The Parish Magazine MAY 2026

The Parish Magazine — May 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

May 2026 — Ascension Day, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday

The church of st andrew, SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF

CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY

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


Serving Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye

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

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information — 1

Contents May 2026

THE parish noticeboard

— Westy says worry not, 5

— Images of Easter, 7

— The Persecuted Church, 9

— Flying together, 9

— Young People, 10-11

Around the Villages

— Family albums, 13

— Bourne Again concert, 15

— Sonning Scouts, 15

— Sonning Art Group, 17,

— Charvil Female Singers, 17

— Swan Upping diary date, 17

— Maiden Erlegh Inner Wheel, 17

— Scarecrows, 19

— Big Lunch Project, 19

— Coral Concert, 19

— Coffee morning, 19

— FoStAC update, 19

THE ARTS

— Visual meditation, 21

— Book Reviews, 21

HISTORY

— Pachomius, 23

— Was it really? 23

FASHION

— Mary Bennet, 24

AFOOT IN THE Garden

— May time for Chelsea, 25

PUZZLE PAGE, 27

CHILDREN'S PAGE, 39

INFORMATION

— Church services, 3

— From the registers, 3

— Classified, 28

— Parish contacts, 30

— Advertisers' index, 30

This ISSUE's FRONT COVER

The

Parish

Magazine

May 2026 — Ascension Day, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday

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

The Flame of Pentecost

by Valeev Rafael,

Dreamstime.com

St Andrew's Church tower

Tom Farncombe

EDITORIAL DEADLINE

The editorial deadline for every issue

of The Parish Magazine is 12 noon on

the sixth day of the month prior to the

date of publication.

The deadline for the June 2026

issue of The Parish Magazine is:

Wednesday 6 May at 12 noon

Recent issues of The Parish Magazine

can also be read online at

https://theparishmagazine.co.uk

For access to The Parish Magazine

archives which holds copies of the

magazine from 1869, please contact:

editor@theparishmagazine.co.uk

From the Registers


Services in

St Andrew's

Church Sonning

Fifth Sunday of Easter 3 May

— 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)

— 10.30am Family Service

— 4.00pm Choral Evensong

Sixth Sunday of Easter 10 May


— 10.30am Parish Eucharist with

Sunday Club

— 6.00pm STAY Youth Communion

Service

Seventh Sunday of Easter 17 May


— 10.30am Parish Eucharist

— 3.00pm Messy Church in The Ark

Pentecost Sunday 24 May



STAY and Sunday Club

Trinity Sunday 31 May



STAY and Sunday Club

5.45pm Sunday at Six in The Ark

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.

BAPTISMS

— Sunday 8 February, Florence Milly Apsey-Brown

— Sunday 8 March, Toby George Baer

FUNERALS

—Monday 9 February, Dorothy Gloria Cleverly, service in St

Andrew's Church and burial in the churchyard

— Thursday 26 February, Joan Pratt, service in St Andrew's Church

followed by cremation

— Tuesday 17 March, Daphne Verona Forward, interment of ashes

in St Andrew's churchyard

4 The Parish Magazine — May 2026

Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to this advertisement

parish noticeboard — 1


Worry not as we

learn to grow

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DEAR FRIENDS,

As May arrives, there’s a noticeable shift in the air. The days feel longer, the sun lingers a little more kindly,

and creation seems to burst into life around us. For many young people, this season brings its own mixture of

anticipation and challenge. With SATS, GCSEs and A-Level exams on the horizon, transitions between school years,

and big questions about the future quietly taking shape. Philippians 4:6 is helpful when it says: 'Don't worry about

anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God'.

From a youth minister’s perspective, this time of year is always deeply meaningful. I regularly see young people

standing at the edge of change wondering who they are, where they belong, and what truly matters. It is easy to assume

that being young is carefree, but in reality, many carry pressures that are unseen: expectations to succeed, to fit in, and

to have everything figured out far sooner than feels possible. They have their whole life to be an adult, so I say, always

be young at heart.

What continues to inspire me is the young people’s openness. When given space, young people ask honest, searching

questions about faith, purpose, and hope. They are not looking for perfect answers, but for authenticity for a faith that

feels real and lived, not distant or abstract. Having just finished our third Alpha Youth Course, they remind me that

Church is not simply a place we go, but a community where we can belong, be known, and grow together in faith. In

Matthew 18:20 Jesus reminds us: 'For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.'

May also invites us to reflect on growth-not just in the natural world, but within ourselves. Growth rarely happens

all at once. It comes in small steps: in acts of kindness, in moments of courage, in choosing to keep going even when

things feel uncertain. For our young people, these small steps are shaping who they are becoming. For us as a wider

community, they are opportunities to walk alongside, to encourage, and to listen.

I would gently encourage us all this month to take a moment to notice the young people in our community. Whether

it’s offering a word of encouragement, showing interest in their lives, or simply holding them in prayer, these small

gestures matter more than we might realise. As Philippians 2:4 teaches us:

'Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.'

As we continue through this season of renewal, may we all be reminded that growth-spiritual, personal, and

communal is a shared journey. And perhaps, like the unfolding Spring around us, we might find ourselves becoming

something new, in ways both quiet and profound.

