RG31
February 2017
February 2017
The Parish Magazine of Tilehurst St Catherine & Calcot St Birinus
RG31
Who’s Who in the Parish Licensed Lay Minister (Cornwell)
Licensed Lay Minister Mike Heather 0118 962 4852
Tony Bartlett 0118 967 8659
michaelheather@btinternet.com
tony.bartlett.ccc@ntlworld.com
Churchwarden Sonia Ludford 0118 945 4631
Churchwarden (Cornwell) Richard Yates 0118 942 4920
sonia.ludford@gmail.com
richard.yates@mailcity.com
Assistant Churchwarden Anne Soley 0118 942 5407
Assistant Churchwarden (Cornwell) Evelyn Bartlett 0118 967 8659
anne.soley@btinternet.com
evelyn.bartlett@ntlworld.com
St Catherine’s Hall bookings Sheila Drew 0118 942 7254 hall@stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk Cornwell Centre bookings Tilehurst Parish Council 0118 941 8833 bookings@tilehurstpc.co.uk RG31 is published 10 times a year on the first Sunday of the month (not January or August) by the P.C.C. of Tilehurst: St Catherine & Calcot: St Birinus and is also available via our website www.stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk Editor: Tony Bartlett 0118 967 8659 Assistant Editor: Rosemary Cunningham 0118 942 0713 Advertising: Richard Canning 0118 942 8238 All details and events are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of going to print. The P.C.C. and Editors are not necessarily in agreement with the views expressed by contributors in this magazine. We welcome contributions of articles or letters for future issues from anyone living in, or connected with the parish. All contributions must be received by the editors by the 20th day of the month preceding the next month’s issue at the latest. Contributions may be sent to magazine@stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk Read your own copy of RG31 (10 issues) - only 50p each issue, or £5.00 for a year’s subscription. Details from the editors whose details are above. ©Tilehurst St Catherine & Calcot St Birinus P.C.C. 2017
Cover Picture : A winter’s day at St Catherine’s
2
RG31
photo Stuart Poore
February 2017
Tony Bartlett For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter, under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3) In my mind I’ve always seen the 12 months of the year as a clock face, the 12 months in place of the 12 hours; so March, the 3rd month is at three o’clock, June, the sixth month is at the bottom and so on. This helps me visualise how far into the year we’ve gone. Whether we view the calendar as a circle, a straight line, a chart or pages that we turn, there are fixed points, milestones, set in our journey through the year. For most people Christmas and family birthdays would be such markers; events to look forward to and plan ahead for. For the Christian there are many such markers as we move thought the year and mark the seasons with festivals, the number of which may depend on your ‘churchmanship’, with perhaps a minimum of Christmas and Easter expanding to other festivals and including all the Saints days. At St Catherine’s we’ve become used to a fairly standard year and expect the usual events to take place; not only Christmas Day and Easter Day but the events leading up to them, so Advent leading up the Christmas, and Lent leading up to Easter culminating with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday. Then there are the other events in church life, the Saturday before a school half term holiday is usually a Jumble Sale, St Catherine's Day on 29th April is celebrated in some way and annual meetings take place during April. How many times does an event have to take place before it becomes a ‘tradition’? Well, for over 25 years now we’ve held a holiday club for 5-11’s in August and whilst the format has evolved the objective remains the same; to tell a new generation about the Good News of Jesus, as the theme song of ‘Storykeepers’ Holiday club in 1998 put it, to ‘Keep the story alive, so the news of Jesus will survive for ever’. To plan and host a week-long event for between 60 and 100 children takes a lot of effort and planning so it’s important that we have a large number of helpers and not just the same people doing the same thing every year; we must widen the knowledge and involve new people doing different things so we’re not dependent on the same few. Do please read my article on page 7 about ‘Showstoppers’ holiday club and consider how you might be able to help, there really is something that everyone can do.
Tony February 2017
RG31
3
Services in the Parish Every Thursday 12.15 pm 2.00 pm
Holy Communion or Prayers - Garden Room Community Prayer - Garden Room - *Note earlier start time*
Wednesday 1st February 11.00 am
Service at York House
Saturday 4th February 3.30 pm
Messy Church - St Catherine’s - ‘What is Love?’
Sunday 5th February - 4th Sunday before Lent Isaiah 58.1-12, Psalm 112.1-10, 1 Corinthians 2.1-1213-16, Matthew 5.13-20 8.00 am Morning Prayer - Garden Room 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell
Sunday 12th February - 3rd Sunday before Lent Deuteronomy 30.15-20 or Ecclesiasticus 15.15-20, Psalm 119.1-8, 1 Corinthians 3.1-9, Matthew 5.21-37 8.00 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell
Sunday 19th February - 2nd Sunday before Lent Genesis 1.1 - 2.3, Psalm 136 or Psalm 136.1-9,23-26, Romans 8.18-25, Matthew 6.25-34 8.00 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell
Sunday 26th February - Sunday next before Lent Exodus 24.12-18, Psalm 2, or Psalm 99, 2 Peter 1.16-21, Matthew 17.1-9 8.00 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell
Wednesday 1st March (Ash Wednesday) 11.00 am 4
Service at York House
RG31
February 2017
Saturday 4th March 3.30 pm
Messy Church - St Catherine’s - ‘What is Lent?’
