The Parish Magazine March 2026

The Parish Magazine — March 2026 1

The

Parish

Magazine

Magazine

Parish Te

1869

157

YEARS

2026

Serving Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye

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

March 2026 — Lent, Mothering Sunday, Palm Sunday

The church of st andrew, SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF

CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY

2 The Parish Magazine — March 2026 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to this advertisement

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



information — 1

Contents March 2026

THE VICAR'S Letter, 5

THE parish noticeboard

— We welcome Sam, 7

— Mona at 100, 7

— Mothering Sunday, 7

— For your prayers, 7

— Y0ung People, 9-11

— The Persecuted Church, 13

Around the Villages

— Reading Sailing Club, 15

— Culture and compassion, 17,

— Sonning Art Group, 17

— Scarecrows, 17

— Charvil singers, 17

FEATURES

— St George's Foundation, 20-21

— Sonning High Street, 22-23

afoot in the garden

— Yellow Spring, 25

THE ARTS

— The Font of Nourishment, 27

— Book Reviews, 27

This ISSUE's FRONT COVER

The

Parish

Magazine

March 2026 — Lent

Magazine

Parish Te

1869

157

YEARS

2026

The church of st andrew, SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF

CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY

Picture: Simon Darvall,

see pages 20-21

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 April 2026

issue of The Parish Magazine is:

Friday 6 March at 12 noon

Recent issues of The Parish Magazine

can also be read online at

https://theparishmagazine.co.uk


Services in

St Andrew's

Church Sonning

St David's Day, Sunday 1 March

— 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)

— 10.30am Family Service

— 4.00pm Choral Evensong, during

which the Bishop of Reading will

be joining us.

Sunday 8 March


— 10.30am Parish Eucharist with

Sunday Club

— 6.00pm STAY Youth Service

Mothering Sunday 15 March


— 10.30am Parish Eucharist

— 3.00pm Messy Church in The Ark

Sunday 22 March



STAY and Sunday Club

Palm Sunday 29 March



STAY and Sunday Club

— 5.45pm Sunday at Six in The Ark

THIS MONTH'S APPEAL

— The Great Daffodil Appeal 29

HISTORY

— Was it really? 29

HEALTH

— NHS Services, 33

For access to The Parish Magazine

archives which holds copies of the

magazine from 1869, please contact:

editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk

OTHER REGULAR SERVICES

Mid-week Communion in The Ark is

held every Wednesday at 10.00am. Tea

and coffee follows the service.

Home Communion at Sonning

Gardens Care Home is held on the first

Monday of each month at 11.00am.

FASHION

— Bridgerton, 31

PUZZLE PAGE, 35

CHILDREN'S PAGE, 37

INFORMATION

— Church services, 3

— From the registers, 3

— Classified, 36

— Parish contacts, 38

— Advertisers' index, 38

From the Registers

FUNERALS

— Wednesday 14 January, Pamela Fay DeVille, service in Church and burial in

the churchyard

— Tuesday 20 January, Margaret Harvey Easton, service in Church and burial

in the churchyard

— Thursday 5 February, Mavis Newnham, service in Church and cremation at

Reading Crematorium

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parish noticeboard — 1

The vicar's letter

Dear friends,

There are two important Biblical words that come to mind for a

Christian in Lent; 'repent' and 'believe'. I suspect that too many

people think repent means to feel sorry for what you've done

and then to go and do it again. Repent actually means to change

direction and to change priorities. It means living with a whole

new approach to life.

While I feel that the church can serve as an anchor in a world

where everything else is changing so rapidly, that is only one side

of the Gospel. The other side calls us to embrace the newness and

change which Jesus brings.

The second key word is believe. This doesn't mean listing your

denomination as CofE on some application form. It means trust

and reliance and placing one's whole life in God's hands, regardless

of what happens in life. It's called 'the leap of faith,' and this is the

kind of change which the gospel produces.

Of course, we will always experience the power of sin in our

daily lives. We may even go as far as renouncing the Christ who

brought us to faith. Peter knew about that, for he was the one who

denied he ever knew Jesus. But later he went out and wept bitterly

and the change was there. He couldn't turn back and was changed

by the power of a Gospel that left an indelible mark upon his soul.

THE REAL BLESSING

Being a disciple is a real blessing as we know that God has

promised to be with us always. That means that we are never alone

in life, no matter how we may feel at a given moment, or how

unsettling life's changes may seem to be. To be a disciple means

that God is not just a Sunday friend, but a daily companion in our

lives. It means that all things 'do indeed work together for good.'

Of course, it doesn't guarantee that we won't get the flu or

have to face unpleasant experiences. It does mean that as God's

children, God will take the events of our lives and turn them

toward the good, even though we may not be able to see that good

at the moment.

Being a disciple also means that we will be part of the greatest

change of all, the time when God will change this age into the age

of eternity. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ stands at

the centre of our faith, because we know that our mortal nature

will be changed into an immortal nature; and we shall be changed,

one final time.

The Gospel has great power. It disturbs and changes lives, but

above all, it gives new life. I once heard this question in a sermon:

'If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough

evidence to get you convicted?' We are today's disciples, and it is

not an easy task. Thankfully our Lord gives us the strength to do

the job which he has given us. The central question therefore is

what kind of disciples will we be?

Warm wishes,

Jamie

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PARisH NOTICEBOARD — 2


. . . to Rev Samuel Thandi

who will be joining our

ministry team, once the

Archbishop of Canterbury

grants him 'permission to

officiate' in the Church of England.

Sam comes to us from Kenya where he also worked as a

psychologist, specialising in teenage mental health. He is

pictured above meeting The Rt Rev Mary Gregory, Bishop of Reading.

Mothering Sunday 15 March

There is an old Jewish saying:

God could not be everywhere, and

therefore He made mothers.

Mother Church, Mother Earth,

Mother of the Gods and our human

mothers. They are all been part

of the celebration of ‘Mothering

Sunday’ which falls on the fourth

Sunday of Lent, which is on 15

March this year.

CELEBRATED

Mothering Sunday can be traced

back to Roman Times — it has been

celebrated in the UK since at least

the 6th Century.

In Roman times, great festivals

were held every Spring to honour

Cybele, Mother of all the Gods.

Other pagan festivals in

honour of Mother Earth were also

celebrated.

With the arrival of Christianity,

the festival became one honouring

Mother Church.

During the Middle Ages, young

people apprenticed to craftsmen

or working as ‘live-in’ servants were

allowed only one holiday a year on

which to visit their families — which

is how ‘Mothering Sunday’ got its

name.

This special day became a day of

family rejoicing, as the Lenten fast

was broken.

In some places the day was called

Simnel Day, because of the sweet

cakes eaten that day.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS IN MARCH

— The St George Foundation

— All Mothers and those who take

on the role of motherhood

— Our new Youth Charity

— Rev Sam Thandi

Mona, a much-loved member of St Andrew's

congregation, celebrates with us her 100th birthday.

We look forward to many happy returns!

Although it is not recognised

in the UK as a public holiday,

Mothering Sunday has become one.

In many ways it now resembles

the American Mother’s Day, with

families going out for Sunday lunch

and generally making a fuss of

their mother with gifts of flowers,

chocolate, cakes, and, of course,

attending their local Church as a

family!

8 The Parish Magazine — March 2026

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PARisH NOTICEBOARD — 3


Corinne

SUNDAY CLUB ART AND CHRISTINGLES

We had a wide spread of themes during Sunday Club this past month! We started by exploring and learning about Jesus's

baptism through the Godly Play Holy Baptism story. This involved surrounding the different elements of Baptism: water,

candles, a dove (the Holy Spirit), anointing oil, and the colour white. The children enjoyed decorating their own jars for

candles and wooden doves.

At the next meeting, we looked at a Bible passage where Jesus

called his disciples to become 'fishers of men'. We talked about

our opportunity and calling to tell others about God and created

fish art pieces out of pipe cleaners and Hama Beads. As each

Hama Bead was strung onto our fish we talked about an amazing

part of Jesus's life, or of God's awesomeness.

At the start of February we celebrated Christingle during our

family service. The children, and their parents, had made their

own Christingles in The Ark before the service and we then lit

them in Church and prayed for our mothers and families.

MESSY CHURCH NOAH'S ARK

At Messy Church this month, we celebrated Noah's Ark by

making rain shakers, Origami boats, animal masks, rainbow art

and more!

The animal masks were a big hit. The children enjoyed wearing

them, and making the noises of their chosen animal.

I am forever grateful for the volunteers who help cook and

serve our meal, help the children create their artwork, sign

families in, and truly put so much love and care into this

ministry! Messy Church has become a beautiful community.

PRIMARY SCHOOL PARABLES

Charvil Piggott and Sonning Primary are exploring the theme of

parables this term. Last month, I held an assembly on the parable

of the gold coins. The children had great fun linking the story

to their own 'favourites' and a couple of volunteers bartered or

traded gold coins for their favourite potato and sweet!



