Peppard NewsA community newspaper for the parish of Rotherfield Peppard Spring 2006

Inside: Page 2 School Matters Page 3 Council Matters Page 4 Village Matters Page 5 Church Matters Page 6 Church Matters cont. Page 7 Club & Societies Back Cover Peppard Diary

Editorial Welcome to our first issue of 2006. Un-fortunately this is tinged with sadnessfollowing the sudden death of DavidSilsoe. Most of the Team had only knownDavid for a few months but during thattime we were all touched by his enthusi-asm for Peppard News and his new Team.He gave us the confidence and encourage-ment needed to take on the task of produc-ing Peppard News. Happily, David didsee (and praised) our first issue with greatdelight. His untimely death has filled theTeam with even more determination toensure that Peppard News continues.

The Team are myself as Editor, RitaHadgkiss, as Sub-Editor and Compositor,Ian Fraser as Parochial Church CouncilLink and Distribution, Steve Cannan, Par-ish Council Liaison, Penny Harvey & Jen-nifer Smith, Diary Page and ContributionsCollection. I am very grateful to them allfor their expertise and commitment totheir allotted tasks.

We all live in Peppard and therefore havea personal interest in the articles we pub-lish.

Susan Carter Editor Peppard News is a community newspaper publishedby Rotherfield Peppard PCC with financial supportfrom Peppard Parish Council, and is distributed freeto almost all households in the ecclesiastical andcivil parishes of Peppard. Views expressed are notnecessarily those of the PCC or RPPC unless statedas such.

Peppard News is also available by e-mail.

Issues: March, June, September & December

Editor: Susan Carter,Well Cottage, Kingwood Common, RG9 5NB.

e-mail: PeppardNews@aol.comAdvertising: Ian Fraser - phone: 01491 629631

Printed by Trinity Creative ResourcesSwallowfield RG7 1TH

Lord Silsoe It is to David Silsoe that we owe the con-tinuance of Peppard News. When PeterLonghurst relinquished his editorship, afew people volunteered to take over. Itwas Lord Silsoe QC, in his guise as LayVice-Chairman of the Parochial ChurchCouncil of All Saints’, that melded thevolunteers into the cohesive team thatthey are now.

This was always one of his greatest tal-ents: after becoming a barrister and a QChe found he did not enjoy the cut andthrust of adversarial law-courts proce-dure, nor did he wish to judge – insteadhe found more intellectual satisfaction inmajor public inquiries and it was in thesethat he made a unique reputation and ac-quired devotion from amongst membersof the teams that he led. His last andmightiest challenge was to clear the wayfor the fifth terminal at Heathrow.

David Silsoe was the most modest ofmen. He was immensely intelligent andenormously successful in his career, yetnever did he mention his own achieve-ments nor show the slightest conceit. Onthe contrary: in the way he effaced him-self and gave his time to other people, hewas generosity and kindness itself.

David and Bridget Silsoe had lived atNeals Farm, Wyfold since 1968 and onceretired, he happily helped out with LadySilsoe’s bed and breakfast business. But itwas through his connections with AllSaints’ Church that he was best knownlocally. Singing was his greatest joy andhe was a pillar of the choir for 30 years aswell as giving his time to take a leading

role in the recent re-organisation of par-ishes in the Henley Deanery and it waslargely due to him that the new beneficeof Rotherfield Peppard, Kidmore Endand Sonning Common proved so suc-cessful. He was a very lovable, decentand gallant gentleman who possessedperfect manners and will be sadlymissed by all of those in the communitywho were lucky enough to know him.

Peppard Lunch Club Jenny Storch was a founder of the Pep-pard Lunch Club 23 years ago, and hasrun it continuously until the beginning ofthis year, when she retired. The club isfor seniors and meets once a month atthe Memorial Hall where volunteersserve an excellent home-cooked meal atvery low cost. Just as importantly, italso provides a chance for members,many of them living on their own, tosocialise in congenial surroundings,serving an important role to the commu-nity. At the February lunch, membersthanked Jenny for all her work over theyears and presented her with flowers anda booktoken. Jenny was overwhelmedby her farewell gifts from members ofthe Club and would like to express hergratitude and affection to all of them.Jenny is replaced by Sally Longhurst(0118 972808) to whom any enquiriesshould be addressed.

The Unicorn Comes Up Trumps

Three cheers to The Unicorn pub. Uponhearing that the Lunch Club could nolonger be accommodated at ChilternEdge School, the managers not onlyoffered space for their Christmas lunchin The Unicorn but all 36 members re-ceived their lunch as a gift. Now that iswhat we, at Peppard News, call a realcommunity pub spirit! Thank you, Tim& Steve.

