MP James Sunderland

Mr 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 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

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

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!

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.

Santa visit

This Christmas Bracknell Libraries have arranged with Santa himself some extra special visits! The dates and times are as displayed below. Please contact your chosen library to confirm ticket prices (which range from 50p to £2 depending on the other activities available) and availability. Spaces may be limited at some libraries.

To book or enquire either call in or phone the libraries on:

Whitegrove – December 13th

10am to 10.30am: 01344 424211

Binfield – December 14th

9.30am to 10am: 01344 306663

Bracknell – December 14th

10.30am to 11am: 01344 423149

Birch Hill – December 18th

2.30pm to 3pm: 01344 456526

Sandhurst – December 19th

3.45pm to 4.15pm: 01252 870161

Carol singsong

You are invited to Christmas carols at the Salvation Army Hall in Lower Earley on Sunday 17th December at 5pm.

The singsong will be followed by hot drinks and mince pies – and don’t forget to wear your Christmas jumpers!