Finally I want to encourage us to remember it is in the middle of this month that Jesus ascended into Heaven. But

he didn’t leave us to fend for ourselves. He gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and advocate for us. If

you are finding yourself in need of any of those things, take a moment now to ask for the Holy Spirit to be present for

you. Then pause and wait. As Romans 8:26 encourages us: 'The Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to

pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words'.

With every blessing,

Westy, Youth Minister

6 The Parish Magazine — May 2026 Please mention The Parish Magazine when responding to advertisements

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PARisH NOTICEBOARD — 2

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FOR YOUR PRAYERS IN MAY

— Christians in Ethiopia & Yemen

— Peace in the Middle East

— Plans for our Youth Charity

— All who care for the elderly


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PARisH NOTICEBOARD — 3

THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

Ethiopia and Yemen Update By Colin Bailey

Ethiopia: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church forms a large

part of the nation’s religious identity. Open Doors research

indicates an emerging pattern of targeted attacks against

Orthodox Christians specifically.

20 Orthodox Christians, and a Muslim guard, were

killed and some disappeared in an attack on a market in

February. Many residents fled to nearby towns for refuge.

Two days later more attackers struck the community,

killing seven inside a church. The area, in the Oromia

Region in Ethiopia, is described by locals as an historically

peaceful area with Muslims and Orthodox Christians.

Open Doors has called on the Ethiopian government to

protect vulnerable communities in Oromia and to ensure

those responsible are held accountable.

16.2 million Christians have been driven from their

homes by violence and conflict in sub-Saharan Africa.

Please continue to lift to God in prayer brothers and

sisters facing violence and persecution in Africa.

Yemen: There are only a small number of Christians in

Yemen. The country is number three on the Open Doors

World Watch List of countries where Christians face the

highest level of persecution.

There are threats from authorities and family. Converts

from Islam could face the death penalty for apostasy.

Islamist extremist groups attack Christian communities.

If those who gather in secret are discovered, they face

grave consequences.

The country has an ongoing civil war since September

2014 when Houthi forces took over the capital city Sanaa

and subsequently the government.

The Houthis are an Iran-backed Shia Islamist politicalmilitary

organisation. Their political slogan, the Sarkha, is

'God is great, Death to America, Death to Israel, Curse on the

Jews, Victory to Islam'.

For Christians in the Houthi-controlled north western

regions, pressures are particularly severe. These areas are

heavily policed and dissent is brutally repressed.

Open Doors reports that there is an unprecedented

crackdown with more than 50 believers arrested recently,

including one who memorised scripture in preparation

for his inevitable arrest. This believer said, 'I want to be a

walking Bible, so that wherever I’m taken I can share about

Jesus.'

Please pray for this believer and for strength and

protection for all imprisoned, and for peace and hope for

their family and friends.

References and further reading

Ethiopia – Orthodox Christians: https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latestnews/ethiopia-orthodox-church-attack/

Amhara people of Ethiopia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amhara_people

Open Doors on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opendoorsuk/

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

persecution/world-watch-list/yemen/

Yemeni Civil War: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yemeni_civil_war_

(2014-present)

Houthis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houthis

UNICEF: https://www.unicef.org.uk

Open Doors Yemen news: https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latestnews/yemen-crackdown/

A thought for May . . .

Flying together

By Margaret Bevis


In Celtic Christianity, the symbol for the Holy Spirit is

the wild goose. By flying in a V-formation, as each bird

flaps its wings the whole flock adds 70% more flying

range than if each bird flew alone.

People who share a common direction and sense of

community can get where they want to go more quickly

and easily because they are all travelling on the thrust

generated by all.

Whenever a goose falls out of formation it quickly

gets back so that it can continue to take advantage of the

lifting power of the bird immediately in front. If we have

as much sense as a goose we will stay in formation with

those who are headed where we want to go.

When the lead goose gets tired, it moves back into the

formation and another goose flies at the point position.

It pays to take turns at doing the hard tasks - sharing

leadership and maintaining interdependence.

The geese in formation ‘honk’ from behind to

encourage those up front to keep up their speed. We

need to be sure that our ‘honking from behind’ is an

encouragement to those who lead us.

When a goose gets sick, or wounded, or shot down, two

geese drop out of formation and follow the one to help

and protect it. They stay until it is able to fly again or dies.

In our fellowship as Christian people, we stand by each

other in all circumstances.

. . . and a thought from Phil Mason, our cartoonist . . .

They are copying us again!


parish noticeboard — 4


Westy

EASTER SATURDAY

Easter Saturday, on the 4th April, was full of an Easter service, Easter

egg hunts, bouncy castles, a free BBQ, Messy Church activities, tower

tours, outdoor games and more!!! We had around 250 people gather

for the family fun day.

EASTER STAY

Over the Easter holidays we planned some super fun youth activities,

with bowling, Thorpe park, a village wide litter pick and a golf taster

session at Sonning Golf Club. With over 50 young people involved it

was well worth the effort for all the memories made.

STAY ON FRIDAY

The St Andrew's weekly youth club is on every Friday night in term

time in The Ark from 6.45pm — 8.15pm for secondary aged young

people. We enjoy games, take part in sports, baking, using the

consoles, and playing pool, Foosball and basketball. We are looking

forward to the lighter evenings so we can play more outdoor sports

and games.

On the fourth Friday of each month we welcome Year 6 pupils to

aid their transition to Year 7.