Page 2

School Matters

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The Royal British LegionThe RBL is a caring force. Are you an ex-Service person or adependant of one? If so, do you need help and/or would you liketo help others? If any of the answers are “Yes” – please phoneNick Launders for further details:

Evening and weekends:- 01491 628243Working hours:- 0207 218 2664

Peppard C of E Primary School Terms 3 and 4 proved as busy as ever andPeppard News now has some competitionas we are producing our own in-houseNewsletter.

Everyone took part in World Book Day,and paraded as characters from books;Captain Underpants was particularly im-pressive (photo by Jessica Ayers). We helda sponsored silent read by children toboost funds for new textbooks and theychose stories for staff to read to them.Highmoor class produced playlets for ourentertainment and at the end of the day thebook cover competition was judged and aprize awarded in each year group.Our rugby team enjoyed success at the

Powergen Community Rugby Tournament(photo by Tony Saunders). Nine teamsfrom local schools competed in threepools. Peppard met Kidmore End in thefinal and the final score was 6-6. As Pep-pard had scored more tries in the tourna-ment they were declared the winners. Wego forward to the regional finals in HighWycombe on 26th March.

We enjoyed the visit from Harcourt Ar-boretum staff who gave us free work-shops. Apart from learning a good dealabout trees, pupils were fascinated tohear how a seed grows to a great Red-wood which can have a road driventhrough it.During next term, Year 4 will go theChiltern Study Centre, Year 5 will go tothe Isle of Wight, and Year 6 will go tothe Manor, Shropshire; a residentialcourse greatly enjoyed by pupils in theirlast year at our school. We shall be en-tertained with pieces from their journalsat the Leavers’ Assembly on 21st July.A sponsored swimathon organised byFOPS will be held at Gilletts on the af-ternoon of 2nd May, followed by SportsDay on 30th June or, if wet, 14th July andour Summer performance will take placeon 5th -6th July. Readers of PeppardNews are very welcome to support ourschool at these events.

Peppard Pre-School Peppard Pre-School joined Bish-opswood Day Nursery in January lastyear and amalgamated with them inSeptember. We are all very happy withthe new environment, having our owncraft/play rooms, plus dining room andgardens for play and basic gardening.We are working with other professionalsin childcare offering flexible hours andfacilities for children and parents in thelocal community. We celebrated WorldBook day on 2nd March which coin-cided with the Bishopswood Day Nurs-

Sonning Common Pre-School Many thanks to all those who supportedthe Sonning Common Pre-School Christ-mas fair last year. Over £500 was raised!Because Peppard Pre-School moved to theBishopswood site and its constitution dis-allowed some of its existing funding, theygenerously donated some funds to us. Thiswill be used towards the construction of anew children’s kitchen. The Pre-School isplanning refurbishment work and a cookerhas already been purchased. When fin-ished, it will be called “The PeppardKitchen”.The Sonning Common WI are makingcooking aprons for the Pre-School chil-dren and a set of cushions for the Pre-School quiet area. We would like to thankthem for their support. Sonning CommonPre-School is always pleased when localpeople offer help.Sonning Common Pre-School is onceagain collecting for its Bags2School cam-paign - for details please contact HelenScarrott on 07767 380512. For any otherfurther information please contact KateLuckett on 0118 972 4760 or email Kateat cplaygroup@btinternet.com.

Peppard CE Primary SchoolChurch Lane, Peppard, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5JU

NEEDED URGENTLY!Daily Senior Lunch-time Supervisor

£7.00/per hour, Lunch provided if required

We currently have a vacancy for a Senior Lunch-timeSupervisor at our small and happy school. The ideal

person will be active and willing to work either insideor out of doors. You will also need a sense of fair play

and have eyes in the back of your head!

Please contact us by telephone on 01491 628354 orpop in to the school office for more information.

Tel: 0118 972 3728

• Carpentry

• Electrical TV/FM & BT points

• Plumbing

• Paperhanging

• Painting & Decorating

• Tiling

Michael Barlow - 30 years’ experience

Hunton CottageGallowstree Road Peppard CommonHenley-on-Thames RG9 5JB

ery's 2nd Birthday. We had an entertainerand a party for the children on that day. Ifanyone should wish to visit the nurseryplease call:- 0118972-2196 and ask tospeak to Barbara or Kerry.

Peppard C of E Primary School Peppard Common RG9 5JU

Phone: 01491 628354 Head Teacher - Anne Jarvis

Chairman of the Governors Elizabeth Bielby

Page 3

Council Matters

Parish Council Chairman: Geoff Pitcher

Contact details for Chairman, Parish Clerk:and

Parish Councillors are on the Council’s web-site

www.rppc.org.uk

SODC Councillors: Don Naish -0118 9723828

& Paul Harrison - 0118 972 2665OCC Councillor: Carol Viney - 01491

680887

Rotherfield Peppard Parish Council usuallymeets on 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm in the Pavilion, though there is no meet-ing in August. Parishioners may attend and

observe, and may raise briefly issues ofconcern to them. All may attend

intermediate planning meetings. as well -see Diary for dates and times.