STAY for coffee and cream pies

Westy

STAY ON FRIDAY

STAY Youth Club was very busy in January with an average of 58

young people attending each week. We had crafts, a pool table,

table tennis, foosball, PS5, baking, basketball, games of man

hunt and an Xbox. Our youth club runs every Friday in term time

from 6.45-8.15pm and year 6 are welcome on the fourth Friday of

each month. We have initiated two new young leaders with the

traditional encouragements and cream pies!

YOUTH ALPHA

Starting on Friday 9 January we had 20 young people engage

with the Alpha videos. The conversations have been amazing.

Young people love being able to ask life’s tough questions in a safe

and welcoming environment. Please join us in praying for those

searching for faith and asking deep questions.

STAY ON SUNDAY

During January the young people met for STAY on Sunday to

cover topics such as ‘The cost of following Jesus’ and ‘Where does

God fit into my life?’

STAY on Sunday is for all secondary aged youth and meets

every Sunday, but at different times according to the week of the

month:

First Sunday: Family service at 10.30am in the main church.

Second Sunday: STAY Youth Service at 6pm in the main church

with dinner after in The Ark.

Third Sunday: A service is led by the youth at 10.30am in The Ark.

Fourth Sunday: 10.30am in The Ark's upper room for Bible

content and games.

Fifth Sunday: STAY Service Sunday, 10.30am in The Ark.

STAY ON MONDAY

Our weekly STAY on Monday group meets from 6.00 - 7.15pm in a

youth member's home, or in The Ark. During January we looked

at Bible stories, themes within scripture, and how it all relates

to our lives. We also have lots of hot chocolate, biscuits and fun

playing games. A highlight for the young people has been quick

cricket and matching Bible verses — but not at the same time!

The young people loved the end of a Tortilla slapping game!

STAY YOUTH SERVICE

The new STAY Youth Service is held from 6.00pm every second

Sunday of the month in St Andrew's Church when we meet for

worship, prayer, reading Scripture and Holy Communion. After

the service in church we move to The Ark for a meal which finishes

around 7.15pm.

PLEASE NOTE: On Sunday 8 March we will not be at St Andrew's

Church but will join other Reading youth groups at Lower Earley

Baptist Church for a service from 7.00-8.30pm.

The dates for the following months are: 12 April, 10 May, 14

June and 12 July. We then we break for the summer holidays.

PREMIER CHRISTIAN RADIO

On Monday 2 February I was asked by Premier Christian Radio

to speak during the 7.30am breakfast show about our work in

the parish with young people, and the trends we are seeing as

they grow in faith. I talked about the wonderful young people of

Charvil and Sonning, the amazing schools we work in, and the

opportunity we have telling thousands of young people about the

Gospels through their assemblies. They especially loved the story

of one young person who has found faith in Jesus during a difficult

period in their life.

READING YOUTH WORKERS

We meet weekly with other Reading Youth Workers to share ideas,

drink coffee, and pray. We also plan the Reading Youth Nights

which gather youth from across the town for an evening of games,

worship, prayer and an inspiring talk. The next one is on Sunday

8 March at Lower Earley Baptist Church from 7.00 - 8.30pm. All

young people are welcome.

STAY IN SCHOOLS

Our school work has been exciting with assemblies, mentoring,

prayer meetings for staff and governors, worship leader training,

lunch clubs and the Christian Union (CU) at Piggott on Mondays

after school.

At CU we have been using the new STIR videos which look at

spirituality, prayer, relationships, pressure and more. They are on

YouTube and free to watch. We have found them really helpful to

start conversations with the young people.

As always, please get in touch on:

youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk

0794 622 4106

https://sonningparish.org.uk/our-youth/


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Each year in January the Christian

advocacy organisation Open Doors

releases its ranked list of the top

50 countries in the world where

persecution of Christians is most

severe.

The Open Doors World Watch List

methodology gives a theological

definition of persecution:

'Any hostility experienced as a result

of one’s identification with Christ. This

can include hostile attitudes, words and

actions towards Christians'.

KEY POINTS

Some key points from are:

– the number of Christians killed

worldwide for their faith increased

by 8% to 4,849.

Of these, 72% were from Nigeria

— more than the rest of the world

combined.

14 countries in the top 50 are

in sub-Saharan Africa, with four

(Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea and Nigeria)

being in the top 10.

The biggest riser in the list is

Syria, this being largely attributed

to the sharp rise of the number

of Christians killed and churches

attacked since the fall of the Assad

regime.

There has been a drop in violence

in Bangladesh, there having been a

period of relative calm in the country

under the interim leadership of

Muhammad Younis, an advocate of

religious freedom.

China reached its highest ever

score. In September it implemented

its 'Regulations on the Online

Behaviour of Religious Clergy'.

This includes preaching online to

be done only through licensed groups

and churches.

North Korea remains at number

one on the World Watch List.

Following Jesus openly there

remains impossible.


THE PERSECUTED CHURCH BY COLIN BAILEY

Please read for awareness, and support through prayer and any further support — financial or otherwise

Open Doors World

Watch List 2026

SYRIA

BANGLADESH

CHINA

NORTH KOREA

The World Watch List top ten countries, ranked

starting from the most extreme persecution

AT NUMBER ONE: NORTH KOREA

Christians will often not tell their partners about their faith for fear of

discovery. If a North Korean Christian is discovered they could be killed

instantly.

AT NUMBER TWO: SOMALIA

Due to a worsening political and security situation, the extremist group Al-

Shabaab has grown in influence in some areas. They openly execute anyone

they suspect of being a Christian.

AT NUMBER THREE: YEMEN

In this war-torn country, extremist groups attack Christian communities.

Christian men could be forcibly recruited into militias, some as young as 13.

AT NUMBER FOUR: SUDAN

The government uses old Islamic laws to justify forced conversion and physical

punishment. Church buildings are often bombed and taken over to be used as

bases for militias or extremist groups.

AT NUMBER FIVE: ERITREA

There is intense surveillance of people suspected of belonging to unregistered

churches. Only four religious groups have legal status from the government.

Groups and churches that are unrecognised by the state endure raids,

imprisonment and systemic marginalisation.

AT NUMBER SIX: SYRIA

There has been a spike in violence in the last year. The country has been mostly

controlled by forces led by Hay’at Tahir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist extremist

group with roots in Al Qaeda. The persecutors perceive Christians to have ties

to the West and to the deposed Assad regime.

AT NUMBER SEVEN: NIGERIA

The country continues to be the most violent place to live in for believers.

Christians and church buildings are targeted through intense attacks. In

northern Nigeria, 12 states have implemented Sharia Law in which Christians

are treated as second-class citizens.

AT NUMBER EIGHT: PAKISTAN

Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are used to intimidate Christians and

other religious minorities. Often they are used to target believers during

unrelated feuds such as land disputes. Even an accusation can provoke mob

violence against victims, their families and the wider Christian community.

AT NUMBER NINE: LIBYA

Extremist Islamist groups target Christians for kidnap and even murder.

Believers are increasingly monitored on the internet. Male converts from Islam

can face imprisonment, eviction or torture.

AT NUMBER TEN: IRAN

Christians from Muslim backgrounds must meet together secretly. Each year

thousands of converts flee Iran to escape persecution. Note: the persecution

score may not reflect the reality of life in Iran following recent developments.

NB: The World Watch List research period was 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.

Open Doors asks us to pray for Christians from all the countries where they face

persecution. It also welcomes donations to help persecuted Christians. To give, or for

further reading, visit https://www.opendoorsuk.org or call 0199 346 0015



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around the villages — 1


The Reading Offshore Sailing Club will host a talk on Wednesday 1 April entitled ‘Sailing the Göta Canal, Sweden’.

Clive Williams will recount his adventures sailing from Stockholm to Gothenburg in his Halberg Rassey 34. His

story will show that the ‘Divorce Ditch’, as the Swedes call it, offered a series of joys interspersed with surprises

and frissons of excitement. Clive will also provide valuable insights into cruising in the Baltic. Reading Offshore

Sailing Club is for all interested in sailing and the sea, including non-boat owners and meets monthly in Sonning.

We will gather for a drink and chat from 7.30pm and the talk begins at 8pm. For further details of the event and for

information on how to join our friendly club see www.readingoffshore.org.uk or contact sailrosc25@gmail.com

Rendezvous in

The Ark

TUESDAY 10 & 24 MARCH

Now in our 8th successful year, Rendezvous in

the Ark continues to welcome everyone from

12 noon to meet for lunch followed by tea and

coffee on the second and fourth Tuesday of

every month.

For more details or to reserve your seat call:

0118 969 3298

office@sonningparish.org

From Phil Mason's larder . . .

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around the villages — 2


Celebrating culture, community and compassion

A Sonning Garden Care Home

Celebration of South Asian Culture,

Community and Compassion treated

the residents and guests to an

unforgettable cultural showcase that

highlighted the vibrant traditions

of Nepal, India, Pakistan, and the

Philippines.

The care home staff volunteered

hours of their free time to create an

authentic atmosphere with dances,

and cultural displays.

