The Parish Magazine July August

The Parish Magazine — July August 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

July and August 2026

The church of st andrew, SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF

CHARVIL, SONNING and sonning eye SINCE THE 7 th CENTURY

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

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Serving Charvil, Sonning and Sonning Eye

information — 1

Contents July August 2026

THE parish noticeboard

— The youth minister writes, 5

— STAY update, 7

— The Persecuted Church, 9

— Claude Masters, 10-15

— Phil Mason's flies, 15

— For your prayers, 15

Around the Villages

— Sonning Art Group, 17

— Scarecrows, 17

— Charvil Fete, 17

— Charvil singers, 17

— Sonning Show, 17

— Hennerton Golf Club, 17

— Sonning rounders, 17

features

— Glorious summer 1966, 18-19

— Ian Clarke school days, 20-21

HOME AND GARDEN

— In the garden, 23

Book review

— Pilgrim Places, Holy Lives, 23

THE ARTS

— The Church pulpit, 25

history

— Was it really, 25

FASHION

— Elephants on cat walk, 27

HEALTH

— Keep safe in summer 28-29

PUZZLE PAGE, 31

CHILDREN'S PAGE, 33

INFORMATION

— Church services, 3

— From the registers, 3

— Classified, 32

— Parish contacts, 34

— Advertisers' index, 34

This ISSUE's FRONT COVER

The

Parish

Magazine

July and August 2026

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

Image: Chris Easton

EDITORIAL DEADLINE

The editorial deadline for every issue

of The Parish Magazine is 12 noon on

the sixth day of the month prior to the

date of publication.

The deadline for the September 2026

issue of The Parish Magazine is:

Thursday 6 August 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

weddings

Saturday 9 May: Piers Robin Curtis

Crowther and Philippa Suzanne Trick

funerals

Thursday 14 May: Stella Patricia

Spicer. Service in church followed by

burial in the churchyard.

Monday 1 June: Mavis Josephine

Newnham. Interment of ashes in the

churchyard.

Monday 8 June: Claude Masters,

Service in church followed by

cremation at Reading Crematorium.


Services in

St Andrew's

Church Sonning

Sunday 5 July

— 8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)

— 10.30am Family Service

— 4.00pm Choral Evensong

Sunday 12 July


— 10.30am Parish Eucharist with

Sunday Club

— 6.00pm STAY Youth Service

Sunday 19 July



— STAY

— 3.00pm Messy Church in The Ark

Sunday 26 July



— 6.00pm Sunday at Six

Sunday 2 August


— 10.30am Family Service

Sunday 9 August


— 10.30am Parish Eucharist

Sunday 16 August



Sunday 23 August



Sunday 30 August



PLEASE NOTE: The above list

of services is based on the best

information at the time of going to

print and could change, especially

during August. If in doubt, please

check the weekly news sheet

available in the church.

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.

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parish noticeboard — 1


St Andrew's

youth minister

writes . . .

As I write this, the school and college year is drawing to a close and many families are looking ahead to

holidays, day trips, and a slightly different rhythm of life over the summer months. July and August

often feel like a season of transition, a time when routines pause, calendars become less crowded, and

we have opportunities to rest and reflect.

I am especially thankful to have completed my second year of ordination and study as well. It has

been a great experience so far and I can’t recommend it more highly, even just the study and learning

has been a real blessing.

In church life, we sometimes think of growth as something that happens through activity:

attending services, joining groups, volunteering, and serving others. These things are all important.

Yet throughout Scripture we also see the importance of stepping away from busyness. Again and again,

Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray. Before major moments of ministry, he spent time with his

Father. Rest was not a distraction from his mission; it was part of it.

For our young people, summer can be a valuable opportunity to encounter God in new ways.

Without the pressure of school timetables and exams, there is space to notice God's presence in

everyday life: in the beauty of creation, in time spent with family and friends, and in moments of

stillness that are often crowded out during the year.

As a youth minister, I am continually encouraged by the faith, honesty, and generosity of the

young people in our parish. They ask thoughtful questions, care deeply about the world around them,

and remind us that faith is not simply about having all the answers but about learning to trust God

together.

Thank you to everyone who supports our youth work through prayer, encouragement, practical help,

and generous giving. Your investment in the next generation is making a real difference.

This summer, perhaps, we can all take up a simple challenge: to make space each day to notice where

God is at work. It might be through reading a few verses of Scripture, offering a short prayer, enjoying

a walk in the countryside, or simply pausing to give thanks for the blessings of the day. Small habits of

faith often become the foundations on which God builds something much larger.

As we move through the summer months, may we know the refreshing presence of God. May those

who are travelling have safe journeys, those who are working find strength and encouragement, and

those facing difficulties experience God's peace and comfort.

I look forward to seeing many of you over the summer and to all that God has in store for our parish

in the months ahead.

With every blessing,

Westy

Youth Minister

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PARisH NOTICEBOARD — 2

STAY Exams

Thanks to all who joined us in praying for our young people

who took exams this year. We continue to pray for them as

their results arrive in August, remembering those who get the

grades they need and those who need to make a plan 'B'. This

can be a stressful time for many and planning their future can

feel a huge challenge. We pray they all know God loves them

regardless of their results.


STAY on Friday

The weekly youth club met throughout May with lots of

outdoor sports such as cricket, volleyball, basketball and

football. The young people enjoyed Friday evenings with their

friends, playing games, chatting, baking treats or making

smoothies in the kitchen.

We meet 6.45pm ‐ 8.15pm every Friday in term time. There

are also the consoles, table tennis, pool table, card games, air

hockey and more. Year 7-13 are welcome every week and year 6

are welcome on the fourth Friday of the month.

STAY on Sunday

Our weekly STAY on Sunday group met in May to look at

themes such as Jesus appearing in the locked upper room and

Jesus standing up and saying 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to

me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture has said, rivers

of living water will flow from within them.'

We spent time thinking about what things sustain us and

help us to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God.

We also had service Sunday in May where the young people

baked biscuits and served tea and coffee to the congregation.

Lots of positive feedback from the adults who love seeing the

youth engaged in serving and living out their faith.

STAY on Monday

Our weekly STAY on Monday Bible Study group met three

times in May and early June whenw we looked at the next

theme in the ‘Six Beats One Story’ resource from the Bible

Society. This was about Jesus and why he came to earth to die

and save us from sin and our wrong doing. We thought about

hero’s and what superpower we would want..

STAY Youth Service

The May STAY youth service was a beautiful moment in the

month to pause and take stock of the word's of Jesus in John

14 when he tells his disciples to follow his commands and

to believe in him. He also told them to love him and to love

others, arguably the greatest commandment of all.

We sang some lovely worship songs and ate together in The

Ark afterwards. Thanks to Helen and Ruth for always making

yummy food for us to enjoy.

STAY in May Half Term

Scarecrow Trail: We encouraged the youth to join in the

Scarecrow Trail and it was lovely to see lots of them about in

the village with their families.

Food Bank: On Tuesday had a 'Give Back Day' when we bought

£130 worth of food and took it Readifood to help feed poorer

families across Reading.

Paint Balling: On Wednesday we went paint balling. Working

in teams with strategy and sacrificial lambs we had to plan

our way through each scenario to try to take over the town,

capture the treasure or raise all the flags.

Tennis Taster Session: Following a golf taster session at

Sonning, one of the youth asked if we could do a tennis taster

session at Sonning Tennis Club. Colin the Coach was very

welcoming and helpful in teaching the forehand stroke while

also playing fun games.