YOUTH ALPHA

We recently finished our Youth Alpha videos series to introduce the

Christian faith to those who want to ask questions in a safe and

warm space. We ate pizza, had snacks as we asked some of life’s big

questions such as: who created the world, why are we here, does God

have a plan for our life and what can we do to follow Jesus each day?

STAY ON SUNDAY

Our Sunday young people met during March a few times to look at

several topics including: Mothering Sunday where we shared what is

amazing about our mothers, and we had another great service Sunday

where the young people made cookies and served the congregation

tea and coffee. STAY on Sunday meets every Sunday at various times

depending on which Sunday of the month it is:

First Sunday: Family Service in the Church at 10.30am with a talk for

children and the young people.

Second Sunday: STAY youth service at 6pm in the Church, followed

by food in The Ark until 7pm.

Third Sunday: A youth led meeting in The Ark at 10.30am, when the

young people choose the content, theme, games and prayers.

Fourth Sunday: We meet in the upper room of The Ark from 10.30am

with Westy leading a Biblical topic.

Fifth Sunday: We do an 'act of service' from 10.30am in The Ark.

STAY YOUTH SERVICE

On the second Sunday of each month we hold a special service

for young people at 6pm in St Andrew's Church. The service

includes singing, a Bible reading, a short reflection, and Holy

Communion. Afterwards, in The Ark, we have dinner cooked

for us by two amazing volunteers.

STAY ON MONDAY

Our Monday youth group meets every week from 6-7.15pm,

alternating between The Ark and a home of one of the young

people. The meeting ends with snacks, drinks and a look at

faith based topics in a fun and relaxed way. In March, for

example, we had topics on the Exodus of the Israelites and who

does God say we are?

STAY IN SCHOOLS

Our schools work continued with mentoring, assemblies, and

prayer meetings at Blue Coat, Piggott, Charvil and Sonning

schools. Plus in March I met Years 3 & 4 in Sonning school to

answer their Easter questions, such as: Who were the women in

Jesus’s life and what role did they play? I also had the privilege

of speaking about the Easter message at the Sonning School

Easter service, and two new schools — The Link in Maidenhead

and Shiplake in Henley, which went down well.

READING YOUTH NIGHT

In March we took the young people to join in with the next

Reading Youth Night when over 100 youth from across the area

gathered at Lower Earley Baptist Church for worship, a talk and

prayer.

MARCH EXTRAS

During March I also had the honour of leading a Year 13

assembly at Blue Coat School on anxiety and stress. I also spent

an evening showing the local Beavers round the Church for their

faith badge, and three days taking a bush craft session for local

8-12 year olds at Blue Coat School. I also met on Zoom with the

appointments secretary to the Prime Minister and the Diocese

appointments officer about the next Bishop of Oxford. Along

with other youth workers, shared our thoughts on young

people in the hope that the next Bishop will make them a

priority.

As always please get in touch with any ideas or to chat on

youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk


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around the villages — 1

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When did you last look through your family albums? If you have some images of the past you would like to share with

other readers, send to us and we will publish them for others to enjoy. Do you recognise the Sonning and Woodley

churches above, or Sonning High Street, and the original St Sarik building?



S T

JOIN US FOR FATHER’S DAY LUNCH SUNDAY 21 JUNE 2026

There is no better time to join Sonning Golf Club!

The Club has a variety of Membership options with categories ranging from Individual,

Joint, Intermediate (26-34), Colt (18-25), Junior & Country/Overseas & Corporate.

Our subscription fees are competitive & reflect the excellent services & facilities we

have to offer. Golf Membership includes full use of the golf course, practice facilities

& clubhouse. In addition, the Club organises a number of competitions throughout the

year & there is a varied social calendar to enjoy.

A Social Membership is also available giving access to Club events & a

10% discount on restaurant food & drink.

For membership information contact the General Manager on

0118 969 3332 secretary@sonninggc.co.uk

For ‘Whats on’ at the Club scan here


Sonning Scouts spring term update

BEAVERS

March got off to a lovely start when our Beavers ran

a Mother’s Day café. They decorated their lodge with

bunting, set up tables, and served their mothers tea

and biscuits. It was a great success — the mothers were

absolutely delighted, and the Beavers took their hosting

duties very seriously.

Later in the month they had a visitor from Feathers

and Fur, who arrived at the lodge with a Barn Owl, Eagle

Owl, Kestrel and a Harris Hawk. All four took turns flying

around the lodge — to considerable excitement — and the

Beavers handled the two smaller birds. It was one of those

evenings that nobody went home talking about anything

else!

CUBS

During a wall climbing session, the cubs learnt about

ropes, knots and safety before putting it all into practice.

Everyone tried it and left having learned something new,

although some took to the heights with rather more

enthusiasm than others!

They also worked on their cooking badge in two

different ways. On Shrove Tuesday the cubs made, and

enthusiastically ate, pancakes, with the kitchen only

moderately chaotic!

In a later session they produced vegetarian loaded

nachos, which were, we are happy to report, excellent.

Their badges were thoroughly earned.

SCOUTS

The scouts also had their own climbing session in March

and rose to the challenge admirably. Elsewhere they

explored radio communications to learn how signals

travel and to get to grips with the kit. Next, they turned

their hands to Easter egg making. The results were

impressive, although very few made it home intact!


