Xn October 14

EXCELLENT NEWS

OCTOBER 2014

ISSN 2049-4971

REading, WOkingham & SURROUnding aREaS

ExClUSivE inTERviEW

PlUS: Black History Month | Reading International Festival

xn’S hOnOUR Nomination joy for your favourite local magazine

in ThE ROUnd Behind the scenes of Berkshire’s new theatre

825 nOT OUT! Blooming marvellous way to celebrate a big birthday

gRin & BEaR iT How your teddy can transform lives in Asia

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Funeral directors a.B. Walker & Son are at the heart of their local community. in a new series, they ask key people within our community about their lives and their beliefs

‘This is the sort of role where you meet remarkable people,” says the Revd Judy Davies, the

chaplain at Duchess of Kent hospice in Reading.

The hospice provides specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

“The courage with which people face the end of their life never ceases to strike me, and also the amazing grace and generosity they have in being very open with someone like me, who is a stranger to them,” she says.

There are people that Judy will always remember. There are those who have young children, the elderly looking back over their lives.

“You keep them in your heart and mind,” she says.

Judy, a Methodist minister, has been in health care chaplaincy for 20 years, most of those in palliative care, and has been in a full-time role at the hospice for the last three years.

“it’s a job that i enjoy otherwise i wouldn’t have felt able to do it for

Judy Davies regularly faces courageous people as they near the end of their lives and is inspired by their amazing grace

From the heart: Judy Davies

‘Their courage never ceases to strike me’

such a long time,” she says. “There are some good times and

some laughs as well as sadness. “it’s very rewarding. “When someone has a life

limiting illness it often raises a lot of questions in their minds. Mine is a listening role and a supportive role at a significant time in their lives.’

People can come to Duchess of Kent hospice at different stages of their illness – it’s not just about end of life care. And they may want to talk to a chaplain about a whole range of things: how their relatives are managing, or a family event they want to attend; some who have a

religious faith want to feel at peace with God.

“Of course there are times when it gets to you,” says Judy. “i think there would be something wrong if you were always so in control that things didn’t get to you.

“There will be times when things are sad or upsetting.”

she copes by having a strong support network.

This includes monthly supervision sessions with an Anglican priest who works as a chaplain in a children’s hospice.

“I can reflect on my work, the things that have been good and the

things that have been difficult,” Judy says.

she also has supportive colleagues at the hospice and Methodist colleagues who are there for her too. When she needs to relax she goes for a long walk, reads a book or listens to music.

“My Christian faith is at the heart of what i do,” she says. “it’s at the heart of my calling to be a minister and i believe God led me to do this work.

“i will talk about things of faith with people who want to do that and sometimes sharing holy Communion or having somebody to pray with them is tremendously important.

“But sometimes people don’t want to talk about God or religion at all and then your faith is something that you’re doing rather than speaking about.

“i think it is possible to show the love of God in all sorts of different ways and it isn’t always about words.”

At a training event recently she was asked to find a verse or a passage from the Bible which expressed how she felt about her work.

she chose the words of Jesus from John’s Gospel:

“This is my command: that you love one another, as i have loved you.”

“That’s what underlies it all for me,” she says. “it comes back to love.”

This month

Get IN TOuCH! email stories to [email protected] Deadline for Nov issue Friday, October 17

What a few weeks it’s been. martha mania meant that our September issue of Xn ‘sold out’. apologies if you missed

it – but we love being popular.We’re delighted to announce we’ve been

shortlisted for a national award. Find out more on page 11. By the time you read this we’ll also know if we’re a finalist – it’s a huge honour to get this far.

Last month saw the Scottish Referendum and the General Election is now just months away. In the run-up we will be featuring more political stories.

Xn values its independence and I want to reassure you that we will not endorse one party over another, nor tell you how to vote.

But we do love hearing your views so do get in touch by email or writing a message on our Facebook page. Enjoy your October.

This is your magazineContact us with your stories, email [email protected] to Xn Media, Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS. We look forward to hearing from you!

To advertise:Richard McCoull 0118 328 3108 [email protected] is published by xn media. iSSn 2049-4971c/o Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LSwww.xnmedia.co.uk Twitter: @xnmediaEditor & publisher Phil Creighton [email protected]

Journalist Vivienne Johnson [email protected]

Photography Lynda Bowyer [email protected]

Website Peter Bowyer [email protected]

distribution Judith Creighton [email protected]

Contributors Michael Penny, Steve Prince, James Hern, Martin Ceaser, Chris Carter, Alan Stubbs, David Atkinson, Steve Curtis, Jane Clark

Thanks to Alan Magness, Louise Cole, Mary Brockington, Andrew Taylor, Steve Curtis, Catherine Moor, Barry Kirk, Jeremy Sharpe, Sharon Elliott, Rob Gardiner, Brian Morris, David Shaw, Tony PretloveCover picture Lynda BowyerPrinted by PolestarXn is an independent publication that aims to reflect community and Church life without bias.

The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will, however, investigate any written complaints.

© Xn Media Ltd, 2014

Bears 9happy days 15Coffee 30

Phil Creighton

From the editor Contents 4 The main Event 6 Excellent news 15 interview Meet the new

head of The Abbey School 17 Reading international

Festival 18 Black history month 20 Classified 22 Recruitment 22 Readers’ letters 23 Family circle24 Sport 26 What’s on Two pages

of community events28 Puzzles29 Free time Our brilliant

new leisure guide

Signing 33

Trains 6

Walking 14

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THE mAIN EvENT4 October 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

WORdS & PiCTURES: lYnda BOWYER

The peWS, windows, altar and font brought forth an explosion of colour recently as St michael’s Church, tilehurst, held a very special Flower Festival.

This year celebrates 825 years of worship at St Michael’s on New Lane Hill, Tilehurst, and ladies from many churches and flower clubs across the area joined together to create the many magnificent floral displays for the three-day event, held over the last weekend of September.

It launched with a Floral Concert, held at the church on the evening of Friday, September 26.

Music by Strauss, Faure and Britten was performed, along with Erica Eloff’s superb soprano voice accompanied by Jo Miller-Shepherd on piano.

The church was then opened over the weekend for visitors to come and look at the floral displays on show. Drinks, light refreshments and afternoon teas were also available across the weekend.

On the Sunday morning, a special service was held where the Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Venerable Olivia Graham, was the guest preacher.

There has been a church dedicated to St Michael on its Tilehurst site since 1189 – around 70 years after Reading Abbey was founded.

The monks of Reading Abbey served at St Michael’s Church until the Dissolution. The oldest part of the present church is the south aisle, now called the Lady Chapel, which was built around 1300. In 1542, the parish was transferred from the Diocese of Salisbury to the Diocese of Oxford.v To find out more about St Michael’s Church, visit its website at www.stmichaeltilehurst.org.uk.

825 years celebrated withfloWer

THE mAIN EvENT 5To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | October 2014

The ladies of St Michael’s Church, Tilehurst, who

have organised this year’s Flower Festival.

music, flowers & friendshippoWer

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v New course for engaged couplesREADING – Are you engaged, getting married, thinking of getting engaged or married, or recently married?

if so, then a new Marriage Preparation course running this month could be right up your aisle.

Run by Wycliffe Baptist Church over five Saturday mornings, the course aims to help build strong foundations for every marriage.

it will run at the Reading church from October 11. There will be a small charge for materials and refreshments served. v For more details, email [email protected].

v Help for parentsHENLEY – PARENTs looking for help and support are invited to take part in a new six-week course.

Family Time is held at Christ Church Centre in Reading Road on Tuesdays from 1pm. it costs £10. The first session was held on Tuesday, september 30. v For more details, call Debbie on 01491 577733.

v Look out for the big bang! LOWER EARLEY – November will start with a big bang, thanks to the Woodley and Earley Lions.

They will be holding a firework event at Laurel Park, off Rushey Way, on saturday, November 1.

The theme is the centenary of the First World War and includes a laser and light show at 7pm before a traditional firework display, which will be choreographed to music.

Gates open at 6pm. Tickets cost £7, £5 for under 14s

and infants are free. v For more details, visit www.lionsofwoodleyandearley.org.uk

v War memoriesSONNING – sonning Parish Council has organised an evening of food, music, poems and stories to mark the First World War.

There will also be a memorabilia display and a raffle in aid of Help For heroes.

it will be held in Pearson hall on saturday, October 4 from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12. For details, call sue Doyle on 0118 969 3506.

v CorrectionsWe strive for accuracy, but occasionally mistakes are made.

if you spot an error please let the editor know by emailing [email protected].

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BY Phil CREighTOn

a neW campaign to get people talking about organ donation has been launched by the Women’s Institute.

Time To Talk About Organ Donation aims to ease the burden on grieving families while also improving the number of transplants made to help save lives.

At its annual meeting in June, the National Federation of Womens’ Institutes passed a mandate to launch the campaign with an impressive 98% majority.

The Resolution passed stated: “The NFWI notes that three people die every day whilst waiting for an organ transplant. We call on every member of the WI to make their wishes regarding organ donation known, and to encourage their families and friends, and members of their local communities to do likewise.”

The WI’s campaign encourages members to have a think about donation, make a decision and then talk about it to someone close to them. Time to Talk About Organ Donation helps families to have a clear idea about what their deceased loved-one wanted, making it so much easier for them to fulfil their wishes.

A spokesperson for the WI said: “If we can get more people talking about donation, and having their decisions known and respected by their loved ones, we can increase the chances of a transplant being possible for those 7,000 people still on the waiting list.

“One donor can transform the lives of nine different people.”v For more details or to join the campaign visit www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/current-campaigns-and-initiatives/time-to-talk

WI say it’s good to talk organs

A pOLITICIAN turned railway enthusiast is chuff chuff chuffed to receive an invitation to travel on the First Great Western railway to Reading.

Michael portillo, the former Mp turned broadcaster, will be the special guest at the Berkshire Federation of Womens’ Institutes annual gathering which will be held on Thursday, October 16.

The WI have asked him to address their meeting at The Hexagon on the subject of All

Stations From Westminster. A spokesperson for the

Berkshire Federation of Womens’ Institutes said: “It should be a fascinating morning and there will be an opportunity to ask him questions after his talk.”v Tickets for the event cost £20. To order, call 0118 933 3448 or write to WI House, The Street, Mortimer Common, RG7 3RD. If any tickets are left, they will be available on the door for £22. v For more details log on to the WI’s website, www.thewi.org.uk.

v Michael is in training for the WI’s meetingMichael Portillo will be talking trains to the Berkshire Federation of WIs

NEWS 7To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | October 2014

BY lYnda BOWYER

a BIrthDaY present was revealed at a party to celebrate a service that supports young people.

Starting point marked its second anniversary with a reception at the Civic Centre on Wednesday, September 24, revealing it had helped one of its clients get back into work.

The programme was set up in 2012 and is part of the range of local engagement initiatives driven by the Mustard Tree Foundation.

It mentors young people to engage with opportunities in education, employment and training.

With the support of local businesses, Starting point also provides entry-level work placements.

Manager of Starting point, Rachel Green said: “Since September 2012 we have worked with 52 clients.

“One of our clients who has been working with us for a year and a half has this morning informed

v Open the window LOWER EARLEY – A workshop focusing on supporting young people and families across Wokingham Borough will take place next month.

The workshop follows on from last year’s Windows of Opportunity Conference and is organised by Faith in The Community.

Adam Dyer, leader of Yeovil Community Church, will be a workshop leader.

Jeremy sharpe, community development advisor for Faith in the Community, said: “We had strong interest from attendees at last year’s Windows of Opportunity Conference in becoming more involved with working with young people and families across Wokingham Borough.”

This event is free and lunch is provided. it takes place on Tuesday, November 25, from 10.30am to 2pm at Lower Earley Baptist Church. v For more information, contact Sharon Elliott at Faith in the Community: [email protected] or call 07843 091950.

us that he has now obtained employment at Waitrose, so we congratulate him on his success.”

Alok Sharma, Mp for Reading West said: “We have a vibrant employment market here in Reading, though it is a fact that we do have around 160 young people in the Reading West area aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training. Taking into consideration that Starting point has helped over 50 in two years, it is a phenomenal success.”

Sean Green, Senior pastor for

Reading Family Church added: “To hear this evening that we have helped so many people in such a positive way, and now seeing members of the community, businesses and authorities realising the valuable contribution that we are making to life here in Reading it’s fantastic.”v For more, visit www.startingpointreading.co.uk.

v For a longer version of this story and more pictures, log on to http://goo.gl/jGJXA7

Scott Taylor, Lorraine Briffitt, Alok Sharma MP, Rachel Green and Sean Green celebrate the second birthday of Starting Point Reading Picture: Lynda Bowyer

Birthday joy for Starting Point


BY Phil CREighTOn

a CharItY that takes a stand against sexual exploitation has done just that after taking part in a Stand Up to Sexual exploitation challenge.

Held on September 5, Rahab asked supporters to stand for eight hours, with no sitting down allowed.

The event raised awareness of the work Rahab does across the Reading area by identifying and supporting those who are or have been affected by sexual exploitation through prostitution, manipulation or coercion into sexual activity and through human trafficking.

Taking part was Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Reading West, Victoria Groulef.

She said: “I recently shadowed Rahab on one of their night outreach sessions. I know that many residents raise concerns about street prostitution and I wanted to learn more about the work that Rahab do locally.

“Seeing their work inspired me to take part in the challenge.”

Stand up against exploitationv Bishop to celebrate school’s harvestASCOT – LVs Ascot will be celebrating harvest with some extra-special company.

The Rt Revd Andrew Proud, the Bishop of Reading, will officiate at both the Junior and senior schools’ harvest festivals on Monday, October 6.

Pupils will donate tinned and dried food and toiletries, which will then be delivered to Bracknell Foodbank.

During the visit, arranged by the school’s chaplain, the Revd Tracey Williams, Bishop Andrew will join in a Year 7 Philosophy and Ethics lesson and meet with sixth formers.

The visit will also include a meeting with the Trustees of the Licensed Trade Charity.

The visit enables Bishop Andrew to join in conversations with the students and find out how they see the world.

Andy Clark, head of innovation and Entrepreneurship, said: “it is an exciting opportunity for the school and a chance for the Bishop to visit the school and spend time with young people.”

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Methodists launch new Circuit

MORE than 400 people came together to celebrate the launch of a brand-new Methodist Circuit.

Sherfield School, between Reading and Basingstoke, was the venue on Sunday, August 31, for a family fun day that included a welcome and launch service for the Basingstoke and Reading Methodist Circuit.

The Circuit is a collection of 26 churches in the Basingstoke and Reading and their surrounding towns or villages and includes

churches in

Bradfield, Woodcote, Woodley and Oakley.

The celebration service was led by the Revd David Shaw, superintendent minister of the new Circuit, and the address was given by the Revd Dr Andrew Wood, chair of the Southampton District Methodist Church.

The day’s special guest was Cllr Roger Gardiner, the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane.v For a full report visit http://goo.gl/EQIbm4

lOg On and SEE OUR ExClUSivE vidEO REPORT FROm ThE CiRCUiT laUnCh

The Mayoress and Mayor of Basingstoke, Tricia and Roger Gardiner, with the Revd David Shaw and the Revd Dr Andrew Wood at the launch of the new Basingstoke and Reading Methodist Circuit

This support has made her determined to seek solutions to a problem that has no easy answers.