STAY in Schools

We have been continuing our work in the four local schools

(Sonning, Charvil, Piggott and Blue Coat) with mentoring,

assemblies, lunch clubs and a Christian Union. It always a

privilege to serve in the local schools and offer hope to the next

generation.

Reading Street Pastors 17 Year Celebration:

As the youth culture trainer for Reading Street Pastors, it

was wonderful to join them for their 17th year celebration at

Greyfriars Church. I saw many I have trained, and heard positive

stories of transformation from the partnership they have

with the Police. It was an honour to be there and witness such

a fantastic initiative, helping people in their most vulnerable

state.

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PARisH NOTICEBOARD — 3


THE PERSECUTED CHURCH BY COLIN BAILEY

St George's beacon of hope in a time of fear

The Monument of Liberty in Baghdad, Iraq, Designed by sculptor Mohammed Jawad Salim

As conflict and insecurity continue

across the region, many families in

Baghdad are living with renewed

fear and uncertainty. Missiles

and drones passing overhead have

reopened deep psychological wounds

for people who have already endured

years of instability, displacement

and loss.

Yet, even now, people continue to

travel across Baghdad to reach the

Church of St George’s in the capital

city of Baghdad.

For many, it is one of the few

places where they feel safe, welcomed

and known.

Christians, Yazidis and people

from other backgrounds gather to

pray for peace, support each another

and find the courage to keep going.

Under the faithful leadership

of Rev Canon Faiz Jirjees MBE,

St George’s has become far more

than a church building. It is a living

community of refuge, friendship and

hope.

Members of the congregation

shared how the church and their faith

sustain hope in these times.

After a church service, Rev

Faiz spoke with members of the

congregation about why they still

come to St George’s, despite the

heightened risk and difficult journeys

across the city. One Yazidi woman

said: 'Honestly we come to the church to

pray for the country, for our Christian

brothers and sisters, and for Iraq… We

come and pray even though we live far

away, we come here to pray with you so

that God may protect us, keep us safe,

and shield us from evil.'

Another member of the

congregation described the

determination it takes simply to

attend church:

'We defy the difficulty of the road and

the hardships… And we come to pray

for the Christians, so that the Lord may

deliver us from worries and problems.'

For others, St George’s has

become a place of deep emotional and

spiritual refuge. One woman said:

'When I attend church, I feel at peace

psychologically when I pray… this is

the Church, the only church I cannot be

absent from.'

EXTRAORDINARY

These testimonies reveal the

extraordinary role St George’s is

playing in Baghdad today. In the

midst of fear, it is a place of peace. In

a divided society, it is a place where

people of different backgrounds

are welcomed as neighbours. In a

time of hardship, it is a place where

vulnerable families receive practical

help and dignity.

But the need is rising. Families

are coming to St George’s for food

parcels because they cannot afford the

basics. Elderly and vulnerable patients

are travelling to the Medical Centre

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to receive free, compassionate care.

People who are frightened, lonely or

exhausted know the church offers

them belonging, encouragement and

strength.

Rev Faiz said: 'We are so grateful

for the food parcels Mosaic supporters

provide. But demand keeps rising.

Families leave with less because there are

so many to feed.'

YOU CAN HELP

Your gift today can help change

that. By supporting this urgent

appeal, you can help provide food

parcels for struggling families and

sustain the Medical Centre at St

George’s, ensuring that some of the

most vulnerable people in Baghdad

continue to receive essential care,

practical support and the reassurance

that they have not been forgotten.

At a time when fear and division

is growing, St George’s is quietly

bearing witness to something

deeply powerful: God’s love for

every neighbour, expressed through

welcome, compassion and faithful

service.

Please consider making a gift to

help keep this vital ministry of hope,

healing and refuge alive?

Your support will help St George’s

continue to offer food to the hungry,

care to the sick, companionship to

the lonely and hope to those living

through fear.

10 The Parish Magazine — July August 2026

parish noticeboard — 4

CLAUDE'S LAST 'VIEW FROM

Claude's family writes: This is Claude’s final 'View from the Pew'. We know that many readers enjoyed Claude's articles in The Parish Magazine. He

was thrilled when asked to write them and he continued doing so until recently. For his family, it was lovely to hear the stories of his life, some of which

we had heard many times, but some were new to us! As avid readers will know, he had an interesting life. We wonder how much you will recognise from

his articles, and if anything will be new for you!

Claude was born at 101 Elgar Road, Reading on 3 February 1934, the first and only child of Kathleen and Leonard Masters. He

often said if he had been born two days earlier his date of birth would have been more memorable 1234! When Len’s brother

visited the baby, he wrote his own name ‘Claude’ in the dust on the wardrobe. It was large enough for Claude’s mother,

Kathleen, not to miss!

He grew up during the 1930‘s and 40’s in Caversham knowing

little of life other than war. He was fortunate that his father had

a reserved occupation so, unlike many other children, both his

mother and father were around.

His maternal grandfather also lived with them. He was a

kind man, according to Claude.

Growing up in a caring family stood him in good stead.

He became the kindest and most gentle of men, living his life

keeping to the teachings of his father and only ever spoke

well of folk, or would say nothing at all. He lived without

condemning anyone.

When this was put to him, he always disagreed, saying

that it was true of his father, but not him. We always agreed to

disagree! He would never recognise this quality in himself, but

it served him well as he remained loved and respected by all who

met and cared for him.

DENTED PRIDE

Claude had many stories of his childhood, the church choir, Boys

Brigade, but mostly, the Boy Scouts which was always recalled above

that of his schooling.

He wrote many Parish Magazine articles about different forms of

transport, fondly recalling his days of Scouting and cycling around

the area.

He also recorded his escapades with a runaway scout trek cart in

Caversham, where he could have ended up quite badly injured, but

seemed only to suffer dented pride!

Claude attended Caversham Council infant and junior school

in Hemdean Road (now Caversham Primary) and remembered

his school days during the war: carrying a gas mask all the time;

practising filing into the air raid shelters and curling up next to

other children; watching flack dropped from German aircraft to

confuse radar; but, most importantly, the chocolate powder, given to

them by American servicemen. Most of this didn’t make it home as

it was too tempting for the children who had limited access to such

treats!

Having failed the grammar school test, Claude went to a

secondary modern school in Wolsey Road (now Thameside Primary)

where fuel shortages and major floods in Caversham meant that his

schooling was ad hoc at times.

The government set up 'schools of building', in an effort to

rebuild the country after the Second World War. Being a practical

young man, this appealed to Claude and so, at the age of 13, for three

years he attended one at the George Palmer School in Whitley.

Two days a week were practical, taught by skilled tradesmen, and

the rest was academic.

He then joined a building company Boyd and Murley in London

Street, where he served a bricklaying apprenticeship. This was ideal

for him because it was something which shone throughout his life

— his problem solving abilities.

At the age of 21 he was called up for National Service in Hong

Kong as a medic in the RAF. He recalled this time with great

fondness, having to deal with medical needs and taking sick airmen

to the nearby army hospital.


THE PEW'

By his family

He sat for many hours next to the airstrip waiting for planes

to crash, but they never did, although he did manage to get a few

flights!

He was also responsible for maintaining the water supply

from the hills. This precious resource was also needed by locals for

their paddy fields so he noticed that it was frequently diverted.

However, Claude’s problem-solving abilities came in handy. He

decided to split the stream in two so that all had enough water!

As a church goer, he enjoyed being part of the choir in St

John’s Cathedral, Hong Kong, and spent many happy times on

outings with the congregation, including exploring the island and

taking photos with his new camera.

He was impressed by the wonderful freshly picked bananas,

which he never tasted since, and his first Chinese meal.