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EASTER EGG HUNT

To round off the term, all the beavers, cubs and scouts,

met for an Easter egg hunt in Ashenbury Park. Eggs were

hunted in the light and puzzles solved in the dark to

unlock the chocolate.

It was exactly the kind of chaotic, joyful, slightly

competitive evening that Scouting does best, and a

wonderful way to finish the month.

LOOKING AHEAD

The big event for the coming weeks will be the Sonning

Scarecrow Trail, when all three sections will be taking

part. Their display is entitled ‘Scout Camp’ and they look

forward to seeing you there!

Beyond that, there is more to look forward to. The

beavers will be going on badger wildlife walk, the cubs will

be building and putting up bird boxes, and the scouts will

be fire lighting and launching bottle rockets. And in June,

all sections will be off to a family camp!

If you have a child who would like to join any of the

sections — Beavers (ages 6–8), Cubs (8–10½) or Scouts

(10½–14) — they would love to hear from you.

Could you help your local scout group?

The Sonning Scout group is looking for adult volunteers.

If you are a little older than their young people, have a

couple of evenings a month to spare, and fancy doing

something genuinely rewarding with them — whether

you have Scouting experience or none at all — go to:

sonningscouts.org.uk/contact-us/


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Email | admin@abbeyfieldweyvalley.co.uk

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SONNING ART GROUP

Lynda Tolworthy (left) won Sonning Art Group's latest

Chairman's Cup award for her 'Harbours and Headlands'

water colour painting. With her (right) is Sue Bell, the

art group's chairman.

READING MAIDEN ERLEGH INNER WHEEL


CHARVIL FEMALE SINGERS

Suzanne Newman is currently planning a singing

session for girls between the ages of 8 - 16. It will be held

in Charvil Village Hall from 6.00-7.30pm on Sunday 5

July.

The session will be devoted to a medley called 'Songs of

a Disney Princess' and will include: A dream is a wish your

heart makes, Part of your world, A whole new world, Colours

of the wind and Reflection.

Places need to be booked and paid for in advance. The

£15 fee includes music and refreshments.

Contact: suzanneynewman@btinternet.com

ROYAL SWAN UPPING WEEK

The Royal Swan Upping

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start on Monday 13 July at

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Members (above) of the Reading Maiden Erlegh Inner Wheel joined 40 others from the local district for a successful

four day conference in Llandudno. While there, they took a guided walk to see some of the statues in the town

dedicated to the story of the Mad Hatter and were joined by the organisation's international president from New

Zealand.

Recently the group also supported International Women’s day with a soup lunch at a member’s home. The money raised

was given to Water Aid. They meets on the third Thursday of the month at Sonning Golf Club for fun, friendship and

fundraising. More from: https://sites.google.com/site/innerwheelrme


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Experience Rowing at Shiplake

Friday 5 June 2026

10am-1.30pm

For Year 10 rowers considering Year 12 in 2027

www.shiplake.org.uk/experiencerowing


Scarecrows 2026

Sunday - Monday 24-25 May

A big thank you, writes Barbara Carr,

to those who have offered to open their

gardens, but we could do with more …

if you are willing to help please get in

contact (see details below).

There is still time to enter a Scarecrow

(contact details below) if you do it before

Thursday 7 May!

If you are not registered you will not be on the Scarecrow Trail Map so email

Barbara.carr71@hotmail.co.uk, or contact@sonningscarecrows.com, 0779 91 21167

Editor's note: We will be pleased to receive your photographs and comments

about the Scarecrow Weekend for our July/August issue.

Coffee, tea, cake and chat!

at Pearson Hall

on Wednesday 6 May

10.30am — 12.00 noon

Why not pop in!

Always there on the first

Wednesday of the month!

Michael Piepgras, Dreamstime.com

An invitation to enjoy

a free choral concert

in St Andrew's Church

4.00pm Saturday 13 June

Members of the Fulham and

Hammersmith Choral Society will

be enjoying a choir away day by

performing some choruses from

Vivaldi's Gloria and other choral

favourites in St Andrew's Church

Sonning.

Please come along to enjoy this

free concert of approximately 45

minutes. Everyone welcome!


The Big

Lunch Project

is coming in

June

The Big Lunch is the UK's largest

annual community celebration,

held every June to bring together

neighbours for food, friendship and

fun.

It began in 2009 when the Eden

Project created it with the aim of

reducing loneliness by boosting

community spirit and encouraging

people to talk to each other.

Over 9 million people have taken

part in it in recent years and over

70% of them say they feel a stronger

sense of community and feel

inspired to become involve in other

community projects,

It is funded by the National

Lottery Community and supported

by the Pears Foundation. Free digital

resources, planning packs and advice

on hosting are available.

Events can range from small

picnics to large street parties.

More from:

edenprojectcommunities.com

FoStAC UPDATE

Gardiner’s Homecare is an established family

business that has been serving the local community

since 1968. Proudly supporting people to continue

to enjoy living independent lives in their own homes

for as long as possible.

Our team of experienced care workers can provide

help with personal care, medication, overnight stays,

housework, companionship and much more. You will be

assigned your own Care Manager who will work closely

with you to ensure you receive the care and support

that is tailored to your personal wishes and needs.

