart 

ESCAPE PLAN 

In March, we decided to leave the 

basement. Going to the boys’ village was 

not possible, 100 metres away there was 

a shell, trenches, and soldiers, so they 

returned to my house in Kyiv. Their mother 

was in a village that had been taken over 

by Russian soldiers. She was offered the 

chance to send her boys to Sweden, so I 

started to pack for their journey, but I had 

decided to stay in Kyiv. 

However, my plans changed because 

of my hero of the time. The world should 

know about this hero, because often they 

are in the shadows. His name is Stuart 

Holden. He lives in Charvil. We met 

when I was 15 years old and I lived in an 

orphanage. Stuart promised to take care of 

me and change my life. 

He often came to Ukraine where he 

helps low-income families. That day he 

kept in close contact. He told me he was 

leaving for Warsaw and that we should 

meet there. I did not hesitate. I packed, 

and we went to the train station. The boys 

managed to get an upper bunk, but I had 

to stand for 8 hours. For the first time in 

a long time, I allowed myself to cry in the 

toilet — strangers, broken lives, crying 

children, I was exhausted. 

PEOPLE WITH BIG HEARTS 

From the border with Poland it was a 

7 hour bus ride to Warsaw where Stuart 

was. He had not let me down. I ran to meet 

him in tears and hugged him as tightly as 

possible. Only from the beginning of the 

war did I understand what it was like to be 

bored and I understand why people need 

separation, so that there would be such 

meetings — it cannot be said in words how 

touching it was. I am very proud of Stuart 

and have huge respect for him and his wife, 

Jo. I thank them for taking me into their 

family on a sponsored visa. They have big 

hearts! 

Zhenya, one of the boys, did not have 

enough documents, so we could not buy 

him a plane ticket and because their 

mother was in an occupied village there 

was no phone connection or Internet 

access to get the documents. So Stuart took 

the boys from Poland to Sweden, first by 

bus and then by ferry to Stockholm. He 

handed them over to Children's Embassy, 

a children's charity with which he has 

worked for many years. Then Stuart 

returned to England, and I decided to 

return to Lviv as a volunteer. 

turn to page 25


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THE WAR IN UKRAINE — 2 

from page 23 Stuart, his friends and family 

had sent money for the refugees 

which meant, when I arrived in Lviv, I 

would be able to buy tickets to Poland 

for those without money, as well as 

medicines, food and clothes. 

In Lviv, I stayed one night in the 

volunteer centre where so many people 

came to us. Everyone wanted to tell 

their story. They cried. I knew that 

I must be strong to help, this is my 

mission. This is why I went to Lviv. 

Apartment rents were very high, so 

I lived in a volunteer centre with the 

migrants. There was no place to stay 

alone, there were people all around. 

There was cold water in the shower 

and it was terribly hard to wash. But I 

didn’t think about comfort, although 

inside I wanted to run away and hide. 

HELPING EACH OTHER 

Then I found a way to unload. I 

went to the kitchen to help and I met 

many people. I was glad to help, I was 

glad to see happy people, they were 

filled with grateful hearts. With each 

person I wanted to do more. 

I made friends with the military 

who helped me find an apartment at 

a good price, they drove me home, I 

am very grateful to them. I helped 

someone. Someone helped me. It was 

nice to see Ukrainians, helping each 

other. 

There was no time for photos or 

videos. Everything happened fast. 

The volunteer centre was closed 

so I decided to do everything by 

myself. Thanks to friends, I began 

humanitarian aid by sending goods 

to cities in Ukraine. Migrants staying 

with me overnight received food and 

medicine. Many came from the occupied 

territories. They were exhausted, and 

frightened. It's impossible to put into 

words what I felt when seeing these 

people. I slept 2 hours a day for about 

a month. Then came burnout, fatigue, 

sometimes I didn’t want to do anything. 

FOUR SHORT STORIES 

ALEXANDER PECHALOV: 34 years 

old, he was wounded by shrapnel in the 

leg. His courage, and love for Ukraine, 

bring tears and my respect. He is not 

only my friend, but my example. I pray 

for him and wait for victory to come, 

so that I can see him and just hug. On 

Facebook, Alexander maintains his 

page, where he talks about his days, 

shares his thoughts. You can subscribe, 

Александр Печалов, and write words 

Masha's friend, Alexander Pechalov, signed up 

for service a year before the war started. 

of support. Every military man needs 

support. From his Facebook page came 

the following . . . 

MILITARY QUOTES 

— 'And those who come to us with weapons, 

we will send straight to hell.' 

— 'In every broken window, blown up house, 

I see thousands and thousands of lives now 

filled with horror, grief and despair.' 

— 'I want my children not to know war. To do 

this, I will teach them to negotiate and teach 

them to hit in the teeth, I will teach them 

diplomacy and how to shoot an AK, I will 

teach them history and the importance in 

defending their freedom. 

— 'I cannot look at the destroyed Mariupol, 

at the bodies of raped women, at the 

killed civilians, at the funerals of Ukrainian 

defenders...' 

— 'But 2 months ago, life, not blood, was in full 

swing in our cities.' 

— 'And all this happened with your tacit 

consent. Each of you who is silent is 

responsible for the death of my people.' 

— 'Putin is an expression of the desires and 

aspirations of the Russian people, and not 

vice versa.' 