Barbara’s younger brother, Victor, who is also much missed,

was very grateful to Claude for taking him to London to eat in one

of the first Chinese restaurants in this country. He appreciated

Claude’s kindness, even though he thought that his sister was not

best pleased sharing a date with her younger brother!

Although many of Claude’s articles talked about food, it was

surprising that he never gained weight during his life!

ACQUAINTED WITH BARBARA

On being demobilised, he was issued with his infamous

‘demob’ suit, which fitted him all his life. It was beige and

had a double-breasted jacket, which his mother, who was an

accomplished seamstress, adapted into a single-breasted jacket at

some point, presumably because of the changing fashions.

Claude was always very proud of his suit — maybe because

of his beautiful memories of Hong Kong — even though it was

made of quite coarse material.

Barbara hated it and tried to get rid of it on several occasions

but realised that he was never going to allow her to throw it out.

After returning from Hong Kong, Claude became a member

of Sainsbury Singers and it was there that he met his future wife,

Barbara. He was introduced to her by the choir director, who

happened to be Barbara’s father Roly, who told him to take

Barbara home and become acquainted. Eventually, they

married in St Peter’s Church, Earley in 1959, and went on to

have three children and shared their lives for over 62 years.

MEETING THE QUEEN

Claude continued his career in the construction

industry working as a trade foreman, site manager and

Clerk of Works for various local companies. He spent

much of his career working for Reading Borough Council

where his highlight was to introduce the late Queen to the

Technical Service Department, as it was then called, when

she opened the Civic Offices in Reading in 1978.

He told his family that meeting the Queen was by

accident and that it should have been his boss who was

introduced to her. Years later, this boss revealed that his

colleagues had chosen Claude to represent them and meet

her. An honour that he had been too modest to disclose.

A LIFETIME OF FAITH

Claude had great faith and attended church regularly

throughout his life. As a boy, he sang in St Johns,

Caversham choir, and he joined the 22nd Reading Scout

group where he made lifelong friends.

The Rendezvous Lunch Club in The Ark, was often

where snippets of chat and memoirs would generate

another of his articles from conversations.

Barbara once recalled that, at one of these lunches,

he met with his best buddy from the Scouts, ‘Tojo’ (John

Rowe). She said: ‘They chatted and giggled loudly like two

naughty boys all the way through lunch without any regard for

her or others around them. They were completely immersed in

their childhood fondness for each other!’

His articles for The Parish Magazine often triggered

others to contact him with similar, and, more often, shared

memories.

Turn to page 13


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Continued from page 11

With Barbara, he attended St Bartholomew’s Church

Reading, where he took on many jobs and happily gave his

time escorting older church members to and from services

and social events, and on trips away. On a couple of occasions

it was abroad. In one of his articles, he recalled a favourite

holiday was taking the older congregation of St Bartholomew’s

and St Luke’s to a retreat at Rydal in the Lake District. He and

Barbara made a pre-visit to check the best outings, locations

and facilities for elderly people.

While Barbara went by train with most of them, Claude

drove a particularly elderly lady his car so that she could

attend. Because of her age, they couldn’t get insurance but they

never told her and looked after her especially carefully!

He was churchwarden of St Bartholomew's for many years,

chair of the Scout troop, Cub leader, and general handy man.

He also oversaw and advised building projects for a number of

local churches — all this in his spare time.

Claude gave his time and talents willingly to God, quietly

and without fuss and was a fine example of a steadfast,

faithful man to his family.

When he was not helping others, he and his family, had

many happy memories of Church Choir caravanning holidays

from which lifetime friendships were formed. Such memories

included supervising the parents as they shared each other’s

home brew, which would have stood in the airing cupboard

in demijohns and beer kegs for several weeks beforehand,

causing disruption to wash days and storage issues for

Barbara. Claude always seemed to be in trouble!.

The family moved from Tilehurst, where Claude had

enjoyed watching the new build house grow and develop

into a home, to Woodley and later Earley, where there as an

enormous garden.

APPLE CRICKET

He wrote about wonderful memories of hot, late summer

afternoons playing ‘apple cricket’ when he got soaked with

apple juice from the many windfalls in the orchard. Having

checked the neighbour’s washing did not lie within reach of a

silly mid-off fielder, Claude and the boys would then gather all

the rotten windfalls and take turns smashing them for six.

Claude and Barbara proudly show their 60th Wedding Anniversary card from

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II


On one occasion, it was Claude’s turn to bat and,

unbeknown to him, the apple was replaced with a tennis ball

that he had managed to hit with the precision and power of

Geoffrey Boycott as he sent the ball about three gardens down

the road, leaving his family all laughing out loud. He, on the

other hand, was embarrassed and somewhat annoyed at the

inconvenience of having to ask for his ball back!

Claude loved DIY, building kitchens, decorating and

landscaping for his children when they were setting up

home. He also loved his garden and every year, along with

the wonderful aroma of many roses, he would fill his whole

greenhouse with ‘sun gold’ tomatoes.

He provided water to the greenhouse using another of

his DIY contraptions, which included running a micro-bore

plumbing system from the mains water and supplementing

it with water collected from the house roof using a very

complicated mixture of gutters, water pipes and electricity!

The result provided the family with a bountiful and regular

supply of superb sweet tomatoes throughout the summer.

He always had clever solutions to problems that nobody

knew existed! Nothing was too much trouble.

Cars, however, were not repaired. Although handy at DIY,

he was not a mechanic or the best of drivers. How he never

managed to accumulate any points on his license baffled us all!

In later life, the habit of bad driving continued with his

mobility scooter. He shot off into the distance with none of us

being able to keep up. On more than one occasion he had to be

rescued from a bush or pushed home having failed to negotiate

a dropped kerb!

Granddaughters were an immense pride, with all of

them being talented musicians, he was never short of

a recital or concert. He had a particular fondness for

classical music.

His last magazine article was about his favourite

musical ‘My Fair Lady’, which he enjoyed at Sonning Mill

in January. He listened to the music on the way there and

joined in singing wholeheartedly. Even in his final hours,

he enjoyed tapping his feet to one of his granddaughter’s most

recent bassoon recordings.

CHERISHED MEMORIES

When Barbara and Claude ‘found’ St Andrews, they felt

at home. They both loved music and, in later years, Claude

Turn to page 15



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Non Members Welcome

Delicious fo od and excellent service makes Sonning Golf Club the

perfect place to bring family and friends.

Enjoy a Bar Meal on our beautiful Terrace overlooking the Golf Course

or join us for Sunday Lunch.

The Club Menu is available Monday - Saturday 09:30-16:00

Sunday Lunch bookings available between 12:00-14:00

To make a reservation or for more information contact the office on

0118 969 3332 office@sonninggc.co.uk

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PARISH NOTICEBOARD — 6

From page 13

would sit with his eyes closed and head

bowed, listening intently to the choir

and appreciating the music in Sunday

services and at Evensong.

He always enjoyed organ voluntaries,

while his 'Bertie' drivers patiently

waited for him to be ready. They both

loved the caring community and

friendship of St Andrew’s and retold

many tales of their friends in the

congregation to the family.

In hospital, just before he died he

asked if Reading were to be relegated

this season.

Happily, he heard some good

news and went on to recall that he

used to watch them play at Elm Park

as a boy.

He then recalled how as a boy,

he was smuggled into the ground

under the tunic of his father who was

playing the Tuba in the brass band at

half time.

We know he touched the lives

of many people and will leave a

big hole in our lives and we are

grateful to Bob for encouraging

him to share his recollections in

his articles; they will be cherished!