For more information, contact us on

0118 334 7474

After a full house for the Friends of St Andrew’s Church (FoStAC) Bourne Again Shadows event earlier in the year,

over 40 of its member met for its AGM with a Quiz Night in late March — from which they raised another £500 for

St Andrew’s Church. Honorary treasurer Keith Nichols stood down after four years in his post, and was replaced by

FoStAC's outgoing chairman Magnus Smyly. Charles Hubbard succeeded him as chairman. The honorary secretary,

Sally Wilson, presented an excellent set of quiz questions for us the members to enjoy over a fish and chip supper.

During Sonning Scarecrows in May FosStAC will be hosting refreshments in The Ark and welcome home-baked

cakes for them to sell! If you are able to help, contact Sally Wilson on mustangsallywilson41@gmail.com. For more

information about FoStAC: www.fostac.org



THE ARTS


The people who let the light shine through

Rev Michael Burgess continues to meditate in and around church buildings

You may know the story of the little

girl with her family during a guided

tour around a cathedral. As the

bright sun streamed through one of

the windows, she asked the guide

who were the people depicted there.

'Those are the saints,' he said.

Later that evening the girl told her

mother, 'I know who the saints are.' '

Do you, dear? Who are they?' the

mother asked. The little girl replied:

'They are the people who let the light

shine through.'

When the summer sun rises,

its light catches the east window

of a church I look after. It shines

through the figures and colours of

The Annunciation scene to bathe the

chancel in a warm glow.

Later as the sun sets, it shines

once again through the west window

showing Christ surrounded by

angels, with the same wonderful

effect.

They are two stained glass

windows by the Victorian designer,

Kempe.

In St Mary’s Church, Fairford,

Gloucestershire, there are an

incredible 28 windows of medieval

glass that have survived the

centuries and continue to astonish

the visitor.

As the sun catches this array of

windows, the colours take on a new,

vibrant life. We see scenes in the

life of our Lord and our Lady, Old

Testament prophets, New Testament

apostles and the communion of

saints.

The eye moves round and we reach

the west window portraying Christ

in majesty and the day of judgement.

This great work has been

attributed to the royal glazier,

Barnard Flower, who was influenced

by the late medieval illuminated

prayer books. The windows are a

living witness to his skill and faith.

George Herbert has a poem that

calls us to shine out like the church

windows. It is easy, he says, to be

'brittle crazy glass', but in God’s good

grace we can become like a window

where colours and light, belief and

life can combine and mingle to

radiate out into the world.

St Mary's Fairford

BOOK REVIEWS

Parish Pump

Held in God’s Gaze – Keeping Company with the Saints and Mystics By Jill

Duff & Nicholas Heale, SPCK, £15.99

Discover the wisdom, prayer, and spiritual insight of saints

and mystics across Christian history. Those featured reflect

the wide Christian spiritual heritage: some are from the

ancient and Celtic background; others reflect medieval

spirituality and some from more recent times. The authors

invite readers to share in their experience of friendship

with holy figures, from ancient and Celtic saints to medieval

mystics, women spiritual leaders, the Spanish Mystics, and

modern voices of faith. The authors explore how saints encountered God and

provide reflections that help readers grow in spiritual maturity.

Pilgrim Places, Holy Lives – A Gospel Journey with the English Saints

By various Church of England writers, CHP, £3.99

The greatest story ever told is of God becoming human in Jesus

to offer us a transforming relationship with him. It explores

how this amazing story took root in Anglo-Saxon England, and

how those who responded to it can still inspire and encourage

us today. It has 24 days of Bible readings, reflections, questions

and prayers on the ancient practice of pilgrimage. and will help

you reflect on what it means to live as a pilgrim on a purposeful

journey through life. The Contributors include: Sarah Mullally, Stephen Cottrell,

Dee Dyas, James Shelton, Sammi Tooze, Sally Welch, Jenny Wright and

Alexandra Zhirnova.


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HISTORY

Pachomius,

the father

of getting

things done

for God. . .

Have you ever worked for a

disorganised organisation?

You know the scene: your

boss lives in a mild panic,

your goals and deadlines

keep being changed,

your colleagues whisper

darkly in corners, emails

contradict each other,

meetings lead to more

confusion... and you go

home each night with a

headache.

The Fourth Century St Pachimius

Christian Coptic Monastery.

Alexey Bykov, Dreamstime.com

Pachomius should be the patron saint of administrators

everywhere. For back in the 4th century, without a

computer or even a mobile he managed to run 11 separate

monasteries like clockwork.

Pachomius was born into a pagan family in Upper

Egypt at the end of the third century, and as a youth

conscripted into the army. On his release in 313 he

became a Christian and a hermit — probably because he

craved some peace and quiet!

But Pachomius was not a loner, and when other monks

sought him out, he did with them what he did best —

he organised them. By 320 he had founded his first

monastery.

Pachomius had exceptional powers of administration,

probably perfected by his years of a disciplined army life.

By the time of his death, in 346, he presided over nine

large monasteries for men, and two for women. Each

monastery was divided into houses, according to its craft,

such as agriculture, tailoring or baking.

He also knew how to delegate, each house having its

own leader, and he knew how to keep in touch, so he held

team leaders’ meetings twice a year.

Pachomius created supply chains so that food and

drink never ran out, and he used his marketing skills to

find found buyers for their produce in Alexandria.

Above all else, Pachomius knew knew how to deliver

a vision. A daily pattern of work, prayer and sleep was

set in place to make sure that the monks and nuns

could devote themselves to God every day in prayer, and

memorising the Psalms and other Bible passages.