Victoria said: “In my view, sexual exploitation needs to be tackled in partnership with the voluntary sector, the police and the local community. There is no simple solution.”

Rahab is part of The Mustard Tree and its CEO, Lorraine Briffitt, said: “It is such a poignant way to remind me to think of survivors of sexual exploitation regularly – every time I wanted to sit down, I thought about

someone who found no rest in their life because of past and present traumas.

“Every time I found my legs aching from standing, I thought about someone who was bruised from the abuse they’d suffered at the hands of their exploiters.”

Next month, the charity will join with Beyond The Streets in an initiative to raise awareness, funds and hopes and opportunities for survivors of exploitation.v For details visit www.rahab.co.uk or www.no-vember.org.uk.

Nicola Bell, Anja Nielsen, Victoria Groulef and Lorraine Briffitt massage their sore feet after standing for eight hours

NEWS 9

BY Phil CREighTOn

a WoKInGham church is celebrating after being awarded a coveted green status.

The Eco-Congregation initiative aims to encourage churches to address environmental issues in everything they do, from the buildings they meet in to the ways in which they meet the needs of the local community.

Wokingham Methodist Church learnt last month that it has won the award specifically for its church gardens and the integration between age groups.

The citation says: “The assessor highlighted these

aspects of your work as worthy of particular commendation.

“The integration of all the activities with different people taking the lead in their own areas … [It] also related to what was

taught from the pulpit and to the young people.

“We particularly liked the link with local allotments and gardens – not only to generate some income, but also in how it had resulted in fresh produce being brought into church.”

The church has been sent a plaque which it can display.

The Revd Nick Thompson, minister of the church, said: “This is such good news! We live in a time of great concern about the world and its fragile environment and it is so important for Churches to live as good, responsible and creative stewards of all our God-given resources.

“I am so proud of all the people here, from the youngest to the oldest, who have worked so hard together for this award.”v For more on the awards, log on to ew.ecocongregation.org/about

Green is the colour

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A CHARITY want you to grin and bear it to help it raise much needed funds for its work with some of the most vulnerable children in the world.

Hope Asia is asking supporters to join in the Teddy Text by posting a picture of themselves with a favourite cuddly toy on Facebook, nominating friends and making a donation to the charity.

Caversham-based charity founder, Crispin Fairbairn, said: “We have

40 children in Cambodia and 40 in Myanmar that depend on us for food, education and other aspects of their care. Costs are rising rapidly.

“We are hoping that hundreds of people will get behind the initiative.”

To take part in Teddy Text, Facebookers are encouraged to post a picture of themselves with a favourite bear and text “Tddy14 £3” to 70070 and nominate friends.v For more visit www.hopeasia.org


Join the Christmas operation

v Time for a cuppa SOUTHCOTE – A supermarket is proving it’s super by donating coffee to allow a new community coffee morning to open its doors for free.

CCA’s charity store in southcote is holding a coffee morning on Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm and it says that everyone is welcome.

The drinks are free thanks to a donation from Asda, which has a store in nearby Tilehurst.

The CCA shop, which also offers advice and practical help to those in need, is based in Coronation square and is one of five centres run by the charity. v For more details, visit www. ccam.org.uk or call 0118 959 8656.

v A souper ideaREADING – Town centre visitors can make a new lunch date, thanks to a souper new pop-up café.

Abbey Baptist Church in Abbey square – behind the Central Library – has lunched, sorry launched, a soup Café on Wednesdays from 12.30pm to 2pm. Offering home-made soups, it costs just £1.50.

The church also holds a coffee and homemade cake morning from 10.30am, also on Wednesdays.

BY Phil CREighTOn

A MASSIVE operation is underway to bring Christmas cheer to children across the world.

Operation Christmas Child is an annual initiative run by the charity Samaritan’s purse. participants are asked to fill a shoebox with presents suitable for a boy or a girl. These are then collected up and sent to needy children, from refugee camps in Sudan to children living in the sewers of Romania.

Schools, churches, community groups and businesses are all taking part in the annual scheme and a local collection point is once again being run from 84 Queens’ Road in Reading, next to Wesley Methodist Church.

To ensure that the shoeboxes arrive at their destination in time for Christmas, completed boxes will need to be delivered to the Reading centre for November. It can accept them from Monday, November 3, by arrangement.

Volunteers are also needed to help with collecting shoeboxes and preparing them for distribution.

The centre is looking for help from 10am to 2pm on November 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27. It needs help from 2pm to 6pm on November 10, 17 and 24, and help from 10am to 1pm on November 22.v For more details, call Julie on 0118 986 6765.v If you are collecting shoeboxes, let us know! Send pictures of your collections to [email protected]

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BY Phil CREighTOn

WoKInGham’S Borough mayor joined supporters of Wokingham’s Foodbank to mark its first anniversary – and the amazing 24,288kg worth of food donated over the past 12 months.

Wokingham Methodist Church – opposite the Foodbank’s HQ in Rose Street – was the venue for the service, which was held on Wednesday, September 4.

The evening featured an overview of the first year of the Foodbank’s operation as well as prayers and readings from supporters. An address was given by the Revd Nick Thompson, minister of Wokingham Methodist and also chair of trustees for the Wokingham Foodbank.

In his address, David Atkinson, the chair of Wokingham Foodbank, explained the need for the project in the town, which provides emergency parcels of three days’ worth of food for desperate people.

Wokingham is one of the wealthiest towns in Britain, David said, but there was still a need.

“If you admit there are hungry and homeless people in Wokingham, you have to do something about it,” he explained.

Since the Foodbank launched, it has helped more than 300 unique families and provided 659 food parcels. It’s now fed more than 1,700 people: 681 of them were children – more than a third of the total.

David concluded his report by encouraging people to get involved by donating food or cash, volunteering or, if appropriate, becoming a distribution point for the vouchers.

In his address, Nick Thompson talked about the way in which the Foodbank project had been blessed by volunteers from a wide range of churches in Wokingham.

“The God of justice has, I think, been very much with us over this past year,” he said.

Speaking afterwards, Cllr UllaKarin Clark, Wokingham Borough Mayor, said: “I was very pleased to be here for the thanksgiving service.

“It was a reminder that we need to work together for the good of the community.”v wokingham.foodbank.org.uk

Mayor marks foodbank’s firstThe Revd Nick Thompson, Mayor Cllr UllaKarin Clark and David Atkinson mark the first birthday of Wokingham’s FoodBank

BY JOhn WakEFiEld

the thames Valley’s only magazine devoted to good news has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Xn – Excellent News – is one of five websites nominated for the Innovative Use of New Media in Outreach category for the Christian New Media Awards 2014.

The awards are given to celebrate and encourage excellence in Christian engagement online.

Xn was launched in January 2012 as both a print and web news magazine for Reading, Wokingham, Bracknell and surrounding areas. Each month, 15,000 magazines are printed and distributed to more than 180 churches, schools, shopping centres, doctors’ surgeries, waiting rooms and hairdressers. The printed magazine is supplemented with a regularly updated website that features breaking news and the best of the magazine.

Editor phil Creighton said: “We’re delighted to be recognised by the New Media Awards.

“As a community magazine, we

Here’s some excellent news for

Sun shines on fantastic free family fun day

Premier Radio presenter Maria Rodrigues and broadcaster Sheridan Voysey on stage at last year’s New Media awards, at which Caversham Baptist Church was a winner


work hard to create an inspiring, informative and encouraging read. As a group of Christians working together to create Xn, we work hard at showcasing what’s happening in our communities.

“We’re delighted with the response from our readers and we’re over the moon that our efforts are now being recognised on the national stage.”

The shortlist will be whittled down to finalists, who will be announced in early October.

The winner will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony, to be held as part of the Christian New Media Conference at The Brewery in London on Saturday, November 1.

“We’ve been shortlisted against four exceptional websites,” phil added. “We’re flattered to be in such brilliant company.”v Kerith Community Church in Bracknell has been shortlisted in the Most Engaging Large Church Website category.

v St Paul’s Big Draw will be a big drawWOKINGHAM – A weekend devoted to making art will help a church mark its 150th birthday.

st Paul’s in Reading Road is gearing up for The Big Draw on saturday, October 18.

Using the theme it’s Our World visitors will be able to draw on inspiration from the rich architectural heritage of the church, with a series of fun drawing and mark-making workshops throughout the day including, Vestments on View, Art Angels, Leaded Lights, Rusticated Rubbings and more.

in the evening there will be a barn dance in the church’s hall. Tickets cost £8, under 16s are £4 and families are £22.

The following day, the church holds a special anniversary and harvest lunch from noon. This will be followed by a baptism service at 2.30pm.

sunday will be rounded off with a 2014 Choral Evensong with guest preacher, The Venerable Olivia Graham, Archdeacon of Berkshire, at 6pm.v For further details on plans for 2014 celebrations, visit www.stpauls-wokingham.org.uk or call 0118 979 2122.

v Get help to manage your moneyWOKINGHAM –A free CAP money management course will run for three evenings at the offices of King’s Church in station Road this month.

Devised by Christians Against Poverty, the course will be held on the Wednesdays, October 15, 22 and November 5 from 7.45pm. v To enrol, call Tim Randall on 07528 705242,call King’s Church office on 0118 961 9876, or visit go www.capmoney.org.

www.riversidechurchreading.co.ukno perfect people allowed!

Join us on Sundays from 7th September10am-12noonHemdean House SchoolHemdean Road, Caversham

A FREE family fun day was declared to be simply “fab” and a “great success” by its organisers.

st Barnabas church held the event on saturday, september 13 at its Elm Road base in Reading.

Activities included a bouncy castle, facepainting, fun and games and a barbecue. Everything was offered to the community free of charge.

The Revd Penny Cuthbert, curate for the church, said: “it was fab!

“We had beautiful weather and loads of people from the local community came.

“Everything was free, including the barbecue – we got through 310 burgers and hotdogs… there were just a few veggie burgers left over.

“it was a great success!”

REND COLLECTIVEPHIL WICKHAM

REG CHARITY:1127987

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Rend Collective & Phil Wickham to come to Reading

Now in its third year the Big Church Night In has become the go-to event in the

Christian calendar. This year they’re heading out

on the road with Rend Collective and Phil Wickham.

The event will be heading to The Deliverance Centre in Reading on Tuesday, November 11 and will focus on drawing local churches together for an exciting night of worship and celebration.

Since their formative years, Rend Collective have, to their surprise, been thrust onto the world stage as leading voices in

the evolution of modern worship. Following the 2012 release

of artisanal alt-pop project, Homemade Worship by Handmade People, right the way through to the release of The Art of Celebration, which topped the Billboard Praise & Worship Chart, the band has gone from strength to strength.

Their endearingly raucous live show has brought out thousands of fans to sold out tours on both sides of the Atlantic, and they have shared stages with some of the biggest names in Christian music, such as Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and Tenth Avenue North.

Foot-stomping revival hymn, Build Your Kingdom Here, proved to be a mold-breaking hit at Christian radio, with views numbering in the millions.

Phil Wickham, known for such worship anthems as You’re Beautiful and This is Amazing

Grace, is at his core a humble and sincere artist who writes songs and worships God using the medium of music.

It is with that brush that he paints images of a loving and creative God across the canvases of listeners’ hearts and minds.

His music shimmers with pop/rock sensibility, innovative melodies and a heart for worship, the very place where it all began. And that captivating voice expresses a wide spectrum of emotions on all of his albums.

The night in Reading is set to be an incredible evening of high-energy foot stomping worship. With a few of the events already sold out, head to the website now to get your tickets so you don’t miss out.

For tickets, visit www.bigchurchnightin.com or scan the QR code (left)

BCNI // Reading // 11th Nov

www.bigchurchnightin.com


v Pat Eastop MBEALDERMASTON – A community stalwart has died.

Pat Eastop MBE was the long-serving director of the Aldermaston Nativity Play, which this year will hold its 58th production.

The chairman of Aldermaston Parish Council, Dave shirt, said: “Pat very sadly died after a short illness. she will be sadly missed by all in our community.

“having directed every performance of the Nativity Play for the last 57 years, she had already appointed Chris Boott to shadow her role this year, and he has agreed to now become the new Director, so this unique and important tradition will continue.

“This year’s performances will be tinged with sadness at the loss of such a remarkable woman.”

Pat’s MBE was awarded in 1998, for her services to the community of Berkshire and the Aldermaston Play.

The church of st Mary The Virgin, where the play is performed, opened a book of remembrance which was passed on to her family.

All aboard the Jumbulance!We’re the perfect place to advertise your business

Bishop John walks offThe Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard, has been walking the Thames Path as part of his farewell tour

Charities advise a team-up BY Phil CREighTOn

tWo charities are working together to ensure that they can help more people.

From this month, CommuniCare will be running a weekly session at the CCA Support Centre in Oxford Road, West Reading.

From Tuesday, October 7, CCA’s centre, which also houses a charity shop, will welcome a worker from CommuniCare who can help advise people with underlying financial issues.

Mireille Haviland, Community Relationship Manager for CCA, said: “CCA often have clients returning for food parcels and ongoing practical help.

“We refer many clients on to specialist services but it often becomes apparent, when they return to us, that they have not accessed this help. This is sometimes because their lives are chaotic and it’s not easy to go to a new place a bus ride away for some of them.”

“This is such an exciting partnership,” said Francesca Yates, manager of CommuniCare, which is based in East Reading. “This outreach helps us to extend our services and also shows two great Christian organisations coming together to support those in need.”v To meet demand, CommuniCare has also opened its centre on Wednesdays. Based at Cemetery Junction, the charity offers information, support and advice on everything from legal matters to debt advice.

BY ChRiS CaRTER

ON Friday, October 17, a special purpose-built ambulance known as the Jumbulance will be waved off from St John Bosco Church in Woodley on the start of its week-long trip to Lourdes.

On board, there will be 10 local “VIps” – the name the organisers give to those whose conditions prevent them from travelling unaided. Two drivers, plus 13 helpers, including three nurses and Fr Richard Maniak of English Martyrs Church, make up the complement.

For Group Leader John Gill MBE, this has been a familiar pattern for nigh on 40 years. Yet, it is only the second time back to Lourdes since 2000.

“We have organised over 30 trips to the town since French Rail stopped running there,” says John. “Changes in the Jumbulance hiring organisation have meant we’ve tended to concentrate on holidays rather than pilgrimages.

“Going back again this year will be very special.”

In the last few years, the group

have been to the Netherlands, Italy, Austria and Britanny, which they plan to revisit in 2015. The cost is shared between the passengers, with the organisers raising funds over the year to subsidise helpers.

As many of the VIpS would find it difficult getting insurance, the arrangements are comfortable and convenient, and significant value for money.

The Jumbulance has five beds and appropriate medical facilities.

At Lourdes, the group will stay in a comfortable hotel a stone’s throw from the Grotto of St Bernadette.

“It is an immense privilege to be able to provide this opportunity for our VIps,” says John. “I never fail to feel humbled when such an apparently insignificant act – like straightening someone’s foot on a wheelchair – can make such a huge difference.

“As with many charities these days, there’s the continual worry as to who will carry it on as the main organisers begin to age.”v Anyone interested in becoming a helper can contact John Gill through the St John Bosco Church office on 0118 969 3423.

ThE Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard, who retires next month, walked the 104 miles of the River Thames footpath during september as part of a farewell tour.