Phil Mason's flies

Night fly

FOR YOUR

PRAYERS IN

JULY AND

AUGUST


— Safe travel for all holiday makers

— All those unable to take holidays

because of illness or that of loved ones

— The Thames Hospice

— Members of St Georges Church Baghdad

Companionship

Meal Preparation

Shopping

Transportation

Appointments

Respite Care

Housekeeping

And much more…

Experience Home Care a Different Way

01628 302 132

www.seniorshelpingseniors.care

Non-medical support for those who need a little help

Summer © Fotomak | Dreamstime.com

Butter fly

We invite you to join us in the garden of

A property on the Old Bath Road, Sonning-on-Thames for a

Garden Tea Party

Sunday, 12 th July 2026 – 3.00pm to 5.30pm

£20 per person

Entrance by limited ticket only – reserved by payment in advance

Ticket purchase deadline: Sunday, 5 th July 2026

To request a ticket and arrange payment, please contact Sally Wilson

on mustangsallywilson41@gmail.com

or approach one of the FoStAC Trustees

Fly paper

FoStAC Registered Charity No: 1101944 – www.fostac.org

16 The Parish Magazine —July August 2026

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,

helpful,caring and always available for a chat.

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

www.abbeyfieldweyvalley.co.uk

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around the villages


Reflecting on the

wind and singing

something wicked

Sunday 5 July: 6.00 - 7.30pm, a

session for female voices led by

Charvil's Suzanne Newman to work

on a Disney medley including Part of

your world, Reflection and Colours of

the Wind. The £10 fee includes music.

The Sonning Art Group enjoyed a successful exhibition at the Sonning Scarecrow

Trail, offering a welcome refuge for many visitors escaping the heat. Meanwhile, at

the group's Chairman’s Cup competition, artists took on the theme of 'Wild Flower

Scene.' Pictures above are the two winners, Sue Sheppard and Chris Stainthorpe,

with their winning artwork. NB: The group's membership list is currently full.

Sonning Scarecrows

Barbara Carr writes: Well that's

it for another two years! What a

year ... so hot! Thank you to all

who participated whether making,

selling, creating, manning gardens

and car parks or supporting, without

you it just couldn’t happen. The full

results of the people's favourite and

the amount raised will be published

in the next issue. Meanwhile, if you

have any suggestions of ways the

money can benefit the village, please

email: Barbara.carr71@hotmail.co.uk

Charvil Village Fete

Saturday 6 September, 2pm–6pm

East Park Farm Playing Fields, Charvil

Sonning Rounders

The annual Sonning Village

Rounders match will be on Friday

10 July at 5.45pm on King George's

Field.. The Cricket Club will have

drinks available in the pavilion bar,

and there will be a BBQ and a raffle..

Sonning Show

Saturday 12 September in the grounds

of Sonning C of E Primary School.

The Show schedules will be delivered

throughout the village during July.

New Hennerton

captains tee-off

The new captains’ terms of office at

Hennerton Golf Club in Wargrave

began with a presentation to the

Household Cavalry Foundation

which received a cheque for a

magnificent £11,172.

Former captains Carol McIntosh and

Lars Swann welcomed Neil Godson

from the charity who thanked the

captains and members for their

generosity.

Attention then turned to the

incoming captains (pictured right),

Brian Scott, Jill Thompson and Colin

Blackman, and for the ceremonial

drive from the 12th tee. All three

produced excellent drives to the

delight of the gathered crowd.

The Texas Scramble Competition

had a record number of participants

and was played in great spirit on

a course that has never looked or

played so well.

The winners claimed the top

The captains’ first event of the year

which was a great success. Their

chosen charity for 2026 – 2027

being ‘Launchpad’, and they looked

forward to raising another welcome

donation during the coming year.

Monday 20 July: A two week mini

course 8.00 to 9.30pm for female

voices will include a medley of songs

from the musical Wicked. The £20

fee includes music and are open to

anyone who loves singing.

To book places contact Suzanne

Newman on: 0118 934 0589 or

suzanneynewman@btinternet.com

Coffee, cake and

chat update . . .

Barbara Carr writes: We have been

running our Coffee, Cake and Chat

in Pearson Hall, Sonning on the

first Wednesday of the month from

10.30— 12 noon since October 2025,

with great success.

Excess funds have been donated:

— £150 to Young People with Dementia

— £150 to Alexander Devine

Children’s Hospice

Our excess from April, May and June

will be going to Age Concern Twyford.

Why not come along and support a

charity with a cup of coffee, a slice of cake

and a good chat!

Wine

Tasting Evening

19

September

7.30pm. Tickets £15 pp

@ Pearson Hall, Sonning

FoStAC welcome you to a wine

tasting evening, where an expert will

educate you on chosen wines with

some additional fun learning.

This will be a bring your own food &

additional drink event.

Raffle Prizes donated by local businesses

To book a place for this event please contact

Sally Wilson on 07876 899513 or

mustangsallywilson41@gmail.com


FEATURE — 1 Pam Glasspool, alias 'Squig', remembers a very special day in . . .

Sixty years ago, the summer of 66 was an exciting

time. From 30 July onwards England had been awash

with the celebrations of winning the World Cup and

everyone in Sonning, like the rest of the country,

enjoyed the August mix of sunshine and showers with

big smiles on their faces.

Frank and I had booked our wedding at St Andrew's

for 1 October when I returned from a week's Guide

Camp in Stogursey, Somerset — many years later I

discovered we had stayed on the same farm where

Sonning Guides camped with Miss Cooper in the

1930s!

It was a happy, boisterous camp and the guides

were in good spirits on the coach home, singing loudly

the new verses they had written to the old campfire

favourite, 'You'll never go to Heaven when Squig gets wed,

cos the Lord ain't got no double bed!'

This was followed by 'You'll never go to Heaven with

Squig and Frank, cos the Lord don't like no hanky pank'!

(And, yes Jenny Adams/Nichols , you were one of the

group of those lovely noisy girls)!

Throughout the rest of August Frank and I planned

our big day. The wedding list was agreed and the

invitations posted. My family was 10 times the number

of Frank's.

My Mum was one of 11 children and my Dad one of

nine. Many of my aunts and uncles had married in St

Andrew's Church, so they all had to be invited!

The Pearson Hall was booked for the reception,

with beer for the men, Babycham for the ladies,

and sherry for the toast. It was all ordered from the

Sonning Working Men’s Club.

THE HUNTS

June and Roly Hunt had just moved into the

Pearson Hall cottage with their children Barbie and

Bernard and were happy to make sure the trestle tables

and cloths would be set out nicely, and the hall’s big

old glass vases cleaned and filled with water ready for

bunches of garden-picked flowers for the tables.

Each Sunday we listened to the banns being read,

and sighed relief when only laughter came after our

much-loved vicar, Rev Robin Brutton, asked the

congregation if they were really sure no one had any

just cause to object!

The organ, choir and bell ringers were booked and

all very kindly agreed 'No charge for this village girl'.

Having been warned to request him to do so, Mr

Lusty agreed to play his beautiful own composition for

the entry of the bride.

It was very happy times and pretty well everything

was going to plan.

What could possibly go wrong?

No one knows who they were or where they came

from but on the darkest of nights, as August Bank

holiday approached, a couple of villains made their way

to the Church, intent on robbery.

Large cash collections each Sunday were simply

stored in a curtained-off side room that had been

previously watched. Easy pickings looked assured.

Meanwhile, bedding down on his holiday launch

moored near Sonning lock, a man noticed that his

black labrador dog was growing restless.

It was a dark, moonless night and, as the wind

grew ever stronger, the boat had started to rock badly,

he assumed the problem was with the dog.