Sujata Shrestha, the home's

well-being co-ordinator, said: 'This

collective effort transformed the event

into far more than a show. It became a

heartfelt tribute to unity, identity, and

the joy of shared tradition.

'The care home was filled with

colour and energy, featuring a

Sujata Shrestha

Sonning Art Group plans an 'ARTful' year!

dynamic blend of music, dance,

fashion, and storytelling that brought

the rich cultures from the rhythmic

beat of Nepali performances to the

elegance of South Asian fashion.

every moment offered a lively glimpse

into the beauty and diversity of these

communities.

'It was a beautiful reminder of

what happens when people come

together with shared purpose.

'It not only showcased the cultural

brilliance, but also the unity and

devotion our team has toward the

well-being of our residents.

'Their teamwork created an

atmosphere filled with positivity,

connection, and joy proving that

when a community works hand in

hand, extraordinary things happen.

Have you planned

for your scarecrow?

Four tutors have been booked and events are being organised to make the

coming year even more successful than 2025! The group meets in Pearson

Hall on Fridays from 12.30 to 4.00 pm, with a range of abilities and mediums.

While they work on their own art, everyone is willing to help each other or

give advice. If you would like to join them, you will receive a warm welcome

— whatever your choral singing experience.

Ladies singing for fun in Charvil

On Saturday 25 April from 2 -4 pm

in Charvil Village Hall local music

teacher and choir director Suzanne

Newman is holding a fun singing

afternoon for female voices.

Places need to be booked and paid for

in advance, £15 which includes music

and refreshments

The singers will work on two short

medleys arranged for two-part choir:

a medley of songs by Andrew Lloyd

Webber such as, Phantom of the Opera,

Music of the Night and Memory.

The second medley will be from

the film Pocahontas and include: Just

around the Riverbend and Colors of the

wind.

Vector Moon, Dreamstime.com

To book your place contact:

Suzanne Newman

suzanneynewman@btinternet.com

0118 934 0589

With Scarecrows' on the Spring

Bank Holiday, 24-25 May, it is time

to plan your entry.

Michael Piepgras, Dreamstime.com

There are lots of possibilities: Winter

Olympics, Commonwealth Games,

the return of the Bayeaux Tapestry,

Harry Styles and Take That concerts

and many more!

The Scarecrow Trail will be from

Ligugé Way to the bottom of Pound

Lane, Pearson Road, High Street,

Thames Street as far as The Mill, and

the village end of Charvil Lane.

If you are not on the route, we can

find you a garden for your Scarecrow

so let us know. You can register your

scarecrow or volunteer in a number

of ways. There will be a meeting

in Sonning Club on Wednesday 25

March at 7.45pm. More from:

barbara.carr71@hotmail.co.uk

If anyone not on the Scarecrow Trail

would like to make one and display it

in the churchyard, contact Liz Nelson,

churchwarden on: 0779 194 4270.


FEATURE — 1

Part 6: Concluding Christopher Bailey's history of stained glass

Stained glass you may n

Eight of our 18 stained glass windows in St Andrew's Church

Sonning have been positively identified as the work of The

Hardman Company.

One each are by George Gaze Pace, Charles Eamer Kempe and

William Wailes.

The remainder are thought to have been by The Hardman

Company, although this is speculation. No firm evidence of this

has been found, probably because of a fire at the Hardman works.

The same companies have been used in many other churches

throughout the British Isles with many of them being in

collaboration with Henry Woodyer, a well known architect who

worked on over 70 other churches as well as the 1869 renovation

of St Andrew’s Church Sonning. Although the firms are

manufacturers, the names of artists responsible for the artwork on

the windows are largely undocumented.

There is a collection of designs by John Hardman Powell,

nephew of the company’s founder in the archives of Birmingham

City Council Museum Archives, so it is quite possible he

contributed to the design and painting of some of our windows.

Below is one of his sketches, made in 1871:

THE NORTH AISLE AND NORTH CHAPEL

A stained glass window sketch by John Hardman Powell 1871

In an appraising the windows at St Andrew’s Sonning, their

original, and replacement cost, cannot be ignored.

Hardman and Company records show that in 1871 some 30

stained glass windows were produced, the average cost being

£180.80p. (source: View Stained Glass Windows.uk). This figure is

qualified with the comment that 'some larger commissions of over

£1,000 plus were sometimes produced. Some of the windows in St

Andrew's Church would, no doubt, be classified as such.

Even so the original cost seems incredibly small today, but to

put it in context; in 1844 the cost of living of a 'senior clerk' was

around £150 per annum, the income of 'rising professional man'

was £650 per annum with a cost of living £50 — including the

wages of two maids! (Source: The Victorian Web). A bit unscientific

perhaps? However, using the Bank of England Inflation Calculator

in 1871 a £1,000 stained glass window, if made in November 2025,

would cost £102,746.02.

This window is just inside the north entrance of the

Church in the room often used a crèche. It shows the figures

of Saint Gregory on the left and Saint Cecilia on the right.

The window is attributed to George Gaze Pace, one of the most

significant and prolific British ecclesiastical architects of his

generation. He was known for his work in nine cathedrals and

many hundreds of churches.

Saint Gregory is also known as Gregory the Great, and was

Pope between 590 and 604 AD and for sending St Augustine to

evangelise the Angles in this country.

In this detail from the reredos of the St Gregory‘s chapel in

Westminster Cathedral, there is an interesting similarity to that

in our window: the dove,

the crozier, and the mitre in

particular.

On the right we see

Saint Cecilia. She became

the patroness of music and

musicians, it being written

that, as the musicians played

at her wedding Cecilia sang 'In

her heart to the Lord’. She holds

some organ pipes, but legend

has it that she also played the

traditional organ.


windows and monuments inside St Andrew’s Church Sonning

ot have looked through!

THE VESTRY

THE NORTH WALL

The stained glass window in the Vestry is a memorial to Samuel

Wilberforce Bishop of Winchester (1869 — 1873).

Samuel Wilberforce is perhaps mostly remembered for his

opposition to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in a debate in

1860.

In 1850 he was appointed architect to the diocese of Oxford to

build, or improve, 113 churches during his tenure. As St Andrew’s

church was newly reconstructed by 1869 the bishop was probably

in the thoughts of the clergy and laity when he was selected for

the dedication of this window,

The left panel is 'The Charge to St Peter' when Jesus gave St Peter,

the apostle, the responsibility of leading the Christian church.

(Matthew 16:18-19 and John 21:15-17).

The centre panel shows 'Christ in Glory' with the apostles shown

laying their crowns at his feet.

Some interpretations suggest this act symbolises that all glory

belongs to God alone.

The right panel shows The Supper at Emmaus (Luke 24: 30-31).

After the crucifixion of Jesus, two of his disciples walked to the

village of Emmaus where the resurrected Jesus joined them. But

they did not recognise him.

That evening, as they sat for a meal Jesus broke bread, blessed

it, and they were able to see him, but he then vanished from their

sight.

Saints Ambrose and Edmund are depicted in this window in

the North Wall which is attributed to Charles Eamer Kempe

(1837-1907), one of the most remarkable and influential figures

in Late Victorian and Edwardian church art.

Saint Ambrose (c 340–397AD) was a powerful Roman governor

who became Bishop of Milan and was a key figure in early

Christianity. He converted and baptised Saint Augustine.

Western Christianity identified Ambrose, along with

Augustine, Jerome and Gregory the Great, as one of the four

Great Latin Church Fathers who were declared Doctors of the

Church.

As a prominent public figure he expressed himself in debate

by fiercely promoting Nicene Christianity against Arianism

and paganism. Among his many accolades, he holds the title of

Patron Saint of Bees.

Saint Edmund the Martyr c849 – 869AD, is Patron Saint of

victims of pandemics and kings. He was king of East Anglia

during the 9th Century, hence Bury St Edmunds.

Little is known about Edmund's life or reign as king, other

than of his martyrdom. He was martyred by invading Danes for

his refusal to give up his Christian faith. Much of what we know

about his life comes from coinage produced when he was king.

The previous five parts of this series by Christopher Bailey, were

published in The Parish Magazine last year in April, July/August,

September, October and November, see: theparishmagazine.co.uk

— 2 20 The Parish Magazine — March 2026

FEATURE — 2

THANK YOU FOR

Simon Darvall writes: Over 20 years ago, I made my

first visit to the Republic of Sierra Leone in West Africa.

I went there on a semi official visit that was partly

sponsored by the UK Government. I had no idea what

lay ahead but it began a deeply personal journey for me

and began a lasting, heartfelt, partnership with the St

George's Foundation, an organisation that rescues and

supports vulnerable children across the country.

On my first visit I witnessed the profound challenges

facing children in post war Sierra Leone. Many of them

had been orphaned, trafficked, or left destitute.

Stunned by what I saw, I committed to helping in any

way I could.

This commitment expanded into a long term

relationship with the St George Foundation that includes

financial assistance, helping to raise funds, making

donations and shipping of over half a million educational

and children's books, school furniture and logistical

support when required.