Sunday 5th March - 1st Sunday of Lent Genesis 2.15-17; 3.1-7, Psalm 32, Romans 5.12-19, Matthew 4.1-11 8.00 am Morning Prayer - Garden Room 9.30 am Holy Communion - St Catherine's Church 11.00 am All Age Service - Cornwell The Garden Room at St Catherine's is open during the day and reserved for quiet, prayer and meditation. ‘Lent’ is derived from the Old German Lenz—Spring. The first day of Lent is 40 days (not counting the Sundays) or six and a half weeks before Easter. During Lent we follow Jesus’ journey from the wilderness to the cross, reflecting on his temptations, conflicts and sufferings. It is customary to share in Jesus’ self-denial by giving something up; a favourite food or past-time; better still is to give up time for study by means of a Lent course, or reading a Christians book. Shrove Tuesday (Shrove is a corruption of ‘Shrive’, the act of making a confession and receive absolution). Known as pancake day because getting rid of fat, flour and eggs was preparation for the Lent season of fasting beginning on Ash Wednesday, so called from the custom of using ash as a sign of mourning or penitence (‘sackcloth & ashes’). In many churches, the palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned and, with the ash, the sign of the cross is made on the foreheads of the faithful on Ash Wednesday. The 4th Sunday, ‘Mothering Sunday’ ‘midway’ through Lent allows a relaxation of the Lenten discipline of self denial. ‘Mothering’ comes either from the custom of apprentices & servants being allowed time of to visit their mothers (and gathering flowers on the way) or the practice of visiting the cathedral or mother church on this day. (from ‘A Basic Church Dictionary’)
A prayer to use during our vacancy Heavenly Father we thank you for the ministry of Denis our previous vicar, and we pray your presence and blessing upon him. We ask now that you will help us to share responsibility, grow in faith, love one another, care for those in need, reach out to others, and welcome newcomers. Lord Jesus, guard and grow this church as we serve you together in this period without a vicar. Please guide those who are seeking the right minister for us, and those who are seeking the right church for their ministry, that together we may discover your way for the future and see your kingdom grow. Amen.
February 2017
RG31
5
6
RG31
February 2017
House Group News Anne Soley’s Group meets fortnightly at her house on Tuesdays between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Anne said, “There are currently 11 members, so if more wanted to come we would have to start another group. The course we are doing at the moment is "Seasons of my Soul", put together by The Church of England and The Methodist Church. Each session includes study, refreshments and a prayer time.” Maureen Ward’s group meets most weeks, on a Tuesday evening, for fellowship, Bible study and prayer time. Maureen said, “We call ourselves a Kinship Group, as this was the name given when we first started meeting many years ago, and this is how we see ourselves.
and find great comfort knowing that we have that support and friendship.” Richard Yates’ Life Group meets fortnightly at the Cannings on Wednesday evening. We have just started a seven-week course called Names of God which explores the meaning of a name and how it affects our perception of that person. Richard said, “For various reasons some of our group have had to drop out so, unlike the other two groups, we have vacancies.” So, if you would like to meet other Christians in a home setting during the week, why not talk to Richard Yates or Richard Canning. If enough people are interested, we could even start a fourth group – it’s very rewarding and you won’t regret it.
We have supported each other through many happy and sad events in our lives,
Richard Canning 0118 942 8238
2017 Holiday club We’re reprising the 2009 Holiday club, ‘Showstoppers’ when we first introduced ‘performance’ items for the parents to come and watch, something that has been popular and we’ve repeated. We’ve fallen into a comfortable (for some) routine in recent years but we will need extra help this year because Val Poore who has masterminded the craft activities and been largely responsible for the scenery is taking a year off.
So we’re going to need someone or a team of people to: Plan and resource the craft Plan and set out the scenery There are ideas from 2009 as a starting point and Stuart and I will help and assist. We will of course need the usual team of leaders, helpers, caterers etc. Who knows we might even have a vicar! But we need to start planning now; don't wait for me to ask, please offer! Tony Bartlett
February 2017
RG31
7
8
RG31
February 2017
Tilehurst Triangle WI Our December meeting was our annual Christmas Party. The hall looked very festive with our Christmas bunting made by members and added to annually. The tables too looked festive with our new table cloths and beautiful floral arrangements. Throughout the evening we were entertained with seasonal music by a saxophone quartet ‘The Saxy Mommas,’ a group recently formed by Lizzie Moore, one of our members. We sang carols and listened to an excellent version of the poem ‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ written and read by member Caroline Bennet. Members also enjoyed a Christmas quiz, secret Santa, food and time to socialise.
We were particularly interested to hear Linda’s account of her stay on Rottnest Island as it had been featured in Martin Clunes’s Australian Islands programme the evening before. Linda described the quokkas, a marsupial living on the island, which she was particularly pleased to have seen. After the talk we had a Beetle Drive, which was fun. It also gave a chance to mix with everyone as the winner and loser of each round moved from table to table. Next month we have a talk entitled ‘What the Bride Wore’ superstitions and traditions. New members are always welcome or you may come to a meeting as a visitor to find out more about the local evening WI. We meet on the third Wednesday of each month (except August) at 7.30 pm in St Catherine’s Hall.
Before Christmas, some members enjoyed the carols at the Falkland Chapel at Pangbourne College. An enjoyable Saturday was spent by others, with a coffee in Pangbourne, followed by a walk along the Pang and Thames.
For information contact the secretary Ros Somerville 0118 941 6838 wearettwi@gmail.com
The first meeting of the year was a busy one renewing our subscriptions and catching up with our WI friends after Christmas and New Year. We then had a very interesting talk by Linda Barnes, one of the members, about her visit to Australia last year.
February 2017
RG31
9
and vocations amongst Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic Christians in order to grow new and existing congregations amongst people from those backgrounds; Liverpool to develop a low-cost model to multiply congregations to complement conventional church planting.