“For me it’s worked out really well,” said Bishop John. “it’s a way of ending my time in the diocese by walking through it and being with the people of God who have served with me over the last seven years.

“instead of just being with them in big meetings and gatherings, to be with them and be able to talk and pray.”v For more pictures, log on to our website, xnmedia.co.uk

WORDS & PICTURE: VIVIENNE JOHNSON

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NEWS FOCuS 15To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | October 2014

Rachel wants your daughter to get into the Abbey habitThe abbey School’s new headteacher discovered something amazing in Egypt – a love for education. Phil CREighTOn is our scribe

aSK people what the secret of being a good teacher is and you may as well be asking the

riddle of the Sphinx. But for one headteacher, that’s where she found the answer.

Rachel Dent has just started her first term as Head of The Abbey School in central Reading – the sixth person to have held the post since it was founded in 1887. But she’s no stranger; she’s had the Abbey habit since 2006, and was the previous First Deputy Head. It means she knows the school inside out.

Her life may have taken a different path had it not been for a moment in time.

“I was a journalist, but I knew it wasn’t my calling,” Rachel explains. “I didn’t feel fulfilled.”

Her fiance was in Alexandria, Egypt at the time and invited her to join him, and she began teaching “pride and prejudice to Arabic children”. This led Rachel to realise that teaching was her vocation.

“I love what I do,” Rachel says, her enthusiasm brimming over as her eyes sparkle with joy. “I feel really lucky. It’s a combination of the energy you draw from being with young people and the enthusiasm I have for being with young people.”

Everything since has been about her “passion and life for education”. She became Head of Sixth Form at an Oxfordshire school, before joining The Abbey as Director of Sixth Form in 2006. As if that wasn’t enough, she is also a Governor at St Andrew’s School in pangbourne.

Rachel’s love for learning extends beyond textbooks; she wants all girls that walk through The Abbey’s doors – be they three or 18 – to leave knowing who they are.

“It’s very much about the ‘best self’,” she explains. “The idea that you know yourself and know your

Rachel Dent is the sixth Headteacher for The Abbey School in Reading –and she’s loves the caring ethos that runs through the school

weaknesses. For the girls it’s about having the confidence to know who they are and what they are.”

This comes from the school’s founding Christian ethos. Rachel hands me a Bible reading from Ephesians 4. Headed ‘A Call To Unity’, the verses talk about a lifestyle that builds each other up – “Be humble, gentle and patient always”, it says.

“[The Abbey] is very much about unity, very much about caring for each other,” Rachel adds. “We’re all different, but as a community we are all one.”

You come away from talking to Rachel feeling uplifted but also that while she’s getting job satisfaction it’s not about her; it’s about helping the girls become, as she puts it, “caring, principled and successful women”.

Rachel adds: “We’re the type of school you have to experience.

“Our girls come from a huge range of backgrounds. We have a very, very robust pastoral programme and there are lots of opportunities.

“Do come and enjoy one of our open mornings. It’s brilliant. I love talking with parents and showing them what we do.”

She smiles: “I glow. It’s such a joy. I couldn’t do anything else.”v The Abbey School is based in Kendrick Road, Reading and has pupils from across Berkshire including Slough, Ascot, Henley, Wokingham, Newbury and Sherfield-On-Loddon.

For more details on admissions and school life, log on to its website or call the admissions department on 0118 987 2256 or email [email protected].

v Mexican quiz offREADING – There will be no siesta for those taking part in a charity fundraising night next month.

Thinking caps and not sombreros will be required for people attending a quiz night in aid of Reading Mencap on saturday, November 15.

To be held at The Warehouse in Cumberland Road, the event includes a Mexican meal and an auction of promises. There will also be a raffle and drinks to enjoy.

The fun starts at 7pm and tickets cost £10 in advance. v For more details, call 0118 966 2518 or email [email protected].

v Mark out MarkALDERMASTON – Explore the book of Mark with a special session later this month.

The Revd Becky Bevan will give a talk about the world of the first Gospel and is aimed at everyone, regardless of faith. it takes place in the Parish hall from 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 29.

No booking is necessary. v For more details, email Becky [email protected].


last month, Crowthorne Baptist Church celebrated its 100th birthday with an amazing fun day. here, church member SaRah WEBB reflects on the successful celebrations

hoW Do you celebrate 100 years? Where to start? Who to involve? how to pay tribute to those of the past, but also reach out to those of the future? these were the questions

asked about a year ago when we at Crowthorne Baptist Church started planning for our centenary celebrations.

We felt strongly that this anniversary should be shared with those around us, and not just those within. And so the vision was formed for a Family Fun Day for the whole community of Crowthorne.

It took place on Saturday, September 6 on the Morgan Recreation Ground – a focal point for the village.

An ambitious plan, it was a true success, which was greatly helped by tremendous weather with a warm and sunny afternoon (a true answer to prayer).

The field was filled with people of all ages including newcomers to the village who had seen adverts for the event only that morning. We never expected such a turnout and it was quite overwhelming.

There were bouncy castles, pony rides, a petting farm, climbing wall and circus skills workshops, while entertainment was provided by a variety of music groups and a children’s magician.

We arranged a ‘CBC tent’, where archives from the last 100 years had been collected and exhibited, and a book published to share our records with everyone.

people enjoyed reminiscing over information and photos, and it provided a springboard for an exchange of memories between returning members.

Towards 7pm, people once again joined us for an open-air celebration service. We saw people from all directions collecting together in the centre of the field. The evening skies were filled with song and were complemented by a stunning dusk and beautiful moonlit sky. Just perfect!

Even now, thinking back over the weekend it surpassed our expectations and that makes me quite emotional.

We broke the barriers between church and community and honoured God for the blessings he has bestowed on our church for 100 years.

We don’t want to be traditionalists, we want to be evolving, maintaining momentum, and meeting community needs.

I am really excited about the next few years, not to mention the next 100. I hope that the next centenary celebration will be as much about the mission of the church as was this one.v A longer version of this article is on our website

v Cake party is a big help for ProspectsREADING – scoff at this: more than £400 was raised for a local learning disability charity through the means of cake.

Deputy Mayor sarah hacker and Rob Wilson MP were present, alongside cake party organiser Jennifer Brickwell, to cut the cake at st Luke’s Church hall, Erleigh Road on saturday, september 6.

The hall was full to the brim as men, women, children, carers and people with learning disabilities sat socialising, chomping on cake and sipping tea — all in the aid of Prospects.

Rob Wilson MP said that the party was an example of “big society in action.”

An abundance of cake meant that £90 was raised through sales of leftovers the following day.

A local Asda store donated tea, coffee and cakes, and staff member Joni stevenson volunteered to help the party run smoothly.v www.prospects.org.uk.

v Are you ready to be Home For Good? READING – The founder of a campaign to get more parents involved in fostering or adoption is coming to the town next month.

Krish Kandiah, national director of home For Good and author of a book of the same name, will speak at Wycliffe Baptist Church.

it is part of a new collaboration between Reading Borough Council and Reading Christian Network (RCN) to create opportunities to talk about fostering and adoption.

The home For Good Reading Project Launch will take place at 10.45am at the King’s Road Church on sunday, November 2. v Look out for our fostering and adoption special next month

v Saints and sinnersREADING – A new lecture series aims at uncovering the real lives behind historic names.

Taking place on Thursdays at st Giles in southampton street, each evening starts at 7.30pm and is followed by a wine reception.

On Thursday, October 23, The Revd David Pickersgill will talk about America’s Theologian stanley hauerwas, while on November 20 Father Graham Lunn will focus on Conflicted Catholic John Henry Newman. On December 18, there will be a look at the real st Nicolas. v For more details, log on to www.sgilesreading.org.uk.

Holyport College opens its doors

It was ambitious and great!

BY lYnda BOWYER

A NEW free school recently opened in Holyport.

providing secondary education, Holyport College has been supported by Eton College taking a leading role on its Governing Body.

Now that the school is open, Holyport pupils are able to use some of Eton’s facilities, particularly for sport, and also join in educational activities at Eton College.

Headteacher Walter Boyle said: “We are very lucky have had such generous funding from the Government and also from Eton College to provide the educational provision we have here at Holyport College.

“We currently have 123 pupils, but will end up in four to five years’ time with a maximum of 500.”

The traditional ethos is echoed in every aspect of school life at Holyport.

Mr Boyle continued: “We have children of all faiths at Holyport as we are a pan-denominational school, but the way in we treat each other reflects traditional

Christian values which, if anything, are values which span all denominations.”v For more on the school, visit our website: http://goo.gl/xBz5UK

Holyport College headteacher Walter Boyle with some of the first pupils


BY viviEnnE JOhnSOn

a CeleBratIon of the alternative will be coming to reading this month.

The Reading International Festival will run from October 17-31 and bring together a network of 45 local groups that have a global outlook.

Organised by Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC), the Festival will coincide with One World Week and Black History Month.

“We want to encourage events around Reading for the two weeks the International Forum is running,” said Dave Richards of RISC.

“The theme this year is Alternatives: Alternative ways to organising the planet so that it is more fair and sustainable. We will be looking at food security and food sovereignty.”

He continued: “I am also organising a workshop on Islamophobia. I want to get educators to raise awareness about Islamophobia.

“We are looking at movies and music from the Islamic world and challenging stereotypes.”

Events will be popping up across the town such as Stowaway, showing at South Street Arts

Centre. It is the story of a man who hides in the wheel arch of an aeroplane in a bid to reach the UK.

The Repair Café will celebrate its first birthday at Jackson’s Corner, you can enjoy tango dancing at the Rising Sun and Battle Library will be hosting a talk on black people in Victorian England.

Readifolk will sing on the theme There Is An Alternative joining

Reading’s international celebration

v READING’S World Development Movement (WDM) will screen two short films, Not a Very Green Revolution (pictured above), showing the

aftermath of the Green Revolution in NW India, and Making another World Possible: Talking Alternatives at the World Social Forum (WSF) which shows how many groups are working for change.

Both will be aired on Wednesday October 22 at 7.30pm at RISC, 35-39 London Street, Reading. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

For details, call Jackie Oversby: 07745 310 794 or log on to www.groups.wdm.org.uk/reading

v RemembranceCAVERSHAM – st John’s Church in Gosbrook Road will be holding a special Requiem service on saturday, November 8 at 7.30pm, writes Sylvia Purkis.

it is an opportunity to remember loved ones who have departed.

The music for the service, indigo, has been composed by Len David, st John’s organist and choirmaster.

Members of the hurst singers will join with st John’s and other local choirs and musicians.

Names of the departed can be added to a list on the day and will be remembered during the service.

in this centenary year of the First World War, the church will remember those who died in that war and in subsequent conflicts.

Profits from a retiring collection will go to the Royal British Legion and st John’s Church. v ALDERMASTON – st Mary’s Church will hold A Time To Remember on sunday, November 2. The hour-long service will be an opportunity to light candles and give thanks for the lives of the departed. it starts at 4pm and will be followed by refreshments.

BY PaT BhUTTa

ST MATTHEW’S in Midgham had a particular reason to celebrate the day of its namesake this year.

Due to the hard work of church warden Robert Stradling and the generosity of several people in our local community, the church now enjoys new facilities.

It has installed a kitchen that matches perfectly the wood and carving of the pews, and a toilet tucked away in the boiler room.

This together with the creation of a place to park means that St Matthew’s is now much more accessible.

Guests enjoyed a cream tea, children learned more about the church as they followed a treasure hunt and the afternoon ended with a service of Evensong, when the congregation thanked God for all He is doing at the church.

The Revd Pat Bhutta is the associate priest for the Benefice of

Aldermaston and Woolhampton

Making Matthew’s accessible

enjoy some good old pub games

many other events in a packed agenda.

Reading International Festival events take place across the town. v For more details, log on to www.risc.org.uk or call 0118 958 6692.

A NIGHT in Sonning devoted to the revival of old-fashioned pub games was so successful that another has been planned for next month.

Traditional games such as darts, shove ha’penny, dominoes, table skittles, crib and bagatelle nestled alongside newcomers such as Jenga, Uno, beat-the-clock, Tantrix and Rapidough.

Now, Sonning’s St Andrew’s Church social committee is planning a rematch, which will take place in the village’s Jubilee Hall on Saturday, November 15.

It will be followed in February with a skittles night at the Jack O’Newbury in Binfield.v For more details, log on to www.sonningparish.org.uk.

NEWS FOCuS18 October 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

twitter: @ellbphotographytel: 0118 384 2129web: www.lyndabowyerphotography.com

Saturday, Oct 4WHITLEY – Academy Sports

Centre, Northumberland Avenue. Chinese National Day Festival organised by Reading Chinese Culture Society. Details: 07531 484503.

Sunday 5READING – Rising Sun Arts

Centre, Silver St. Caribbean Arts Discussion. 1pm-3pm. £8. Details: 07540 594984.

Wednesday 8READING – Kennet Room, Civic

Centre. Big Debate Question Time: issues that affect the black community. Free. 6.30pm-8.30pm. Details: [email protected].

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street. Caribbean and African poetry night. £7. 16+. Details: 07540 594984.

thursday 9READING – South Street Arts

Centre, South Street. African Night Fever presents Dobet Gnahoré. 8pm. £11.20. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Friday 10READING – Indian Community

Association, Norris Road. Indian arts and craft workshops. 10.30am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 961 7713.

tuesday 14READING – Battle Library, Oxford

Road. Untold Histories: Black People in Victorian England. £4, £3 library members. Details: 0118 901 5950.

READING – Minghella Building, Whiteknights Campus, University of Reading. Film: Fruitville Station (15). £8, members £5, concessions £7. Details: 0118 378 7151.

Wednesday 15READING – Rising Sun Arts

Centre, Silver Street. Caribbean and African poetry night. £7. 16+. Details: 07540 594984.

READING – RISC, London Street. World Film Club presents: Caramel, a romantic comedy about five Lebanese women. Followed by discussion. Details: 0118 958 6692.


Association, Norris Rd. Indian arts and craft workshops. 10.30am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 961 7713.

READING – Concert Hall, Blargrave Street. Scoundrels Comedy Club: Doc Brown, Kerry Godliman, Joel Dommett, Tom Price. 8pm. £14. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Saturday 18READING – Emmanuel Methodist

Church, Oxford Road. Reading Family Fay with the Reading Fostering and Adoption Team. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 937 3740.

READING – RISC, London Street. How to Write, Self-Publish and Sell Your Book. 2pm-4pm. £10. Advance booking essential. Details: 07809 829914.


Centre, Silver Street. Caribbean and African poetry night. £7. 16+. Details: 07540 594984.


Association, Norris Road. Indian arts and craft workshops. 10.30am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 961 7713.

Saturday 25READING – RISC, London Street.

Challenging Islamophobia: day workshop for community workers etc. Free. Details: 0118 958 6692.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. The Jamaica Society Reading and Friends present The Hollowed Turf, a play about black soldiers in the First World War. £10. 7pm. Details: 07530 062655.

WHITLEY – Hexham Community Centre, Bamburgh Close. A Night of Dance, Film and Celebration. 4pm-10pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 901 5628.

WHITLEY – South Reading Youth and Community Centre, Northumberland Avenue. Learning

About Cultures Through Photography. 6pm-9pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 901 5630.