UNDERSTANDING

For many children in Sierra Leone their lives are

guided by circumstances rather than choice. An adult

makes a decision, a promise is believed, or a journey

begins without the child fully understanding what it

means.

This is where St George Foundation comes in. One

young girl arrived at the Foundation’s home in Grafton

after escaping what was almost certainly a trafficking

situation.

Her father had left Sierra Leone trying to reach Europe

and left her in the care of someone he trusted. Instead,

she was taken by a stranger in a van with several other

children and driven towards the border with Guinea.

Children taken this way are often forced to work and

live in abusive conditions.

When the van stopped a few of the children ran. This

girl was later helped by a woman who listened to her story

and took her to the police. From there, she was taken to St

George Foundation, where she could finally feel safe. Staff

are now carefully tracing her family and making sure that

wherever she goes next, she will be protected.

A DIFFERENT WAY

Another child supported by the Foundation was

affected in a different way. Her mother was promised work

overseas, but the job did not to exist. She was exploited,

unpaid and later imprisoned.

While she was away, the girl was left with others and

taken on a dangerous journey. She became seriously ill

and was abandoned, eventually ending up in hospital in

North Africa.

International agencies contacted St George Foundation

so that when she was well enough, she could be taken back

to Sierra Leone. From there, the team worked patiently to

trace her family and decide the safest way forward.

These stories help explain why the Foundation goes far beyond

providing food and shelter. Poverty and lack of opportunity mean

families sometimes make decisions they believe are right, without

understanding the risks. Others are deliberately exploited.

Children can be sold for very small sums of money and then they

disappear.

St George Foundation works closely with social services, the

police, the courts and organisations such as UNICEF as part of the

Child Welfare Committee.

While many organisations focus on policy and enforcement,

the Foundation provides something very practical. It offers a safe

and caring home for child victims while longer term plans are put


HELPING THEM

in place. The charity also supports prosecutions and strengthening

national anti-trafficking and anti-slavery laws.

The work can be difficult, but it is not only about responding to

crisis. It is also about giving children moments of normal life and

happiness. This is something I have understood for more than 20

years.

Last Christmas time, I went to Freetown to spend time with

the children and staff. I wanted to give them a day they would

remember by creating a chance for them to relax, and to enjoy

themselves. This included organising a trip for all 45 children

at the home, and the staff who care for them We went to an

entertainment centre in Freetown on the beach. The joy and fun

the children had was simply the best. It was an amazing

day, the highlight being a lunch of chicken, vegetables and

rice. Some of the children had never sat at table before or

had a Pepsi or Coca Cola. They behaved impeccably with

prayers, Christmas carols and a lovely farewell speech

from Staffi who is disabled from the waist down.

Staffi had been at the home since he was young boy and

was leaving to become a potter. He stayed on a little longer

to be part of the celebration and it marked the end of one

chapter of life and the start of another.

GRATEFUL THANKS

The following day the Trustees met at the St George's

Home which is very basic. Water comes from a huge tank

and electricity is either available or not. However, it gives

the children a roof over their heads. All the cooking is

done on a fire in an open air kitchen by volunteer staff.

There is also a new toilet block that I managed to get

funding for through my business.

It was a fantastic, heartwarming day with songs,

dancing, presentations from the children, all wonderfully

to capped with over 60 Cadbury Christmas chocolate

selection boxes from the UK. I think they were the only

Christmas gift the children received

I also had a Santa outfit in my suitcase for a local chap

called Chadda to wear. He did a magnificent job and it was

heart warming to see the children’s faces. For me, it was

a tear jerking moment as not one of the children had ever

seen Santa Claus before. It was pleasing that we could give

them so much joy.

Behind these moments of joy is steady and practical

work. The Foundation Trustees in the UK do a fantastic

job and are all volunteers. They are the real heroes as they

continue to improve the home by trying to replace older

equipment continue improving the facilities and planning

for the years ahead.

GRATEFUL THANKS

There is also a clear aim that every school age child

leaves with strong reading, writing, basic maths skills, and

the hope of computer training in the future.

For children without the chance to choose their path, St

George Foundation offers something many of us take for

granted — a place where they are safe, known and cared

for. Sometimes this means protection and patient work

with families and authorities. At other times, it means

something much simpler — a shared meal, laughter, a

small gift, or a day that feels special and normal.

Sharing these stories, and talking about this work, helps

to create moments of stability and happiness for children

whose lives have known very little of either. In doing so,

The Foundation helps to offer not just support, but a sense

of home. My grateful thanks go the continued support of

Rev Jamie Taylor and everyone involved at St Andrew's for

their continued support for the St George's Foundation.


Te Parish Magazine

150

YEARS

150

1869

1869

150

2019 2019

YEARS 150

2019

YEARS

2019 2019

Cars Please and mention The the Parish Magazine irreversible when responding to advertisements changes

FEATURE — 3


Magazine

Magazine

Parish

Parish

Te

Te

Serving Serving Charvil,

Charvil, Sonning Sonning and

and

Sonning Sonning

Eye

Eye

Cars in Sonning and the High irreversible Street changes

in Sonning By High Bob Peters Street

Congratulations on 150 years

By Bob Peters

of service to the community

Serving Serving Charvil,

Charvil, Sonning Sonning and

and

Sonning Sonning

Eye

Eye

THIS ARTICLE IS REPUBLISHED FROM THE 2019 centenary ISSUE OF

17

17

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This image, which merges the old High Street with today's, is the cover picture for Volume One of Gordon Nutbrown's trilogy

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This image, which merges the old High Street with today's, is the cover picture for Volume One of Gordon Nutbrown's . trilogy

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'Thank you for putting a picture of my grandfather in the magazine,' said

Sonning, entering into the life of the

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Gloria. 'It was a lovely surprise.' A few days earlier I had sat down with Gordon village at many points and assisting

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'Thank Nutbrown you for putting to discuss a picture the 'mechanics' of my grandfather of this special in the 150th magazine,' anniversary said issue. Sonning, every good entering cause. into While the his life chief of the interest

Gloria. We 'It also was shared a lovely some surprise.' ideas about A few what days articles earlier we I had might sat publish, down with one Gordon of which village was the at many Sonning points Silver and Band assisting which he

Nutbrown was Sonning to discuss High the Street 'mechanics' — what of was this it special like then, 150th and anniversary how has it changed? issue. every founded good in cause. 1896, While his enthusiastic his chief interest public

We also We shared had no some idea about ideas about who would what be articles able to we help might us, we publish, needed one someone of which who was spirit the led Sonning him to Silver encourage Band the which social he

was Open Sonning experienced High Morning

living Street there — what and who was had it like witnessed then, and the how changes. has it Gloria, changed? it turned founded well-being 1896, of the his parish enthusiastic in many other public

We had out, no was idea that about person. who would God really be able does to move help in us, mysterious we needed ways! someone who spirit ways, led with him his to dances encourage at the the Pearson social

experienced living there and who had witnessed the changes. Gloria, it turned well-being Hall and of his the whist parish drives in at many the Band

Although Gloria Cleverly recently High Street but is probably best

other

out, was that person. God really does move in mysterious ways!

ways, Room, with and his other dances special at the affairs Pearson which

celebrated her 90th birthday and still remembered for his silver band that

Hall

he

and

organised

his whist

from

drives

time to

at

time.

the Band

Cheery,

attends

Gloria

St Andrew's

Cleverly recently

Church regularly

High

he

Street

started

but

and

is probably

led for many

best

years, and

Although (at the time of writing this

Room,

good-hearted,

and other

affectionate

special affairs

and

which

kind, he

celebrated

— and

her

I've

90th

only

birthday

been going

and

there

still

for

remembered

his charitable

for his

work.

in 2019) Gloria Cleverly had recently

silver band that

he

will

organised

long be

from

remembered

time to

not

time.

only

Cheery,

by his

attends

35

St

years

Andrew's

— I had

Church

not realised

regularly

that

he started

Following

and led

Albert's

for many

death

years,

at the

and

age

celebrated her 90th birthday — and

good-hearted,

numerous descendants

affectionate

but

and

also

kind,

by many

he

— and

her

I've

grandfather

only been going

was Albert

there

Prior,

for

a

his charitable

of 80 years,

work.

The Parish Magazine (July

I had been going to St Andrew's

will

others

long

of

be

us

remembered

who have been

not

privileged

only by his

35 years

very

—

prominent

I had not realised

figure in

that

the life of

Following

1950) published

Albert's

this

death

tribute

at the

to him

Church regularly for 35 years, I had

age

numerous

to enjoy his

descendants

friendship

but

and

also

to value

by many

his

her grandfather

Sonning during

was Albert

the first

Prior,

half

a

of the

of 80

from

years, Plumbing, Rev

The

Groves,

Parish

the

Magazine

then vicar:

not realised that her grandfather was

Plastering, (July Tiling

others

example

of us

of

who

unselfishness

have been

and

privileged

zeal in the

very prominent

19oo's. Albert

figure

owned the

a newsagents

life of 1950) published

For more than

this

50

tribute

years

to

Albert

him

James

Albert Prior, a very prominent figure

to

public

enjoy

cause.

his friendship

God grant

and

him

to

light

value

and

his

joy

Sonning

and

during

sweet

the

shop

first

in Sonning

half of the from

Prior

Rev

has

Groves, and been a

the

well-known all then vicar: associated figure in

the life of Sonning during the first

work

example

in Paradise.

of unselfishness and zeal in the

19oo's. half of Albert the 1900's. owned Albert a newsagents had owned a For more than 50 years Albert James

public

The

cause.