Church renewal gains momentum with £9million for new projects Underlining its commitment to renewing the Church across England, over £9.1million has been awarded by the Archbishops’ Council to seven dioceses for projects from East London to Worcestershire and Sussex to Liverpool. The grants are part of the strategic development funding stream that began in 2014 and from which 20 dioceses have now benefitted. The funding is a core element of Renewal and Reform, the Church of England’s initiative to promote growth in the church in every community in England. The largest award of £2.5 million goes to the Diocese of Birmingham, working with younger people in proclaiming the Christian faith in Birmingham’s diverse multi-cultural contexts. Other awards go to Worcester to recruit up to ten children and young people’s mission enablers to support and train parishes; Chelmsford to support the planting of churches in vast new housing areas; Bristol to develop three existing parish churches to become the ‘resource churches’ for specific Mission Areas; Chichester to continue the diocese’s on-going programme of church planting; Leicester to develop leadership
10
Programme Director, Mike Eastwood said, ‘Renewal and Reform is having a real impact around the country. The Church has a hopeful future and the sense of energy that these dioceses are putting into making this happen is really exciting.’ Share your news of Church growth in your area with us by contacting Anna McCrum, Senior Media Officer, The Archbishops’ Council – email anna.mccrum@churchofengland.org or by phone on 020 7898 1463
Setting God’s people free how to live an abundant life A key element of the Archbishops’ initiative for the Renewal & Reform of the Church will come to General Synod in February. Director of Renewal & Reform Mike Eastwood said: “The question at its heart is how will we empower the 98% of the Church of England who are not ordained and set them free for fruitful, faithful mission and ministry and a vibrant relationship with Jesus in all of life?” The report, Setting God’s People Free, calls for a shift in culture and looks beyond Church structures to the whole people of God at work in communities and wider society. (Continued on page 11)
RG31
February 2017
(Continued from page 10) It seeks to affirm and enable the complementary roles and vocations of clergy and of lay people, grounded in our common baptism and proposes steps to nourish, illuminate and connect what is working already in and through frontline parishes. The aim is to see confident involvement, engagement and leadership of lay people wherever they are called to serve. More details of what will be discussed and debated at General Synod can be found here: https://www.churchofengland.org/ media/3791672/february-2017-synodtimetable-with-timings-amended.pdf
Archbishop of Canterbury reflects on recent visit to Auschwitz Following a recent visit to Auschwitz, the Archbishop of Canterbury posted reflections on Facebook, of which an extract follows: “This was my third visit to Auschwitz/ Birkenau, and each time has been even more appalling... “Our retreat at Auschwitz gathered the first cohort of the Learning Community (a group of Anglican clergy on a programme of in-service training) for three days of prayer and theological and scriptural reflection. We considered the issues of human evil: how we recognise it and how we respond. “Naturally questions:
it
provoked
so
many
“Having seen this terrible place could we still speak of God? Could we still pray, and if so in what way?
February 2017
“Could we hear the tunes of evil in such a way that we recognise their modern variations? “Even if we recognised evil, how could we know we would have the courage to protest, to lament – and not be silent when horror threatened? “Here are three things that will stay with me: “First is the way that the perpetrators at Auschwitz tried to dehumanise their victims – in a way that actually cost the humanity of both. It worked to some extent. Prisoners killed others in order to live – and were then killed themselves. Others gave their lives, like St Maximilian Kolbe and St Edith Stein. “Second, these atrocities were committed by ordinary people. When one of the priests leading our retreat was asked who was to blame, he said: “People did it to people.” “Third, it was idolatrous and demonic. It was evil in the strict sense of humancreated alternatives to the grace and providence of God. It reversed everything good with everything bad. “I’ve come away with too much to write, and no words to write it. We must protest to the limit against evil: before it occurs, as it happens, and in its aftermath. But there is also a need for silent reflection – in which we honour the victims, mourn our capacity for evil, and learn to beware.” For the full reflection visit: www.facebook.com/ archbishopofcanterbury. Further reflections from members of the group will be published on Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January, on the Church of England website.
RG31
11
TREE SURGEONS WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE WORLD OF TREE CARE
Tree removal, Tree pruning Trees supplied and planted Hedge Work Stump Grinding Grounds Maintenance FULLY INSURED, NPTC QUALIFIED Tel/Fax : 0118 971 2224 Mobile : 07876 232282 Email : Arumtreeservices@gmail.com Web : www.arumtreeservices.co.uk
CALL NOW FOR A FREE QUOTATION!
A reliable and trustworthy service, for all your general garden and home maintenance. From dripping taps, blocked guttering and general repairs to general decorating, both internally and externally No job is too small ! Please call for a no obligation quote : Mobile : 07810 321 035
Home : 0118 945 4326
Competitive hourly rate, complete with personal recommendations!
12
RG31
February 2017
CGK (Citizen of God's Kingdom) It's been ten years since Father made it clear I had work to do and as 2017 approached I reflected on how I'm still no nearer to realising what He has planned. Of course I know God's time is not our time and a plant has to mature and so I must be patient. I needed some encouragement though which came by way of this quote, spoken twice, in the film the Imitation Game. It can apply to any of us 'ordinary' people! ''Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine''. A few days later the New Year's Honours List was published. In these times where many clamour for fame, made easier by social media, the honours list is endless - many worthy accolades and also many not so. The most common honours pertaining to the British Empire are Companion of Honour, Knight/Dame, Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), Member of
the Order of the British Empire (MBE), British Empire Medal (BEM). What does it mean to honour? Definition says: high respect, great esteem, tribute, prestige, renown, distinction, honesty and kudos. It’s not easy to follow Jesus but God will award His Seal of Honour to everyone who does. Thankfully we, who love and follow Jesus, (even if we are still growing in our fruit producing potential) are already on the Holy Honours List. So, there exists a committee decided award and a God given award. Thank you Father for bestowing on us The Honour of... ..the CGK - Citizen of God's Kingdom ".... the LORD declares: ’.... Those who honour me I will honour, but those who despise me will be disdained." I Samuel 2:30 NIV Lorraine Roberts
AQUASPORTS is a Christian lakeside water sports activities holiday that’s definitely not to be missed! Based near Marlow, Buckinghamshire, the holiday offers young people from 14 to 19 years of age and of any background, a week of exciting activities – on the water and off. This amazing holiday offers young people the chance to learn and improve in different water sports in a safe environment, taught by qualified instructors, along with chilling out in or by the water. As well as the water sports there are land-based activities such as football, tennis, volleyball and more. Each evening there are challenging Christian talks, small group discussions and ‘Late Night’ – a mad session of interactive entertainment. Alongside this there’s great food and great company – you will never want to go home! For further information and to book your place visit: www.aquasports.org.uk Helen Boyer
February 2017
RG31
13
Resources for Lent 2017
2016 Results Delighted to have a final total for 2016. We raised the grand total of £780 which equals thirteen sheep and thirteen goats. To everyone who bought something from us or donated in any way - THANK YOU We're hoping to have another House Party later in the year - watch this space for a date. Even better news is that the £780 doesn’t include either Gift Aid or any other donations made by members of Cornwell Community Church in lieu of Christmas cards etc. Thanks again !