THIEVES

The would-be thieves forced entry into the Church

by breaking through one of the Victorian stainedglass

windows on the south wall.

However, once inside they realised how dark the

inside of the building was. There were no nearby light

switches and they had not brought a torch.

With a box of small matches to light their way,

they managed to cross the width of the church to the

vestry at the North East end.

They quickly broke off some of the small decorated

panels of ancient woodwork that surrounded the

dusty old damask curtaining to allow them easy

access to the room on the other side.

Not realising that in doing so they created a small

pile of dry wood ideal for kindling a fire. As they

started to climb into the vestry they lit more matches

to help guide them.

FIRE!

It was then that disaster struck! In an instant the

old curtains and small pieces of broken woodwork

were engulfed in flames.

The thieves quickly abandoned their plans and

made a very hasty exit from whence they had come.

Within minutes the fire was through the roof and

high winds were whipping up the flames, spreading it

ever wider and quicker across the church.

But, it was after midnight and Sonning slept, no

one stirred!

On the river launch the labrador dog had now

started to growl and his owner decided to take him for

a quick walk to help him settle.

As they left the boat the dog ran straight along

the tow path and up the footpath to the Church.

As his owner came hurriedly behind him into the

churchyard, he was instantly aware of the smell of

burning and heard the loud crackling of wood even

before he saw the flames. Mobile phones did not exist

them and the stranger had no idea where a public

telephone was, so he banged and screamed at the first

door he came to.

The Vicar stuck his head out of the bedroom

window and heard the shout: 'The Church is Burning!

The 999 emergency alarm was raised and Roly Hunt

was out of the door in an instant before his wife, June,

could wish him 'God speed!'

Fire Station doors open and

clanging down onto Pound L

arrived.

A chalk message scribble

board simple read 'The Churc

picking up a couple of others

passed hurriedly on their wa

The scene they found mu

and heartbreaking. In an ins

and was sprayed on the targ

is a tall building with an intr

thought of the danger, Roly

the ladder leaning directly a

searing heat. With the hose

tiles off the roof with the oth

through the burning framew

the leaping flames.


Roly immediately had the

the engine with its siren

ane before the next chap

d on the station notice

h' and the two men set off,

on Thames Street as they

y.

st have been immense

tant the hose was set up

et, but St Andrew's Church

icate roof line.With no

was quickly at the top

cross the flames and the

in one hand, he ripped

er he aimed the hose

ork directly down onto

1905

1922

Suddenly, the wind dropped and the night air

calmed, maybe even the moon came out to help guide

the fire-fighting crew.

With absolutely no doubt, both Roly on the ladder

and June putting the kettle on at home were saying

their prayers for a safe and successful call-out.

As the flames began to drop the Vicar unlocked the

North door and Roly led his men inside, crossing over

giant roof beams smouldering on the floor to reach

the heart of the fire to finish their work and dampen

everything down.

The light of day showed significant fire damage

with even more parts of the roof in danger of collapse.

The entire building, with its ancient ornate walls

and ceilings was completely blackened with soot,

smothered in choking smoke, and running with hosepiped

water. But, thanks to the miracle of the labrador

and his owner who reacted; the Vicar who responded

to the cry for help from of a stranger in the night; the

speedy and heroic work of Roly and the crew of The

Sonning Volunteer Fire Brigade; the sudden change in

the weather and the drop in the wind, our beautiful

old church of St Andrew's Sonning had been saved.

The local newspaper headline later read 'Leading

Fireman and Leading Choirman, Mr Roly Hunt, knew the

building well and led his heroic men through the Church to

the heart of the blaze'.

THE BIG CLEAN UP

September saw scaffolding erected inside

and outside the church to support the old walls.

Tarpaulins covered the gaping holes in the roof, so

the villagers turned out to scrub, clean and polish the

pews, and wherever else they could.

Mr Lusty checked and, with a sigh of relief, gave the

organ a clean bill of health — despite everything it still

played well.

However, Rev Brutton decided the building was

not good enough to hold a wedding in. Indeed, there

was no vestry left in which to sign the register. He

spoke with the Vicar at St Peter’s Earley (Frank's parish

church) and made arrangements for our wedding to be

held there.

'Well, thank you but NO, I said firmly, 'that simply

wasn't going to happen. It was St Andrew's for us or

nothing!'

St Andrew's was where my parents were married,

my mother and grandparents buried and where I had

been baptised and confirmed, and that was where my

wedding would be held!

Robin crumbled. With that beautiful smile of his

that we all so loved he said 'We will manage as best we

can.'

Throughout September the big clean-up continued.

Sonning Guides quietly organised a guard of honour

for the wedding day and Frank, not so quietly,

organised his stag night with his Old Blues and Trends

Rock Band friends.

On the morning of 1 October, the Church was

decorated with lots of local harvest produce and

flowers.

At 2pm I arrived excitedly on the arm of my very

nervous Dad. Margaret had the guide flags flying and

the guard of honour smartly in place at the South door.

As we entered the Church it really didn't matter

that there was scaffolding everywhere, all the walls

and ceilings were blackened with soot and the smell of

smoke still hung dank in the air, because there was a

mass of flowers, runner beans, cabbages and potatoes,

along with our friends, family and most of the village

smiling to greet us!

If you have some memories of the Great Fire of

Sonning to share, contact the editor


FEATURE —2

Ian Clarke's Sonning Scho

I was sitting in church recently, waiting

for the service to begin, when memories

and visions from my school days 65

years ago in Sonning suddenly came

flooding back for absolutely no reason at

all! I thought there must be something

deeper to this so I decided to write them

down before the memories completely

faded away.

My earliest memory was from my time in

the infant school in Pearson Road, now it

has been rebuilt and is used as a private

house.

However, the most powerful memory

comes from the strong smell of the glue

we used for sticking activities such as

making Easter cards with Miss Wilkins.

The glue had a strong smell of almond

which I am sure I can smell today!

Miss Wilkins was a lovely teacher,

especially when she let us play with the

plasticine.

My favourite activity was making

plasticine railway tracks for my plasticine

railway engines. It must have been where

my love of trains started! I remember

Sonning School 65 years ago

Miss Wilkins being very tall, or was it

because I was much smaller then?

DINING

The building in Pearson Road

also served as a dining hall for both

Sonning Primary and Sonning Junior

schools. The smell of post-wartime

food often lingered throughout the

afternoon!

The junior school pupils from

Thames Street processed to lunch along

Thames Street and Pearson Road.

The food was often questionable and

not usually to our liking. I never knew

what sago was — and still don't, but it

always seemed to be on the menu!

I still have nightmares about the

powdered 'potato' we were frequently

punished with!

FAVOURITE

On progressing to junior school at

the age of 7 years. I moved to the school

building in Thames Street. Today it is

private house.

I started in Miss Puddick's class. She

was my favourite teacher — my reports

reflected that: 'Ian could be top of the class

if ...' she wrote!

Apparently a bit more effort was

needed — this was a theme that

frequently recurred in my school reports.

POOR

I think things went downhill when

I progressed to the upper juniors. Mr

Chapman, the headmaster, reported

more then once: 'Ian gives up too easily ...

and does not listen enough.'

The word 'poor' occurred not

infrequently in my reports — there's

nothing like encouragement! He even

spelt my name wrong in one report!

SLIPPERING

Ian Clarke and

Classes were smaller then because

there were not many young children in

Sonning at the time.

However, school was usually fun

despite some not so pleasant, events

such as the mass 'slippering' we received


ol lingering memories . . .

his brother piggy back racing

when I was falsely accused by some older

boys of putting grass down the toilets.