Band

God

Room,

grant

mentioned

him light and

above

joy

and newsagents sweet shop and in sweet Sonning shop in the Prior has been a well-known Contact figure us in today refers

in Paradise.

for to a room a in the fire station

that was used for band practice.

The Band Room, mentioned above

FREE The picture published in our recent

refers to a room in the fire station

issue that pleased Gloria was of the

No obligation Consultation

that was used for band practice.

Sonning Silver Band taking part in a

The picture published in our recent

Rogationtide march and service at the

and Quotation issue that pleased Gloria was of the

Wondering what to do next?

village allotments in the 1930's. (May

Sonning Silver Band taking part in a

Come along and take a look!

2019 issue)

0778 897 2921

Rogationtide march and service at the

Albert also started the Sonning

village allotments in the 1930's. (May

turday 5 October 2019, Tours start from 9:30am

markt@kingfisher-bathrooms.com

Hand Bell Ringers with his bothers,

2019 issue)

sister and a grandson, who also lived

Register online: rbcs.org.uk

http://www.kingfisher-bathrooms.com

Albert also started the Sonning

Christmas 1948: Sonning Hand Bell Ringers perform for a BBC programme. Members of the

Sonning. The present hand bell

Prior family are (left to right): Albert, Fred, Jamie,Henry and Dennis.

Hand Bell Ringers with his bothers,

167

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and a grandson, Continued 3LQ 3JQ

who on page

brothers

Christmas 1946, Sonning Hand Bell Ringers perform for a BBC programme. Members of

also 19 lived

Christmas the Prior family 1948: Sonning are (left Hand to right) Bell Ringers Albert, perform Fred, Jamie, for a BBC Henry programme. and Dennis. Members of the in Sonning. The present hand bell

Prior family are (left to right): Albert, Fred, Jamie,Henry and Dennis.

Continued on page 19

At one time when family health

problems meant that Gloria's mother,

Nelly, had to live in the village to care

for Gloria's Aunt Lily (who today is

probably better remembered as Lily

Ayris), she went to school in Sonning.

It was here that she met June Hunt

and they became life-long friends

As well as having plenty of space

to play, the car-free Sonning High

Street that Gloria grew up with had

everything that villagers needed.

There was Miss Self's grocery

store, Bert Huggin's butchers, Mr

Allnut's hardware and groceries

shop, a tea shop, a bank, the doctor's

surgery and a telephone exchange

opposite her grandfather's shop, from

which she would help deliver the daily

newspapers, and where local people

saved for their ill-health with the

National Deposit Friendly Society.

This society was founded in 1868 by a

vicar in Surrey, the Rev Canon George

Te Parish Magazine

1869

150

YEARS

2019


THe PARISH MAGAZINE IN MEMORY OF GLORIA CLEVERLY

Continued from page 17

Sonning High Street

ringing group continues that tradition

to this day, although I don't think any

members of the Prior family are still

playing them.

Gloria was born in Windsor, but

from the very beginning she would

be taken to her grandfather every

Sunday and spend all the holidays in

the shop. Her dad borrowed a car each

weekend from a friend for the trips to

Sonning.

Cars, of course, in those days were

rarely seen in Sonning and Gloria

remembers spending her childhood

playing in the High Street with the

other children as there was virtually

no traffic at all.

When I asked Gloria what the

greatest change she had seen in

village life in the past 90 years she did

not hesitate in saying 'the cars!'

She was baptised in St Andrew's

Church by the Ven Richard Wickham

Legg — as well as being vicar of our

parish, he was also Archdeacon of

Berkshire.

Every week Gloria went to Sunday

School in St Andrew's, although

her grandfather worshipped in the

Methodist chapel which had opened

in the High Street in 1830 — there

had been a Methodist meeting place

there for about 20 years previously.

CAR-FREE STREET STREET

19


Top: Albert Prior's newsagents in the car-free Sonning High Street of the early 1900's. Standing

in the doorway is a travelling barber who visited once a week.

Bottom: right: A rare modern High Street event —pedestrians block the road instead of cars

during a Scarecrow weekend!

Bottom left: Gloria, on the street where she lived!

Raymond Portal to support the health

and welfare of families.

Within easy walking distance of

the High Street there was also a Post

Office and a blacksmiths in Pearson

Road, a dairy in Thames Street and

over the bridge you could catch a bus

to Reading and buy an ice cream at

the kiosk there.

Also in Thames Street were some

lock-up garages, one of which was

owned by Gloria's Uncle Vic who lived

next door to the newsagents in the

High Street. Vic was a bookmaker,

and returning one evening from a

race meeting as he locked his car away

in the garage he was attacked by two

men who stole the day's takings which

he carried in special pockets inside

his coat. Sadly, he died a few days later

from the injuries.

HIGH STREET REMNANTS

When I moved to Sonning from

less than a mile away in Woodley in

1984, there were still the remnants

of the High Street retail community

that Gloria grew up with. There was

a small grocery store, a tea shop, and

a second-hand shop that sold slightly

used designer clothes. The doctor still

held a weekly morning surgery as did

the bank, but both soon closed. The

telephone exchange which had moved

to Hawthorn Way, no longer existed.

It was obvious that the reason

for the demise of the vibrant village

centre of Sonning was the car.

Cars were parked, as they are

today, in front of every house making

passing trade impossible, and, of

course, most people when they

shop jump in their car and drive

somewhere else.

INDISPENSABLE

There's no doubt, of course, that

traffic density in Sonning is the most

serious problem the community faces,

yet we all depend on cars, I certainly

do. I travel by car from Charvil, where

I now live, to the church, as do many

other members of our congregation

who travel from there and much

further afield.

Gloria, has lived in Crowthorne for

the past 60 years, and still relies on a

car to bring her to church in Sonning

as she has done so for 90 years. The

car is indispensable today, but while

we have to live with it, it's good to

look back to the days when it wasn't!



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aFOOT IN THE GARDEN BY RAY PUDDEFOOT

Yellow? It must be Springtime!


Daffodils

Yellow flowers glow bright and

almost beckon the sun to shine.

It must be March, writes Ray

Puddefoot!

It’s not just Daffodils! Primrose,

Primula (flower heads on stalks),

Doronicum, Celandine, Hamamelis,

Berberis, Mahonia, Cytissus,

Euphorbia along with many lesserknown

yellow flowering plants flower

in March.

English customers often specify

‘no yellow flowers’ and then, when

daffodils are mentioned agree to

yellow flowers in Spring. But only in

Spring?

Powerfully fragrant plants also

catch our noses in Spring.

One of the strongest is the

evergreen and trimmable sweet box

Sarcococca.

Other fragrant Spring

flowering plants include Daphne,

Viburnum, Osmanthus and the

shrubby Honeysuckle (Lonicera

Fragrantissima).

Every garden should really have at

least one of these fragrant plants in

its borders.

BUSY MONTH

March is a busy month for

gardeners. Dealing with the Spring

flush of weed seedlings should be a

priority.

If not already mulched finish off

weeded beds with a layer of compost/

bark etc — I am a great fan of

composted bark.

March is a most rewarding time

with results of your labours seen

quickly which make it an ideal time

for instant gardeners.

Sow half-hardy annuals such as

Antirrhinum, Calendula, Clarkia,

Cornflower, Godetia, Larkspur,

Malva, Nigella, Phlox, Poppies

(Iceland and Californian) and Sweet

Peas which will flower in the summer.

Perennial seed to sow include:

Aquilegia, Foxgloves, Lavenders,

Lupins and Scabious.

Spring is also a great time for

planting container grow trees,

shrubs, perennials, and Roses. Firm,

water and mulch after planting so

your new plants get the best possible

start. The same advice applies when

lifting and dividing perennials.

Prune and feed and tidy shrubs,

perennials and roses. Gently forking

in fertilizer and mulching your

borders will improve your gardens

flower power over the summer ahead.

You may have noticed that I have

mentioned ‘MULCH’ quite a few

times so I really must get on with it!

Spread lawn Moss+Weed+Feed to

give your lawn a good start for the

year. Carefully follow the instructions

on the products to avoid damaging

the grass.

MARCH TOP TIPS

— Feed and mulch

— Plant trees and shrubs

— Divide perennials

— Treat lawns

— Sow hardy annual.

Celandine Brazen Hussey

Primula vulgaris

February images by Ray Puddefoot

J Pavel, Dreamstime.com

A heads-up on

the Thames

Swans!