— 'This war tempers the Ukrainians as a nation, 

and finally turns the Russians into slaves.' 

— 'In Ukraine they say "Slaves are not allowed 

in heaven!' 

GALINA MIKHAILOVNA from 

Kharkov, 67 years old: She lived in a 

volunteer centre, her son is in New 

Zealand. She had nowhere to go. 

In Kharkov, she left a three room 

apartment. Her husband died, they 

had lived together for 40 years. The 

house was subsequently bombed and 

she lived there for about a month, 

before arriving with me. 

She wanted to find somewhere 

she could be useful, but no one found 

work for her because we were all busy. 

She lay in the room and waited for 

someone to come to talk, as I often did. 


We went for a walk and she constantly 

said, 'Masha, why do you need me? 

I'm old, you're so young, it would be 

better if you spent time on yourself'. 

But I enjoyed taking care of her. She 

wanted to get a haircut in an ordinary 

hairdressing salon, in order to feel the 

usual peaceful life, so we went to the 

hairdressing salon. She cried so much 

from happiness, and this made me 

insanely happy. I sent her to Turkey, 

where her son's friend lives. 

TANYA AND FOUR CHILDREN 

Pisky village, Chernihiv: Someone in 

the village said there was a corridor 

so we started to leave. Russian troops 

stopped us, putting a machine gun to 

our heads. I told them, I have children. 

They searched us, took our phones and 

let us go. At that moment, my heart 

sank into my heels, I thought that was 

all we had. We had no electricity, we 

cooked in the street on a fire. It was so 

cold at home, we slept in the pantry. 

MARINA, 35 years old, Mariupol: 

My husband died in the war. I stayed 

with the children and lost contact 

with relatives. Shops were looted, 

pharmacies were closed. We sat in 

the basement for two weeks and did 

not go out. Stocks were running out, 

there was nothing to replenish them. 

We slept on the cold floor, there was a 

terrible cobweb and darkness around. 

I just wanted to see the sun. I had to 

go out to get food for the children, 

corpses and civilians lay on the streets. 

Children constantly asked: 'Mom, are 

we going to die?' At my entrance there 

were volunteers who gave us food 

and helped us get out of this hell. The 

children are crying, they are vomiting, 

our house is gone, we have nothing else. 

MY FINAL THOUGHTS 

— The war has changed the heart of 

every Ukrainian. 

— Ukrainians united. 

— It will never be like before. 

— We have learned to appreciate, we 

have learned to love, to forgive. 

— Everything has become important 

now and you need to live now. 

— The war will end, but there are no 

winners. 

— The war destroyed our entire life. 

— The war taught us to hate the 

enemy and wish for death. 

— I know one thing, we will not 

forgive Russia for taking our lives! 

— Thank you to the world for your 

support, thank you for hosting 

us in your homes, thank you for 

not remaining indifferent!


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feature — 5 

The Breakthrough Trustees would 

like to thank everyone at St Andrew’s 

for your prayers, encouragement and 

continued financial support during 

the uncertain and difficult period 

of covid. Your support enables us 

to make a difference to the lives of 

children and young people at Karun. 

Karun School was closed for over 19 

months during covid but is now finally 

open again. Many children have had 

no formal schooling for nearly 2 years. 

In this academic year alone because 

of a general lockdown in the state, 

children have missed more than 6 

months schooling. This has had a 

devastating effect on their education. 

Covid has led to many changes in 

schools and children's homes. Karun 

School has yet to return to its precovid 

strength. At present, children 

come to school by a bus funded by 

Karunand they have breakfast, midday 

lunch and a snack before returning 

home. Families very much welcome 

this provision. 

HOME VISITS 

Karun children are from 

disadvantaged backgrounds and 

many have poor basic skills. The long 

school closure has meant they have 

fallen even further behind in their 

work. Although the government 

provided some online lessons, most 

families have no internet so the 

children were unable to follow them. 

Karun teachers tried to help them 

with reading and writing by visiting 

them in their homes. 

This year the government is 

providing refresher classes and after 

school catch up classes and there 

are plans to shorten the summer 

vacation to make up the lost time. 

Teachers have welcomed these 

initiatives and have found that after 

school catch up classes are of great 

help to the children. 

The school is very fortunate to have 

a dedicated computer room that was 

kindly donated by the Rotary Club of 

Loddon Vale and a new specialist IT 

teacher has been appointed to give the 

children more opportunity to develop 

their IT skills and access the internet 

to support their learning at school. 

Sewing and IT classes for the local 

community continue to be very 

popular and the numbers enrolling 

have been steadily growing. Sewing 

classes take place three times a week 

and the IT class is at the weekend. 

Many of the girls have become very 

competent and some are looking to 

apply for jobs in textile companies. 

The Trust has also funded girls for 

nursing and teaching degree courses. 

The professional qualifications they 

have gained has enabled them to get 

jobs very quickly and to earn a good 

salary. We are also funding two girls 

on degree courses. 

One boy, the Trust sponsored to 

train as an electrician at a technical 

college, is now an apprentice in a large 

firm. 


Your support is helping Karun emerge from Covid 

An update from Leslie Stephen 

From growing and harvesting cotton to teaching IT and internet skills and sewing, Karun 

continues to help the disadvantaged families in South India 

We continue to explore different 

ways to fund opportunities that 

encourage girls to access higher 

education. Two high achieving girls’ 

schools approached us to fund students 

from disadvantaged single parent 

families who were badly affected by 

covid and we now fund two girls with 

mentoring so they will hopefully 

continue to higher education. 