Is designed to enhance your spiritual journey through the forty days from Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday Covering Monday to Saturday each week, it offers reflections on readings from the Common Worship Lectionary, written by some of today’s leading spiritual and theological writers. It is ideal for individuals and groups seeking Lectionary-based reflections for use during Lent and Holy Week, or for anyone wishing to try Reflections for Daily Prayer before committing to a year’s worth of material. £4.99 from Church House Publishing https://www.chpublishing.co.uk
Live Lent with Christian Aid
Val Poore & Caroline O’Sullivan AND If we add in Gift Aid and donations by church members in lieu of Christmas Cards (We print one card for each member) the grand total is £1020 and our cheque for this amount to ‘Send a Cow’ will enable them to send 17 sheep and 17 goats to Africa. Tony Bartlett Tilehurst Library Craft Meet Meets in Tilehurst Library every Tuesday 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm Enjoy crafting with company Bring along your knitting, sewing, crochet, drawing Tea and Coffee provided
14
Reflections for Lent
For each day of Lent, Live Lent with Christian Aid invites you on a journey of discipleship, bringing Scripture to life in today’s world and offering small practical actions to build God’s Kingdom where you are. Each day offers: a short Bible quotation, a reflection to help you walk closer with Jesus through the disciplines of prayer, simplicity and generosity, a simple action for transforming yourself, your community and the world. Illustrated throughout with colour photography featuring Christian Aid’s work around the world, this is the perfect pocket resources for anyone seeking to deepen their discipleship this Lent. This is a single copy with new actions for 2017. It is undated and may be used in any year. £2.99 from Church House Publishing https://www.chpublishing.co.uk
RG31
February 2017
Dates for the Diary See the following pages for more information February Fri 3 Sat 4 Thurs 9 Sat 11 Sat 11 Mon 13 Tues 14 Tues 21 Sat 25
St Catherine’s at Boxgrove House 3.00 pm Messy church 3.30 pm at St Catherine’s ‘What is love?’ The St Catherine's; café is closed today for the funeral of Derek Want Purley Farmers' Market 8.30 am-12.30 pm at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, off Beech Road, Purley on Thames Jumble Sale 2.00 pm at St Catherine's entrance 25p Interviews are due to take place for the appointment of a St Catherine's vicar Tilehurst Parish Council 7.30 pm at The Calcot Centre, Highview PCC meeting 8.00 pm St Catherine’s Crafty Space 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm at St Catherine’s
March Weds 1 Fri 3 Fri 3
Ash Wednesday St Catherine’s at Boxgrove House 3.00 pm Womens’ World Day of Prayer services St. Joseph’s Church, Berkshire Drive, at 7.30 pm (not 8.00 pm as previously stated) with rehearsal on Wednesday, 1st March at 11.15 am St. James’, Forbury Road, Reading at 10.30 am Sat 4 Messy church 3.30 pm at St Catherine’s ‘What is Lent?’ Sat 11 Purley Farmers' Market 8.30 am-12.30 pm at The Barn, Goosecroft Lane, off Beech Road, Purley on Thames Tues 14 Tilehurst Parish Council 7.30 pm at The Calcot Centre, Highview Sat 18 Crafty Space 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm at St Catherine’s Weds 29 Vivace Voices Spring concert 2.30 pm at St Mary’s Burghfield, see page 14
Looking ahead - dates for your diary Good Friday 14th April All age service 10.30am St Catherine’s Act of witness by churches in Tilehurst, 12.00 noon at Tilehurst Triangle Sunday 23rd April - Joint service at St Catherine's incorporating the APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) - no service at Cornwell that day Sunday 25th June - Songs of Praise and picnic in Victoria recreation Ground 4-6pm Sunday 13th August - Joint service at St Catherine's for the start of Holiday club week Monday 14th to Friday 18th August ‘Showstoppers’ Holiday club
February 2017
RG31
15
Community Event at St Catherine’s
What’s On In and
Wittenham Avenue RG31 5LN
Friday Friends Meets weekly from 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm every Friday Price £3.50. Offering a mix of light exercise, singing together, table-top games and craft activities in a safe, warm and friendly environment – with tea and cakes. February 3rd Cards and Games 10th Poetry with Marjy 17th Carol of the Bells 24th Games with Bill March 3rd Cards and Games 10th Curiosities in the Chilterns If you think you would like to come, or think you could help, please Anne Soley 0118 942 5407
St Catherine’s Tea Dance On
Thursdays :9th & 23rd February 9th & 23rd March
At
St Catherine’s Hall Wittenham Avenue
Time
2.45 - 4.45 pm
Price
£4 each includes Dancing, Instruction & Tea Further details contact Anita Holbeche 0118 941 8046
16
RG31
February 2017
Around the Parish February Weds 8th Comical Poems with Marjy Carden 8.00 pm St Catherine’s Hall all welcome Weds 15th MU Bible Study 8.00 pm at 9 Compton Avenue Weds 22nd MU Fellowship 2.00 pm at 55 Hildens Drive
March Weds 1 Ash Wednesday See notice sheet for local services Weds 8 Rev. Lady Denise Brown AVP Oxford Diocese 8.00 pm St Catherine’s Weds 15 Bible study 8.00 pm at 2 Laurel Drive Weds 22nd Fellowship afternoon 2.00 pm at 9 Compton Avenue
Wednesdays
Do something amazing
A simple morning service with St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church held 9.30 am alternating between there and St Catherine's followed by a cup of coffee.