I took great satisfaction when my

mother stormed into the school to give

the headteacher a piece of her mind!

DELIGHT

The outside toilets were a delight,

especially on rainy days. Many pranks

occurred there, most of which can't be

mentioned here!

We did not have much play space,

and the playground was quite restricted,

although there was small field with a

stream at the bottom.

CONCERN

One incident, however, caused a great

deal of concern — and some amusement.

A lad called Wilkins got stuck in a gap

between two walls. He had tried to

retrieve a ball from between them.

Panic, and fascination among the

children set in, and to this day I am still

trying to remember how they got him

out!

Another 'incident' that involved a

wall was in Thames Street, near the mini

roundabout.

A group of us decided it would be a

good idea to chalk all over the wall. I'm

not sure what we wrote but we got into

much trouble when it was discovered.

We were forced to form a working

party to clean it. What were we

thinking?

SECRETS

We all sat at desks with a lift up lid

which hid a host of secrets, from graffiti

etchings and old chewing gum to secret

snacks.

During a parents evening one of my

teachers asked my mother if she would

like to see my desk.

He warned that it might be like a

bomb shell site inside. However, when it

was opened, it was immaculate! I always

took great pride in my desk, periodically

reorganising it. There was even a place

for my recorder, although I could never

get the hang of playing it, despite

regular music lessons. My teacher really

did not know me!

The vivid memories of the classroom

also include the stale smell of crates of

empty milk bottles in the afternoon, the

broken leaded light window from when

Christopher foolishly threw his shoe, the

blind stocking hanging on the wall from

which money mysteriously disappeared,

and the awful Friday spelling tests which

I dreaded.

EFFORT

Sonning School today

On more than one occasion I tried to

convince my mother I was not well, but,

as it was always on a Friday, she soon

guessed the reason why!

65 years later I am still wondering

where my class mates are today?

Would I recognise them?

What did they become?

Despite some of my school reports,

I did 'show more effort' and became a

teacher. The school buildings may have

changed, my classmates have grown up,

but my memories still linger on!



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the Reading road!

UPCOMING OPEN EVENTS

Sixth Form: Saturday 19 September

Whole College: Saturday 10 October

Individual visits, taster days and Headmaster’s

lunches also available

www.shiplake.org.uk/visit

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


AFOOT IN THE GARDEN

BOOK REVIEW

Start early in a heat wave

By Ray Puddefoot

I remember when I owned a nursery

starting work as early as 4 am

during heat waves.

It is such a special time of day on a

warm morning with a clear blue sky

and the early still peace.

The summer months are a time to

put the hard graft behind us and find

the time to enjoy the fruits of our

labours.

Keeping the garden in order is all

that’s really required.

The summer months are also a

wonderful time to gather ideas for

the future.

Local open gardens are the

perfect way find out which plants

should grow well in your area.

SUMMER TASKS

Water and regularly feed summer

pots.

If you are away for a few days

water then feed with liquid fertilizer

shortly afterwards and pots will stay

moist for longer.

Prune and feed shrubs that have

finished flowering in early summer

such as choisya, philadelphus,

weigelia and escallonia and

viburnums.

Lilac trees can also be cut

back by a third after flowering.

Climbers can be trimmed and

trained. Trim wisteria side shoots

back to four buds to promote later

flowers, but always remember to

keep a few vigorous, juvenile shoots

from the base.

Train and trim Japanese quince,

cut side shoots back to four buds to

encourage flowering.

Prune bush roses (HT and

floribundas) then feed and water.

Once flowering shrub roses and

rambling roses have finished they

can be pruned hard.

It is quite common in France and

Italy for rambling roses to be cut

down to 20 or 30cms after flowering.

Trim perennials that have finished

flowering and then feed and water

Sow hardy annuals and perennials

such as forget-me-not, aquilegia,

campanula, and foxglove.

© Svetlana Larina Dreamstime.com

Pilgrim Places, Holy Lives – a

Gospel Journey with the English

Saints Church of England,

CHP, £3.99

The greatest story ever told is of God

becoming human in Jesus Christ to

offer us a transforming relationship

with him.

This book 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.

Through eight places of spiritual

awakening and the saints associated

with them, Pilgrim Places offers 24

days of Bible readings, reflections,

questions and prayers on the ancient

practice of pilgrimage.

It takes you from Durham

to Canterbury, Lindisfarne to

Lastingham, and will help you reflect

on what it means to live as a pilgrim.

Each week focuses on two saints

who dedicated their lives to God and

shared the gospel with others: the

Venerable Bede of Durham; Bertha of

Canterbury; Cuthbert of Lindisfarne;

Cedd of Lastingham; Frideswide of

Oxford; Etheldreda of Ely; Alcuin of

York; and Hilda of Whitby.

The saints are not merely

remarkable people from the past,

but fellow travellers on the pilgrim

journey who can shape our identity,

our worship, and our witness to the

world today.

Contributors include Sarah

Mullally, Stephen Cottrell, Dee Dyas,

James Shelton, Sammi Tooze, Sally

Welch, Jenny Wright and Alexandra

Zhirnova.


THE ARTS

As Rev Michael Burgess continues to meditate in and

around church buildings he arrives at . . .

The church pulpit


HISTORY

Was it really...?

. . . 250 YEARS AGO on 4 July 1776 that the United States

Declaration of Independence was adopted.

. . . ALSO 250 YEARS from 12 July 1776 to 4 October 1780,

that British explorer Captain James Cook made his third

and final voyage. He travelled to New Zealand and Hawaii,

where he was killed by the local people.

. . . 2o0 YEARS AGO on 4 July 1826 that Stephen Foster,

the ‘Father of American Music’ was born. His songs

include Oh! Susanna, Camptown Races, and Swanee River.

. . . ALSO 2o0 YEARS AGO on 5 July 1826 that Sir

Stamford Raffles, Lieutenant-Governor of the Dutch East

Indies and later of Bencoolen (now in Sumatra) died. He

was the founder of modern Singapore.

. . . 175 YEARS AGO on 3 July 1851 that Charles

Bannerman, British-born Australian cricketer, was born.

He scored the first run in Test cricket, and also scored the

first century in Test cricket.

Parish Pump

It is a steep climb of 199 steps that leads visitors in

Whitby from the streets below to the church of St Mary’s

that stands near the ruined abbey.

Having negotiated the climb, you enter the church and

and greeted by a glorious array of Georgian furnishings:

box pews and a triple decker pulpit with candlesticks and

cushions.

The clerk would sit at the bottom level to give out the

notices, the parson would lead the service in the middle,

and then he would ascend to the third level to expound

the Word of God.

George Herbert says that for the country parson the

pulpit should be ‘his joy and his throne.’

Sydney Smith had a different slant when he wrote on

going into the pulpit of All Saints Church in Foston in

1806: ‘When I began to thump the pulpit cushion on my first

coming to Foston, the accumulated dust of 150 years made such

a cloud that for some minutes I lost sight of the congregation.’

Not so at Whitby where the church is cared for and

well loved. Today preachers often remain at ground level

where it is better to interact with their congregations,

but at St Mary’s Church Whitby the pulpit is a sign of

the importance of teaching the Word: not because the

preacher stands eight feet above contradiction but to

allow people to see and hear.

The word ‘pulpit’ means a platform or raised area to

address the gathered family of God. As we look on from

the pews, it stands often on our left. But God looks at us

from the east end of the church and the pulpit stands at

his right hand. This is a sign that the sermon can be the

divinely inspired message of prophet and teacher, and so

become living and active in the minds and hearts of its

hearers.