The garden project started by 

the ancillary staff during lockdown 

continues to thrive with good harvests 

of vegetables, and a cotton crop proved 

to be very successful. Both provide a 

good income for Karun. The children 

have been using the garden to support 

their work on the environment. 

Thank you once again!



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around the villages — 1 

Music friends raise £1,300 

for FoStAC projects 

The Friends of St Andrew's Church's (FoStAC) third 

successful music evening on Saturday 30 April raised 

£1,300 for 'restoration and beautification' work on the 

church building. The evening was once again led by Ascot 

Brass, and directed by David Rudd. 

As well as varied items and solos by Ascot Brass, the 

programme included the Bulmershe Singers, the 

Bulmershe Ensemble choirs from Bulmershe School, 

and soloist Celeste Hexter, from the St Andrew's Church 

Junior Choir. Celeste was accompanied by Ian Westley. 

FoStAC’s next event will be in The Ark at St Andrew's 

when they will be providing refreshments for visitors to 

the Sonning Scarecrow Trail on 2-3 June. You will also be 

able to find some 'scarecrows' in The Ark gardens. 

It's not too late to book for a Scarecrow 

Barbara Carr, one of the Scarecrow Trail organisers, tells 

us that there may still be time to enter a Scarecrow if you 

do it now! Unregistered scarecrows will not be included 

on the trail map, so contact her as soon as possible on 

Barbara.carr71@hotmail.co.uk or 0118 934 5886. 

Sonning Village Rounders strike again 

The Sonning Village rounders match for teams from local 

organisations is on Friday 17 June at 5.30pm on King George’s 

Playing Field. Sonning Cricket Club will be opening its bar 

and Sonning Primary School PTA will be cooking a BBQ. 

An invitation for all Pearson Hall users 

The Pearson Hall AGM will be held in the committee room 

at Pearson Hall on Wednesday 22 June, 6.30pm for a 6.45pm 

start. Everyone who uses Pearson Hall is welcome to attend. 

Sonning & Sonning Eye Society outing 

The next outing is a tour of the 'boutique' Fairmile Vineyard 

in Henley on 21 June at 10.30am. Make your own way there 

(and home again!) and picnic in the grounds or enjoy a pub 

lunch. More details and tickets from Penny Feathers on: 

penny.feathers@btinternet.com 0118 934 3193 

It's time to train for London's Virtual Marathon 

The Virtual TCS London Marathon provides participants of 

all abilities with the opportunity to complete a 26.2 miles 

marathon within a 24 hour period – making it an inclusive 

option for those who might not have considered taking on a 

marathon before. 'Team Me2 Club' is looking for volunteers 

to join them on Sunday 2 October to run the virtual 

marathon — held on the same day as the mass event — and 

raise vital sponsorship for their children. All finishers will 

receive the same coveted TCS London Marathon medal and 

T-shirt as participants in the main event, along with audio 

support and route tracking on the Official App, powered by 

TCS. Contact Liz on 0118 969 6369. 

Woodley Carnival celebrates 60 years of fun 

From 12noon to 5pm on Saturday 11 June, Woodley Carnival 

will be throwing its largest party ever. 

https://www.woodleycarnival.org.uk/pages/carnival-day 


Stones for the Queen Bee 

During the Scarecrow Trail, Sonning Art Group will 

be exhibiting in Pearson Hall. They have been busy 

preparing for their exhibits, including their scarecrow 

— The Queen Bee. They are highlighting the need to look 

after bees as they are vital in pollinating the plants we 

need, and they are also 'nodding' to the Jubilee and our 

Queen. 

The picture above was taken when the group were 

preparing for their Jubilee Scarecrow exhibition. It shows 

Pauline Simpson, Kay Mottram, Joan Sedgewick, and 

Joan Baines painting stones which form part of their 

exhibition. They look forward to seeing you there! 

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around the villages — 2 


SAVE THE DATE: 10 September for a Ride & Stride . . . 

This national event happens every year in every county. 

In 2021 Berkshire raised nearly £25,000 for its historic 

churches. This year they hope to do even better. 

Any mode of transport is fine. You could walk, cycle, ride — 

simply choose a route and find lots of sponsorship from all 

your friends and family. 

You can go by yourself or in a group, any time between 

10am and 6pm; many people make a day of it. There are 

many wonderful and interesting churches to visit, many 

will be open and offering refreshments. 

Your nominated church will benefit by receiving half 

of your sponsorship. The remaining 50% goes to Berkshire 

Historic Churches Trust (BHCT) which in turn makes 

generous grants to churches in need. 

More details from the BHCT Ride & Stride website 

http://www.berkschurchestrust.org.uk/ride-and-stride 

Charvil's Project Singers are hard at 

work rehearsing for their next local 

concert in St Mary's Church, Twyford 

on Sunday 3 July at 6.45pm. 

The Project Singers for female voices 

have a section for girls between the 

ages of 10 & 18 as well as a section for 

ladies. As their name implies, they 

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work on various projects each term. 