In short, Pachomius knew how to help people get

things done. No wonder his rule went on to influence that

of Basil and Benedict.

The gift of administration is listed by St Paul as a

genuine gift of God, and prudence and clear forward

planning are highly prized in the Proverbs.


Was it really...?

. . . 400 YEARS AGO on 4 May 1626 that the Dutch

explorer Peter Minuit arrived on the east coast of what

is now the USA. He bought Manhattan Island from the

Lenape Native Americans for $24 worth of cloth and

buttons, which is equal to about $1,150 today.

. . . 300 YEARS AGO on 25 May 1726 that the world’s

first lending library was launched by Scottish poet and

bookseller Allan Ramsay at his bookshop in Edinburgh.

. . . 250 YEARS AGO on 4 May 1776 that Rhode Island

became the first of the colonies to renounce allegiance to

the British Crown by declaring independence.

. . . 200 YEARS AGO on 29 May 1826 that Ebenezer

Butterick, American tailor was born. He and his wife

invented tissue paper dress patterns in multiple sizes and

so revolutionised home dressmaking.

. . . 175 YEARS AGO from 1 May — 15 October 1851 that

the first world Great Exhibition was held in The Crystal

Palace, Hyde Park. More than 10,000 exhibitors attended.

. . . 100 YEARS AGO from 4 — 12 May 1926 that the UK’s

General Strike was held in support of 1.2 million coal

miners. The strike lasted nine days, and had little effect.

. . . 90 YEARS AGO on 7 May 1936 that British aviator

Amy Johnson made fastest-ever (until then) solo flight

from England to Cape Town, and on 27 May 1936 that the

RMS Queen Mary began her maiden voyage by sailing

from Southampton to New York.

. . . 80 YEARS AGO on 11 May 1946 that the first CARE

packages for Europe arrived in Le Havre, to help people

who were starving after WWII.

. . . 75 YEARS AGO, on 3 May 1951 that the Festival

of Britain and the Royal Festival Hall in London were

opened. Also, on 9 May 1951, the Lake District National

Park was established as Britain’s second national park, and

on 25 May the same year that British spies Guy Burgess

and Donald Maclean fled to Moscow. They were members

of the infamous Cambridge spy ring.

. . . 70 YEARS AGO on 24 May 1956 that the first

Eurovision Song Contest was held in Lugano, Switzerland.

It was won by Switzerland.

. . . 60 YEARS AGO on 6 May 1966 that the 'Moors

Murderers' Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were sentenced to

life imprisonment for killing five girls, aged 10 to 17.

. . . 40 YEARS AGO on 9 May 1986 that Sherpa Tenzing

died. This Tibetan/Nepalese mountaineer had been with

Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand when in 1953 they

became the first people to reach the summit of Mount

Everest.


FASHIon BY HARRIET NELSON

Mary Bennet: overlooked sister to stylish confidence

After writing about the Bridgerton

series in the March issue, I found

myself drawn back into the world

of Regency-era books and TV

adaptations.

A few years earlier, I had read The

Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow,

a novel that imagines the life of

Mary Bennet, one of Elizabeth

Bennet’s often-overlooked sisters

from Jane Austen’s Pride and

Prejudice. I absolutely adored this

book, and it has remained a favourite

of mine ever since.

Recently, the BBC brought

the story to life in a television

adaptation, offering a fresh

perspective on a character who has

long been underestimated, yet whose

journey is quietly compelling.

IN THE THE SHADOWS

Even within the glamorous world

of Jane Austen’s adaptations, Mary

begins her story in the shadows.

Often portrayed as the 'duller'

Bennet sister, her wardrobe and

manner reflect her reserved

personality and lower social

confidence.

In early depictions, Mary’s

clothing is muted, plain, and

conservative: high collars, simple

gowns, and minimal accessories.

Unlike her sisters, who favour

flowing silks, delicate patterns, or

bold accessories, Mary presents

herself as calm and reserved, the

quieter sister who spends her time

reading and playing the piano.

At social gatherings, these

choices highlight her serious nature

and her tendency to blend into the

background.

TRANSFORMATION

However, in'The Other Bennet

Sister' and the recent BBC

adaptation, we witness a remarkable

transformation in Mary’s character,

beautifully reflected in her wardrobe.

As she grows more self-assured

and begins to assert herself within

society, particularly after her move

from Longbourn to London, her

fashion becomes a clear expression

of her developing confidence.

Muted gowns give way to richer

fabrics, subtle embellishments, and

thoughtfully chosen accessories,

pieces selected by Mary herself

rather than imposed by others.

Her wardrobe begins to

incorporate more vibrant colours,

including shades of purple, red, and

green, often enhanced with delicate

floral designs. They are choices that

signal not only a shift in style but a

deeper sense of self-awareness and

presence.

EVOLUTION

While in London, as she forms

new friendships and meets new

people, her clothing becomes an

essential part of how she presents

herself to the world.

Through her evolving style, Mary

quietly redefines how she is seen,

transforming from an overlooked

figure into someone who gains

confidence and individuality while

remaining true to herself.

It is a shift that reflects more

than just taste; it tells the story

of Mary’s personal growth. Her

evolving wardrobe communicates

sophistication, individuality, and

quiet strength, allowing her to

command attention without the

flamboyance of her sisters.