Give Blood At the Cornwell Centre, Home Croft off Clements Mead Weds 8th & 22nd February 15th March
See weekly notices at either Church. When at St Catherine’s followed by
At the Calcot Centre Highview, Calcot Weds 8th March Tues 28th March
Meeting Point - meeting together and meeting with God. Teas and Coffees, people to listen and pray in the presence of God for you or for those you are concerned about.
February 2017
Call 0300 123 23 23 to make an appointment or just turn up on the day
RG31
17
Registered Charity 102992
Cornwell 0-5s is a well established Parent & Toddler Group run by local mums in the Cornwell Centre, Home Croft (off Clements Mead), Tilehurst, RG31 5WJ. We offer a stimulating and fun environment for children and a great place for parents and carers to socialise.
We run two sessions a week:
And Thursdays, a special session for Childminders, 9.45 - 11.45 am If you are interested in joining, please feel free to drop in at one of the sessions or call Rebecca Devaney 0118 941 4920 email: toddlergroupcornwell@gmail.com or see www.cornwell0to5s.wordpress.com
Registered charity 1006732 - Established over 45 years St Catherine’s Hall, Wittenham Avenue, Tilehurst, RG31 5LN A caring and supportive setting where Children are our heart and inspiration Ofsted Inspected with a team of qualified staff Outside Play Area Morning Sessions Daily during Term Time Children with Special Needs welcome ‘Little Munch Club’ facility For more information, or to arrange a visit to come and see us in action, contact us on 07745 909 348 see www.stcatherinespreschool.co.uk
St. Catherine’s Church Centre, Wittenham Avenue, Tilehurst
Saturdays 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm
February 25th, March 18th, April 29th, May 20th We provide time, space, tea & coffee. You bring along the craft projects you’ve always meant to do :A donation of around £1.25 per person, per hour to cover the cost of hall hire, tea & coffee.
https://www.facebook.com/CraftySpace Contact Val Poore 0118 962 4555 email val.poore@ntlworld.com 18
RG31
February 2017
Men’s Shed The Men’s Shed concept started in Australia where many issues were raised about men's health in Australian culture, and there was little encouragement for men of all ages to socialize and discuss their feelings and wellbeing. The first men's shed was opened in Tongala, Victoria, Australia on 26th July 1998. In Reading a small group of men supported by The Earley Charity set about trying to find premises for a local Men’s Shed and in August 2014 we moved into temporary space on the ground floor of the now empty old store Jackson’s. It did not take us long to set up fully operating workshops from donations of tools and machinery from shed members and the public who were beginning to hear more about us. Our name, The Silvers’ Workshop, was agreed and we became a registered charity.
joining; reductions are available to anyone who cannot afford the fees or who is on benefits. We are in touch with Reading Voluntary Action, Age UK Reading and the public health department in Wokingham. We are affiliated to the UK Men’s Sheds Association and about 300 sheds in UK have opened in the last few years. Our membership has grown from 24 to 47 people. We support the National Citizenship Scheme and helped two groups of young people build and install a computer desk for the Churches in Reading Drop-in Centre. We hope to repeat this initiative in 2017. We have instituted a series of talks on men's health, so far covering prostate cancer, hearing problems, coeliac disease and bowel cancer. Further talks on stroke prevention, diabetes and dementia are planned for the near future.
Time to move was looming large and we were fortunate to have a member’s son working for an organisation which had some unused premises, large enough for our workshop needs in Hilcot Road, just off Oxford Road, opposite Tesco’s. We moved there in August 2015, and on 10th March 2016 we held our formal opening including wives, councillors, other charities, the media and our landlord who has been very supportive. The Mayor of Reading unveiled a brass plaque.
We intend to seek permission of the Charity Commission to broaden our charitable object so that we can help not just older people, but younger people who have problems with unemployment, physical or mental disability, or other vulnerability.
Members pay £60 annually plus £2 on each day they attend. We were concerned when setting these fees to ensure that no-one would be put off
One of the sayings on our notice board: “I’ve learned so much from my mistakes, I’m thinking of making a few more.”
February 2017
The biggest threat would be loss of the workshop at Hilcot Road, which may be sold for re-development in the future. We will therefore be looking to obtain a grant to buy the premises.
RG31
Chris Addison
19
Neighbourhood Policing update Calcot Be careful on the roads due to the ever changing road conditions that there is at the moment. At this time of year Road Traffic Collision rates increase due to wet conditions and rapid changes in weather conditions. Please be careful in regards to road safety on the dark nights as drivers will not always been able to see pedestrians late at night so take care when crossing busy roads as we are receiving an increasing number of comments in regards to near misses between cars and pedestrians.
Neighbourhood Watch Calcot Area. Stats show that streets that run effective Neighbourhood Watch Schemes do in fact contribute to reducing local crime and I am keen to recruit more coordinators for the area. Please do register your interest at one of our door knocks or with any of the officers and learn more about how you could become involved in the scheme. Alternatively call the 101 police nonemergency number and register your interest to myself. On average you will only be required to spend three hours a month running your street Watch.
Telephone Preference Service Mobile phone users can now send a text message to opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls. The new service, which has been launched by the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and regulator Ofcom, enables mobile users to add their
20
number to the UK’s official ‘do not call’ database. It is illegal for companies to cold call numbers registered with the TPS unless they have a person’s consent to do so. However, registering with the TPS does not prevent spam text messages. To get on the TPS register, you just need to text: TPS, followed by your email address, and send it to 78070. Texts are free to send for most as it should be included in your mobile bundle. However, some may be charged a standard message rate by their operator, depending on their contract. This is likely to be the case for pay-asyou-go users or those who've already used up their monthly text allowance. Your email address is needed to verify your identity, should you need to make a complaint. Once you’ve done this, you should notice a gradual reduction in unsolicited sales and marketing calls after a few days, although it can take up to 28 days for the service to become fully effective.