For the summer term it will be 'Let's 

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The singers are led by local music 

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


HEALTH 

Dr Simon Ruffle writes . . . Vibrio bacteria (and pearls) 

June, the sixth month of the Gregorian calendar. It has 

two suggestions of how it was named. One is that May 

comes from maiores meaning the elders and is followed 

by juniores meaning younger ones. Or it was named 

after Juno, wife to the Roman god Jupiter?1 

June has three gemstones, one of which is pearl. Slightly 

ironically, June is the second month of the lull in the 

oyster eating season in the northern hemisphere. Waters 

are warmer, the quantity of bacteria in the water is higher 

and oysters are filter feeders. Thus the advice never to eat 

oysters in a month without an ‘R’ in it holds some truth. 

Modern harvesting techniques and cleaning ponds makes 

it a lot safer, but straight out of the ocean risks catching a 

species of bacteria called Vibrio. 

THINKING LOGICALLY 

Most of us will have heard of Cholera. This was named 

long before knowing what caused it, Vibrio Cholerae. 

Cholera is the disease caused by vibrio and other bacteria 

that leads to severe gastroenteritis and fluid loss. There 

are over 70 vibrio species recognised so far. 

To add to the irony, oysters are a great source 

of potassium and magnesium and the best way to 

rid the body of potassium and magnesium is to get 

gastroenteritis! 

Magnesium and potassium are, by weight, the 12th 

and 7th most abundant element in the human body. They 

are usually known as electrolytes. This is because they 

both carry an electrical (+ve) charge and are active in the 

body forming many functions. Like all electrolytes our 

bodies depend on a balance. When being taught medicine, 

and this applies to many professions, we have to think 

logically about why there is deficiency and overload. 

Is there too much going in? 

Is too much coming out? 

Is it absorbed? 

Is something forcing it 

out? 

Is something binding it? 

Is something releasing it? 

So many questions. 

Working through basic 

questions often leads to 

targeted investigations as 

to why? 

Sometimes ‘it is what 

it is.’2 Fihi ma Fihi 13th C 

Persian script (left) 

If your kidneys 

aren’t working properly 

you can retain or lose 

Wikipedia 

electrolytes. If your bowel 

isn’t working you may 

not absorb them or you can lose them. You can eat too 

much or take supplements or eat too little, medicines can 

interfere with them, tissue growth and tissue destruction 

can use or release them; I could go on but it will remind 

me of my biochemistry module at university, without the 

aid of the internet in my day! 

Black Pearl 

What we do know is that imbalance is really bad for 

the heart and heart rhythms. This is why people get fed up 

with us asking for blood tests when we change medicines 

to do with heart rhythm, kidney function and chronic 

bowel disease. Diabetic patients are at risk too and some 

medicines can cause other deficiencies. Antoine taking 

metformin should now be advised to increase B12 in their 

diet. 

Patients that have had their bowels shortened 

through diseases or altered by bariatric surgery are very 

susceptible to deficiencies and should be monitored at 

least annually. 

KNOW YOUR OWN RULES 

Simon Ruffle 

If you are on many medications it is worth knowing 

your ’sick day’ rules in general but the well established 

ones are for patients on ACE inhibitors, metformin 

and diuretics. If you should be unlucky enough to get 

gastroenteritis then it is best to stop your medications 

briefly until you recover. 

I had forgotten just how abundant potassium and 

magnesium are in proportion to other elements as I 

thought sodium was more common than potassium but it 

isn’t. Also vibrio from uncooked oysters is quite rare but 

not usually fatal. One thing I did learn from researching 

this month’s article is that you can get skin infection from 

vibrio. Apparently more common in open wounds and it 

is very unwise to swim in the sea with new tattoos until 

healed. 

That’s my skull and crossbones put off for another year. 

Picture me on the Black Pearl! 

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June 

2. By Rumi - http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ 

ID=15370&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201. 

html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index. 

php?curid=17374467


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Call us for an informal chat or visit The Studio (by appointment only) 

www.sabellainteriors.com | 0118 944 9629 | 07780 836747 | enquiries@sabellainteriors.com

HOME AND GARDEN 


In the garden 

Gushcha, dreamstime.com 

Is it time to get out that stuffed dog? 

Some simple, well proven ways to save energy 

— Turn off the lights when you leave a room. 

— Turn down your thermostat by at least a degree, or two, or three! 

— Get some LED bulbs – they are six times more efficient, last much longer, and use 

90% less energy than old-style bulbs. 

— Shower rather than bath. Don’t worry about a bit of dirt on children. It can 

strengthen the immune system and help prevent allergies. 

— Don’t boil the kettle all the time – it eats up about 6% of all your electricity per 

year. Make a pot rather than a mug, so that you drink as much, but less often. 

— Make a draught excluder, the ones that look like sausage dogs. Don’t turn up the 

heat to combat a draught, fix the draught. 

— Keep doors closed. If you don’t need to heat your whole house, don’t. 

— Put more clothes on. We all know people who like to wear only tee-shirts at home, 

even in winter. Get them to put on a jumper, cuddle the dog, wrap up in a blanket, 

or run up and down the stairs, not turn up the heating. 

— Set your washing machine at 30°, rather than 40°. It can reduce energy use by 60%. 

— Use your electric clothes dryer less. It can account for 5% of all household 

electricity. Far cheaper to buy a washing line! 

— Use your oven only when you can fill it up. Never cook just one thing at a time. 

And when you are done, leave the oven door open to help heat the house. 

All of these are small steps, but together they could make a big difference this year. 

