GORING, STREATLEY & PANGBOUNE - RG8 - MARCH 2010GORING, STREATLEY & PANGBOUNE - RG8 - MARCH 2010
March! Lovely! Two Welsh Saints’ Days to celebrate! Dai the noted outside half and Paddy on the wing. They didn’t do Wales much good at Twickenham last month though. Never mind! Cockles and Guinness all round! My little daffs are on schedule, the sun’s coming back, and I can start whispering sweet nothings to my baby begonias. My carrots, beans and onions are ready to go in, and my chilli peppers are building up a head of steam. I like March!
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And to show that the sheep believe that spring has sprung, there are ‘Lambing Weekends’ up at Hill Farm, Little Wittenham on the 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th between 10 and 4. Tractor trailer rides, sheep dog demonstrations, children’s activities and games plus a chance to see a lamb being born. Not suitable for pregnant type ladies though! Teas on sale in the Poem Tree refreshment barn. Families £10 for 2x2, or adults £4, children £2. No booking necessary.
And time to get weaving if you fancy making your own baskets and things as the Northmoor Trust has organised a workshop up at Hill Farm on the 14th between 10.30 and 4.30. Cost £50 via 01865 407 792.
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And a freebee for your mum if you’re crafty. Roves Farm is offering free admission on Mother’s Day, the 14th, as long as she’s accompanied by a paying child. Goodoh! As my mum’s eldest child, I think I’ll take her along for a willow craft session and she can treat me to a cream tea in the Granary Room afterwards. Or should that be the other way around? And another bonus for mum! Over the Easter holidays you can lose your offspring on an ‘Easter Bunny Hunt’ around the farm. While this is going on, you, yourself can go “Aahh” at the newborn babies around every corner or join the craft group and make soppy things like chicks, flowers and bunny masks. Open from 31st March to 18th April.
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Reading Festival Chorus accompanied by the Oxford Sinfonia presents ‘A French Connection’ at 7.30 on Saturday 20th at Highdown School Concert Hall, Emmer Green. It features a programme of joyful French choral music ranging from the youthful exuberance of Bizet to the sumptuous orchestral colours of Poulenc with a brief excursion into Fauré’s Dolly Suite. You know! The ‘Listen with Mother’ one! The concert will be conducted by Janet Lincé, and the soprano soloist is the internationally renowned Erica Eloff. Tickets £15 from Alison Mackay on 0118 9626 214, on the door, or via www.readingfestivalchorus.org.uk.
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“Today is my own personal one year on LDN anniversary. I am doing great, the progression of my MS seems to have stopped, I am stronger and healthier than a year ago. This is why I am helping in this group LDNNow. We want all people with auto-immune diseases (not only MS) and even some cancers to be able to profit from this cheap, safe and effective little drug. But the only way we will ever get there will be if government s fund trials and research. Last year we petitioned the British government and we got over 13000 signatures. While we are awaiting answers we also have set up a petition to the European Parliament. It’s easy to sign, straight forward, done in half a minute. Just ignore the bit when they ask for funds, as this is part of a standard petition form. We want the EU parliament to listen to us, patients and friends. Please sign www.ipetitions.com/petition/ldnnow/. Silvia.”
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‘Framing the Future’ is a unique project to build a medieval-style timber frame building in the courtyard of Wallingford Museum at Flint House in High Street. This will double the size of the museum, and be a living exhibit of how medieval timber-framed buildings were developed and constructed. Much like Flint House itself. Donations are being generously made of oak trees for the main timber frame and any waste will be used as part of the wattle-and-daub process or converted into thousands of pegs needed to pin the building together. As you may guess, more trees are still needed! Also needed are 7" diameter pieces of live elm for studding, or dead elms for making mallets. So keep your eyes peeled on walks alongside hedgerows and try to find out to whom they might belong. If you can help contact Peggy Holland on 01491-834 652.
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Langtree School would like to invite you to their production of ‘Les Misérables’ on Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st March in the Main School Hall. Doors open at 7.10pm and the performances start at 7.30pm. This is a highly entertaining show with plenty of singing and dancing suitable for children of all ages. Because of the popularity of these shows, tickets are numbered and seating is allocated, so contact the Art College Coordinator Zoë Wigginton on
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The Fire Fighters Charity and Grove House Hospice will visit Bovingdon Airfield, Near Hemel Hempstead on the 14th March to give women the chance to drive a once in a lifetime variety of large and unusual vehicles in the ‘Ladies Driving Challenge’. Participants will be able to try manoeuvring a range of different vehicles such as Fire Engines, 4x4’s, HGV’s, JCB’s and possibly tractors all kindly donated by local companies. All women over the age of 17 with a full driving licence are welcome to join in the fun. Registration costs £10 and entrants are asked to raise a minimum of £90 in sponsorship. Ask for a registration pack from Laura Harden on 07798 725 560 or
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or register on-line at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/ldc
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In the matter of the kiddiwinks, Goring & Cleeve Pre-school has been awarded the highest accolade by recent OFSTED inspectors – the top classification of ‘Outstanding’. During their visit they reported that the quality of provision couldn’t be better. The children achieve extremely well because of the outstanding provision and they behave beautifully and clearly thoroughly enjoy the facility. Special reference was made to the commitment of the staff and their constant efforts to maintain continuous improvement. To find out more about the Pre-school, visit www.goringandcleevepreschool.org.uk or call 01491 875 036.