Sunday 26READING – Reading Girls’ School,

Northumberland Avenue. Soul Styles presents Bekrshire’s 1st Afro Hair and Beauty event. 3pm-9pm. £10, concessions £5. Details: 07710 555460.

READING – The Globe, Portman Road. Black History Celebration: Freedom. Includes The Globe Singers and DCYout band. Free entry. Details: 0118 950 8534.

Monday 27READING – Palmer Park Sports

Stadium, Wokingham Road. The Arthur Wharton Memorial Football Festival. 10am-10pm. Details: 07941 539807.

tuesday 28READING – Palmer Park Sports

Stadium, Wokingham Road. The Arthue Wharton Memorial Football Festival. 10am-4pm. Details: 07941 539807.


Centre, Silver St. Caribbean and African poetry night. £7. Details: 07540 594984.

Saturday, Nov 1READING – The Concert Hall,

Blagrave Street. Stephen K Amos: Welcome to my World (pictured). £19. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Penta Hotel, Oxford Road. Barbados and Friends Association (Reading) presents The British Caribbean and the First World War. 2.30pm. Free entry. Details: 07771 7695140.

thursday, Nov 6READING – Highbridge House,

Duke Street. Berkshire Black Business Showcase. 7.30pm.

16+ £10. Details: 07809 829914.

Across OctoberREADING – RISC, London Street.

Exhibition: Islam in Britain from Anglo-Saxon times onwards. Details:

0118 958 6692.

Black history month is more than a celebration of the past – it’s about looking forward too. lYnda BOWYER meets one of Berkshire’s most familiar voices, Bridgitte Tetteh, to find out more

BrIDGItte tetteh has a passion. the BBC Berkshire journalist wants to ensure that news from ethnic

groups around the county are documented and covered well.

A modern-day pioneer in ethnic programming, she is responsible for creating a Women’s Hour section on premier Radio and also has a New York Festival Gold Award for her journalism. But Bridgitte’s foray into broadcast journalism came about by accident.

“I stumbled into radio because I was a bit of a geek,” she said. “I got into Hospital Radio as one of my good friends was doing it and had his own show. Soon after I had my own show.”

She continued: “I was getting ready to go to University and I thought I was going to go and study geography or some kind of science. I thought ‘I’m enjoying the hospital radio work’, so I went to Leeds to study Media and Literature – quite the opposite of what people expected me to do!”

While at Leeds, Bridgitte joined The pulse radio station in Bradford, and then Galaxy 105 (now Capital Yorkshire) in Leeds.

“You get the bug don’t you?” she exclaims, her hazel eyes widening with enthusiasm. “Being a runner, making the tea, and being sent out to do ‘voxes’ [sound-bite clips] with people who really don’t want to talk with you – that’s when I developed a passion for working in radio! I found I was good at storytelling; getting something different out of people.”

October is Black History Month, and while broadcasting has certainly changed since Bridgitte came into the industry, more needs to be done to ensure a fair level of representation for minorities – 2012 figures suggest that just 5.4% of the broadcasting workforce in the UK is made up from Black, Asian or ethnic groups.

Bridgitte said: “We have to face the facts that there are not enough people in journalism and broadcasting, whether that’s in front of the camera or microphone or working behind the scenes. Somewhere, something is going wrong. There’s lots of talent out there.

“One of the things I work really hard on here at BBC Radio Berkshire is taking some of my stories from

Bridgitte Tetteh in the studios of BBC Radio

my own show which relate to the ethnic and Caribbean culture here in Reading, and seeing how those stories then work in our news bulletins or on our breakfast show.

“There are stories to be told which don’t need to be a secret in our ethnic communities; those stories are important to [Berkshire] too.

“For instance with the current Ebola issue at the moment, our communities here in Reading from Sierra Leone have been taking part in fundraising by doing fêtes and sponsored runs. Together they have raised over £5,000.

“Hearing the stories of their parents back home in Sierra Leone and how they are coping in an awful situation inspires others.

“These stories need to be told.”For those who wish to enter a

career in broadcasting, Bridgitte has some sound advice. She said: “I’d encourage students to get a mentor. There are not enough of them around and there needs to be more.

“I was lucky enough to get onto the Sound Women Mentoring programme this year – and having a mentor is fantastic.”

Having skills to apply alongside knowledge is also key to getting ahead in the industry. Bridgitte advised: “Get some experience! I’ve met so many people who have done endless courses but then I say to them, ‘But what experience do you have’ – and they don’t have any.

“Even if they start out as a runner or a broadcast assistant who came to work on a ‘work experience’ taster,

BlaCk hiSTORY mOnTh EvEnTS

Keeping Dementia at bay

There is much debate at the moment as to the extent to which people can prevent or reduce the risk of acquiring brain diseases such as

Dementia in later life. A recently published YouGov poll of more than 2,000

people by the Alzheimer’s society found that 22 per cent of people do not think it was possible to reduce their risk of dementia.

However, the charity suggests that “five simple changes” to the average lifestyle could make a significant difference, with regular exercise highlighted as the most important factor despite growing evidence that the condition is linked to lifestyles.

Dr Clare Walton from Alzheimer’s society said: “some 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia but with no cure yet, we need a significant public health effort to attempt to reduce the number of future cases of the condition.

“We know that what is good for your heart is good for your head and there are simple things you can start doing now to reduce your risk of developing dementia. Regular exercise is a good place to start as well as eating a healthy diet and avoiding smoking.”

The advice from the Alzheimer’s society is not ‘rocket science’ and we at home instead are encouraging our clients to do the following:

• Exercise – even if it is just a regular walk around the block, a walk to the shops or some light exercises sitting in a chair, it all helps

• Eat more fruit and vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, a little red wine and not much meat or dairy – all very Mediterranean, tasty and healthy at the same time

• Manage other health conditions – other conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure both increase the risk of developing dementia, so get these checked and follow medical advice to keep them under control

• Avoid smoking – it significantly increases the risk of developing dementia, most likely because it damages blood vessels and reduces the amount of blood that reaches your brain

• Use it or lose it – scientists believe that frequently challenging and stimulating the brain with new things is the key, whether it’s changing your routine from time to time, learning something new or even just exploring somewhere new in your area.

PHILIP KEOHANE IS OWNER & DIRECTOR OF HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE IN READING

Take care!Make the most of life with Philip Keohane

Tune in to BridgitteBerkshire, ready to present the latest edition of her popular show Picture: Lynda Bowyer

NEWS FOCuS 19

LocaL author Heather Johnson has just written her first book – which was 20 years in the making.

Like many women Heather found herself slipping into post-natal depression when her daughter was born. In Heather’vbrs case the depression lingered.

“At the time it was a real nightmare,” Heather explained. “Not just for me but my family and friends. It’s very scary, especially if you have a baby to look after. And at the time my family and friends didn’t know how to help me.”

Help did come in many forms; from doctors, family and friends, Heather’s faith and church, and the Afro Caribbean Community. She also found it helpful to write down her thoughts.

“I started to write poetry while I was depressed,” she said. “I got inspiration from writing about what I saw, events that were happening in the world, on the news and cultural events such as Barbados Independence Day.”

The idea for publishing a book happened when Heather started to put her poems together in one place.

This prompted her to start writing about her personal journey which starts before she

was born, with her parents’ arrival in the UK.

The result is From Darkness to Light which has been published by Digital Print Media. Profits from the book will be donated to a charity supporting orphanages in Africa. VIVIENNE JOHNSON

Heather goes from Darkness to Light

if someone spots something in them, they won’t let them go.”

Volunteering some time or doing an internship is often a way to get noticed in the media industry.

Bridgitte said: “You might have to give some time, but people rarely throw back the offer of someone volunteering. Even if it means putting yourself out there, do it. Don’t let the colour of your skin be a barrier. Be bullish and do not allow someone to tell you that you cannot do something! Don’t be generic!”

With such a trail of success behind

her, what could be next for Bridgitte? “More radio,” she says, “I’d

love to do more radio and some wider presenting. I’m looking into the prospect of doing some TV documentary presenting in addition to some longer format radio documentary work. I enjoy taking on a topic to investigate. I love covering health and fitness related issues so who knows what could be next?”v Bridgitte Tetteh’s show is on BBC Radio Berkshire is on Sundays from 8pm. For more, visit www.bbc.co.uk/radioberkshire. Twitter: @BridgitteTT

CLASSIFIEd20 October 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

House & home

v Alarms

v Electrical

v Property services

v Building solutions

CHAMBERS PROPERTy SERvICES. Offering a wide range of building services including electrics, decorating, general repairs and renovations. Quality work, professional & value for money. Free quotes. www.chamberselectricalservices.co.uk 07760122129 [email protected]

COLMAN AND CO. Building solutions. All aspects of building work undertaken:

• Kitchens / Bathrooms• Loft Conversions / Extensions• Free Estimates and Planning www.colmanandco.comTelephone Darren on 07799 613892.

Trades directory BRINGING COMMUNITY TOGETHER To advertise call 0118 328 3108

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in Xn

For more information or a quote call Lee NOW on Mob: 0788 411 5707 or Tel: 0118 941 3187

Reading based reliable and friendlyservice for all your electrical needs.FREE estimates, no Job too small!

Domestic & Commercial & Maintenance

• Full/Part Rewires• Security Lights• Fuse Board Upgrades• Maintenance Contracts• Landlords Certificates

• Refurbishments• Test & Inspections• New Builds• Alterations• Extensions

www.burdenelectrical.co.uk [email protected]

BURDENElectrical

BERKSHIRE HOME ALARMS

repairs-upgrades-servicing-Advice

domestic alarm specialist

Just good old fashioned personal service

12 gordon place, reading0118 9507213

ANDREW LAKER – THE CABINETMAKER. We specialise in made to measure wardrobes. Choice of many different designs and finishes. We are cheaper than larger bedroom installers. www.andrewlaker.co.uk 0118 948 2021

v Fitted bedrooms

Music

PIANO TUNING SPECIALIST. Member of Pianoforte Tuners Association, City & Guilds Part 1 & 2, Family trade for over 110 years. Contact: Mr s Benham, 0118 969 3729

EXPERIENCED PIANO ACCOMPANIST available for music exams and recitals. Judith Creighton www.judithcreighton.co.uk or 07957 193366.

v Piano tuning

v Piano accompaniment

AdvERTISING WORkS!“our recent advert has been of great help over the last six

months and therefore I’d like to renew for 2014 – We have been blessed with a church project, installing a corner

kitchen area for a café project in Southcote.” Colman & Co – Trade Directory advertisers

financialv Chartered Accountants

Accountancy and tax for• Businesses, partnerships and companies• individuals• Charities (Independent Examiner),• Ministers of ReligionPlease contact simon Porter, Chartered

Accountant, on [email protected] or 0118 9478158.

www.porter-co.com

v Carpentry & Property Maintenance

AvAILABLE for all your Carpentry, Kitchen and Property Maintenance requirements. Photos, previous work and price guide available online. Excellent quality at a reasonable price. 07903 254958 [email protected] MichaelJFisher123.co.uk

CALLAGHAN CARPETS AND FLOORING. home pattern service from a reliable family company. Carpets, vinyls & commercial flooring 40 years’ experience. www.callaghanflooringandcarpets.co.uk or (0118) 962 8527.

STANDARD AND BAPTIST WINDOW CLEANING. Windows, Frames, uPVC, solar Panels, Conservatories, Conservatory Rooves. A one off or regular, town and country service for 20 Miles around Reading. (0118) 954 7238 [email protected]

PROFESSIONAL CARPET AND UPHOLSTERy CLEANING. Trained and fully insured. Free, no obligation estimates. A.G Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning (0118) 3779149 or visit www.agcarpetandupholstery.co.uk Member of Trading standards Buy with Confidence scheme www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

MENTION XN & 5% OF TOTAL ORDER GOES TO yELDALL MANOR

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MENTION XN AND 5% OF TOTAL ORDER GOES TO GREAT ORMOND STREET HOSPITAL

v Carpets

v Window cleaning

v Carpet cleaning

v Plumbing

v Plastering

PATTERSON PLUMBERS. Bathroom installations, heating installations, plumbing repairs, free quotes, no job too small, over 60’s discount. Professional, reliable & honest. www.pattersonplumbers.co.uk 07921 572652 [email protected].

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M & J PLASTERING. 25 years experience. All types of plastering undertaken. Repairs & Re-skim Experts. No job too small. For free advice and quote call Mark on 0777 550 9955 or 0777 082 9683

v Painting & decorating

SUPERIOR DECOR. interior and exterior decorating. “A professional job at a realistic price”. For a free quote call Mick on freephone 0800 084 2501. Reading and south East covered. www.fine-painters-and-decorators.co.uk Email: [email protected]

All Trade directory adverts receive a FREE advert on the Xn website.

To advertise email [email protected]

CLASSIFIEdS 21To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | October 2014

Advertise in our trade directory

trade directoryWrite your advert in the box below, one word per box. Use another sheet if necessary.

Send your completed form, along with a cheque for £75 payable to Xn Media Ltd to: Trades Directory, Xn Media, Crown House, 231 King’s Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Adverts will appear for 6 months. Standard terms apply. No firearms or pets.

Category for advert:

Your name:

Phone number:

Email:

Address:

We’re a brilliant way to promote your business to thousands of readers every month. To advertise in our trade directory, call Richard

on 0118 328 3108 email [email protected], or use this form

Creative & craft

CREATIvE THINKER INSPIRES RESULTS.• Award winning copywriting• Business development• Creative network• MentoringContact Hyperbole. 0118 966 6600. [email protected]

v Marketing

FAITH IN THE COMMUNITy (WOKINGHAM) – helping Christians work together to transform their local communities. Phone sharon Elliott 07843 091950

v Resources

Servicesv CV & Job Search

Support

v Picture framing

v Computer services

• Picture framing• canvas stretching• memorabilia framed – medals, handbags,

FOOTBALL SHIRTS ETC• extensive range of more than 1000 toP

qUALITY MOULDINGS TO CHOOSE FROM• 10% discount if you quote xn at time of

ORDERING FRAMING25 High Street, Theale, RG7 5AHEmail: [email protected]: 0118 930 2100www.framedirect.co.uk

frame direct ltd

SUPER IT. Computer repairs and maintenance. iT support for the home and office. Days, evenings, weekends. Reading and surrounding areas. Call Jason 07879 476 399 or 0118 967 7378. www.computer-repair-in-reading.com Email: [email protected]

life events

A.B. WALKER & SON – Berkshire’s leading family funeral and masonry service. www.abwalker.co.uk

v Funeral directors

v Counselling

PHILIPPI TRUST COUNSELLING AND TRAINING. Counselling offered for a variety of issues. Also Level 2 introduction to Counselling courses starting in the spring and Autumn. Contact 0118 966 7422 or email [email protected]

LISTENING AND COACHING yOU TO GRASP yOUR NEED FOR GAINFUL AND JOyFUL EMPLOyMENT! Corporate and personal referrals welcome Contact Gloria May 07939577266 [email protected] We'd love to hear from you!

Headline Headline

YOuR SAY Join the conversationFollow us online for the latest news Send your letters to [email protected]

Facebook: XnmediaTwitter: @Xnmedia

Situations vacant

Be part of the Xn story Deliveries: central Reading, Oxford Road, Henley

Volunteers needed to help us share our Good NewsEvery month, Xn strives to bring the Thames Valley an inspiring and encouraging mix of news and information. We need your help to get the magazine into the communityIf you could spare a couple of hours once a month to help us deliver copies to a small cluster of venues it will help us to tell even more good news stories.