Tilehurst Crime Statistics for Your Area: There were 37 reported incidents for this period (December) versus 39 for the same period in the previous year. Acquisitive crime (theft from vehicle/ burglar for example) remain at a low level. As the Tilehurst area includes the Junction 12 Retail Estate, the majority of these reports elated to shoplifting and nonpayment of vehicle fuel. The use of mini motos and non-road registered trials bikes on the highway remains an issue. This is particularly affecting the Royal Avenue and
RG31
February 2017
Highview area of Tilehurst including the recreation area. The Neighbourhood Team will be increasing patrols in these areas and offenders will receive appropriate warnings or have their vehicle seized.
Anti-Social Behaviour Reports remained at a low level For December 2016. There were 13 reports of ASB for the Tilehurst vicinity, representing a reduction of 6%for that period versus last year. The majority of these related to parking issues and environmental noise. There were no alcohol seizures for this period.
please call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111. To view information on your neighbourhood team you can visit the force website at: www.thamesvalley.police.uk For updates and news in your area follow us on Twitter
Community Engagement If you are the Secretary of a local organisation or club we would like to hear from you. The Neighbourhood Team are available to give talks on all matters relating to crime prevention and an insight into the work we do every day in your community. Please contact PCSO Steve Innes on 101 to arrange a date.
Contact us If you want any advice or would like to contact the neighbourhood team you can call us on the police non-emergency number 101 but if your call is an emergency then dial 999. You can also contact us via email: CalcotandTilehurstNHPT@thamesvalley .pnn.police.uk This e-mail address should not be used to contact Thames Valley Police to report crimes or for any urgent matters. If you have information about crime or Anti-Social Behaviour in your area but you do not want to speak to the police,
February 2017
I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me. How do you approach an angry Welsh cheese? Caerphilly. I used to have a job at a calendar factory. I got the sack because I took a couple of days off. What does a clock do when it's hungry? It goes back four seconds. I was trying to explain puns to my kleptomaniac friend today, but she kept taking things literally.
RG31
21
Your friendly local tennis club in Tilehurst Whether you want to improve your game, play socially, or compete in matches, we have something for you. New members welcome! Visit us at www.woodlandtennisclubonline.co.uk Or call Jane on 07801 286 563
Established 1961
Mini tennis for under 10’s Junior and adult coaching Ladies morning
For coaching enquiries call James Veterans a ernoon on 07717 101 911 Or visit Junior and adult socials
www.igni ontennis.com
Junior and adult teams Woodland LTC Wendover Way, Tilehurst, RG30 4RU
22
RG31
February 2017
custody suite instead of Reading as its facilities are more up to date for holding suspects and prisoners.
November meeting Once again Moira welcomed Jane Haas to demonstrate her delightful Christmas Flower Arrangements to a large enthusiastic audience of members and friends. See next page for pictures Jane’s creations are very popular as she gives us the feeling we could all manage something original at home. Cakes and tea were enjoyed before the raffle when we had a chance to win one of Jane’s arrangements.
December meeting In December our candlelit Carols and Readings Evening was attended by fewer members than usual due to illness and other commitments but the atmosphere was most convivial especially after the mulled wine and mince pies! The mix of thoughtful, spiritual and amusing readings interspersed with members chosen carols was sensitively introduced by Rita and, as always, was a lovely way to start the Christmas season. Moira then closed wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and presented Sheila with a pretty Kalanchoe (still blooming) for her musical accompaniment.
January meeting Rita introduced Police Constable Monika Taranczewska who told a good mixed audience what community policing means to her. She has been based at Loddon Valley Police Station for 10 years which covers Wokingham and Bracknell as well. Incidentally this station now has the
February 2017
Monika’s work in the neighbourhood and schools includes working with vulnerable families with problems and being aware of sexual exploitation of young people. She and her colleagues also support victims of burglary and mediate between warring neighbours. They are often seen at local events offering help and advice. When prompted Monika shared her experiences in gaining 2 commendations – first by grabbing a potential suicide from the parapet of the bridge over the M4 at junction 12, and secondly for her work with children. She concluded by answering lots of questions and showing us her equipment – hard hat, ‘stab’ vest, and kit belt consisting of handcuffs, protective gloves, wipes, spare radio battery, spray and baton. Trained pc’s also have tasers. Monika obviously enjoys her job and keeps up her training along with having time with her family. She emphasised the importance of Thames Valley Alert which is a messaging system giving information about crime in our area. Fortunately the rate is low in Tilehurst but we still have to be vigilant. If we see anything suspicious we should jot down as many details as possible – vehicle numbers, description of individuals and behaviour – and phone 999. Sheila Bryant
RG31
23
Jane Haas demonstrated her delightful Christmas Flower Arrangements to a large enthusiastic audience of Mothers’ Union members and friends.
24
RG31
February 2017
Christmas Cafe Meal
The cafe hosted a great Christmas lunch on 16th December which was enjoyed by church members and neighbours. We ate turkey and mincemeat tart, followed by coffee and mints and pulled our crackers – the most popular gift on our table was a green plastic frog! Many thanks to Angela, Doreen, Maureen, Moira and Stephanie for working so hard to make this such a happy occasion. Rosemary Cunningham
Launchpad
Ele Buckley from the charity ‘Launchpad’ came along to Youth group to receive a cheque for the sponsorship money collected from the recent ‘sleepover’. With online donations and Gift-aid the event raised £700 and this will be enough to completely re-decorate and fit out an apartment which the charity can place a homeless person in.
February 2017
Their own clean, safe housing combined with individual, targeted support is the most effective way to get people back on track and making a positive contribution to the community. Support is usually for up to two years and they can house 116 people at any one time. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Evelyn Bartlett
RG31
25
Some useful advice for young people about staying safe online
Keep your personal information private, including address, phone number, email and where you go to school. Never feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to, including sending photos of yourself that you would not want others to see. Don’t post anything that is cruel, nasty or offensive. Treat everyone with the same respect online as you would in person. If someone upsets you, do not react. Block the person if possible, tell an adult you trust and if appropriate, report them to the website. Never share or reveal your passwords. Make sure you use strong passwords that are at least eight characters long and include a combination of lower and upper case letters, numbers and characters.