Sue Feldberg, Dreamstime.com

Swan Upping Week, which

traditionally visits Sonning Lock,

will start on Monday 13 July

at 9.00am from Sunbury Lock

and finish on Friday 17 July at

approximately 5.00pm at Abingdon

Bridge. A full agenda of the week’s

timings and locations will be

available in June.


Free Resources

for Family Carers

When you or a loved one start needing extra help at home,

it can feel like you are going through this alone. It doesn’t

need to be this way.

Access free guides, information and support on our website:

Financial support for carers

and care recipients

Hydration and nutrition

Mobility and balance

Dementia care advice

Tools and tips for the home

Scan here to

download our

free guides:

goodoakshomecare.co.uk/yana

Blue Moose

www.thebmgc.com

Large Format Print Operators Required - Permanent Positions

Immediate start for the right candidates

We are looking to recruit two new members of staff; large format pre-press / print finisher operatives.

The candidates must have previous experience in large format print.

The responsibilities will include:

· Ensuring all machines are set

· Operating various printers

· Reviewing orders

· Handling pre-press work for print projects

· Lamination, mounting and CNC cutting

· Trimming and finishing

The ideal candidates for the roles will have knowledge of:

· Large format printing

· Customer liaison experience

· UV and latex printing

· Good understanding of quality processes

· Adobe suite

· Print trimming and finishing

Benefits:

· Permanent role with an attractive package offered

· Progression opportunity

· On site car parking

· Competitive salary offered per annum depending on experience, plus benefits.

If you are interested in either of these positions, please apply with a CV via email, (mike@thebmgc.com),

or for more information contact Mike Gleeson or Martyn Allen at The Blue Moose Graphic Company.

Tel: 0118 934 5016

The Homestead, Park Lane, Charvil, Reading RG10 9TR

THE ARTS

Rev Michael Burgess continues his guided tour of church buildings.

The font of nourishment . . .

Last month we stood at the

doorway of a church in West

Yorkshire. Open the door of that

church, or any church. and often

the first thing to greet our eyes is

the font. It marks the beginning of

Christian life in the Church.

Many fonts have fine carvings of the

seven sacraments that nourish the

Christian. Others (like the font at St

Andrew's Sonning) are octagonal in

shape: a reminder of Noah and his

seven family members saved in the

ark from the Flood.

This month’s font is a symbol

of a ship sailing the seas of life. It

is in St George’s Church, Anstey, in

Hertfordshire.

Around the font are carved

mermen - mythical, pagan creatures

that belong to a pre-Christian age

which the newly baptised is called on

to renounce.

When it was carved in the 11th-

12th centuries, baptism occurred

within eight days of birth. Babies

would be immersed three times into

the waters of the font: dying to the

old life symbolised by the mermen,

and rising to new life, to be clothed

in a white robe and given a lighted

candle as a guide through life.

PILGRIMAGE

They would then grow up in the

church, moving from the west end

through the upturned boat of the

nave to the altar at the east end.

That movement is a sign of the

pilgrimage we are all called to make.


Like a journey on the seas of this

world, we may sail through tranquil

waters and peaceful days. There may

be times when the skies are cloudy

and the waters stormy.

Martin Luther, when he was

faced by struggles like that in his

life, would say the words ‘I am

baptised’ to strengthen and reassure

himself. ‘I am baptised’ we can say

as we travel in faith, knowing that

there is always a light to guide and a

goal that is sure and eternal.

Michael Garlick, Wikimedia

TPM Classified

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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

To advertise in The Parish Magazine:

Contact: Ian McCann

ianmacpne@outlook.com

TUDOR CHIMNEY SERVICES

Local, friendly and reliable chimney sweep.

Phone or text: 0778 349 5150

Member of The Guild of

Master Chimney Sweeps

SMALLWOOD LANDSCAPING

Landscaping, garden construction,

patios, lawns, fencing, decking etc

0118 969 8989 https://www.smallwoodlandscaping.co.uk/

office@smallwoodlandscaping.co.uk

ALL AERIALS

Local handyman, TV problems,

surveys on roofs, gutters,

chimneys with drone.

0797 950 3908 0118 944 0000

HANDYMAN & DECORATING SERVICES

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Small jobs a speciality!

Call Andy on: 0795 810 0128

http://www.handyman-reading.co.uk

BIG HEART TREE CARE

Reliable and friendly service for all tree care

NPTC qualified — Public Liability of £10 million

0118 937 1929 0786 172 4071

bighearttreecare.co.uk info@bighearttreecare.co.uk

THAMES CHIMNEY SWEEPS

0779 926 8123 0162 882 8130

enquiries@thameschimneysweeps.co.uk

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Member of the Guild of Master Sweeps

WATCHMAKER - WE REPAIR THE UNREPAIRABLE

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Free estimates and valuations.

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DRONE HOUSE SURVEYS

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Please call Phil on: 0797 950 3908

QUALIFIED AUDIOLOGIST HCPC REGISTERED

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Mobile earwax removal by microsuction

Lucinda Ellis 07795 268866

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CAROL GREEN GARDENER

Borders, pots, pruning and mowing.

Local, reliable and affordable.

One off or regular visit.

Carol.green01@ntlworld.com 0772 409 1627


Mother’s Day

SUNDAY 15TH MARCH

CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST

SUNDAY ROAST

À LA CARTE MENU

RIVERSIDE DINING

SCAN TO BOOK

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The Bull Inn, Sonning on Thames

Berkshire RG4 6UP, T: 0118 969 3901

e: bullinn@fullers.co.uk www.bullinnsonning.co.uk

THIS MONTH'S APPEAL

THE GREAT DAFFODIL APPEAL 2026

Throughout March, the end-of-life charity Marie Curie

will be holding its annual flagship fundraiser, the Great

Daffodil Appeal.

There’s only one chance to give someone the best possible

end of life. And one chance for you to help give care that

makes all that possible. Care that protects someone’s

dignity – instead of leaving them alone or in pain. This

Great Daffodil Appeal is that chance.

Now in its 40th year, the appeal raises vital funds to

help Marie Curie provide end of life care and support in

homes, hospitals and hospices across the UK. By donating

and wearing your daffodil this March, you can help Marie

Curie Nurses bring expert end of life care when there’s no

cure, whatever the illness.

WEBCHAT

Money raised also funds the charity’s free support line

and webchat which is available to anyone with an illness

they’re likely to die from and those close to them. It offers

practical and emotional support on everything from

managing symptoms and navigating care to financial

information, including how to get help with energy bills

and bereavement support.

Whether it’s taking part in a fundraising challenge,

organising a bake sale or volunteering your time to collect

donations, every penny will help Marie Curie deliver

quality care to those who need it most.

The Great Daffodil Appeal only happens once a year.

This is your chance to make it count. For information and

to donate visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil.

Who was Marie Curie?

Marie Curie was a Nobel Prize-winning

scientist, originally from Poland,

who married fellow scientist Pierre

Curie and settled in France.

She is best known for her discovery of

radium and polonium, and for her huge

contribution to the fight against cancer.

This work continues to inspire the

charity’s purpose, which is to

provide care and support for people

living with any terminal illness,

including cancer.

The charity’s origins are linked to the Marie Curie

Mariia Domnikova,

Dreamstime.com

Hospital in Hampstead which opened in 1930. After the

Marie Curie Hospital was bombed in 1944, a committee

was established to raise funds for it to be rebuilt. The

committee also decided to establish the Marie Curie

Foundation.

HISTORY


Was it really...?

. . . 300 YEARS AGO on 26 March 1726 that Sir John

Vanbrugh, architect and playwright died. He is best

known for designing Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.

. . . 250 YEARS AGO on 24 March 1776 that John

Harrison, carpenter and clock maker died. He invented

the marine chronometer to calculate longitude at sea.

. . . 175 YEARS AGO on 11 March 1851 that the premiere

of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Rigoletto, was

held in Venice.

. . . 150 YEARS AGO on 10 March 1876 that the world’s

first telephone call was made. Alexander

Graham Bell on his telephone (illustrated

right) to call his assistant, Thomas

Watson, after spilling acid in his

laboratory. The first words ever spoken

on a telephone were: 'Mr Watson, come

here. I want you.'

. . . 1o0 YEARS AGO on 30 March 1926 that businessman,

Ingvar Kamprad, was born. He founded IKEA, the

furniture retail company, in 1943, when he was 17 years

old. He died 2018.

. . . 90 YEARS AGO on 4 March 1936 that the German

airship Hindenburg made its first flight. The largest

airship ever constructed, it was destroyed in a fire in May

1937, ending the era of airship travel.

. . . 80 YEARS AGO on 11 March 1946 that Rudolf

Hess, former Commandant of Auschwitz concentration

camp, was captured by the British forces in Germany. At

the Nuremberg tribunals in April, he admitted to being

responsible for the deaths of the 2.5 million people who had

been killed at Auschwitz. He was executed in April 1947.

. . . ALSO 80 YEARS AGO on 25 March 1946 that London’s

Heathrow Airport opened as London Airport. It was

renamed Heathrow in 1966.