For details, email [email protected]

CORRESPONdENTS NEEdEd We want to expand our good news – but we need your help. Help us to share news from your church, community group, club or choir. We are looking for volunteers to help us source interesting and inspiring stories for our magazine and website. No experience necessary: just bags of enthusiasm.

For details, email [email protected]

v Progress on the SARC plansince writing my letter in last month’s Xn, i have received a written letter of response from Nhs England Thames Valley about my plea to readers to sign up to support specialist sARC plan.

This is the top tier of the four local health commission tiers; confirming/agreeing that there is a major gap in Berkshire’s youth health services for the under 18 year old victims of sexual abuse and/or rape, particularly in relation to their subsequent mental health issues.

Nhs England Thames Valley intends to raise the issue at the next local children’s and adolescents health/well-being board meeting.

so, the more folk who sign the above petition calling for the commissioning of Berkshire’s first specialist sexual Abuse and Rape Centre (sARC) for under 18 year

olds, the sooner this vision may/will become a reality…

however, even receiving the above response from the top local commissioning tier is a major victory and, as for raising it at the next local children’s and adolescents health and wellbeing board meeting, it is an answer to prayer.

We might not see a specialist sARC for Berkshire’s under 18s any time soon, if at all, but we are making progress and at least Nhs England Thames Valley is listening, taking note and considering the possibilities.

That is more than i ever expected.so an individual it would seem

can still make a difference, however minimal, even one such as i, and, most definitely, there is a lesson to be learnt from all of this…

Yours optimistically,Paul Farmer, Coley Park,

Reading RG1 6DNEditor’s note – What do you think? Write in and have your say.

v Living Advent calendarsOn Twitter, henley’s Living Advent Calendar @Living_Advent posted: Don’t forget to print off this year’s map....67 days to go to #henley #LACal2014 #countdown pic.twitter.com/wBLwaQTEGD

in reply @Eastreadingcom tweeted:how about a #rdguk version of this

living advert calender? @xnmedia said: Editor Phil wants

to get a scarecrow trail in Newtown 1st! Would @thejellyReading be up 4 it

@thejellyReading said: will have a look as we are planning something for Christmas..

Joining in, Woodley Auto Centre @WoodleyAutos said: super can you do a diversion to headley Road East in Woodley too! :-)

@xnmedia replied: We should have a party at yours!

@thejellyReading: that sounds like a good plan!.

v On FacebookXn has been nominated for a national award, in the footsteps of Editor Phil’s nomination for a Pride of Reading award. Janine McCoull Facebooked: “i love the heart of these people. you are awesome!”

september’s cover girl was Martha from GBBO. Possibly our favourite edition to date. Sue Cantwell sent us some kind word on Facebook: “This mag gets better every month. Well done Phil and the team on another splendid read!”

in our story about Reading Buses fare changes, Robert McMaster asked: “Are there any changes to Easysaver 10?” To which we replied: “Doesn’t look like it – the basic adult single stays at £1.90 so i guess the Easysaver 10 will stay the same as well.”v Join the conversation – search for Xn Media on Facebook and follow @xnmedia on Twitter!

Local Development Officer [part-time]

needed for educational charity

Explore is a registered charity that works in schools and youth establishments, enabling young people to appreciate the life skills that produce healthy and enduring relationships,

families and marriages. Berkshire Explore is looking for a confident, friendly

individual with good administrative and communication skills to fill the role of part-time Local Development Officer.

Further information on Explore is available on: www.theexploreexperience.co.uk

For details of the role contact Martin Westacott:

[email protected]

Closing date for applications: 16 November 2013

EXPLORE Charity number: 1084226

Do you relate well to young people? Would you like to help them discover more about how to build

healthy relationships and families?

If so, you may be well suited to fulfil the role of

Adviser Coach

EXPLORE is part of a charity dedicated to enabling young people to explore the experience of married couples, to help gain understanding of long-term relationships and family life. We need Adviser Coaches to help run workshops and half-day conferences in a variety of local secondary schools in Berkshire. We are looking for good listeners, who are able to empathise with young people, and work with them to facilitate dialogues with married couples. The role is voluntary, with free training. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. A Training Day has been arranged in Reading, on Saturday 8th June 2013 (10 am until 4 pm).

If you could commit to volunteering in schools twice a year (more if you prefer), and would like more information please contact:

Theresa Swan on: 07786 704473 Email: [email protected]

www.theexploreexperience.co.uk

EXPLORE

Charity number: 1084226

Local Development Officer [part-time]

needed for educational charity

Explore is a registered charity that works in schools and youth establishments, enabling young people to appreciate

the life skills that produce healthy and enduring relationships, families and marriages.

Berkshire Explore is looking for a confident, friendly individual with good administrative and communication

skills to fill the role of part-time.

Further information on Explore is available on:www.theexploreexperience.co.uk

For details please follow this link to the job description and supporting documents: http://bit.ly/ExploreBerksLDO

For queries or applications (with CV and covering letter) please contact [email protected]

Closing date for applications: 10 October 2014

Charity Number: 1084226

Explore Quarter Page.indd 1 19/09/2014 14:57:30

CLASSIFIEd22 October 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

FAmILY CIRCLECOmmuNITY 23To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | October 2014

Keeping you in touch with each otherEmail your news to [email protected]

vTILEHURST – The parish churches of English Martyrs

and St Joseph’s have welcomed two new priests.

Canon Michael Dennehy and Father George Lyons joined the churches in September.

The outgoing priest, Father John Nelson, noted his delight at the appointments in the parish newsletter.

He wrote: “I was delighted … because I knew that the community in this part of Reading would be in excellent hands and served well pastorally.

“I’m quite sure that they will continue to strengthen links with neighbouring parishes within the Reading pastoral Area because we have so much to gain from each other.”

vBRACKNELL – Fifty years of ministry was celebrated at

Holy Trinity Church on Saturday, September 27.

A service of celebration was held to mark the golden jubilee of Canon Margaret Clarke’s ministry.

It was followed by a tea in Langley Hall.

vSANDHURST – St Michael’s and All Angels will next

year celebrate 150 years since the rededication of the church, following a rebuilding of the chancel in 1865.

plans are being made to celebrate throughout the year, including a flower festival and Heritage Open Weekends.

well as leading the church’s junior and adult choirs, he will select a new organ scholar to train up and develop a concert series.

vWHITCHURCH – Sue Matthews has been elected

churchwarden of St Mary the Virgin and will serve alongside peter Ferguson.

vHENLEy – At 6pm on Saturday, November 1, the

Sacred Heart Church will hold a special celebration Mass led by the Archbishop of Birmingham, Dr Bernard Longley.

The date is exactly 150 years after the celebration of the first Mass in Henley after the Reformation.

vREADING – The Revd Jonathan Wilmot retires as Vicar of

Greyfriars on Sunday, October 5.

v Welcome StephenhEAVENLY voices filled the rafters of Reading Minster of st Mary The Virgin as church leaders welcomed Reading’s new Area Dean.

The Revd stephen Pullin was installed as the new priest-in-charge of Reading Minster of st Mary The Virgin at a service attended by more than 150 people on Thursday, september 18.

it was led by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew Proud. v For more and exclusive pictures visit goo.gl/SzIQCz

A special service and lunch will be held in his honour.

vREADING – A weekend course for men aged 13-35 will be

held at St John Fisher House in Eastern Avenue over October 17-19.

Aimed at Catholic men, the vocation discernment weekend will be led by Fr Armand de

Malleray and by Fr Matthew Goddard, both from the priestly Fraternity of St peter.

It aims to explain what a vocation is, particularly in relation to priesthood.

For more details, call 0118 966 5284, email: [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/fssp.england.

vyATELEy – Father Simon Thomson

has joined St Swithun’s Church in Yateley. He led his first mass on Sunday, Sepetmebr 14.

vGORING – The installation of Fr

Antony Conlon as parish priest Our Lady and St John will be conducted by the Dean of South Oxfordshire Deanery at 7pm on Tuesday, October 7. parishioners are invited to attend and take part.

vSONNING – St Andrew’s in

Sonning has appointed a new director of music, Christopher Cromar. As

SPORT24 October 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

thames Valley Churches Football LeagueFor more on the league, log on to tvcfl.footify.com or Twitter @TVCFL

BY JamES hERn & ChRiS BalThORP

JamIe CarStaIrS sent out an early warning to defences across the tVCFl in September with an incredible 10 goals in his first two games of the season for

West reading CFC.Having won the golden boot award during

the 2011/12 season, Carstairs has narrowly missed out on regaining the trophy during the past two seasons despite scoring 41 league goals in 2012/13 and 24 goals in 2013/14.

But he has taken huge strides to securing the trophy this season with a blistering start, which has seen his team take an early advantage in the league winning 4-1 against Wycliffe Wanderers on the opening day of the season and 8-2 against West reading reserves the following weekend.

West Reading’s game against Wycliffe Wanderers sparked in to life when Carstairs rose well to head a superb opener from a Jay Howarth corner before Neil Healy ended a decent Wycliffe spell by hitting a lovely equaliser, calmly chipping the on-rushing goalkeeper.

After half time, West Reading managed to nudge ahead with a calm Carstairs finish and controlled the game from that point, Carstairs sealing his hat-trick and completing the scoring with two further clinical strikes

Elsewhere, tilehurst albion have made a good start in defence of the league title, although they have only scored twice: beating reading Saints 1-0 with a Steve Hannah goal and 1-0 against Wycliffe Wanderers thanks to Steve Daley.

reading Saints were also narrowly beaten 3-1 against Kerith FC a week later. Kerith FC are also unbeaten so far, having won 5-2 against Bethel United thanks to a Tom Wilson hat-trick on the opening day of the season.

Newcomers newbury YmCa were winners in a 5-3 thriller against West reading reserves in their first ever TVCFL league game. Newbury had to fight back from being 3-2 down after Alex Ray had scored a fine hat-trick for the Reserves. They fought their way back into the game, finding three second half goals to claim

their first three points of the campaign. Newbury were comfortably beaten a week

later 6-2 by a strong Brookside Saint laurence side who were playing their first game of their campaign. Having finished runners-up in the league and been beaten finalists in the philmar Cup Final last season, Brookside will be looking to finally end their hunt for a trophy this year.

Two other teams have only played once so far, with Norreys winning comfortably 4-2 at home against Greyfriars FC.

After a positive start Jake David opened the scoring for the hosts on the 20-minute mark with a delicate chip over Ben Stephenson in the Greyfriars goal.

This sparked the visitors into life and, after Matthew Debney was released down the left, his excellent early cross flew off a defender’s head and past the Norreys keeper before he could react. Norreys responded well, though, and Simon May added a carbon-copy second to restore their lead.

While Greyfriars tried to once again restore parity, Norreys extended their lead before half-time when an excellent break down the right resulted in a low cross that Jacob potter was able to stroke home into an empty net.

After the restart Greyfriars upped their game and Simon Taplin raced between several defenders in the first couple of minutes and struck a low shot into the far corner.

They continued to press and forced Norreys’ keeper into a couple of good saves but could not maintain the pressure. Norreys battled back and sealed the win when a clipped free kick was headed home by phil Rhodes.

TvCFl Player in the Fa Cup!

Greyfriars FC are looking for a new goalkeeper after Robert Tebby (above) was snapped up by semi-professional club highmoor Ibis in the summer. Tebby was widely acclaimed in the league as one of the best goalkeepers around.

And he is certainly the first every Greyfriars FC player to be involved in the FA Cup, having played in two qualifying rounds of the competition earlier in August!

Unfortunately, having beaten Farnham town, they lost 3-2 to thame United in the preliminary Qualification Round of the competition.

Players, Teams and RefereesWe are always looking for new players, referees and church teams to join us. There is still space in this season’s cup competitions if churches are keen to see what the league is all about. v For more information, contact James Hern the league secretary, on [email protected].

Jamie Carstairs, of West Reading CFC, scores from a header against Wycliffe Wanderers to go 1-0 up

Clinical Carstairs’ 10 goal warning

2013-14 Season WinnersWEST Reading CFC hosted a low-key 2013-14 end of season awards evening in early September.

The evening gave managers and players an excellent opportunity to join together and celebrate another successful season.

The 2013-14 awards are:

v League Winners Tilehurst Albionv League Runners-Up Brookside st Laurencev Philmar Cup Winners Tilehurst Albionv Colin Lowery Trophy Winners south Ealing v Fair Play League WinnersGreyfriars FCv Fair Play League Runners-UpReading saintsv Player of the Season

Kieran Knight – Brookside saint Laurence andJake Nicholls – Tilehurst Albionv Manager of the SeasonMichael herbert – Tilehurst Albionv Golden BootWilliam Day – Kerith FCv TvCFL Fantasy Football ManagerTom Vaux – Reading saintsv TvCFL Recognition Award Lynda Bowyer

SPORT 25To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | October 2014

New Hope Terrace is part of New Hope Trust Ltd, registered charity: 1088333

New Hope Terrace is the residential part of New Hope Community Church. There are five separate houses on site where we aim to express our mission to share God’s hope in the neighbourhood through the way we live together in community and our commitment to serve as a church. If you have a heart for community church and missional living, and you would be interested in moving into one of our houses this autumn please request an information pack from Joy Atkins at [email protected] or 0118 958 7047 Closing date: 31 October 2014

IT IS said that every cloud has a silver lining. This is proving to be true at Reading Football Club in that uncertainty about long term

ownership and extensive injuries has meant that our manager has called on the services of younger players who have graduated through our amazing academy.

We are now in the very exciting position to be blending together some players with experience alongside the energy and enthusiasm of younger players who are being given the chance of first team football.

We welcome to the club the new signings made in the recent transfer window.

i also welcome another ‘new signing.’ We have a new assistant chaplain, James hollands.

James will have specific chaplaincy responsibilities

At Reading FC with Steve Prince

The Royals’ Prince

among our ever-growing Academy. The youth pastor at Lifespring

Church, he is already making some great connections with people around the club. One of the reasons for introducing an assistant chaplain is to help develop continuity in chaplaincy at Reading FC through good mentoring practice.

This seems consistent with the values and vision of the club and so for me is an exciting development.

it’s really important to have a culture of opportunity when so much investment is made into development.

The Bible says that “hope deferred makes the heart sick but a promise fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12). Our players that have come

through the Academy are buzzing with excitement and very motivated to

put in the hard work needed for success.

This in turn helps to inspire

our current crop of Academy players. We can learn lessons from this

process if we are involved in any kind of leadership and mentoring.

On the field we can see a first team who are playing in the way that Nigel Adkins, Andy Crosby and the management team would like. This has already been bringing some great results and the supporters are getting behind our young team and understanding what is trying to be achieved over the longer term.

My views on the true nature of success have been stated before but sustainable success can only be achieved through hard work and strategies that include opportunity alongside all the development that goes on.

Come on URZ!!Steve Prince is the

Chaplain of Reading FC and Pastor of Brookside Church

Opportunity and Development

v Score for MencapWOODLEY – A FiVE-A-siDE football tournament will be held at Woodley Goals later this month.

held in aid of Reading Mencap, the contest will see teams battle it out for £300 worth of vouchers for sports store Decathlon.

