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NEWS
december 2023
Local leaders share their Christmas spirits: A holiday perspective from our local politicians
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s the festive lights twinkle in Wokingham and Bracknell, we’ve contacted our community leaders to discover what the Yuletide season holds for them. Delving into the holiday hearts of our local politicians, we explore the personal significance of Christmas and unveil how they plan to embrace the joy and generosity of the holidays. Join us as we unwrap the festive thoughts and plans of our area’s civic figures during the most wonderful time of the year
MP Sir John Redwood
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he Rt Hon John Redwood is the Conservative MP for Wokingham and has been an MP continuously since 11 June 1987. I love Christmas. I take a childlike delight in the lights, the decorations, the presents and the Christmas cake. I want Christmas to be a special time for every family and magical for every child. I will attend local carol concerts, write Christmas messages and be around in Wokingham town. I will thank all who look after us and work so hard over the Christmas period so others may relax or concentrate on family duties at home. I will send plenty of cards. Christmas is a time to visit the lonely, to send a message or gift to someone in need, to remember people from your past that would appreciate a shared memory and a kind word. It is a time to
remind us all that little acts of individual kindness can make so much difference to those around us. This Christmas we will spare a thought for those caught in the violence and bitterness of war. I will work with local services for people in need to ensure our response to homelessness, mental illness and addiction is as good as it can be. The Christmas message is Christian but also universal. The innocence of a new born baby reminds us of the importance of love and care in our world. The celebration of a new birth offers hope, and the opportunity to bring joy into children’s lives with Santa, presents and mince pies. I will decorate my house. I will light a tree laden with baubles that mean something to me collected over the years. I will put on the Christmas mu-
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to say thank you to those who make a difference locally and it is a great privilege to be able to do so. For many years as a serviceman, I was often away at Christmas myself and missed most of my kids’ birthdays when they were younger. This is a price you pay as a member of HM Forces but it sadly comes with the territory. I vividly recall one Christmas back in 2008 when I was serving in Iraq on Operation TELIC. My wife Kelly was pregnant at home but I was deployed with my unit. After being woken early with some rum, we all had to dress as Santa Claus and go for a run around the airfield to blow away the cobwebs from Christmas Eve. The secret in those days was to pick a ditch, culvert or other cover in the event that a mortar attack happened, but we thankfully all made it back safely to camp before heading to the cookhouse for impromptu Christmas Prayers with the Padre.
Step into Christmas ‘Step into Christmas’ with the Reading A440 Choir, and their very special guests, КРИЛА (Kryla, or Wings), a Ukrainian ladies’ choir, currently based in this area at Christ Church, Woodley on Friday 15th December at 7.30pm. Enjoy pieces from their varied choral repertoire and then celebrate the joy of Christmas with seasonal choral music, including opportunities for audience participation. Doors open: 7:00pm
Family service
Join your neighbours on Chirstmas Eve from 4pm to 5pm at St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Shinfield for a fun-filled family service with your favourite carols and interactive nativity story.
Twixmas walk
sic. I will enjoy making the Christmas pudding, roasting the turkey and bringing my family together for a festive meal. I will also have fun at a Christmas show with them. May you and yours have a wonderful winter break.
MP James Sunderland r Sunderland is the Conservative MP for Bracknell Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Sandhurst & Wokingham Without. He has been an MP continuously since 12 December 2019. Christmas is a time of joy for many but please spare a thought this year for those on their own. Loneliness can be a problem, notably for older people, so I am thankful to all of our local charities and churches who do so much for our community at Christmas. And let’s also acknowledge those who will be working, including our brilliant NHS, blue light services, care home staff, HM Forces, engineers and other key workers. I take my hat off to everyone who puts duty before other considerations and thank you for everything that you do in support of others. For me this year, I will be attending as many events and activities as I can in Bracknell and seeing my own family. Part of my job is
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The officers were then called upon to help the chefs prepare for lunch. One of the usual customs is for the soldiers to be served their food whilst opening their crackers and wearing their Christmas hats, but the reality of course was that the officers were teased mercilessly for their culinary skills and not all of the food made it onto the table. Following the obligatory two cans of lager and Christmas carols, the party then continued throughout the day, with everyone compensating themselves as best they could for not being able to celebrate at home. With skits, songs, party games and a range of dodgy entertainment in full flow, our Iraqi Christmas was typical of what so many are like in HM Forces and a rare break from the serious business of what we were there to do. But it was still brilliant fun. So as we celebrate Christmas this year, please do spare a thought for those who cannot be with their families and those working hard to keep the rest of us safe. But above all, have a fantastic break!
Brush off the Christmas cobwebs! Join others for a three to four mile walk on Wednesday 27th December. Meet at 11am at the Bull at Arborfield followed by (for those who want it) a pub lunch. The group will be walking on footpaths and bridleways so wear walking boots.
Best-loved carols
Enjoy some of the best-loved carols with refreshments to follow at Alder Grove Church of England Primary School on Sunday 17th December. From 6.30pm to 7.45pm there is free entry with opportunity to donate to a charity.
Taster session Binfield Community Choir is a new, friendly and inclusive choir where everyone is welcome. They are holding a taster session on Monday 8th January from 8pm to 9.30pm at The Foxes, Den, Benefeld Road, Binfield. There’s no singing experience necessary, no audition and no need to read sheet music. They just have lots of fun singing together, and with a bit of luck also make a fantastic sound! The musical repertoire is expected to be wide-ranging - Gospel, Jazz, Pop, Show tunes and Rock, amongst others.