Platinum Jubilee Recipe of the Month 

Step back 70 platinum years and enjoy an original 'Coronation Chicken' created by 

Rosemary Hume for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation lunch on 2 June 1953. It was 

later included in the Constance Spry Cookery Book, first published in 1956. This 

recipe serves 6-8 people. 

PREPARING THE MEAT: Poach two young roasting chickens with carrot, bouquet 

garni, salt and peppercorns in water and a little wine, to barely to cover, for about 

40 minutes or until tender. Allow to cool in the liquid. Joint the birds, remove bones 

with care. 

TO MAKE THE CREAM OF CURRY SAUCE 

— 1 tbsp oil 

Heat the oil, add onion, cook gently 

— 50g/2oz onion, finely chopped for 3-4 minutes, add curry powder. 

— 1 dessert spoon curry powder Cook again for 1-2 minutes. 

— 1 good tsp tomato purée 

Add purée, wine, water, and bay 

— 1 wineglass red wine 

leaf. Bring to boil, add salt, sugar 

— ¾ wineglass water 

to taste, pepper, and the lemon and 

— A bay leaf 

lemon juice. Simmer with the pan 

— Salt, sugar, a touch of pepper uncovered for 5-10 minutes. Strain 

— A slice or two of lemon and a and cool. Add by degrees to the 

squeeze of lemon juice 

mayonnaise with the apricot purée 

— 1-2 tbsp apricot purée 

to taste. Adjust seasoning, adding a 

— 450ml/¾ pint mayonnaise 

little more lemon juice if necessary. 

— 2-3 tbsp lightly whipped cream Finish with the whipped cream. 

TO SERVE: Mix a small amount of the sauce (enough to coat the chicken) with a little 

extra cream and seasoning. Mix the chicken and the sauce together, arrange at one 

end of a dish, coat with the extra sauce. At the Queen’s Coronation an oblong dish was 

used with a rice salad at the other end of the dish. The salad was made of rice, peas, 

diced raw cucumber and finely chopped mixed herbs, all mixed in a well-seasoned 

French dressing. 

Famveldman, dreamstime.com 

Mosquitoes! Do they 

make you see red? 

Mosquitoes date back millions of 

years, they seem to have always 

been around, and with summer 

officially starting on 21 June we can 

be sure that these blood sucking 

insects will still be with us in our 

gardens this year. 

There are, of course, lots of ideas 

about how to avoid them by using 

such things as sprays, zappers or 

citronella candles. 

COOLER SHADES 

Here's another suggestion that 

follows a recent study in Nature 

Communication, a peer-reviewed, 

open access, scientific journal 

published by Nature Research, which 

interestingly was founded in 1869, 

the same year that this magazine 

was first published. 

This latest study suggests that we 

might also consider not wearing red 

clothes. It seems that mosquitoes see 

only certain wavelengths of light, 

and therefore only certain colours 

are seen to be a source of food. Red is 

their favourite colour! Fortunately, 

white, green, purple or blue clothes 

go unnoticed by the hungry bugs. 

So, it may be helpful this summer to 

cover your skin with cooler shades of 

clothes. 

But don’t expect miracles, because 

unfortunately, mosquitos are also 

attracted by our breath, our sweat 

and even the temperature of our 

skin. Which, sadly, puts you back to 

square one!

36 The Parish Magazine - June 2022 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding this advertisement 

Visit our website or follow us on 

Facebook for details of events and 

Platinum Jubilee celebrations 

ASSISTED LIVING | NURSING | DEMENTIA CARE | RESPITE 

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Our award winning care team are on hand 24 hours a day providing care that 

is responsive to individual preferences and needs. We take pride in going above 

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We encourage and empower residents to live independent lifestyles, providing discreet 

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taking medication to those residents who have greater needs, all our residents receive the 

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To find out more, please contact the Client Liaison Manager at a Signature home near you: 

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01628 702310 

Sonning 

0118 338 2986 

signature-care-homes.co.uk

The ARTS 

Rev Michael Burgess continues his series on God in the Arts with a look at the famous 

'Book of Kells'. . . our picture shows an eagle from this famous book. 

The thread of God's love 

In 563 an Irish monk was forced to leave his homeland because 

of a conflict that had led to a misuse of power and bloodshed. 

On Pentecost Sunday he arrived on the island of Iona off 

the northwest coast of Scotland with 12 companions. There 

he began a new way of life, founded on Christ’s mercy and 

forgiveness of the past, and so created one of the great 

centres of faith and mission in the Christian Church. His 

name was Columba, and we keep his feast day on 9 June. 

His monastery on Iona started as a small cluster of 

wooden buildings with a church and a guest house. Around 

were fields of crops and cattle and bees. Under Columba’s 

guidance, it grew, and from Iona monks were sent into 

Scotland as one arm of a missionary advance that reached 

down through England to France and across Europe. 

A DELIGHT IN PATTERNS 

That outreach was an amazing achievement. But just as 

amazing was the consolidation of monastic life on Iona that 

resulted two centuries later in the Book of Kells. 

This text of the four Gospels was begun by scribes 

and artists in the library of Iona. It grew into one of the 

masterpieces of Celtic art that was taken to Kells in Ireland 

to escape the Viking invaders who ravaged the island. 