Taking place from 2pm on saturday, October 25, the event has been sponsored by Decathlon and Buzz Gym. As well as the vouchers, top teams will be vying for trophies and there will be a tombola to take part in too.

Mencap wants teams of seven to register for the contest. v For more details, call 0118 966 2518 or email [email protected].

v Charity bike rideFINCHAMPSTEAD – A charity bike ride has raised more than £800 for Macmillan Cancer Care.

David Moore cycled from London’s Olympic village to Brighton on saturday, september 20, a distance of 100km.

The Finchampstead man had planned to raise £500 through sponsorship, but instead raised the higher figure thanks to generous friends.

THERE’S muCH, muCH mORE ONLINE! We’re best for local eventsWe can’t fit everything into the print edition, so log on to xnmedia.co.uk for more events

WHAT’S ON Keeping you in touch with each other

Sunday, October 5ALDERMASTON – St Mary’s Church.

Family harvest service with a choir from Cedars School. 10.45am.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road. Harvest lunch. Noon. Details: standrewscaversham.org.

CAVERSHAM PARK – Milestone Centre. Hymz and Cakes: an hour of favourite hymns with refreshments. Requests welcome. 3.30pm. All welcome. Details: 0118 947 5152.

MIDGHAM – St Matthew’s Church. Harvest service with lunch at Midgham Park Farm.

READING – Reading Deaf Centre, Cardiff Road. Reading Deaf Church meeting. 10.30am. Details: www.readingdeafcentre.org.uk.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Breakfast for students. 9am. All welcome. Details: 0118 957 2197 or www.abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk.

READING – St Mark’s, Cranbury Road. Harvest Festival: boot out poverty in Reading. 9.15am.

READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Harvest festival followed by a bring and share lunch. 10.45am.

WOOLHAMPTON – St Peter’s church.

Harvest service, donated produce to be sold at the Post office in aid of the Air Ambulance.

monday, October 6BRACKNELL – Kerith Centre, Church

Road. Tearfund Conference with David Westlake, Tearfund’s Integral Mission Director. 9.30am-4pm. Details: www.kerith.co.uk.

Tuesday, October 7BRACKNELL – Kerith Centre, Church

Road. Discovery Workshop: three-week course on spiritual gifts. 7.30pm. Details: www.kerith.co.uk.

GORING – Our Lady & St John. Induction service for Fr Antony Conlon. 7pm.

SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yateley Methodist Church, Scotland Hill. Prayer Supper: food plus prayer from 6.15pm. Details: www.sandhurstmethodist.org.uk.

Thursday, Oct 9EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Hall, Church

Road. Thursdays@Ten: a chance to enjoy coffee and chat. 10am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 8575.

HENLEY – Badgemore Park Golf Club, Badgemore RG9 4NR. The Filling Station: Canon J John. 7.30pm. Details: [email protected] or 07875 203409.

READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Study of Matthew’s Gospel led by Fr Nicholas Cheeseman. 7.30pm.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Wesley Guild meeting led by the Revd David Shaw. Details: www.christ-church-woodley.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road. UCM: Beside the Thames, From The Thames Barrier to Reading, a talk by David Hunt. Details: www.corpuschristi-wokingham.org.

Friday, October 10BRACKNELL – Kerith Centre, Church

Road. GLS: conference for leadership. Details: www.kerith.co.uk.

CAVERSHAM – St John’s Church, Gosbrook Road. Barn dance with five-piece band. 6.30pm. £5, £3 children, £15 families.

READING – Broad Street, near M&S. Reading Central Salvation Army veterans’ band perform. 11am-12.30pm.

READING – St Laurence Church, Blagrave Street. Reading Street Pastors celebration for five years’ work. 6.30-8.30pm.

WOODLEY – Pagoda, Shopping precinct. Table top sale. 9am-1pm.

Saturday, Oct 11BRACKNELL – Kerith Centre, Church

Road. GLS: conference for leadership. Details: www.kerith.co.uk.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road. Concerts in Caversham: The Greene Trio. £15/£17 on door. Under 16s free. 7.30pm. Details: www.concertsincaversham.co.uk.

CAVERSHAM St Peter’s Church, The Warren. Valuation Day with Thomas Plant from Flog-It. £3 per valuation, in aid of Church Organ Appeal. 10am-2pm. Details: 0118 947 9366.

CROWTHORNE – Woodmancote, Pinewood Avenue. Out To Tea: tea party for older members of the community. Transport available. 2.30pm-4.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamvineyard.org or 01344 780087.

CROWTHORNE – St John’s Church, Waterloo Road. Thames Voyces singing workship. 9.30am-4pm. £16. Details: 01344 776663.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s, Church Road. Friends of Earley St Peter Harvest Supper: two-course meal and soft drink. £5.50, £3.50 children. 7pm. Details: www.earley-stpeter.org.uk.

EMMER GREEN – St Barnabas, St Barnabas Road. Concert by Maesteg Gleeman Male Voice Choir, South Wales. 7.30pm. £10, includes refreshments. Pay at door.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Memorial Hall RG40 4JU. Quiz Night in aid of WOkingham Live Naivity. £5, teams of up to 8. 7pm. Bring drinks & nibbles. Details: [email protected]

READING – Palmer Park. Carters Steam Fair. From noon.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Sq. Jumble sale. 1.30pm.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Rambling group. 10am Come dressed for the weather. Details: www.christ-church-woodley.org.uk.

WOOLHAMPTON – Village Hall. An evening of horse racing with fish or chicken and chip supper. £7.50. Details: Eve Burke 0118 971 4829.

Sunday, October 12READING – Palmer Park. Carters Steam

Fair. From noon.

Submit your events to [email protected]

HENLEY. Henley half Marathon and 10km. Details: 01491 578042

WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road. Pantomime script read through. Details: www.corpuschristi-wokingham.org.

monday, October 13WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church,

Sturges Road. Pantomime open auditions. Evening. Details: www.corpuschristi-wokingham.org.

Tuesday, Oct 14SANDHURST – Sandhurst and

Yateley Methodist Church, Scotland Hill. Prayer and Praise. 2.30pm. Followed by refreshments. Details: www.sandhurstmethodist.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue, RG40 1YN. 50+ Group. Train rides in India – Tony Seager will report on his experiences of rail journeys. 2.15-3.15 pm. Admission free. Details: 0118 961 9821, or www.norreyschurch.org.uk

Wednesday, Oct 15NEWBURY – The Dolphin Inn,

Bartholomew Street RG14 5DT. An Evening with Nick Page, author of Revelation Road: One Man’s Journey to the Heart of the Apocalypse And Back Again. 7.30pm. £3. Details: 01635 37836.

Thursday, Oct 16GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury

Church. Pick-a-Flick film club for retired folk presents The Grand Budapest Hotel, followed by a lunch. 10.30am-2pm. Transport available. Details:www.thomandmary.org.uk.

Friday, October 17BRACKNELL – Kerith Centre, Church

Road. H20 – Friday Night Youth club. 4.30pm-6pm. £1.50. Details: www.kerith.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Emmbrook Sports & Social Club, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club. £8/£10 on the door. Details: 07831 130610.

Saturday, Oct 18GORING – St Thomas’ Church. The

Goring Chamber Choir present an evening of music by Mozart. £12, £10 concessions, £5 under 16s. Details: www.thomasandmary.org.uk.

hear xn editor Phil Creighton at 8.20am every Sunday on BBC Radio Berkshire Find out what’s happening in the week ahead by switching on Paul

Coia’s show on BBC Radio Berkshire every Sunday morning from 7am. Phil presents his pick of the week around 8.20am.

TuNE IN ON SuNdAYS!

CALENdAR26 October 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

mondaysCAVERSHAM – Grace Church, Peppard

Road. Pop-in Cafe for seniors. Includes tea, chat and homemade cakes. 2.30pm-4pm. Details: www.gracechurchcaversham.org.uk

READING – St John and St Stephen, Orts Road, RG1 3JN. Monday Monsters toddler group: arts, crafts, singing, games and more. 12.45pm-3pm. Donation of 50p. Term-time only. Details: www.facebook.com/MondayMonsters1

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Coffee on Mondays. 10am-11.45am.

Tuesdaysbinfield – binfield free church.

Jollytots toddler group, term-time only. 10am-11.30am. Details: www.binfieldfreechurch.com.

BRACKNELL – Bullbrook Community Centre, Bay Road. Communi-Tea Coffee Morning: tea, coffee and cakes. All welcome. 10am-noon.

BRACKNELL – St Joseph’s Church. Mothers and Toddlers groups. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: www.bracknellcatholicchurch.org.

EMMER GREEN – Parish Centre, St Barnabas Road. St Barnabas Arts and Craft circle. 9.30am. Refreshments available. Details: www.warfield.org.uk.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church,

Abbey Square. Bible study 2.30pm. Details: 0118 957 2197 or www.abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk.

WHITLEY – Christ The King Church parish centre, Northumberland Avenue. 60’s Plus Club: bingo, tea, biscuits, chat and more. 1pm-3.45pm. Details: Danny Apap 0118 967 1344 or [email protected].

WednesdaysBRACKNELL – St Joseph’s Church.

Peggy’s Keep Fit Classes. 2pm-3pm. All welcome. Details: www.bracknellcatholicchurch.org.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BE. Coffee morning. 10am. Soup lunch 12.30pm-2pm. £1.50. All welcome.

SOUTHCOTE – Grange URC, Circuit Lane. Cafe Alive: tea, coffee, activities for children and more. 3pm-4.30pm during term time.

Thursdaysbinfield – binfield free church. Bible

study. 10.30am-noon. Details: www.binfieldfreechurch.com.

SHINFIELD – Baptist Church, Hollow Lane. 10.00am-noon. Coffee morning – all welcome. Details: shinfieldbaptist.org.uk

READING – Reading Central Salvation Army, Anstey Road RG1 7JR. Craft group. 11am-2pm. Details: www.readingcental.org.uk.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square, Reading, RG1 3BE. Coffee Pot meets every Thursday at 7.30pm for table tennis to darts, scrabble to cribbage. Come and play your favourite games.

STOKE ROW – Stoke Row Independent Chapel, Newlands Lane, RG9 5PA. The chapel is open for personal prayer and meditation, daytime.

Fridaysbinfield – binfield free church. Origin

youth group for ages 8-13, term-time only. 7pm-8.30pm. Details: www.binfieldfreechurch.com.

BRACKNELL – Bracknell Methodist Church, Shepherd’s Lane. Coffee morning. 9am-12.30pm. Details: www.bracknellmethodist.org.uk

READING – The Pavilion, Oxford Road. Cafe 12: community cafe offering drinks and lunches for a reasonable price. 10am-2pm.

READING — Wycliffe Baptist Church, King’s Road. Curry club: home-made veggie curry. £3.50. 1pm.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road. Prayers and Bears toddler group. 1.30pm-3.30pm. £1 per family. Details: 0118 979 2122.

SaturdaysLOWER EARLEY – Baptist Church.

Community cafe. 10am-12.30pm. lowerearleybaptistchurch.org.uk

REgUlaR EvEnTS

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church Hall. Alexander Devine charity quiz night. Details: [email protected].

HENLEY – Christ Church Centre, Reading Road. Reading Phoenix Choir in concert. 7.30pm. £12. Details: 01941 577733.

NEWBURY – Newbury Baptist Church. Christians Together in the Newbury Area prayer breakfast: Jane Sutton on Newbury YMCA. 8am-9.30am. Details: ctnablog.wordpress.com.

READING – Tyndale Baptist Church, Cressingham Road. A Thanksgiving Service For Zambia’s Golden Jubilee. Special guests include former missionaries to Zambia, the Revd John Young, and a representation from various departments here in the UK; such as, The Zambian High commissioner in London; The Mayor of Reading, MP’s and others. 10am-4pm. RSVP. Details: [email protected] or 07429 498824

READING – From Wycliffe Baptist Church, King’s Road. Debz Day Tripz presents: Dorchester Abbey coach trip, with visit to Milletts Garden Centre with farm animals. £10. 9.30am-6pm. Details: 07963 044201 or search Facebook for Debz Day Tripz.

READING – The Harvester, Prospect Park. Men’s breakfast. Details: www.readingfamilychurch.org.uk

READING – Salvation Army Centre, Anstey Road. Help For Heroes fundraising concert with Tamesis Chamber Choir and Ascot Brass. 7pm. £10, £8 concessions, under 16s free. Details: 0118 983 1528.

SONNING – Reading Blue Coat School. Men’s breakfast with Professor Peter Silley on Ethics in Biology. £8. 8.30pm. Details: Fred Hope 0118 961 8874.

Sunday, October 19binfield – binfield free church. Ladies’

breakfast. 8.30am-10am. Details: www.binfieldfreechurch.com.

BRACKNELL – St Joseph’s Church. Service of healing for sick, housebound and elderly, followed by afternoon tea. 3pm. Details: www.bracknellcatholicchurch.org.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Autumn drive followed by tea. 2pm.

READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street. The Big Draw: Draw Tomorrow. 10am-3.30pm. Free, drop-in. Details: 0118 937 3400.

SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yateley Methodist Church, Scotland Hill. Sunday Soup Kitchen after morning service. Details: www.sandhurstmethodist.org.uk.

monday, Oct 20SOUTHCOTE – Southcote Christian

Mission RG30 3BL. Reading Aglow Encounter meeting with Maureen Sims of Frimley Christian Fellowship. £5 entry, includes refreshments. Free entry for first-timers. Details: 07747 636832, [email protected] or www.facebook.com/readingaglow

Thursday, Oct 23EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Hall, Church

Road. Thursdays@Ten: a chance to enjoy coffee and chat. 10am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 8575.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Hall, Church Road. Thursdays@Ten: Chocoholics talk and tasting session. 10am-11.30am. Details: 0118 966 8575.

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standrewscaversham.orgLOWER EARLEY – Laurel Park, off Rushey

Way. Woodley & Earley Lions fireworks night. 6pm, display 7pm. £7, under 14s £5, infants free.

READING – Reading Family Church, London Street. Sex Within Marriage: the importance, joys and challenges of marital intimacy within married life. A morning seminar with Sean and Nola Dooley. 9.30am-12.30pm. Details: www.readingfamilychurch.org.uk.

SOUTHCOTE – Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane. Autumn Fayre: Cakes, Gifts, Tombola, Handicrafts, Books, Raffle, children’s Lucky Prize Stall, Lucky Mugs, adopt a cuddly Toy, Grocery Tombola, Refreshments plus many other stalls and competitions. Entry 30p, children 10p. On number 26 bus route (circuit Lane stop). 2.30pm-4pm.

Sunday, nov 2ALDERMASTON – St Mary’s Church.

A Time To Remember: a service to commemorate loved ones who have died. 4pm. Followed by refreshments.

GORING – St Thomas’ Church. All Souls’ Day service: Faure’s Requiem. 4pm.

READING – Reading Deaf Centre, Cardiff Road. Reading Deaf Church meeting. 10.30am. Details: www.readingdeafcentre.org.uk.

READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Sq. All Saints celebration. 10.45am.

ROTHERFIELD PEPPARD – All Saints Church. Patronal Festival.

SANDHURST – Baptist Church. Church meal in Shenai Restaurant from noon, Pay on the day. Details: www.

sandhurstbaptists.org.uk.TILEHURST – St Mary Magdalen’s Church,

Rodway Road, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 6DS. A memorial service for those people who have died.