Check privacy settings on social media (make sure only your friends can see what you’re posting and don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know). Remember that not everyone online is who they say they are. Do not arrange to meet someone you’ve met online without taking a trusted adult with you. Watch out for suspicious emails. If you receive an email from a stranger, think before you click on a link or attachment – it could contain a virus. Respect the law – use reliable services to make sure that you are accessing music, films and television legally online to avoid breaking copyright laws
Source: Thames Valley Alert on behalf of Thames Valley Police
Emergency Bible numbers Upset?
John 14
In danger?
Psalm 91
Weak?
Psalm 18:1-29
Depressed?
Psalm 27
Lonely
Psalm 23
Lack of faith?
Exodus 14
Sinned?
Psalm 51
Others unkind?
John 15
Worried?
Matthew 8:19-31
Need courage?
Joshua 1
Anxious?
Philippians 4:4-9
Need direction?
Psalm 73:21-26
Unhappy?
Colossians 3:12-17
Seeking peace?
Matthew 11:25-30
26
RG31
February 2017
B4N Intrigued by the title? It stands for ‘Bed for the Night’, an initiative now in it’s 3rd year in Reading. During the months of December and January when rough sleepers face the worst conditions, churches in Reading Town Centre open up for shelter; providing a cooked evening meal, a bed for the night and breakfast the next morning. The scheme uses a rota of local churches, each providing a team of volunteers for one night per week. This year there’s a pool of churches involved: Providence Chapel, Greyfriars, Salvation Army, LifeSpring, Carey Baptist, St Giles, All Nations, Reading Family Church, New Hope, St Laurence's and Wesley Methodist church. Camp beds, duvets and pillows are moved from venue to venue each day a hot evening meal is served plus various activities on offer, TV, internet, table games, books. Toilet and washing facilities are provided and all volunteers undergo training to ensure the safety of all involved Each night the doors open at 7.30 pm, there’s a meal at 8.00 pm, bedtime 10.30 pm and lights out 11.00 pm. Each church has ultimate responsibility for the running of its night provision and has their own supervisor / manager / coordinator to head up their team of volunteers.
February 2017
The role includes ensuring that everything and everyone is in the right place at the right time; Faith Christian Group have staff acting as overall coordinators of the project, under the leadership of Faith's Director, Malcolm Peirce. Guest lists are supplied daily by the St Mungos outreach team and they agree who is eligible to use the provision, this ensures that a limit is set on numbers accepted (usually 15 male & 3 female). House rules exclude anyone who is seriously intoxicated, all alcohol has to be "left at the door" and for safety, all bags are handed in and stored securely overnight. This avoids potential issues around alcohol and drugs being used on the premises Faith Christian group also operates a number of other initiatives:
ReadiFood food Bank ReadiFood currently deliver over 100 Emergency Food Parcels every week to families and individuals across the greater Reading area either directly to homes or via referring agencies.
Stepping Stones Offers supported accommodation to tenants in recovery from addiction, assisting them in setting achievable goals to change their lives.
ReadiStreet Food Handouts in the evenings within St Mary Minster and a Tea Bar Sunday afternoon aimed primarily at rough sleepers and those in desperate need.
RG31
27
Word for Today
Self-Control MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ADD TO YOUR FAITH...SELF-CONTROL - 2 PETER 1:5-6 NIV
If you’ve the faith to believe, the moment you pray for salvation you receive it. It doesn't work that way with self-control. Yes you should pray for it, but Peter writes, ‘Make every effort to add to your faith...self control. It only becomes a reality when you make ‘every effort' to practise it daily. And here are three areas in life that will test you: 1)
Your temper. Your circumstances are no excuse for a short fuse and an explosive temper. The Bible says, 'Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city' (Proverbs 16:32 NIV 1984 Edition). When you lose your temper, you lose respect and credibility with others.
2)
Your time. Time is the stuff life is made of, and wasted time really is wasted life. It takes time to build relationships; learn skills, execute meaningful actions, goals, and fulfil plans. A mismanaged life is often the result of mismanaged time.
3)
Your tongue. The Bible says, 'Let your speech be always with grace' (Colossians 4:6 KJV). Every day brings new opportunities to control your tongue; if you're wise you'll take them! And if you must speak, let this scriptural principle govern what you say: 'Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out' (v. 6 MSG). Benjamin Franklin put it this way: 'Would you live with ease, do what you ought and not what you please.' The word for you today is 'make every effort' to control your temper, your time, and your tongue.
This thought is taken from ‘The Word for Today’, Daily Bible reading notes produced quarterly by UCB (United Christian Broadcasters Ltd) PO Box 255, Stoke on Trent, ST4 8YY. If you would like to receive these free notes or those aimed at Secondary School age, please ask Evelyn Bartlett 0118 967 8659 who is our church rep for UCB.
Mothers’ Union Prayer Chain Prayer in Emergencies A call to one of the following numbers will start a chain of prayer straight away.