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The National Council for Voluntary Organisations is calling on you to put yourself forward to help deliver meals on wheels, visit elderly neighbours or relatives or man other vital community services during the coldest weather in 30 years. To find out more about volunteering and opportunities in your area, visit www.whatdoyoubelievein.org.uk
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Voluntary groups such as the Scouts, Women’s Institute and Rotary Clubs are to get the chance to secure Government support for their work with poor people in the developing world. All small not-for-profit groups aiming to help the world’s poorest people are being encouraged to apply for a share of funding through the new scheme ‘The Development Innovation Fund (DIF). The DIF will provide funding up to £60,000 for one-off projects lasting up to one year. All local groups in the South East, no matter what their size, can make a positive contribution to communities in developing countries living in extreme poverty. Applications can be submitted to any of three rounds over the next 16 months and groups can bid for funding for any number of individual projects. To find out more about DIF, visit www.dfid.gov.uk/dif
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The Electoral Commission is reminding people living in temporary accommodation that they don’t need a permanent address to have a say at the next General Election. The independent elections watchdog is encouraging residents in shelters, hostels and B&Bs to discuss how to register to vote. Visit www.electoralcommissio.org.uk or your local authority.
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Reading Bach Choir is at the beautiful Douai Abbey on the 6th of March with the 18th Century Sinfonia English Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble. Doesn’t that sound grand? This is the final concert for the conductor, JanJoost van Elburg, who has worked with the choir for the last eight years; and Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 should prove a splendid farewell. This year is the 400th anniversary of Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610, regarded by many as one of the greatest glories of the baroque choral repertoire. The soloists will be Sopranos, Kate Hawnt and Sophia Brumfitt and tenors, Marco van de Klundert and Mark Dobell. Tickets at £18 from Cathy Carr on 01189 947 0104 or Newbury Corn Exchange on 01635 522 733. E-mail:
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.
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Fancy! I didn’t know that! Paddington Bear didn’t come from Peru. He came from Reading. Or at least his creator Michael Bond did. And to celebrate the famous story, Reading Museum presents ‘The Life and Times of Paddington Bear’. The exhibition runs from 27th March and plots the story from Bond’s very first book ‘A Bear Called Paddington’, published in 1958, to the most recent title in the series ‘Paddington Here and Now’ published in 2008, exactly fifty years later. Michael Bond grew up on Reading’s Gloucester Road. As a child his holiday always began with a train journey from the nearby Reading West station. At the start of the Second World War thousands of people were evacuated to Reading from London. They arrived at the train station with belongings in a small suitcase and labels around their necks – similar to the introduction of Paddington from Darkest Peru.
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A chance to catch a free exhibition of painting and sculpture by Paul Hobbs in the newly refurbished St Thomas’ Church, Goring. It’s open between the 6th and 12th of March, and through painting and sculpture, abstract and conceptual images, news articles and ready-made objects, the artist explores questions of faith in relation to contemporary life. Paul will be there offering a rare chance for visitors to talk with an artist about his work. For more details about the artist see www.arthobbs.com
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Maggie’s Oxford, the Cancer Caring Centre, is designating Friday March 26th as ‘Love Maggie’s Day.’ They provide support to cancer sufferers their family and friends and is presently based in a dilapidated building in the grounds of the Churchill Hospital gut hope to build a new Centre by 2012. As part of its support the Inner Wheel Club of Sinodun is organising a coffee morning on Friday March 26th at the Methodist Church in St. Leonard’s Square in Wallingford between 10 and noon. For more details see maggiescentres.org/lovemaggiesday
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Do you know, I nearly choked on my cocoa when I saw that! Love Maggie’s Day.’ I thought it referred to that bold, handsome and ruthless killer that is running out of control around the countryside. My garden blackbirds are for ever coming to me to complain and I have to rush out and chase magpies away from their systematic pillaging of nests and killing of fledglings. I ‘ates magpies.