In essence, her fashion becomes

an extension of her personality, a

visual expression of her intelligence,

poise, and newfound confidence. The

brighter colours she chooses may not

align with typical expectations of the

time, but they reflect her personal

taste and help her feel more like

herself.

SUBTLE SHIFTS

Mary’s transformation

emphasises the power of clothing

as a storytelling device in Austen

adaptations.

Subtle shifts in colour, fabric, and

accessory choices illustrate social

mobility and personal development,

while reflecting her personality as

portrayed in the novel.

Where her early attire suggests

restraint and modesty, her later

choices convey self-expression and

empowerment.

Through these visual changes,

audiences witness her journey from

an overlooked sister to a woman who

is respected and admired.

SUPERIORITY

In contrast, characters such as

Caroline Bingley use fashion to

assert status rather than express

personal growth.

Frequently dressed in rich

reds and adorned with elaborate

jewellery, Caroline’s wardrobe is

designed to signal wealth, class, and

social superiority.

Her bold colours and extravagant

accessories immediately draw

attention, but they also highlight

the difference between her outward

display of status and Mary’s more

understated, evolving elegance.

While Caroline’s fashion reflects

confidence rooted in privilege,

Mary’s transformation is far more

meaningful; her style develops

alongside her character, making her

eventual sophistication feel earned

rather than simply displayed.

CONFIDENCE

Ultimately, Mary Bennet’s story

and her fashion evolution show

that period dramas are about more

than glamour or historical accuracy.

They explore character, identity, and

personal growth. Her wardrobe is

not merely decorative; it reflects her

growing confidence and happiness.

AFOOT IN THE GARDEN BY RAY PUDDEFOOT

May?

Time for

Chelsea!

The greatest flower show on earth! When I was young I helped build

the National Farmers Union display in the marque. Later I grew plants

specifically for Chelsea and assisted with plant displays. But my biggest task,

with a colleague, was buying specimen plants for a Chelsea Garden.

Flowering Rhododendrons were

deemed ideal and via a contact of

a contact we were given the name

(long and eastern European) of a

gentleman, his telephone number and

address in Kensington!

By phone a ‘Rhodo’ viewing was

arranged at his nursery in the Surrey

Weald.

As we drove up a long gravel drive,

through a stand of eucalyptus trees,

we were met with what could easily

been a scene from The Hobbit!

In the middle of the drive was a

brightly dressed dwarf with a long,

pointed beard consulting hidden

forces with a dangling spinning

crystal. Even when standing he was

not very tall.

But the real magic was in the

nursery which was high up on a

sandstone ridge with magnificent

views over the Weald and a hundred

or more six foot+ tall specimen

‘Rhodos’ growing in 6 inches of

compost, which turned out to be

Silver gilt treasure.

PRUNE AND FEED

May is the time to prune early

flowering shrubs such as forsythia,

ribes and Japanese quince.

Remove seed heads from

hellebores, stake perennials and tie in

climbers as required.

Apply liquid feed around spring

bulbs and top dress your borders and

roses with granular fertilizer.

BEST JOB

One of gardening’s best jobs

is planting up summer bedding

plants. There is the shopping trip to

a nursery or garden centre and the

feel of friable compost in your hands

when you plant.

Always water your plants well in

advance of planting and again once

planted.

WEED AND FEED

Other tasks for May include

-weeding, feeding and mulching

borders, deadheading daffodils and

hellebores, tying in climbing plants

and setting supports for tall and

heavy headed perennials.

Flowers to look out for in May

are lilacs, rhododendrons, azaleas,

wisterias, iris and early roses such as

canary bird and x cantabrigiense.

TOP TIPS FOR MAY

— Prune spring flowering shrubs.

— Tie in climbers.

— Weed, feed and mulch.

— Plant summer pots.

— Replace hose washers.


Rhododendron

Rhododendron

Canary Bird Rose



PUZZLE PAGE


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

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April Bible

Crossword

Solution

Ralph's grid this month has the names of 29

elements with the initial letters of: A, B, 3C, 3D,

3E, H, I. L. O, 5P, R, 7S, and V.

The unused letters will spell out a relevant verse

from The Good News Bible Can you also find the

verse?

ANSWERS FOR RALPH'S APRIL

'FOOTBALL TEAMS' VERSE SEARCH

ARSENAL

ASTON VILLA

BARCELONA

BOURNEMOUTH

BURNLEY

BURY

CELTIC

CHELTENHAM

COVENTRY

DERBY

HUDDERSFIELD

JUVENTUS

LEEDS

LEICESTER

LIVERPOOL

LUTON

MANCHESTER

MILAN

NEWCASTLE

Ralph's April hidden verse was

Philippians 3: 14:

So I run straight towards the goal

SUDOKU

NORWICH

NOTTINGHAM

RAITH

READING

REAL MADRID

SUNDERLAND

WREXHAM

YEOVIL

YORK

ACROSS

1 Overpowered (Deuteronomy 11:4) (11)

9 ‘The — are mantled with corn’ (Psalm 65:13) (7)

10 ‘Each man—a sword to his side’ (Exodus 32:27) (5)

11 On the death of Jesus the curtain in the temple

was torn from— to bottom (Matthew 27:51) (3)

13 Stagger (Isaiah 28:7) (4)

16 ‘Anyone, then, who knows the good he

ought——and doesn’t do it, sins’ (James 4:17) (2,2)