Along with the text of the Gospels, there are illustrations 

of Jesus, Mary and the four evangelists, together with 

decorations at once intricate and fantastic: patterns that 

interweave and interlace across the page with an odd face 

here and a weird creature there. The design is in brilliant 

detail, and you can follow the lines as they weave in and out. 

This delight in patterns is evident in lots of Celtic art. 

It is good to imagine Columba on Iona meditating on the 

thread of God’s grace woven into his life as he looked back to 

his years in Ireland and his pilgrimage to Iona. 

Poetry Corner 

The U in JesUs (Author unknown) 

Before U were thought of or time had begun, 

God even stuck U in the name of his Son. 

And each time U pray, you'll see it's true 

You can't spell out JesUs and not include U. 

You're a pretty big part of his wonderful name, 

For U, he was born; that's why he came. 

And his great love for U is the reason he died. 

It even takes U to spell crUcified. 

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand 

He rose from the dead, with U in his plan? 

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, 

and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U. 

When JesUs left earth at his upward ascension, 

He felt there was one thing he just had to mention. 

"Now go into the world and tell them it's true 

That the love I have shown is not just for U." 

So many great people are spelled with a U, 

Don't they have a right to know JesUs too? 

It all depends now on what U will do, 

He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U. 


It might have seemed at one glance a complicated 

interweaving of events and experiences, and then perhaps 

as he looked again, he would see God’s love threading its way 

through that history and redeeming both it and him. 

It is the same for us. As we look at our lives, they 

may seem complex and involved patterns of events and 

circumstances taking us here and there. 

As we ponder those patterns, then we can begin to see a 

thread woven into the patterns that guides and leads us on. 

And as we stand back, all the patterns and threads seem 

to make sense as we spot that guiding thread. Just as we can 

stand back from the designs of this page and see God’s love 

spelling out the name of Christ, our Lord.


History 

Was it really . . . ? 

. . . 250 YEARS AGO on 22 June 1772 that the Court of 

King’s Bench ruled that slavery was illegal in England and 

Wales. It remained legal in British Overseas Territories 

and colonies until 1833. 

. . . 100 YEARS AGO on 10 June 1922 that Judy Garland, 

American actress and singer, was born. She is best known 

for her films The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St Louis. She 

died in 1969. 

. . . 100 YEARS AGO from 28 June 1922 to 24 May 

1923, that the Irish Civil War took place. It led to the 

confirmation of the Irish Free State. 

. . . 75 YEARS AGO on 5 June 1947 that the Marshall Plan 

was proposed. US Secretary of State George C Marshall 

offered a self-help programme to Europe that would 

enable countries to rebuild democratic societies and resist 

communism after the Second World War. 

. . . 65 YEARS AGO on 1 June 1957 that the first premium 

bond prize draw took place in Britain. 

. . . Also 65 YEARS AGO on 27 June 1957 that Britain’s 

Medical Research Council reported that there was a causeand-effect 

relationship between smoking and lung cancer. 

. . . 50 YEARS AGO on 17 June 1972 that the Watergate 

Scandal began when five men were arrested for breaking 

into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at 

the Watergate complex in Washington DC. 

. . . 40 YEARS AGO, on 14 June 1982 that the Falklands 

War ended. Argentine forces surrendered to the British 

in Port Stanley and a ceasefire was agreed. Argentine 

president Leopold Galtieri resigned on 17 June. 

Thomas Dutou, dreamstime.com 

. . . 40 YEARS AGO on 21 June 1982 that Prince William 

of Wales (pictured above at his wedding in April 2011 to Kate 

Middleton) was born. Son of Charles and Diana, he is 

second-in-line to the throne. 

THE SCIENCES 

Dinosaurs and God? 

Pavel Losevsky, dreamstime.com 

These questions and answers are taken from The Faraday Kids 

website (http://www.faradaykids.com). For more science-faith 

Q&A's, check out 101 Great Big Questions About God and Science, 

Edited by L Henderson & S Bryant (Lion, 2022) 

Why aren’t dinosaurs in the Bible? 

The Bible wasn’t written to list all the animals on earth or 

tell us about science. It was written a long time before people 

started to use science to learn about the world. 

When the Bible was written, people didn’t even have a 

word for dinosaurs yet! But it’s not just dinosaurs that aren’t 

mentioned in the Bible, it doesn’t talk about armadillos, 

kangaroos, sabre-toothed cats or penguins either! 

That doesn’t mean that the Bible is out of date or wrong, 

or that these animals aren’t important. Rather than teaching 

us science, many Christians believe that the Bible was 

written to tell people about God, how much he loves them, 

and all the amazing things he has done. 

The Bible says that God made everything, and loves 

everything he made, so that includes dinosaurs. It also 

encourages people to explore and find out all about the 

wonderful things it says God has made. Science is a part of 

this exploration. 

Did God make the dinosaurs? 

The Bible, the holy book that Christians read, says that God 

made everything. All the stars, the Earth and all the amazing 

plants and animals that have ever lived here. So yes, most 

Christians believe that God made the dinosaurs! 

The Bible also teaches that God loves it when people 

explore his creation, and science is a great way of doing that. 

So, for many Christians, science is one of the fun things 

we can use to learn all about how God made everything, 

including all of the dinosaurs! 

Did humans and dinosaurs live together? 