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Children’s Hospice Week, running from the 15th to the 22nd May is a fun and interactive charity campaign set to raise the profile of and funds for children’s hospices. There are 44 children’s hospices across the UK, which provide care and support for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. Each hospice costs an average of £2.5m a year to operate and in this challenging economic climate need all the support possible. Hero themed activities will be talking place up and down the country and supporters will be given the opportunity to take part in dress up days, parachute jumps, casino nights and cross country bike rides. Superman or supermum? Who would you choose as your hero? The flagship project of is an art initiative called ‘This is my Hero’. This exhibition will showcase hero themed artworks from children, all of which are available to view on at www.thisismyhero.org.uk. A selection of these artworks will be exhibited at The Gallery in Cork Street, London from 17th to 22nd May and all of the artworks will be auctioned either at a live auction or via eBay. To find out more, visit www.childrenshospiceweek.org.uk.
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An inaugural 10k multi terrain run called the 'Shiplake Scramble' is being organised for Sunday May 9th at Shiplake College in support of 'Help for Heroes' and Shiplake Primary School PTFA. About 500 entrants are expected to take part and in addition, 2k races are being organised for 9 local primary schools. It’s all being organised by Alex Bradbury, and Sarah Doyle and the course will take in the lovely farmland and river scenery between from Shiplake to Sonning and back. See www.shiplakescramble.co.uk for more information and to enter online.
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Fancy ‘A Night with Elvis’ at the Henley Rugby Club at 8.30 on the 5th March? Ben Portsmouth, with his band, ‘’Taking Care of Elvis’, presents a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, with his looks, style and voice. Not only is Ben a natural showman but he is also an extremely talented professional musician who was awarded the title of Best Festival Elvis at the annual Elvis Convention. His stunning outfits, all U.S. custom made, span the black leathers of Presley’s comeback in 1968 to the white jumpsuits of the later Las Vegas shows, all costumes are exact copies of the originals. Tickets at £8 from Henley Rugby Club, Marlow Road, Henley RG9 2JA via SAE. £10 quid on the door.
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Something for everybody! The South Chiltern Choral Society Spring Concert on Saturday, March 20th at The University Great Hall in Reading features three much-loved works, Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’, Mozart’s ‘Solemn Vespers’, which are anything but, and moving into the 20th Century. Kodaly’s ‘Missa Brevis’. They will be joined by four young professional soloists, Lisa Anne Robinson (soprano), Kate Warshaw (mezzo-soprano), Ashley Riches (tenor) and Sam Furness (bass). In addition, Vivaldi’s ‘Concerto for Two Trumpets’ will be played by Maddie Cottam and Ruth Strickland The concert will be conducted by Gwyn Arch and accompanied by the South Chiltern Orchestra. Tickets at £12 from Heather Clark on 01491 575 727. See southchilternchoralsociety.org.uk
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Entries are now open for the Blenheim 7k run and Junior 1 mile run at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire on the 9th May. The run takes a scenic route around the trails and paths taking you past the Palace and over the Grand Bridge.
The junior race is open to under 15s, and there are prizes for the first girl and boy, and first girl and boy under 15, 12, and 9. All competitors receive a medal, and there are prizes for the first man and woman, first man over 40, 50, and 60 and first woman over 35, 45, and 55, as well as the first girl and boy under 15. Entry costs £10 for adults and £4.50 for under 15s and includes entry to the Palace grounds.
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Reading Offshore Club’s winter programme of talks continues at The Upper Thames Motor Yacht Club, Sonning with a talk by Mark Ritchie at 8pm on 12th April. Take your seasick pills! He’ll tell you about his voyage of a lifetime from Cape Horn and back via the Antarctic Peninsula – force 10 gales included! Mark’s illustrated lecture appeals more in the telling than the actuality. I was always windy when the sea got lumpy. £3 for non members, refundable against membership subscription.
The Reading Offshore Sailing Club (ROC) is the inland club for the offshore sailor living in and around Reading. Its membership is made up of those who have yachts based in and around the Solent area, others without boats who would like to crew and those simply interested in learning more about sailing. In the sailing season the Club has regular rallies to venues along the South Coast from Weymouth to Brighton and also across the Channel to France and the Channel Islands. In winter the club holds twice monthly meetings, alternating a programme of guest speakers and events at the Upper Thames Motor Yacht Club (UTMYC) in Sonning and informal gatherings at the Lands End pub, Charvil. More details on ROC website at www.readingoffshore.org.uk or phone the Membership Secretary, Lynda Turner 0118 934 0143 evenings
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The Caversham & Chiltern Flower Club is holding a Jumble Sale in Sonning Common Village Hall at 10am on Saturday 20th March, Entrance 10p! High quality goods, very low prices! For details of any of the above, please contact Berna Macdonald on 0118 9477 400.
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How do you fancy meeting Ray Prior’s birds? He’ll be giving a Falconry Display on Aldworth's recreation field from 9am till noon on Easter Saturday, 3rd April. In addition, the Village Market will be in full swing in the hall and also serving some tasty bites. Good Lord! Hawkers and Pedlars! How apt!