. . . 75 YEARS AGO on 15 March 1951 that Dennis the

Menace first appeared in The Beano.

. . . 70 YEARS AGO on 23 March 1956 that Pakistan

became the world’s first Islamic Republic.

. . . 65 YEARS AGO on 6 March 1961 that George Formby,

the ‘Ukulele King,’ comedian, singer and actor died. He

was known for his comic songs.

. . . ALSO 65 YEARS AGO on 8 March 1961 that Sir

Thomas Beecham, British conductor and impresario, died.

. . . 40 YEARS AGO on 3 March 1986 that Queen Elizabeth

II signed the Australia Act that removed Australia’s

remaining legal ties with Britain.


FASHION

My twin sister Ella and I have been obsessed with all

things Bridgerton. Since the first tv series was released,

we have watched all four seasons together, although she

has gone a step further and read all of the 30 Julia Quinn

novels!

When Bridgerton premiered on Netflix in late 2020, it

captivated audiences with the drama and romance of this

beloved family with amazing storytelling, and re-ignited a

global fascination with Regency fashion.

From stunning empire-line ball gowns and tailored

riding habits to the scandal, spectacle, and drama, the

series transports viewers into an aesthetic world that feels

both timeless and thrillingly modern. It is a series that

many people can’t seem to get enough of.

Set in early 19th Century, Bridgerton draws inspiration

from the Regency period around 1811–1820. It was a time

when society was defined by strict social rank, elegant

manners, and distinct fashion.

Clothing shifted dramatically from the heavy, tightly

corseted silhouettes of the 18th Century toward lighter,

more natural lines. The new era was dominated by muslin

gowns, high waists, and slender skirts, which became the

period standard of women’s dress, while men favoured

fitted trousers, cravats, and tailored coats.

However, what has captivated audiences is the modern

twist! The world of Bridgerton features a wardrobe

designed by costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, who drew

on Regency foundations and infused them with modern

energy, creating a fantasy wardrobe that respects history

but refuses to be constrained by it, an interesting style!

One of the most recognisable elements of Regency

fashion is the high empire waist, a fitted bodice that ends

just below the bust and flows into a long, columnar skirt.

This silhouette, seen on heroines such as Daphne

Bridgerton, was revolutionary in its simplicity compared

with earlier ornate styles. It celebrated a natural figure,

allowed for movement, and was perfect for dancing at the

lavish balls that the Bridgerton family attended.

While authentic Regency gowns were often made

in lighter colours and simpler fabrics, the series

showcases gowns in jewel tones, metallics, and daring

embellishments that feel luxuriously cinematic.

Tulle, silk, and embroidery elevate classic shapes into

beautiful statement pieces that make a bold statement on

the screen. The costumes feel historically grounded but

visually irresistible to modern eyes.

While early 19th Century fashion often favoured

pastels and soft hues, Bridgerton makes bold colour a

central character. Think bright scarlets, regal purples,

and shimmering silvers, shades that would not have been

common in Regency ballrooms but heighten the emotional

impact on screen. This modern palette underscores the

vibrant tone of the series and helps individual characters

express personality without words. This creative colour

play extends to texture and detailing. Feathered trims,


BY HARRIET NELSON

And now for something different . . .

A TWIST

VIBRANT TONE

Costume Couture at the Fashion & Textile Museum exhibition

intricate bead work, and unexpected fabrics enrich the

visual tapestry. These embellishments may not be strictly

accurate by historical standards, but they make moments

such as an iconic 'Blue Dress' that Daphne Bridgerton

wears or the Featheringtons' family, whose lurid colour

style is seen as outrageous and unforgettable.

GENIUS

Men’s fashion in the Regency period balanced

refinement with practicality. The Bridgerton Brothers

wear tailcoats, breeches, waistcoats, and cravats, which

were staples, each piece carefully constructed to convey

a gentleman’s status. In Bridgerton, this menswear

foundation remains, but with a twist.

The genius of Bridgerton’s fashion lies in its ability

to honour historical roots while making bold creative

choices. It nods to the world of Jane Austen while

remaining emotionally and visually resonant for today’s

audiences.

FIRST SPARK

I have always loved Jane Austen, her books and their

screen adaptations first sparked my love for Regency

romance. I could not imagine Elizabeth Bennet or Mr

Darcy from Pride and Prejudice wearing modernised

Regency mashups or tuxedo-style tailoring. That would

clash with the carefully constructed world they inhabit.

However, for Bridgerton, this creative modern take on

Regency fashion works perfectly.

By distilling historical fashion into something fresh

and desirable, Bridgerton has inspired viewers to see the

past not as something dusty and distant, but as a source

of beauty and possibility. Through its costumes, it invites

us to view history in a way that feels personal, expressive,

and strikingly modern. Ultimately, Bridgerton’s fashion

success is not about perfect accuracy; it is about emotional

storytelling through clothing.


Your Local Computer

Repair & Support

he response to our computer repair &

support advertising in & around Sonning

continues to be overwhelming and we

now have lots of new clients, many of

whom have signed up to our monthly, remote

support cover. Below are just some of our clients'

thoughts on our services:

“Just a note to say how pleased I am with

your excellent service. I am so pleased I saw

your advert and noticed a testimonial left by

a friend of mine. It prompted me to contact

you as I was having difficulty getting in touch

with my existing IT support company. I must

say it is very difficult to find people in the IT

world who deliver an efficient service in

language a senior citizen can understand. I

have no hesitation in recommending you to

anyone considering using your services. Your

staff are polite and efficient."

Neil Hatch

“I would like to thank you for the efficient

service you provided when my PC was going

slow and also for replacing the hard drive

which was physically damaged. My PC has

never run so fast and also the antivirus you

recommended really is working for me. I

would not hesitate to recommend you to

friends and family should they ever need

help.” Valerie Smith

“The service was first class, efficient,

friendly and technically top-notch at a

sensible price. We are very happy with

everything you have done and would

have no hesitation to use you again or

to recommend you to friends and

family.” Tony Faerber

Read more at www.pc-help-4u.co.uk/testimonials

Do you need our help? Please contact us:

Tel: 0118 948 7108

Web: www.pc-help-4u.co.uk

Email: support@pc-help-4u.co.uk

WATER SOFTENER SALT

Block Salt From £6.00*

Tablet Salt from £13.00*

Winter Gritting Salt from £7.00*

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

Email: Martyncollins@portmanpm.com

FOR OFFERS & PRICES ORDER ON LINE AT

www.salt-deliveries-online.com

Tel: 0778 577 2263 or 0118 959 1796

Unit 2, 6 Portman Road Reading RG30 1EA

*Prices subject to change - please check our website

Cameron Mackay

Your local trusted Locksmith

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HEALTH BY ANNE ELGETI

NHS services?

The complexity and scale of services provided by the

NHS is fascinating and I am frequently surprised by

new treatments and services. Some existing services are

unknown to those who have not needed or worked in them.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) are a good example.

As part of NHS Sexual Abuse and Violence Week (2-8

February) I would like to highlight their amazing work.

I was fortunate to be the lead commissioner for

these services while working with Health and Justice

Commissioning to support the development of services and

witness the amazing work these teams do for victims and

survivors.

Asking for help when you have been assaulted can be

daunting. SARCs provide a safe place to find support. They

offer free practical, medical, and emotional support to

anyone — adult or child — who has been raped, sexually

assaulted or abused at any time in their life.

They also help with testing and assessment for sexually

transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, as well as with

accessing counselling and sexual violence support services.

The teams will care for you in a place that is safe. They will

listen to you and help you think about your options. They

will never tell you what to do. You can choose what support

you receive and whether to involve the police. When you

telephone a SARC they will explain what they can offer and

make an appointment for you to see them.

The nearest SARC for Sonning Parish is Thames Valley

SARC Slough. You can call them anytime, 24hrs/365 days a

year, on 0330 223 0099.

Other places you can get help include:

— a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery

— a voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis, Women's

Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Male

Survivors Partnership

— the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse

Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 200 0247

— the Rape and Sexual Abuse support line run by Rape

Crisis England and Wales on 0808 500 2222 or use

online chat. Both are free and open 24 hours a day,

every day of the year.

— a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department

— a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic

— a contraceptive clinic

— a young people's service

— call NHS 111

Please remember that in an emergency you should always

call 999. If you are unable to talk safely with the operator

answering your 999 call, press 55 on your handset to let them

know.

NEW NATIONAL CANCER STRATEGY

Published on 4 February, The National Cancer Plan for

England, is a 10 year strategy to transform cancer care with

the main ambition that 75% of people diagnosed with cancer

will survive for five years or more by 2035. It commits to

driving up NHS cancer performance, meeting all cancer

waiting time standards by 2029, and improving quality of life

for people diagnosed with, treated for, or living with cancer.