TILEHURST – Methodist Church, School Road. All Saints’ service. 3pm. Details: Details: www.tilehurstmethodist.org.uk.

Tuesday, nov 4SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yateley

Methodist Church, Scotland Hill. Prayer Supper: food plus prayer from 6.15pm. Details: www.sandhurstmethodist.org.uk.

Thursday, nov 5HENLEY – Badgemore Park Golf Club,

Badgemore RG9 4NR. The Filling Station presents Amy Gorman, international aid organiser 7.30pm. Details: [email protected] or 07875 203409.

Thursday, nov 6BRIMPTON – Brimpton Lodge. Coffee

morning and bring and buy sale in aid of St Peter’s Church. 10am-11.30am.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Farmers’ market. 9am-2pm. Details: [email protected].

Friday, november 7EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Hall, Church

Road. Friendship Lunch Group. 12.30pm. Details: 0118 966 8575.

WOOLHAMPTON – Village Hall. Quiz night. 7pm. Teams of up to six.

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CALENdAR 27To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | October 2014

READING – St Giles, Southampton Street. Sinners & Saints: Extraordinary Lives, a lecture series. America’s Theologian Stanley Hauerwas, with the Revd David Pickersill. 7.30pm. Evening prayer 6.30pm. Mass 7pm. Wine reception after lecture. Details: www.sgilesreading.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road. UcM – Mulled Wine In The Autumn with a bring and buy sale. 7.30pm. Details: www.corpuschristi-wokingham.org.

Friday, October 24DUNSDEN – Village Hall. Bonfire and

Hallowe’en Evening with firework display. Gates 6pm. Details: www.dunsdenvillagehall.co.uk.

READING – St Andrew’s URC, London Road. An Evening with Michael Farley: songs and hymns and their history. Free, donations welcome. 7.30pm.

Saturday, Oct 25EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside

Close. Youth band concert in aid of church’s Romania project. Details:

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close. Walking group with pub lunch. 10am from church car park. Details. www.trinityearley.co.uk.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Hall, Church Road. Men’s breakfast. 7.45am. Details: www.earley-stpeter.org.uk.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s, Church Road. The Reading Chorale Come and Sing day. 10.30am. Concert 5.30pm. Details: www.earley-stpeter.org.uk.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. Men’s weekend. Details: 0118 957 2197 or www.abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk.

READING – All Saints Church Hall, Downshire Square. Jamaica Society Black History Play. £10. 7pm.

WOKINGHAM – Cantley House Hotel. Flute & Harp Duo. Dinner & Entertainment £32.50. Details: 0118 978 9912.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Monthly quiz night. 7.30pm. Details: www.christ-church-woodley.org.uk.

Sunday, October 26READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey

Square. Men’s weekend. Details: 0118 957 2197 or www.abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk.

READING – The Pavilion, Oxford Road. Musical celebration with Georgian Banov, the Apostle of Joy. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 966 2007.

WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road. Monthly games afternoon. Details: www.christ-church-woodley.org.uk.

monday, Oct 27READING – From Wycliffe Baptist Church,

King’s Road. Debz Day Tripz presents: Day trip to Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World. £28. Children under 1m £10. Details: 07963 044201 or search Facebook for Debz Day Tripz.

READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street. The Big Draw: Draw Tomorrow. 10am-3.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 937 3400 or www.readingmuseum.org.uk.

Tuesday, Oct 28SANDHURST – Sandhurst and Yateley

Methodist Church, Scotland Hill. Rejoice: an hour of singing. 2.30pm. Followed by refreshments. Details: www.sandhurstmethodist.org.uk.

Wednesday, October 29ALDERMASTON – Parish Hall RG7 4LW.

Opening Up Mark’s Gospel: a talk by the Revd Becky Bevan. Not for experts, not a Bible study. Details: [email protected].

SPENCERS WOOD – St Michael & All Angels. A worship evening combining both new and older songs/hymns to suit all, musicians from various local churches, everyone welcome. Refreshments. 7.45pm. Detail: Phil 0118 988 2804 (evenings).

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Wiltshire Road. Baroque Concerts presents Ranelagh Revisit’d – Handel, Haydn, J.C.Bach and other music from England’s pleasure gardenswith David Wright on harpsichord. 8pm. £12.50 advance, £14 on door. Tickets from The Cornerstone or on the door. Details: www.allsaintsmusic.org.uk.

Friday, October 31EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck,

Matthews Green Road. Joel Park Residents Association Coffee Afternoon. 1.30pm-3pm.

GORING – Goring Free Church. Light party for children. 5pm-7pm. Details: www.goringfreechurch.org.uk.

TILEHURST – Methodist Church, School Road. Light party. 4.30pm. chidlren welcome. Details: Details: www.tilehurstmethodist.org.uk.

Saturday, november 1CAVERSHAM – Caversham Heights

Methodist Church, Highmoor Road. Autumn fayre with light lunches. 11.30am-3pm. In aid of Riding for the Disabled and the Alexander Devine Children’s hHospice.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s, Albert Road. All Souls Service Thanksgiving and Remembrance of those who have died. 11am. Details: www.

LEISuRE28 October 2014 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | To advertise call 0118 328 3108

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How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. Each compartment must form a straight - a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight. Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ are formed.

SUDOKU

To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudokuand www.str8ts.com for Str8ts.

If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Medium

4 56 4 5 3 24 5 2 1

4 3 2 13 5 2 1 4

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Codeword Kakuro

Str8ts Sudoku

BREAk TImE Pit your wits against our brainteasers

Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Below is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.

place 1 to 9 in each white cell. To choose the right number you need to work from the clues in around the edge. The numbers below the diagonal lines are the sums of the solutions in the white cells immediately beneath. The numbers above the divide are the sums of the solutions immediately to the right. Rows and columns do NOT have to be unique.

Thus, if a 3 is shown as a clue there will be two cells waiting for you to put the digits 1 and 2 in them – the only possible sum that will equal 3.

The final rule is that no number may be repeated in any block. For example, if the clue is 4, the only possible solution will be 1 and 3 (or 3 and 1), never 2 and 2.

Are you stuck? The answers are on p34

LEISuRE 29To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | October 2014

FREETImE Arts, leisure and hobbies – with a local perspective

a new theatre space is getting ready for curtain up in Reading ... but it’s in the most unlikely of locations. Phil CREighTOn is our man in the stalls

The traditional actor’s cry of break a leg will soon be heard in the thames Valley’s newest theatre space … along with encouragements not to

break a lectern too. The unusual second request is because the

call to curtain up will be made in a Grade II-listed church in east Reading.

plans are in place for St Bartholomew’s Church to become a cultural hub, fusing performances with church services – and the first production will be coming next month.

Situated at a busy junction and with bags of parking in nearby palmer park Stadium, the church is teaming up with theatre group Reading Between The Lines and Michael Johnson, the founder of Wokingham theatre group Stage-Fright.

The Revd Dr Graeme Fancourt, priest-in-charge of St Bart’s and nearby St Luke’s, is excited about the potential of the project.

He said: “We spent my first year here working out where we are as a church. We wanted to focus on how we use our resources. We’re not a private space, we’re a public space and we want to imaginatively engage with the community.

“It will be a wonderful performing arts venue.”

While some may imagine that converting the Victorian church into a 21st century theatre might have been divisive and difficult, Graeme (pictured right)

revealed that the experience had been the opposite: “Among the congregation, not a single person has been against it,” he said. “It’s been amazing.”

The church has no pews to remove as they were never installed in the first place.

“For the last 25 years, the worshipping community here has been worshipping in the round,” Graeme said.

And the planned performing arts will be the best it possibly can be, even if they can be sometimes more adult in nature, asking probing questions about the world around us.

“We want to see professional theatre that pushes boundaries and pushes the status quo,” Graeme said.

“It will also be in a practising church. plays are always performed in the presence of God; a theatre church sharpens that reality in our minds.”

The Riding Lights Theatre Company will be the first group to use the space, performing at the church on November 8 and December 1.

Graeme said: “We’re looking forward to seeing what travelling theatre companies can do with the space.

“Riding Lights will perform two different shows; that will be really good and will help us understand how the space will work.”

It’s not the only project that Graeme is working on.

St Luke’s, based in Erleigh Road, east Reading, is exploring whether it can convert part of its grounds into a community allotment, giving people the chance to learn how to grow their own vegetables.

“We are inviting experienced people in this area to form a management group,” Graeme said. “We support foodbanks, but we want to do something different too.”

“Foodbanks help people in desperate need, but they’re not designed as a long-term solution. We want to address the issue of food poverty and help all kinds of people learn how to grow their own food.”

The churches launch their plans with a special service held at both churches on Sunday, October 5, led by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Andrew proud. The first part of the service takes place at 10am at St Bart’s, before a procession goes to St Luke’s.

The churches’ plans are designed to help break down barriers and cement the churches’ places as 21st century beacons.

Graeme said: “That’s my bread and butter: creating churches that can be catalysts for the community. We’re creating spaces to do just that.”v For more, visit www.lukeandbart.org.ukv Fantastic Acts will be performed at St Bart’s Church on Saturday, November 8 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10.

Shining a riding light on new theatre

v Enjoy some Fantastic ActsRiDiNG LiGhTs Theatre Company is coming to Reading on November 8 and Goring on Thursday, November 13, from 7.30pm.

its show, Fantastic Acts, will take you on a whirlwind trip back in time and promises to be “that wonderfully entertaining Mediterranean break you’ve always craved”.

Fantastic Acts is full of vivid stories and random acts of kindness and will be a wonderfully entertaining and uplifting show.

The Goring show has been sponsored by the three churches of the United Benefice and Goring Free Church and takes place at st Thomas’ Goring. v Tickets cost £10 and can be ordered by calling 01491 875094.

As iF YOU needed an excuse … it’s National Chocolate Week this month. Running from October 13-19, it’s a chance to celebrate all things chocolate.

To help you get in the mood, fairtrade chocolate specialists Divine Chocolate have created a new collection of recipes from celebrity chefs.

The collection includes recipes by Rachel Khoo, Lorraine Pascale, Paul Frangie and Linda Collister, and are all mouthfuls of Divine indulgence for Chocolate Week.

Paul Frangie – Dubai resident and genius behind online lifestyle channel This Dude Knows Food – has created these mini mouthfuls of chocolate indulgence with his recipe for hazelnut and raspberry truffles.

The ganache made with Divine Dark Chocolate with Raspberries and crushed hazelnuts, is perfectly balanced to create a sharp tart taste with a savoury edge.Ingredientsv 200g Divine 70% Dark Chocolate with Raspberriesv 50g Butterv 300g Hazelnutsv Pinch of Saltv Optional: 50g Freeze Dried Raspberry PowderPreheat the oven to 160ºC/gas mark 3.

Fill the saucepan with 1-2 inches of water and bring to a boil.Break the chocolate up into small pieces and place in a large

bowl with the butter.Take the pan off the heat and place the bowl on top of the

pan. Allow chocolate and butter to melt; leaving it for 10-15 minutes.

Place the hazelnuts on the baking dish and toast in the oven for 5-8 minutes or until skins start to come off. Place toasted hazelnuts in a bowl, cover with a plate, and shake well to remove skins. Blend the warm hazelnuts in a kitchen processor. When the mixture turns to a fine flour texture remove 100g and reserve for dusting.

Continue blending the hazelnuts until the nut oils are released and a smooth butter forms. Be patient and use a spatula every now and then to scrape down the sides.

Once the chocolate and butter mixture has melted completely, stir together with a spatula.

Add the hazelnut butter to the melted chocolate mixture, stir well and pour the mixture into a baking dish. Cover with cling wrap and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until set (but not too hard).

Using a teaspoon or a melon baller scoop out small balls of the truffle mixture and keep aside. Roll the truffles into small ball shapes in the palm of your hands, and dust in reserved hazelnut flour and/or the freeze dried raspberry powder.

serve these Divine Mouthfuls immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.v To keep up to date with all Divine’s Chocolate Week activities visit www.divinechocolate.com/uk/good-stuff


Paul Frangie’s Hazelnut & Raspberry Dark Chocolate Truffles

v The Cotswolds Dry Gin is a delectable blend of nine carefully-considered botanicals. The expression of the traditional London dry style comes from the

maceration into pure wheat spirit of juniper, coriander and angelica root, which have been left for 24 hours to allow their flavour characteristics to fully infuse.

The Inaugural Release first bottling run has just been completed and the gin is now on sale with an RRP of £34.95. Stockists will include quality wines and spirits merchants and online at www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.

v Coeliacs and other gluten-avoiders across the UK are licking their lips in anticipation at the UK’s first gluten & wheat free frozen doughnuts!

Feel Free for Gluten Free has launched its frozen dough-nuts, made from potato and rice starch. The result is a donut like those on offer at fun fairs or at seaside resorts.

Feel Free For Gluten Free’s new sugared ring doughnuts are sold frozen and can be kept in the freezer for up to six months. A pack of four costs £3.99 and can be ordered from www.glutenfree-direct.co.uk.

For more, visit www.feelfreefoods.co.uk.

vA cuppa can help save lives and birds at the same time. Independent UK coffee company

Cafeology has joined forces with the RSPB to launch a ‘bird friendly’ brand designed to reduce destruction of the world’s rainforests.

Its new high-quality shade-grown coffee takes longer to produce but has a superior flavour. As well as being Fairtrade, it is certified by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), which will receive a donation from every sale.

The 100% premium Arabica gold standard coffee is available in both ground and whole bean forms (250g) for £5.89. It is available in garden centres and from www.cafeology.com.

v H&M is again topping the list of the world’s biggest users of certified organic cotton,

according to Textile Exchange’s latest Organic Cotton Market Report 2013.

With a 29% increase in the last year, H&M manifests its leading position – in 2013, 10.8% of the cotton used for H&M was certified organic.

“This is part of our strategic target to use only more sustainable cotton by 2020.” says Henrik Lampa, H&M’s Environmental Sustainability Manager.

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With its natural, unique beeswax scent it helps purify the air.

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vWho doesn’t love animals in

underpants? This People Tree T-shirt is £38.

To order, call 020 7042 8935 or log on to www.peopletree.co.uk


livE mUSiC

lUnChES

Baking

v Go out for a night on the couch

v Be a lady (or a gent) wot lunches

A pARTY in a pub will help a group of Scouts enjoy a camping holiday in Switzerland.

FinchFest 14 was recently held at the Queen’s Oak pub in Finchampstead and saw youth band Hotwire perform a farewell gig, alongside a Blondie tribute, singer/songwriter Mike Burch and two young rock bands.

The event raised more then £1,000 which will go towards the 1st Finchampstead Scout group’s trip to the international camp at Kandersteg, Switzerland, which will be held in 2016.

The event saw more than 160 people turn up to enjoy the music.

Organiser Dave Stock said: “We were fortunate with the weather, and the music went down very well.

“The finale was just that: the final Hotwire session before the band broke up, with the members all heading off to university in disparate parts of the UK.

“The crowd were left with the prospect of Finchfest 15 to look forward to.”v For more on the trip, log on to www.1finch.org.uk

A LUNCH club for the elderly meets in Goring’s Community Centre on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Offering a hot two-course meal, organisers promise a range of activities and good company too.