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The next production of the Goring Gap Players is at the Goring Village Hall from the 24th to the 27th March. It’s a modern drama by William Nicholson, ‘Map of the Heart’, a contemporary play which focuses on the challenges and danger of voluntary work in war torn Africa, but at its heart is the complexity of family relations, personal traumas and the hopes and fears of the individual characters. The author is well known for his books, film scripts and plays and probably the best known is about the author CS Lewis, Shadow lands with Anthony Hopkins. Tickets, as usual, from Inspirations in Goring Arcade.
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Harpist Deian Siôn Rowlands and flautist Nicki Phillips are back at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel on Sunday, March 7th to raise funds for the Wallingford Mayor’s chosen charity, Style Acre. Tickets at £15 will include afternoon cream tea, coffee and cake at the Wallingford Information Centre or from 01491 839 415.
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The Henley Symphony Orchestra teams up with Henley and Benson Choral Societies at The Hexagon in Reading on Sunday 14th March. The concert opens with ‘Messa di Gloria’ by Puccini, followed by Vaughan Williams ‘Towards the Unknown Region’. Ashley Wass is the soloist for Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F and the concert will conclude with Parry’s ‘I was Glad’. Tickets from £10 at the Box Office 01491 652 237 and online www.readingarts.com
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It’s the Grand Final! The Whacky Scrap Races kick off at 11am on Saturday 27th at Denefield School, Tilehurst, when this term’s rocket launches start lifting off. Now that the Yanks are out of the race, Moon next stop? There’s no admission charge and participating teams will be judged on which entry flies the furthest as well as on their space themed frieze.
There’ll also be an opportunity to enroll for next term’s family challenge starting on Saturday 22nd May. These free 1.5 hour sessions run over 8 weeks, all materials are provided but recycled items from home are encouraged. And you get a free cup of tea and a bun. Team sizes of 2-6 people with children aged 5+ can take part and keep their finished model. Subject to availability, a free crèche is available, for under 5's, and transport costs can be covered for those on free school meals or for families with children with special needs. This project is funded by The National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund. Check out www.whackyscrapraces.org.uk for more information. Contact Sue Hale on 0118 9728 978 or email
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if you are interested.
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I hear that representatives of the National Lottery may be viewing the finals. Put in a word for me.
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It’s ‘Four Legged Friends Day’ at Whitehorse Hill Uffington on Saturday 20th March. Join in a fun doggy day out with National Trust wardens who’ll be on hand to lots of information about dog walking. Abivale Veterinary Group will be give advice about your dog's health and the Abingdon Dog Training Club will be running obedience training and offering behaviour hints and tips. The Dog's Trust will be giving guidance on everything from buying a new dog to micro-chipping an old one. Any time between 10am and 3pm.
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There’s one thing missing there! Dog owners’ responsibility classes! And the necessity to clear up after their dear little mutts! As a dog lover myself, I’m only too aware of the fouling of local footpaths by dogs whose owners seem to take them for a walk solely for purposes of defecation. Apart from being illegal and anti-social, it’s a health hazard, particularly to children. A little plastic bag isn’t that hard to carry!
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Reading Borough Council's Family Link Team is hosting an Information Evening for prospective carers on Wednesday 10th March, 7.30pm at RISC, 35-39 London Street, Reading RG1 4PS. Find out more about how you could give a little time and make a big difference to disabled children and their families by becoming a Family Link carer.
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And also at RISC London Street! Our little folkies! Not at the same time of course! On the 7th Lynne Heraud and Pat Turner are the guests at the Readifolk meeting at 8pm for an evening of Traditional, Victorian, Edwardian, Contemporary, Rude and Silly. Harmony and humour! It’s your turn on the 14th when the theme is ‘A likely Story’ and you can amaze everyone with your tales of the unexpected. It’s back to reality on the 21st when Moonrakers, an Oxford-based multi-instrumental group play and sing Celtic traditional music with harp, fiddle, mandola, guitar, whistles. And to finish the month back on home turf. The Askew Sisters make a welcome return with their energetic brand of English folk music.
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Kidmore End Pre School will be holding their annual Easter Egg Hunt between 2 and 4 on Sunday 28th March 2-4pm at the Cricket Pavilion, Gallowstree Common. Tickets are £3 per child and available in advance from Adele 01189 724 845.
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I don’t know if it’s an ‘Urban Myth’ but burglars in the area are apparently targeting houses by leaving blank post-it notes on windows, if they’re still there a couple of days later then they break in to the house.
-A stick up?-
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To raise awareness and money for the charity ABC (Assisting Berkshire Children) to read we are organising a sponsored walk of the River Thames from Pangbourne to Caversham. This is to be held on Sunday 28th March, starting at 10:00am. For more information please contact Tessa or Cathy on 0118 9511336 or email us at:
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