Yes! But probably not the kind of dinosaur you’re thinking 

of! Most of the dinosaurs died out a very, very, long time 

ago, way before humans first lived. But some of the smaller, 

feathery dinosaurs survived and over a long time they have 

evolved into the animals we call birds. So, from chickens and 

robins to penguins and ostriches there are dinosaurs living 

all over our world today! 

. . . 25 YEARS AGO, on 26 June 1997 that J K Rowling’s 

first Harry Potter novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s 

Stone was published in the UK. 

. . . 15 YEARS AGO on 27 June 2007 that Gordon Brown 

became Prime Minister. 

Ondřej Prosický, dreamstime.com

CROSSWORD 

1 2 3 4 5 6 

8 

7 

9 10 

11 12 13 

14 

15 16 17 18 19 

21 22 

24 

Across 

1 - Makes available available for sale (6) for sale (6) 

7 - Science of classification of classification (8) (8) 

8 

- Mixture 

Mixture 

of gases 

of gases 

we breathe 

we 

(3) 

breathe (3) 

9 Place of worship (6) 

9 - Place of worship (6) 

10 Prayer (4) 

10 - Prayer (4) 

11 Piece of writing (5) 

11 - Piece of writing (5) 

13 Wealthiest (7) 

13 

15 

- 

Tightly 

Wealthiest 

framed 

(7) 

camera shot (5-2) 

15 17 - Tightly Keep framed (5) camera shot (5-2) 

17 21 - Keep First (5) man (4) 

21 

22 

- First 

Small 

man (4) 

shoots (6) 

23 Former measure of length (3) 

22 - Small shoots (6) 

24 Substitutes (8) 

23 - Former measure of length (3) 

25 Arboreal marsupial (6) 

24 - Substitutes (8) 

CODEWORD 

25 - Arboreal marsupial (6) 

20 

25 

23 

Down Down 

1 Juicy citrus 1 - Juicy citrus fruit fruit (6) 

2 Compels 2 - Compels to do something to do (6) 

3 Paces 

3 

(5) 

- Paces (5) 

4 Give reasons for (7) 

4 - Give reasons for (7) 

5 Photograph (8) 

5 - Photograph (8) 

6 Remains of a fire (6) 

6 - Remains of a fire (6) 

12 Bring together (8) 

14 Tuft of 12 - grass Bring together (7) (8) 

16 Lived 14 with - Tuft of as grass a (7) guest (6) 

18 Be preoccupied 16 - Lived with with as a guest a topic (6) (6) 

19 Symbol or representation (6) 

20 Understand (5) 

18 - Be preoccupied with a topic (6) 

19 - Symbol or representation (6) 

20 - Understand (5) 

24 8 16 16 2 15 8 15 10 3 2 7 

13 15 9 2 2 10 8 

8 25 2 1 2 6 16 20 5 23 

8 19 24 16 8 15 26 22 7 1 

1 19 11 10 3 22 8 2 

12 2 24 11 1 13 2 15 

25 1 17 22 14 4 10 

14 8 3 2 6 2 24 6 

22 2 25 7 15 22 21 2 

6 10 18 22 2 1 3 22 2 1 

22 2 21 6 10 14 2 25 3 1 

2 1 2 12 6 7 2 

11 25 3 22 7 12 20 12 15 10 3 2 

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 

L J 

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 

F 

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 JUBILEE 

This year Her Majesty The Queen became the 

first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum 

Jubilee marking 70 years of service to the people 

of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the 

Commonwealth. Celebrations will include The 

Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) 

on 2nd June when more than 1,400 parading 

soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come 

together. Beginning at Buckingham Palace, the 

Parade will move down The Mall to Horse Guard's 

Parade, joined by Members of the Royal Family on 

horseback and in carriages. The Parade will close 

with the traditional RAF fly-past, watched by The 

Queen and Members of the Royal Family from 

the Buckingham Palace balcony. Platinum Jubilee 

Beacons: The United Kingdom’s long tradition 

of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and 

Coronations with the lighting of beacons will also 

continue. Over 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout 

the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man 

and UK Overseas Territories. 


PUZZLE PAGE — the answers will be published in the next issue 

QUIZ : The Queen's Coronation 

MAJESTY 

QUEEN 

FIRST 

YEARS 

BRITISH 

MONARCH 

PLATINUM 

JUBILEE 

SEVENTY 

SERVICE 

UNITED 

KINGDOM 

REALMS 

PARADE 

PALACE 

BALCONY 

BIRTHDAY 

TROOPING 

COLOUR 

SOLDIERS 

HORSES 

BUCKINGHAM 

BEACONS 

COMMONWEALTH 

CELEBRATIONS 

May 

Solutions 

CROSSWORD 

D I S P I R I T C H U M 

I H N M U I 

S P O O F P L A Y F U L 

H V L E F K 

CODEWORD 

V E L V E T Z F W 

A O O V E R L I E S 

C O G P A A A 

A J O V I A L M A P S 

N A C O E O 

T A M E S Q U I N I N E 

M C S C 

E S C U D O S S O N I C 

T L M G I O 

O R E S B U N K U M A 

A I U A B O X 

D I F F U S E S U E 

N Y T H O R S E S 

SUDOKU 

1. How many Queens were crowned in Westminster Abbey before Queen Elizabeth II? 

2. What were the names of the eight horses that pulled the Queen's Gold Coach for her Coronation? 

3. What is the name of the chair that the Queen sat on to be crowned? 

4. How many people watched the Queen's Coronation on television? 

5. How many people listened to the Queen's Coronation on the radio? 

6. How many guests were in Westminster Abbey for the Queen's Coronation? 

E U L O O S E L Y 

M A L L E T S C D W 

I N C A 

S W C S T A T E L Y 

T R I R E M E S G 

R T S I R O 

E C H I D N A O C E A N 

A E M N S E 

T I R E P E R S I S T S 

WORDSEARCH LAST SUPPER 

THE QUEEN'S EARLY YEARS? 