. . . ALSO 175 YEARS AGO on 24 July 1851 that the

Window Tax was abolished in England and Wales. It had

been introduced in 1696 and was based on the number of

windows in a house.

. . . 125 YEARS AGO on 9 July 1901 that Dame Barbara

Cartland, romantic novelist, was born. She wrote 723 and

sold more than one billion copies of her books.

. . . 100 YEARS AGO on 15 July 1926 that Leopoldo

Galtieri was born. He ordered Argentina’s invasion of the

Falkland Islands.

. . . 90 YEARS AGO on 24 July 1936 that the speaking

clock telephone service was launched in the UK.

. . . 80 YEARS AGO on 22 July 1946 that the King David

Hotel in Jerusalem was attacked by Irgun, a militant

right-wing Zionist group. The hotel housed the British

administrative headquarters for Palestine. 91 people died.

. . . 75 YEARS AGO 13 July 1951 that Arnold Schoenberg,

the Austrian-born American Jewish composer died.

Although one of the most influential composers of the

20th Century, the Nazis considered his music degenerate.

. . . 60 YEARS AGO on 30 July in the 1966 FIFA World Cup

final that England beat Germany 4 – 2.

. . . 50 YEARS AGO on 20 July 1976 that NASA’s Viking 1

lander successfully landed on Mars, and sent back the first

photographs from the surface of Mars.

. . . 10 YEARS AGO on 13 July 2016 that Theresa May

became Prime Minister following the UK’s referendum on

leaving the European Union.


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FASHIon BY HARRIET NELSON

Why 'Trunks across the Thames' means so much to me

Elephants on the cat walk!

As a member of the Thames Hospice marketing team,

I have the privilege of being closely involved with our

new campaign, 'Trunks across the Thames'. from the

beginning.

Watching this amazing project grow from an idea into a

major community event has been incredibly rewarding,

and I am excited to finally see it come to life this July.

From 13 July to 13 September, Windsor and Slough will

be transformed by a spectacular public art trail featuring

30 beautifully decorated elephant sculptures, and

about another 60 smaller elephants created by schools,

community groups, businesses and local organisations.

While the trail promises fun, creativity and

exploration, it also has a much deeper purpose: raising

awareness of hospice care and encouraging conversations

about grief, loss, compassion and support.

HOPE

At the heart of the trail is 'Hope', the mother of the

elephants. She is the symbol of the project, and represents

empathy, connection and resilience. Hope reflects the

values that sit at the centre of Thames Hospice’s work

every day. Visitors following the trail will discover a

collection of unique sculptures, each designed by talented

artists and inspired by the people, places and stories that

make our community special.

Adding more excitement to the trail is the involvement

of the much-loved television presenter and local resident

Alex Jones. She has lent her voice to The Tale of Hope, a

story that follows Hope on her journey through Windsor

and Slough as she discovers the people and places that

shape our community.

The story will be available for visitors to listen to

throughout the trail, bringing Hope’s adventure to

life while helping families engage with the themes of

connection, kindness and community spirit. One of the

most inspiring aspects of Trunks

across the Thames has been the

involvement of schools and

community groups. About 60

mini elephants are being

created by more than 50

organisations, including

schools, colleges, care

homes and community

clubs. Art students from

Reading College and

u University Centre also decorated

one of the elephants. Their elephant

was inspired by Dinton Pastures

Country Park.


Through the trail learning programme, young people have

been encouraged to explore themes of remembrance, well

being and empathy, helping to open conversations that

can sometimes feel difficult to start.

The project has also attracted an impressive range of

artists and supporters. Internationally acclaimed artist

and author Charlie Mackesy, whose work has reached

millions through The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,

has designed one of the sculptures.

Other local artists have created elephants inspired by

the area’s heritage, landmarks and stories, ensuring every

sculpture offers something unique for visitors to discover.

For many people involved, the trail is deeply personal.

Throughout the planning process, I have heard stories

from families whose lives have been touched by Thames

Hospice. Those experiences have shaped the spirit of

the project and serve as a powerful reminder of why

hospice care matters. Every sponsor, volunteer, artist and

participant is helping to ensure that more local families

can access the specialist care and support they need when

it matters most.

One particularly moving feature of the trail is Daisy,

our Memory Elephant. Members of the public can dedicate

the name of a loved one to Daisy, creating a lasting

tribute that will remain at Thames Hospice after the

trail concludes. It offers a meaningful way to celebrate

cherished memories while supporting hospice care for

future generations.

VITAL ROLE

What excites me most is the way Trunks across the

Thames brings people together. Families will spend the

summer exploring the trail, friends will discover new

corners of Windsor and Slough, and communities will

unite around a shared experience.

Along the way, visitors will not only enjoy remarkable

artwork but also gain a greater understanding of the vital

role Thames Hospice plays across our region.

Having been so close to this project, I can honestly say

that 'Trunks across the Thames' represents everything

that makes our community special. It is creative,

compassionate, inclusive and inspiring.

Most importantly, it demonstrates what can happen

when people come together to support a cause that

touches all our lives.

This summer, I encourage everyone to follow the herd,

discover the stories behind the sculptures and become

part of something truly extraordinary.

More from Thames Hospices' latest Moments Magazine

https://www.thameshospice.org.uk/supporter-magazine/

https://trunksacrossthethames.co.uk/

DAISY


HEALTH BY ANNE ELGETI

Keeping safe this summer — a l

The Blue Lagoon, an exotic Mediterranean Sea coast in Comino Island, Malta

PROTECTING YOURSELF IN THE SUN

Summer often means more time outdoors, travel, beach visits

and eating outside. It is one of the best parts of the year, but it

does come with a few familiar summer health problems, so it

helps to know what to look out for and where to turn if needed.

Sun exposure can catch anyone out, even on cloudy days.

Whatever your skin tone, SPF 30 or higher, reapplying

regularly, and a bit of shade in the middle of the day can all

help, along with keeping fluids up in hot weather.

Sunburn can make you feel unwell, especially in children, so

it is best taken seriously.

HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEATSTROKE

Hot weather can also lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and,

in more serious cases, heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion can show up as dizziness, headache, nausea,

heavy sweating, cramps or marked thirst. If that happens,

cooling down, moving somewhere shaded and drinking fluids

usually helps.

It is much better dealt with early than after someone has

insisted they are absolutely fine for far too long.

Loose, light clothing and a bit of extra care in hot weather

can make a difference, particularly for children, older people

and anyone with a long-term health condition.

If someone has a very high temperature, confusion, hot skin

without sweating, or does not improve after cooling down, this

could be heatstroke and needs urgent medical help.

TRAVELLING WELL

When travelling, it usually helps to have regular medicines,

water, sun cream and a few basic first aid items to hand,

particularly if you are likely to be out in the heat for long

periods.

It is never the most exciting part of a trip, but it is usually the bit

you are glad you sorted.

INSECT BITES, STINGS, COASTAL HAZARDS

Most insect bites, stings and coastal hazards are minor,

although they can be painful.

For insect bites and stings, washing the area, removing a

sting if it is still there, and using a cold compress can help.

For jellyfish stings or injuries from spiny marine life,

NHS advice is to rinse with seawater rather than fresh

water, remove any visible tentacles or spines carefully using

tweezers or the edge of a bank card, and soak the area in very

warm water for at least 30 minutes if you can.

Despite what films and folklore may suggest, urine is not

part of the first aid kit.

At the beach, water shoes or sandals can be useful in

shallow water, especially where weever fish or other spiny

marine life may be present. They may not be glamorous, but

they can save a lot of hopping about later.