17 Stir up or provoke (Acts 13:50) (6)

18 Burden (Luke 11:46) (4)

20 ‘As far as the east is from the—, so far has he

removed our transgressions from us’

(Psalm 103:12) (4)

21 Sign (Luke 23:38) (6)

22 ‘After that, Jesus poured water into a basin

and began to—his disciples’ feet’ (John 13:5) (4)

23 The nature of the seven ears of corn which

swallowed up the good ears in Pharaoh’s dream

(Genesis 41:23) (4)

25 Has (anag) (3)

28 ‘This is the account of Shem, Ham and

Japheth, —sons’ (Genesis 10:1) (5)

29 ‘I will...make them drunk, so that they...sleep

for—and— awake’ (Jeremiah 51:39) (4,3)

30 Paul said of him, ‘he often refreshes me and is

not ashamed of my chains’ (2 Timothy 1:16) (11)

DOWN

2 Worth (Matthew 13:46) (5)

3 ‘A bruised — He will not break’ (Matthew 12:20) (4)

4 ‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly —

appeared with the angel’ (Luke 2:13) (4)

5 Slip (anag) (4)

6 ‘Take an awl and push it through his — — into

the door, and he will become your servant for life’

(Deuteronomy 15:17) (3,4)

7 Bountiful (2 Corinthians 8:2) (11)

8 ‘Therefore, as we have —, let us do good to all

people’ (Galatians 6:10) (11)

12 Acquire (2 Timothy 2:10) (6)

14 Container cover (Numbers 19:15) (3)

15 ‘He...became obedient to death, even death

on——!’ (Philippians 2:8) (1,5)

19 Refrain (1 Peter2:11) (7)

20 ‘She began to—his feet with her tears’ (Luke

7:38) (3)

24 One who worships Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva (5)

25 ‘Give to everyone who—you’ (Luke6:30) (4)

26 ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills; where does my—

come from?’ (Psalm 121:1) (4)

27 One of those whom the Lord said would be

taken from Jerusalem and Judah as judgment on

them (Isaiah 3:2) (4)

MAY MAZE


CHILDREN'S PAGE


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We are a family business with excellent references

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All cleaning materials provided

For free quote call: Maria: 0779 902 7901

To advertise in

The Parish Magazine

Contact: Ian McCannn

ianmacpne@outlook.com

TUDOR CHIMNEY SERVICES

Local, friendly and reliable chimney sweep.

Phone or text: 0778 349 5150

Member of The Guild of

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Landscaping, garden construction,

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0118 969 8989

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office@smallwoodlandscaping.co.uk

ALL AERIALS

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surveys on roofs, gutters,

chimneys with drone.

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HANDYMAN & DECORATING SERVICES

Reliable and affordable

Small jobs a speciality!

Call Andy on: 0795 810 0128

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Rendezvous in

The Ark

TUESDAY 12 & 26 MAY

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

WATCHMAKER - WE REPAIR THE UNREPAIRABLE

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repaired and restored.

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DRONE HOUSE SURVEYS

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Do you have blocked ears or difficulty hearing?

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.

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30 The Parish Magazine — May 2026 Please mention The Parish Magazine when replying to advertisements

information — 2

Parish contacts

Ministry Team

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

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

vicar@sonningparish.org.uk / 0118 969 3298

— Associate Priest (PTO), Rev Sam Thandi / 0798 328 1962

— Youth Minister: Chris West (Westy)

youthminister@sonningparish.org.uk / 0794 622 4106

— Youth and Children's Minister: Corinne

childrenswork@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 16

Abbey School 31

AB Walker Funeral Directors 8

Active Security 26

All Aerials 28

All Digital TV 31

AMS Water Softeners 12

Avery Collection Care Home 4

Audiologist 28

Barn Store Henley 18

Berkshire Stump Removals 36

BHR Maintenance 6

Big Heart Tree Care 28

Blandy & Blandy Solicitors 12

Blue Moose Quality Graphics 22

Bridges Meals on Wheels 20

Canon Tree Care 26

Carol Green Gardener 28

Clark Bicknell Plumbing and Heating 28

Crosfields School 8

Drone House Surveys 28

Fit 20 16

Gardiner’s Homecare 18

Good Oaks Home Care 22

Handyman and Decorating Services 28

Haslams Estate Agents 2

Hicks MOT and Service 14

Home Stairlifts 18

I Plumber 8

Kingfisher Bathrooms and Kitchens 26

Lock Fit 6

MC Cleaning 28

Molly Maid 32

Mossinator Roof Cleaning 6

Muck and Mulch Garden Supplies 6

PC Help Support 22

Professional Tree and Hegde Services 36

Reading Blue Coat School 12

Richfield Flooring 8

Right at Home 20

S Green Plumbing and Heating 22

Shiplake College 18

Smallwood Landscaping 28

Sonning Golf Club 14

Sonning Scouts 24

Thames Chimney Sweeps 28

Thames Valley Water Softeners 20

The Bull Inn Sonning 24

The Great House Coppa Club 24

The Mill at Sonning 28

The Window Cleaner 6

Tomalin & Son Funeral Directors 12

Tudor Chimney Sweeps 28

Villars Hayward Chartered Accountans 6

Watchmaker 28

Water Softener Salt 6

The Parish Magazine May 2026

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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The Parish Magazine MAY 2026

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