1. Mayfair, London 

2. 2.40am 

3. 21 April 

4. Clarence House in London 

5. At home 

6. The first life saving award 

Christopher Elwell, dreamstime.com


Local Trades and Services 

ACG SERVICES - LOCKSMITH 

Locks changed, fitted, repaired and opened 

Door and window locks fitted, UPVC door lock expert 

Checkatrade member - Which Trusted Trader 

Call Richard Homden: 0149 168 2050 / 0771 040 9216 


CHIROPODY AND PODIATRY 

Linda Frewin 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 

http://www.jamesautos.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 

PROFESSIONAL HOME VISIT SERVICE 

Thames Valley Will Service 

Also Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate Service 

We are still working during the pandemic period 

0134 464 1885 tvwills@yahoo.co.uk 

THAMES CHIMNEY SWEEPS 

0779 926 8123 0162 882 8130 

enquiries@thameschimneysweeps.co.uk 

http://www.thameschimneysweeps.co.uk 

Member of the Guild of Master Sweeps 

CALLAGHAN CARPETS & FLOORING 

Thirty-six years local experience 

Family run company 

0118 962 8527 0779 223 9474 

callaghancarpets@btinternet.com 

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 https://www.smallwoodlandscaping.co.uk/ 

office@smallwoodlandscaping.co.uk 

ALL WASTE CLEARANCE & DISPOSAL 

Waste clearance from office, house, garden, loft 

Licensed waste carriers, no job too small or large 

Contact: John 

0771 021 2056 j.garmston@ntworld.com 

BERKSHIRE STUMP REMOVALS 

Stump grinding and tree stump removal 

Latest narrow access machinery 

Contact: Mark 

0798 495 7334 http://www.berkshirestumpremoval 

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 - June 2022 41

42 The Parish Magazine - June 2022 Please mention The Parish Magazine when replying to advertisements 

information — 2 

Parish contacts 

ABD 

Ministry Team 

— The Vicar: Revd Jamie Taylor (Day off Friday) 

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

vicar@sonningparish.org.uk / 0118 969 3298 

— 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 

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

— Liz Nelson liz.nelson1@ntlworld.com / 0779 194 4270 

Deputy Churchwardens 

— 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 

— Hannah Towndrow BA (Oxon), LRAM 

music@sonningparish.org.uk 

Sonning Bell Ringers 

— Tower Captain: Pam Elliston 

pam.elliston@talktalk.net / 0118 969 5967 

— Deputy Tower Captain: Rod Needham 

r06needham@gmail.com / 0118 926 7724 

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 

Construction 6 

Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society 31 

ACG Services Locksmith 40 

Active Domestic Appliances 16 

Active Security 30 

ADD Plumbing 12 

All Aerials 40 

All Waste Clearance 40 

Barn Store Henley 16 

Berkshire Stump Removals 40 

Big Heart Tree Care 40 

Blandy & Blandy Solicitors 14 

Blinds Direct 26 

Blue Moose 8 

Bridge House 43 

Bridges Home Care 26 

Bull Inn 8 

Callaghan Carpets & Flooring 40 

Chimney Sweep, Thames 40 

Chiropody, Linda Frewin 40 

Chris the Plumber 32 

Clark Bicknell 40 

Complete Pest Solutions 40 

Computer Frustrations 40 

CPS Fuels 28 

Cruz Kitchens 28 

Design for Print 28 

EMDR Hypnotherapist 30 

Freebody Boatbuilders 6 

Fields Pharmacy 32 

French Horn 44 

Gardiners Nursing 8 

Great House Sonning 24 

Handyman and Decorating Services 40 

Haslams Estate Agents 2 

Hicks Group 16 

Intersmart Electrical Installations 40 

James Autos 40 

Jones & Sheppard Stone Masons 32 

Kingfisher Bathrooms 26 

MC Cleaning 40 

Mill at Sonning 4 

M & L Healthcare Solutions 12 

Mortgage Required 18 

Muck & Mulch 28 

Odd Jobs 40 

Painter and Decorator 40 

Pearson Hall Sonning 24 

Reading Blue Coat School 26 

Richfield Flooring 14 

Sabella Interiors 34 

Seniors Helping Seniors 12 

Shiplake College 14 

Signature Care Homes 36 

Sonning Golf Club 32 

Sonning Scouts Marquees 30 

Smallwood Garden Services 40 

Style by Julie 6 

Thames Valley Water Softeners 6 

Thames Valley Wills Service 40 

The 50 Plus Home Repairs 28 

Tomalin Funerals 24 

Walker Funerals 12 

Water Softener Salt 28 

Window Cleaner 16

Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding this advertisement 


BRIDGE HOUSE 

of TWYFORD 

Because you deserve 

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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 - June Please 2022 mention 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

The Parish Magazine June 2022

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