Valerie Forrow Hilary Smee Evelyn Bartlett Jo Day
28
0118 942 9319 0118 941 2895 0118 967 8659 0118 942 1481
Fairtrade Fortnight Fairtrade Fortnight is a fun-filled highlight of the year, when campaigners, businesses, schools and places of worship show their support for the farmers and workers who grow our food in developing countries. This year it’s Monday 27 February to Sunday 12 March. See www.fairtrade.org.uk
RG31
February 2017
Shoe Laces C. S. Lewis hoped that in Heaven he'd be given jobs: and, when he'd done them, God would 'notice' him! OOH! ME TOO! And I'd like a kindly guru to answer ALL my childish questions! As a kid I was urged to "know" that pain was not real, etc.: that was not easy. I got a bit rebellious, and asked things like: "Did Joseph and Mary start out in Nazareth (Luke) or was Nazareth only their last resort refuge, after returning from Egypt? (Matthew)" Naughty child! Such details are like shoe-laces at a wedding - don't obsess; there are MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THINGS! But neglected laces can trip us up, or make us look a bit foolish. Some text puzzles are quite interesting:After His baptism (Mark 1) Jesus spent "40 days in the wilderness", then recruited disciples. But at the same time (John 2) Jesus went to a wedding in Cana! I was advised not to be hasty! We use word pictures like "in a bad place". Some scholars say that "wilderness" meant a tough mental ordeal**, facing big questions, seeking God's will (not just glancing at some boss's rulebook!) and resisting temptation. Jesus was 'of David's line'. Herod and many others assumed Jesus would become a Jewish king. "As a king it'll pay You to be NICE to powerful men!" Sounds tempting? At Cana, Jesus's hour had not yet come; but some scholars believe that His heavy "wilderness" experiences had already
February 2017
begun, while bright celebrations went on all around Him. Rather terrifying. And He STILL found time to help people with the wine ... ! Gideon Bibles are a delicate subject now. But if a hotel guest can still find one, he might ask beginner's questions. Where would he find real answers? I confess, I still struggle with childish stuff, and tangled childhood memories! Oh, it would be HEAVEN to have ALL the right answers, and become beautifully wise! Please, Father, make us strong, and help us with those tricky little "shoe-laces" so we won't trip up. ** Try Googling:‘Ekstrand wilderness transformed’ Phil French
The Jury's Out Murphy, a dishonest lawyer, bribed a man on his client's jury to hold out for a charge of manslaughter, as opposed to the charge of murder which was brought by the state. The jury was out for several days before they returned with the manslaughter verdict. When Murphy paid the corrupt juror, he asked him if he had a very difficult time persuading the other jurors to see things his way. "Sure did," the juror replied, "the other eleven wanted to acquit."
RG31
29
St Catherine’s Hall - Regular Bookings Monday
7.30 am - 1.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school www.stcatherinespreschool.co.uk
Contact 07745 909 348
3.45 pm - 5.00 pm
Pilates
Contact Kathi Elliott
kathielliott@hotmail.co.uk
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
8.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Rockin ‘n Roll Jive class rockinrythym.org
Contact Debra Tompkins 07748 391 776
7.30 am - 3.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school
Contact as above
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
W.I. (3rd Tuesday)
7.30 pm - 9.00 pm
Yoga exercise antoncarraro@gmail.com
Antonella Carraro 0118 942 8397
7.30 am - 3.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school
Contact as above
1.15 pm - 3.30 pm
Vivace Voices Ladies Choir www.vivacevoices.org.uk
Contact Sue Hennell 0118 966 1291
400 pm - 6.00 pm
Kumon Maths
Contact Greg Medalla 01256 471 640
7.00 pm - 10.00 pm
Tilehurst Triangle W.I. (3rd Wednesday)
wearettwi@gmail.com 0118 941 6838
7.30 am - 3.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school
Contact as above
2.45 pm - 4.45 pm
Tea Dance
See page 16 for dates
5.45 pm - 7.15 pm
7th Tilehurst Brownies andreafishenden@yahoo.co.uk
Contact Andrea Fishenden 07976 002 809
7.30 am - 12.15 pm
St Catherine’s Pre-school
Contact as above
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Friday Friends
See page 16
7.45 pm - 9.15 pm
Church Youth Group (fortnightly)
Contact Evelyn Bartlett 0118 967 8659
11.00 am - 1.00 pm
Kumon Maths
Contact Greg Medalla 01256 471 640
1.30 pm - 5.30 pm
Crafty Space (monthly)
See page 18
3.30 pm - 5.00 pm
Messy Church (monthly)
Info@StCatherinesTilehurst.Org.Uk
tilehurstafternoonwi@gmail.com
7.30 pm - 10.00 pm Short Mat Bowls Club Sunday
Contact Anne Soley 0118 942 5407
9.00 am & 11.00 am Refreshments after church services
St Catherine’s Hall is available for hire at competitive rates for groups or individuals, both regularly or for one off events. It is especially popular for Children's Parties. For booking details, contact Sheila Drew on 0118 942 7254 hall@stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk
30
RG31
February 2017
Three courses and coffee for ONLY ÂŁ15.95. Children 12 and under JUST ÂŁ8.00 Dining from 12.15 pm Reservations please call 0118 941 6423 Celebrating? Book a private party Sunday lunch in your very own suite, please call Banqueting Office 0118 972 8601 Also available for all types of private functions: Parties, Christenings, After funeral gatherings and Conferences.
February 2017
RG31
31
The Anglican Parish of Tilehurst St Catherine & Calcot St Birinus ST CATHERINE OF SIENA Wittenham Avenue, Tilehurst, RG31 5LN www.stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk Saturday 3.30 pm Messy Church is on one Saturday most months and also other ‘Messy Dates’, it’s a fun time of worship and activities for all the family followed by a meal. Sunday 8.00 am Our Early Service of Communion or Morning Prayer, is quiet and reflective. An opportunity to start Sunday thinking about God. Sunday 9.30 am the
Is an exciting time of Praise and Worship, to fire you up for
Where there’s a fifth Sunday in the month Both churches meet together sometime during that month (details pages 4-5) for a joint service at 10.30 am held either at St Catherine’s or the Cornwell Centre.
CORNWELL COMMUNITY CHURCH The Cornwell Centre, Home Croft, off Clements Mead, Tilehurst, RG31 5WJ www.cornwellcommunitychurch.org.uk Sunday 11.00 am An opportunity for the whole family to meet with God through praise, prayer and teaching with special fun activities for children (Sunday School). Refreshments (including cakes and fresh coffee) from 10.30 am and after the service. An informal Communion Service occasionally held, see pages 4-5 for dates
is
See pages 4 & 5 for a full listing of church services in the Parish For initial enquiries regarding baptisms and weddings, please telephone 0118 942 7786
32
RG31
February 2017