It starts at 10am and runs until 1pm and costs £6, including tea and coffee. Transport can be

arranged for local visitors. Organisers say they would also

appreciate some more volunteers to come forward to help ensure everything runs smoothly. v For more details or to offer help, contact Jonathan May by emailing [email protected] or calling the Community Centre on 01491 873565 on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings.

Bake your cake and eat it BY Phil CREighTOn

let them eat cake! a new club is fresh out of the oven and it smells delicious.

The Wokingham Cake Club has high aspirations – members must rise to the occasion and bake their own cake.

No muffins, cupcakes, cookies, biscuits or pies are allowed, it has to be cake, the whole cake and nothing but the cake.

The club launched in September and members are now getting ready for the next great Wokingham Bake Off, which will take place on Thursday, October 9.

Eatings – sorry, meetings – start at 7.30pm and will be on the second Thursday of the month thereafter.

Katie Lilley, who has cooked up the club, said: “Wokingham Cake Club is a chance to show off your love for baking, to share cake,

recipes, tips and ideas. It’s not a competition, just a club where we meet and eat.

“There’s only one rule: you must have made the cake yourself – or with another member of the club. No muffins, cupcakes, cookies, biscuits or pies.

“Happy baking – I look forward to tasting your cakes.”

Katie added that the inspiration for the club came from her love of baking and a passion to see people from every generation interacting together.

She said: “After watching the Great British Bake Off I realised

that a Cake Club would be a great opportunity for people from different generations to meet, chat and learn from each other.

“Each month there is a different theme to the cakes, to encourage people to be creative and to try something new.”

The club is open to everyone who loves baking. The next event is October 9 and the theme is Harvest Festival.

It takes place at Kings Church’s Station Road base. v For more details, call Katie on 0118 961 9876 or email [email protected]

v Scottish dancingBEENHAM – A scottish Dancing Club meets at the Victory hall on Monday nights.

Organisers say that scottish dancing is great fun as the dance steps and movement create flowing patterns and dances can be slow and elegant or extremely lively. No experience is necessary and you don’t need a partner.

The group meets on Mondays from 7.45pm to 10pm.v For more details, call Jackie Oversby on 07745 310794 or e-mail: [email protected] More classes are held at St Andrew’s URC in Reading. There are streams for beginners, intermediate and advanced. For details, log on to www.scottishdancingreading.org.

v Join in the pantoWOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church is holding open auditions for its annual parish pantomime on Monday, October 13.

Potential cast members must be able to commit to Monday night rehearsals.v For details, log on to www.corpuschristi-wokingham.org.

A FUNDRAISING event in aid of Autoimmune Alopecia Research to study the cause and effective treatments of alopecia will take place on Saturday, November 1, at the Crowne plaza Hotel, Richfield Avenue, Caversham.

The evening comprises a drinks


THE Dunsden Owen Association is preparing to mark Remembrance weekend with a special exhibition.

To be held in the Village Hall on November 7-9, the exhibition will use local archives, letters from Wilfred Owen and oral histories of residents who had family in the village at the time Wilfred Owen was in Dunsden from 1911-1913, before he left for the France and then the war.

There will be a creative poetry corner where visitors can create their own poems, a ‘room setting’ depicting life in rural Dunsden in the First World War period, and a special children’s trail.

Emma Banks, Curator of the First World War Exhibition, whose last two projects both won the BBC’s Restoration TV programme, said: “The Dunsden Owen Association welcomes individuals or organisations who can loan

artefacts or stories about the First World War that can be used as part of the exhibition.

“We had great success with our July 13 Mementos and Memories Day at Dunsden Village Hall, with visitors sharing their stories and material items such as medals relating to the First World War.”

Emma welcomes support for the show. She said: “We encourage anyone interested in World War One, Wilfred Owen and his poetry, or who has physical materials that can be used as part of this exhibition to get in touch and learn more about our vision and how to get involved.’ v For further information on how to get involved with Dunsden Owen Association or to contribute to the November 7-9 First World War exhibition visit www.owenindunsden.org or contact Emma Banks, Curator, at [email protected].

The War, through owen’s eyes

How to get excited about evangelism

fight Alopecia at gala dinnerv Come and singSONNING – On sunday, October 19, the Choir of st Andrew’s is hosting its first Come-and-Sing event.

singers of all ages and levels of experience are invited to join existing choir members at 3.30pm to rehearse cathedral-style repertoire including stanford’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B-flat major.

The rehearsal will lead into the beautiful, centuries-old service of Choral Evensong at 6.30pm.

Music will be provided free of charge, as will refreshments between rehearsal and service.

Organisers say it is an ideal opportunity to join other keen singers to explore choral music which is not widely performed or sung in the locality and to get a taster (with no obligation) of what life in the st Andrew’s choirs is like.v For more information email St Andrew’s director of music, Chris Cromar on [email protected], or call 0118 9693298.

v Free concertREADING – An evening of history and music will be blended together at a special concert to be held later this month.

st Andrew’s URC is welcoming Michael Farley for an evening of hymns and songs. in between the tunes, he will share stories of how they came to be written.

This is Michael’s second visit to the London Road church– he came with the Michael Roberts band last year.

Entry is free, although donations towards costs will be welcomed.

it takes place on Friday, October 24 from 7.30pm; all are welcome.

v Mozart in GoringGORING – The Goring Chamber Choir will be performing Mozart’s Missa Brevis in D, sancta Maria, mater Dei and Alma Dei creatoris in st Thomas’ Church on saturday, October 18 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £12, £10 for concessions and £5 for students. They can be bought from inspiration in Goring Arcade.

The choir will also be singing Faure’s Requiem as part of an All souls’ Day service on sunday, November 2 from 4pm – and singers can join in.

There will be practices from 7pm to 8pm on Fridays October 17, 24 and 31 and a final practice at 2pm on sunday November 2.v For details, visit www. st-marys-streatley.org.uk.

ExhiBiTiOn

BOOkS

hiSTORY

Ian SeYmoUr, a curate at St Sebastian’s church in Wokingham Without has been asking himself a question that many Christians think about.

“There are people you love and care about and you are praying for them to become a Christian. Apart from praying what else can you do?”

In answer to this question Ian has written a new book called Empowered personal Evangelism: Growing The Church One by One by One. It aims to explain the steps ordinary people can do if they want to share their faith.

“I am an evangelist and I wanted to use my own personal experiences evangelising in a very practical way,” explains Ian.

“It is not a theoretical book, it’s a book that teaches and shows. It gives people exercises of what they can do.

“I want people to get excited about evangelism. I want people in churches to get involved in evangelism. It isn’t a specialist area, everyone can do it.”

Ian says that Empowered

personal Evangelism can be used for personal or group study. Using inspiring stories and practical tips it shows how everyone, from the man and woman in the pew to church leaders, can be an evangelist.

“My heart is to see people touched [by God], my heart is to see a revival and the Gospel spread in the country,” says Ian.

“We need to get out of the churches, out of the buildings and impress people with God’s power. We’ve seen phenomenal healings but I’m still pushing for more.

“I want to see not just people’s aches and pains go away but the Heidi Bakers of this world who are witness to people being born again, receiving sight, to see them walking again.

“That is real power Evangelism where people believe it because they see it and they can see it in people’s lives.”v Empowered Personal Evangelism: Growing The Church One By One By One by Ian Seymour is published by New Wine Press, £15.99. ISBN: 9781905991631. It can be ordered from Quench and other bookshops.

VIVIENNE JOHNSON

mUSiC

A pRIZE-WINNING trio will be the next performers for the popular Concerts In Caversham event.

Taking place on Saturday, October 11 at St Andrew’s Church Hall in Albert Road, Caversham, the evening will feature a mix of trios and solos, including works by Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms.

It will be performed by The Greene Trio – James Maltby (clarinet), Naomi Watts (cello) and Craig Greene (piano).

Tickets cost £13 or £15 in advance or £15/£17 on the door. Under 16s are free.

plans are already being made for the annual festive event.

To be held on December 6, it will be a Christmas Concert by Candlelight and feature a performance by The Caversham Ensemble.v For more information or to book, visit www.concertsincaversham.co.uk.

on the Greene

reception, a three-course dinner, a guest speaker, entertainment and a live band. The hotel has a special room rate for people who want to make a night of it.

Tickets cost £50, while a table of 10 is £400.v For details or to book visit www.charity-ball.co.uk or email [email protected].


v Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatThe hexagon, september 9-13

ThERE are surely very few people who are unable to hum at least one of the songs from

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-running musical Joseph and his amazing Technicolor dreamcoat.

The touring production of Bill Kenwright’s take on the popular show visited Reading from september 9-13 and starred Lloyd Daniels as Joseph. The X Factor contestant made a reasonably convincing Joseph, Jacob’s golden boy, even if his Welsh accent was occasionally evident.

The stage was a riot of colour and the cast, particularly the brothers, did brilliantly, swapping from one role to others as the reduced company meant each had several roles.

The chorus of children, present for most of the show, were spectacular. Every one was 100% engaged and sang their hearts out – even in the 1.30pm saturday matinee, the first of three shows that day.

The humorous telling of this story, with the Elvis-impersonating Pharaoh, the Benjamin Calypso and pantomime camels, leaves out the fact that God was with Joseph throughout the ups and downs of his life.

But this entertaining retelling of the inspiring story of the early israelites’ journey to Egypt looks set to be around for many years to come.

JUDITH CREIGHTON

Clare starts at Chapter one Go, go, go Joseph

Beautifully crafted & quite uncluttered

BOOkS

mUSiC

mUSiCal

v We’re Just Passing ThroughKate Robbins and Nicky CampbellNova, £10.99ASIN: B00KDOX0ZK

As A big jazz fan, it was exciting to receive this new CD from Nicky Campbell, this time in partnership with Kate Robbins.

Nicky’s previous album, made with Mark Moraghan, was swing-inspired and excellent.

however, the broadcaster and DJ’s first track on his new CD starts with mellow piano and guitar, reminiscent of Dire straits or Pink Floyd – very different to before.

The tracks then meander through big band jazz, 80s style pop and West End musical-style power ballads, creating an eclectic mix.

Kate Robbins has an incredible voice – it’s rich, warm and powerful.

Nicky also has a great voice but only sings on one track, which is rather a shame. More please.

The songs are beautifully crafted, the arrangements are uncluttered with effective layers of sound and the backing vocals stand out in a good way.

The harmonies, jazz-inflected chord progressions and melodic piano make for an album which is very easy to listen to.

The care and passion that went into writing and performing the songs is obvious.

Despite leaping from one musical style to another, the album works.

Although some songs wouldn’t be out of place in an

80’s chart or on a West End stage, it seems that jazz is where Robbins’ and Campbell’s hearts lie.

The CD notes read, “Our musical minds met and Celtic souls danced.” Despite no discernable Celtic sound to the album, the collaboration would seem to be a fruitful one.

Long may it continue. JUDITH CREIGHTON

tV preSenter, radio broadcaster, sports personality and all-round equestrian golden girl Clare Balding recently signed copies of her new book at Chapter one Book Store in Woodley.

Walking Home: My Family, and Other Rambles is a collection of stories and tales from people whom she has encountered during her adventures in the English Countryside.

As part of her tour, she also visited the County Show in Newbury.

Clare currently presents for BBC Sport, Channel 4, and BT Sport, in addition to hosting the early morning spiritual programme Good Morning Sunday on BBC Radio 2.

WORDS & PICTURE: LYNDA BOWYER


Nine years waiting

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Moviewatch Cinema with Martin Ceaser

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v lucy (15)Stars Scarlett Johansson, Morgan FreemanAmr WakedChoi Min-sik

NEURONS and cells. Evolution. Brain capacity. Chinese Triads. Time Travel. Omnipresence.

An opening quote that says, “Life was given to us a billion years ago. What have we done with it?”

probably not what you would

expect from a trip to the cinema! Scarlett Johannson is Lucy, an

American living in Taiwan, who is kidnapped by a dangerous Triad and forced to agree to having a new, man-made drug, implanted in her stomach so it can be smuggled into Europe.

Her adventures are interspersed with a lecture on brain capacity given by professor Norman (Morgan Freeman) which at first are extremely confusing, but as the story progresses things become clearer.

On her way to the airport, Lucy is beaten up by members of the Triad, causing the bag implanted in her stomach to burst. This leads to a massive overdosing of the drug.

Rather than kill her, it kicks her brain into overdrive with the rest of the film exploring what happens as she gradually unlocks its full capacity while avoiding death at the hands of the Triad.

Along the way we are presented with philosophical musings as to the true origins of “life, the universe and everything” as Lucy uses her brain to defeat the Triad with the help of the good professor and French police Captain pierre Del Rio (Amr Waked).

Life, according to the professor, is simply a random collection of cells that come together and gradually evolve; the purpose of life, he claims, is one of two things – to become immortal, or simply to reproduce by passing along knowledge and information Lucy tells us that “Ignorance

brings chaos, not knowledge”, thus reinforcing the professor’s claims.

Knowledge is power. My initial reaction to the film

was “weird”. It reminded me of The Matrix in many ways, although with more conventional action scenes. It also places a rather bleak outlook on life. Is it really just about seeking, and passing on knowledge? What about love, friendship, laughter, creativity, and joy?

The Bible teaches us that life is more about these things culminating in a relationship with a loving God. Furthermore, every single one of us is designed already to live for ever which means we are not simply a collection of random cells but the masterpiece of a Creator who designed us for so much more than we see, or even know.

Lucy is weird. It poses the big questions; it even goes some way to finding the answers (“We never really die”; “we humans are more concerned with having than with being”) yet ultimately falls short of the biblical Truth.

It took a staggering nine years to make, which probably adds to the weirdness.

If you want to see an Avengers style movie with Scarlett in Black Widow mode, you will be disappointed. However, if you want a film to provoke discussion about the big issues of existence and the value of human beings, this is a great film to watch.

The Revd Martin Ceaser is minister of Crowthorne Baptist Church

Scarlett Johansson stars as an unwilling drugs mule whose life takes an unexpected turn after an overdose goes wrong

This October, Network Vineyard Church is running its school of supernatural Evangelism (ssE) for a fourth year.

students are being asked to apply for the one-year course called Training and Practicing Kingdom, supernatural and Prophetic Principles, which starts this month.

Founder and tutor at the school, Rob Gardiner is also one of the senior pastors at Network Vineyard Church, which is based at Woodley hill house in Earley.

he said: “The school was born out of a belief that signs and wonders are normal for every Christian. Everyone can be involved in healing the sick, casting out demons and saving the lost.

“The missing ingredient is deliberate development of our spiritual lives; in other words Discipleship.

“in the West we live in a secular

context. At ssE we help people experience God’s miraculous healing and prophetic power in a supportive environment.”

he continued: “i will be teaching about two thirds of the course.

“Other tutors are Mark iles, a minister from southampton who is a gifted prophet, who will be giving the prophecy training, and Christen Forster who will be teaching supernatural prophetic ministry to year two students.”

The course is open to everyone and takes place at Woodley hill house.

“if you want to take seriously Jesus’ commission to make disciples this is a most effective way of learning how,” said Rob.

The course will last for three terms of one evening per week

for 10 weeks and includes practical demonstrations and practice of things learned on the course. v For more information log on to www.schoolof

supernaturalevangelism.com

Learn all about signs and wondersAdvERTISING FEATuRE 35To advertise call 0118 328 3108 | www.xnmedia.co.uk | October 2014

Woodley Hill House, home to the School of Supernatural Evangelism

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