The plan focuses on prevention, early and fast diagnosis,

improved treatment pathways, research investment, and


more personalised, patient centred care. It reflects priorities

such as the full rollout of targeted lung screening by 2030 and

strengthened diagnostic capacity, alongside recognition that

England must move faster to close long standing survival

gaps compared with similar countries. The plan is at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-cancer-plan-for-england

NHS offers a range of cancer screening programmes to

help identify cancer early and improve treatment success. See

the summary below:

Cervical

Screening

Breast

Screening

Bowel

Cancer

Lung

Screening

QUIZ NIGHT

FoStAC AGM followed by

Quiz with Fish & Chip Supper

Thursday

26th March

2026

Offered to women and people

with a cervix, aged 25-64

Women aged 50-70

Women over 70 can self-refer

Home test kits offered

for those aged 50 -74.

Over 75's can request a kit

on 0800 707 6060

People aged 55 - 74 who are

registered at a GP surgery.

Current or former smokers

Friends of St Andrew’s Church

7.30pm till

10.30pm

£20 PER PERSON

www.fostac.org

nhs.uk/SARCs

EVENT IN AID OF FUNDRAISING FOR FUTURE REPAIRS TO ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH.

The Ark, St

Andrew’s

Church, Sonning

Quiz teams will be in tables of 4 and payment to be made in advance.

Closing date is Monday, 23rd March 2026 @ 10am

Bring your own bottle.

To book your place please email Sally Wilson on

mustangsallywilson@gmail.com or 07876 899513

Every 3 years up to

49 years; every 5

years 50-64 years

Every 3 years

Every 2 years

Based on age

and smoking

history



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Call 0779 931 5661

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Bathrooms &Kitchens Ltd

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Contact us today for a

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0778 897 2921

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167 Kingfisher Drive, Woodley, Reading, Berks RG5 3JQ

PUZZLE PAGE

RALPH'S CITIES VERSE SEARCH

AS

MARCH BIBLE CROSSWORD


Ralph's grid this month has 28 names of 'cities'

with initial letters of: A, 5B, C, D, G, H, J, 3K, L,

2M, N, O, 3R, S, 2T, U, 2V. The unused letters will

spell out a relevant verse from The Good News

Bible. Can you also find the verse?

ANSWERS FOR RALPH'S FEBRUARY

'STONES' VERSE SEARCH

AMBER

AMETHYST

AQUAMARINE

CARNELIAN

CHALCEDONY

CHALK

DIAMOND

EMERALD

FELDSPAR

GARNET

GNEISS

GRANITE

GRAVEL

LAPISLAZULI

MALACHITE

MUSCOVITE

OBSIDIAN

OLIVINE

ONYX

OOLITE

OPAL

PEARL

PEBBLE

PERIDOT

SERPENTINE

SLATE

TANZANITE

TOURMALINE

Ralph's February hidden verse was

Exodus 15:5:

They sank to the bottom like a stone.

SUDOKU

February Bible

Crossword

Solution

ACROSS

1 Arouse (Song of Songs 2:7) (6)

4 Extinguish (Isaiah 1:31) (6)

8 'They — — ,' you will say, 'but I’m not

hurt!' (Proverbs 23:35) (3,2)

9 Unhappiness (Nehemiah 2:2) (7)

10 Jewish (7)

11 Dirge (anagram) (5)

12 ‘A truthful witness gives honest —

but a false witness tells lies’

(Proverbs 12:17) (9)

17 Paul quoted from the second one

in his address in the synagogue at

Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:33) (5)

19 ‘Do not use your freedom to — the

sinful nature’ (Galatians 5:13) (7)

21 ‘As you can see, he has done nothing

to — death’ (Luke 23:15) (7)

22 Name given by Isaiah to Jerusalem

(Isaiah 29:1) (5)

23 ‘All the people — — one man,

saying, 'None of us will go home’

(Judges 20:8) (4,2)

24 Lazarus, who was carried by

angels to Abraham’s side when he

died, was one (Luke 16:20) (6)

DOWN

1 Appalled (Job 26:11) (6)

2 ‘In an — to escape from the ship, the

sailors let the lifeboat down into

the sea’ (Acts 27:30) (7)

3 Expel (Acts 18:16) (5)

5 ‘But I have a baptism to — and how

distressed I am until it is

completed!’ (Luke 12:50) (7)

6 ‘Of the increase of his government

and peace there will be — — ’

(Isaiah 9:7) (2,3)

7 Hurry (Psalm 119:60) (6)

9 ‘For I desire mercy, not — , and

acknowledgement of God rather

than burnt offerings’ (Hosea 6:6) (9)

13 One of its towns was Sychar, where

Jesus met a woman at Jacob’s well

(John 4:5) (7)

14 Shouting (Acts 7:57) (7)

15 Arachnid (Isaiah 59:5) (6)

16 One of Paul’s first converts in

Philippi was Lydia, a — in purple

cloth (Acts 16:14) (6)

18 Donkeys (5)

20 Raked (anagram) (5)

MARCH MAZE


Reading’s local charity caring for older

“putting care before profits”

Call 01252 979111 today,

to discuss your care needs and availability

at our newly refurbished

Maitland House care home

care | compassion | companionship

“The place is always fresh, clean, cheerful and vibrant. The staff are friendly,

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There is a lot of laughter and silliness

which is greatly appreciated” Rosemary (89), resident

Maitland House | 11 Maitland Road | Reading | RG1 6NL

Email | admin@abbeyfieldweyvalley.co.uk

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CHILDREN'S PAGE


38 The Parish Magazine — March 2026 Please mention The Parish Magazine when replying to advertisements

information — 2

Parish contacts

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

— Youth Minister: Chris West (Westy)

youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk / 0794 622 4106

— Youth and Children's Minister: Corinne

corinne@sonningparish.org.uk / 0118 969 3298

— Pastoral Assistant/Verger: Richard Hogg, 0118 969 3298

Churchwardens

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

— Ruth Jeffery, ruth@jefferyfamily.net / 0797 101 8730

Deputy Churchwardens

— Kevin Wilson, kevinmichaelwilson@gmail.com / 0118 969 3298

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

Parish Office Manager

— Hilary Rennie, office@sonningparish.org.uk / 0118 969 3298

Parochial Church Council

— Secretary: Hilary Rennie 0118 969 3298

— Treasurer: Jerry Wood 0118 969 3298

Director of Music, Organist and Choirmaster

— Richard Meehan MA ARCO

music@sonningparish.org.uk

Safeguarding Officer

— Nicola Riley: nic.nige@sky.com / 0742 517 3359

Sonning Bell Ringers

— Tower Captain: Pam Elliston

pam.elliston@talktalk.net / 0118 969 5967

— Deputy Tower Captain: Rob Needham

r06needham@gmail.com / 0118 926 7724

St Andrew's Church Parish Website

https://www.sonningparish.org.uk

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

— Editor: Bob Peters

editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk / 0118 377 5887

— Advertising: Ian and Lauren McCann

ianmacpne@outlook.com / 0776 815 1100

— Print and Distribution: Gordon Nutbrown

gordon@caxtonhouse.co.uk / 0118 969 3282

Advertisers' index

Abbeyfield Care 36

Abbey School 39

AB Walker Funeral Directors 8

Active Security 34

All Aerials 27

All Digital TV 32

AMS Water Softeners 14

Avery Collection Care Home 4

Audiologist 27

Barn Store Henley 24

Berkshire Stump Removals 36

BHR Maintenance 6

Big Heart Tree Care 27

Blandy & Blandy Solicitors 14

Blue Moose Quality Graphics 26

Bridges Meals on Wheels 24

Canon Tree Care 34

Carol Green Gardener 27

Clark Bicknell Plumbing and Heating 27

Crosfields School 8

Drone House Surveys 27

Fit 20 36

Gardiner’s Homecare 24

Good Oaks Home Care 26

Handyman and Decorating Services 27

Haslams Estate Agents 2

Hicks MOT and Service 16

Home Stairlifts 24

I Plumber 8

Kingfisher Bathrooms and Kitchens 34

Lock Fit 32

MC Cleaning 27

Molly Maid 32

Mossinator Roof Cleaning Systems 6

Muck and Mulch Garden Supplies 6

PC Help Support 12 & 32

Professional Tree and Hedge Services 36

Reading Blue Coat School 14

Richfield Flooring 8

Right at Home 30

S Green Plumbing and Heating 12

Shiplake College 24

Smallwood Landscaping 27

Sonning Golf Club 16

Sonning Scouts 28

Thames Chimney Sweeps 27

Thames Valley Water Softeners 30

The Bull Inn Sonning 28

The Great House Coppa Club 28

The Mill at Sonning 40

The Window Cleaner 6

Tomalin & Son Funeral Directors 14

Tudor Chimney Sweeps 27

Watchmaker 27

Water Softener Salt 32

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

Sarum Graphics Ltd, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6QX.

The Parish Magazine template was designed in 2012 by

Roger Swindale rogerswindale@hotmail.co.uk

and David Woodward david@designforprint.org



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Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to this advertisement

THE MILL AT SONNING

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

From classic plays and musicals to comedy, concerts and family shows,

there’s always something to enjoy at your local riverside theatre.

Choose the full Mill experience with dining, or simply come along for

the show.

The Parish Magazine March 2026

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