PROBLEM - WHAT TO DO

Insect bites and stings

Wash with soap and water, remove the sting if it is still

there, use a cold compress for at least 10 minutes, and avoid

scratching.

A pharmacist can advise on pain relief or antihistamines if

needed.

Get urgent advice if symptoms are getting worse, the sting is

in the mouth or throat or near the eyes, you have tummy pain,

are being sick, feel dizzy or have a high temperature.

Call 999 if there are signs of a serious allergic reaction, such

as difficulty breathing or collapse.

Jellyfish stings

Rinse with seawater, not fresh water, remove any visible

tentacles carefully using tweezers or the edge of a bank card,

soak the area in very warm water for at least 30 minutes,

and take painkillers if needed. Do not use ice, a cold pack or

urine.


ittle planning can go a long way

© Repazz, Dreamstime.com

Seek urgent help if severe pain is not going away, the sting

is on the mouth or throat or near the eyes, or the person feels

unwell.

Call 999 for difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe swelling,

vomiting, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.

Sea urchin spines

Rinse with seawater, remove any visible spines carefully using

tweezers or the edge of a bank card, and soak the area in very

warm water for at least 30 minutes if possible.

Do not handle spines with bare hands.

Get help if severe pain is not settling, spines are deep, the

wound is not improving, or you develop a high temperature.

Call 999 if there is difficulty breathing, severe swelling,

vomiting, lightheadedness or collapse.

Weever fish stings

These fish can hide in sand in shallow water and cause a very

painful sting.

Rinse with seawater if needed and soak the area in very

warm water for at least 30 minutes.

Waterproof shoes or sandals can help reduce the risk.

Seek urgent help if severe pain continues or you feel unwell.

Call 999 if there is difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe

swelling, vomiting, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.

If you are unsure what to do, NHS 111 can help. Call 999

straight away for difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe

swelling, collapse or loss of consciousness.

FOOD SAFETY IN WARM WEATHER

Warm weather and outdoor eating can make food poisoning

more likely, especially at picnics and barbecues.

The main things to do are keeping raw and cooked foods

separate, keeping chilled food cold, and making sure meat is

cooked through.

No one wants their barbecue remembered for the wrong

reasons. If you are using a food thermometer, this quick guide

can help with meat.

Burgers: 75°C in the centre, piping hot throughout, no pink

meat, juices run clear.

Chicken: 75°C in the thickest part, piping hot

throughout, no pink meat, juices run clear.

Beef: Steaks can be served to preference if well seared;

minced beef should reach 75°C. Whole cuts can be pink

in the middle if properly seared, but burgers and minced

beef should be fully cooked.

Pork: 75°C in the centre. Piping hot throughout, no pink

meat, juices run clear.

Sausages: 75°C in the centre. Piping hot throughout, no

pink meat inside.

The above is based on Food Standards Agency advice on

cooking high-risk foods until they are piping hot throughout.

If food has been out in warm conditions for a while, or a

cool box no longer seems to be keeping things properly

cold, it is usually safer not to risk it. Once ice packs have

thawed and food no longer feels chilled, there is not

much to be gained from guessing. If it feels like a gamble,

it probably is!

FOOD POISONING

If food poisoning happens, it often settles within a few

days. Fluids matter most. If you are losing fluid through

diarrhoea or vomiting, a pharmacist can advise on oral

rehydration solutions to help replace the sugar, salts and

minerals your body has lost.

Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, you cannot

keep fluids down, there is blood in the diarrhoea, or

things are not improving.

GETTING HELP WHILE AWAY IN ENGLAND

A pharmacy is often the quickest place to start for minor

problems. If you need more advice, NHS 111 online or by

phone can help you to the right service. For serious or

life-threatening problems, 999 is the right route.

A little planning goes a long way and cleaves more time for

enjoying summer. Wishing you all happy safe travels!



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PUZZLE PAGE

RALPH'S 'USA STATES' VERSE SEARCH

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Ralph's grid this month has 27 names of USA states

that begin with the letters of: A, C, G, 3I, 2K. L, 6M,

2N, 2O, P, S, 2T, U, 2V, and W.

The unused letters will spell out an appropriate

relevant Biblical verse. Can you also find the verse?

ALPHA ROMEO

BENTLEY

CADILLAC

CHEVROLET

CITROeN

DAIMLER

FERRARI

ANSWERS FOR RALPH'S JUNE

'VEHICLES' VERSE SEARCH

SUDOKU

HOBBY HORSE

HYUNDAI

JAGUAR

LADA

LAMBRETTA

NISSAN

RELIANT

LAMBORGHINI

ROLLS ROYCE

ROVER

SKODA

VAUXHALL

VESPA

VOLKSWAGEN

YAMAHA

Unused letters spelt out a verse from Exodus 14:25

AND HE TOOK OFF THEIR CHARIOT WHEELS SO

THAT THEY DROVE THEM WITHOUT DIFFICULTY

June Bible

Crossword

Solution

ACROSS

1 Proverbs describes her as being ‘of noble

character’ (Proverbs 31:10) (4)

3 Shall we go up again — — against the

Benjamites, our brothers?’

(Judges 20:23) (2,6)

8 A descendant of Shem (Genesis 10:28) (4)

9 Anyone who does not carry his cross and

follow me cannot be my — (Luke 14:27) (8)

11 Resentment (Ephesians 4:31)(10)

14 In Cain (anagram) (6)

15 ‘Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to —’ (Psalm 139:6) (6)

17 Intense (1 Thessalonians 4:5)(10)

20 Third Order of the Roman Catholic

Church (8)

21 ‘At midnight the cry rang out, “Here’s the

bridegroom! Come out to — him”’

(Matthew 25:6) (4)

22 ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my

power is made perfect in — ’

(2 Corinthians 12:9) (8)

23 ‘As the — pants for streams of water, so

my soul pants for you, O God'

(Psalm 42:1) (4)

DOWN

1 Nickname of popular First

World War chaplain, Rev G A

Studdert Kennedy, — Willie (8)

2 Occasion of religious joy

(Lamentations 2:22) (5,3)

4 ‘We three kings of — are’ (6)

5 Allegation or charge (Jude 9) (10)

6 Kind (1 Chronicles 12:33) (4)

7 ‘Open your — and look at the

fields!’ (John 4:35) (4)

10 Also known as the Feast of

Lights (John10:22) (10)

12 Area that saw the healing of

two demon - possessed men

and a herd of pigs stampeding

to their deaths

(Matthew 8:28) (8)

13 Forebear (James2:21) (8)

16 Name to the first two books of

the Apocrypha (6)

18 Esau sold his birthright for this

(Genesis25:34)( 4)

19 Rear(anagram) (4)

JULY MAZE



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CHILDREN'S PAGE


34 The Parish Magazine — July August 2026 Please mention The Parish Magazine when replying to advertisements

information — 2

Parish contacts Advertisers' index

Abbeyfield Care 16

Ministry Team

— The Vicar: Rev Jamie Taylor

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

childrenswork@sonningparish.org.uk / 0118 969 3298

— Pastoral Assistant/Verger: Richard Hogg,

0118 969 3298

Churchwarden

— Ruth Jeffery, churchwarden@sonningparish.org.uk

0797 101 8730

Deputy Churchwarden

— 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

— Eleanor Astrup safeguarding@sonningparish.org.uk

0118 969 3298

Sonning Bell Ringers

— Tower Captain: Pam Elliston

ellistonpam1@hotmail.com / 0792 904 7617

— Deputy Tower Captain: Claire Shuttleworth

c_shuttleworth@hotmail.co.uk

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

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The Parish Magazine

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

July August 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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