Trade CounterBishopsland Farm, Peppard Road, Dunsden, Reading RG4 9NR

Tel: 0118 972 2028 Fax: 0118 972 4559

PEPPARD BUILDING SUPPLIES

New Garden Waste Service South Oxfordshire District Council areconsidering launching a fortnightly gardenwaste collection service from wheelie binssited at residents’ homes. The bins will beprovided by SODC, but at a cost of £29per annum.

There is considerable concern that thisservice will replace the existing servicesprovided at Peppard crossroads andSomerfield’s car park as well as the regu-lar ecosac service. This proposal has re-ceived widespread coverage, both in theDaily Mail and Henley Standard and clari-fication on the detail and implications ofthe proposed scheme are eagerly awaited.

New Fruit Trees in Carling Orchard

Readers may have noticed the removal ofa number of fruit trees from Carling Or-chard. These trees were poor quality sin-gle variety crab apples planted by thebuilders of the new homes on this site.The trees have, over time, been seriouslydamaged by muntjac deer to the pointwhere they are in a very sorry state. Ateam of volunteers led by Brian Willis,Ilse Else, Cherry Postlethwaite and EddieBooker have been leading a project torestore the site to its former glory as agenuine fruit orchard. The intention is toimplement a replanting programme overthe coming years to improve biodiversityand the range of wild flowers.

Annual Parish Meeting: Friday 12th May7.30 p.m at the Memorial Hall

BORIS JOHNSON, M.P. will be speaking from 8 pm

Annual Village Litter Blitz

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th April

Help us to keep our village tidy:• Clear any rubbish from outside your

house• Come along at 10.00 to help your Parish

Councillors• Meet at the crossroads of Stoke Row

Road and Gallowstree Road• Outside Peppard School on the Top

Common• At the Unicorn on Stoke Row RoadPlease bring gloves and we will supplyyou with plastic bags.

Travel Tokens for Residents aged 70+

Travel Tokens will be distributed at theSports Pavilion on Wednesday 5th April,between 10.00-11.30. All residents ofPeppard who are aged 70 or over, anddisabled residents, are eligible. (Pleasebring your pension book, or other evi-dence, if you are a new claimant).

Residents who are 60 or over will be eli-gible for a bus pass for which they have toapply to South Oxfordshire District Coun-cil (Concessionary Fares – Tel: 01491823413).

Footpaths on Stoke Row Road Following complaints from residents, thefootpaths along Stoke Row Road havebeen cleared so that it is no longer neces-sary to step into this dangerous road.

Help with Repairs Residents can apply for financial helpwith urgent repairs to their homes. Thebeneficiaries need to have lived in theirhomes for up to 3 years and receive anincome related benefit or are on a lowincome.

For further information contact the Pri-vate Sector Housing Office on 01491

Research into Transport Are you interested in joining the Com-mittee on Inclusive Transport? Thislooks at all forms of public transport,highways and pavements and how itaffects those who have difficulty withmobility. The committee sits 4 timesper year and your expenses will be paid.

If you would like more details pleasecontact Peppard News –e-mailPeppardNews@aol.com or write to ourEditor.

Planning There has been steady flow of planningapplications for the parish planning com-mittee to consider over the last fewmonths, ranging from housing develop-ments to small extensions, as well as forchanges of use. Perhaps the applicationthat has caught the most interest has beenthe development of the former OCC depoton Shiplake Bottom. There have been 3applications for this site over the last year,and the first two were turned down by thecommittee, as there were significant is-sues, like massing, alignment, overlook-ing and building line. Understandably,there was considerable depth of feelingfrom local residents – but not all localresidents were objecting – there also wereletters of support. There are still someparishioners who are not happy with thefact that the parish planning committeehad ‘no strong views’ on the 3rd applica-tion and that full planning consent (withcertain conditions) has been granted, butthe developer has taken on board the com-ments made and the scheme has been sig-nificantly modified, but there are still 13dwellings, as granted in the original out-line consent.

Page 4

Village Matters

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Greenshoots Care in the Community is a phrase usedby government officials and often deridedby the national press but here, in Peppard,we have one of the finest examples of carein the community in our midst. Green-shoots, a nursery based at Manor Farm onthe Nettlebed road, is run by the Ways andMeans Trust - established in 1967 to helppeople with learning difficulties, physicaland mental disabilities to develop theskills and confidence that introduce themto the world of work.

Greenshoots have a total of 28 students,16 at any one time but will always wel-come and accommodate more. The stu-dents, some in residential homes, someliving with parents, some living independ-ently, come from a wide area - as far asNewbury and the nearest from SonningCommon.

They are ably tutored by Frances, Anna,Michael, Paul and Neal and not forgettingJason, the dog, who specialises in uniquecanine listening skills. The staff are dedi-cated to helping the students learn literacy,numeracy and life skills and more impor-tantly horticultural and retail skills, withthe aim of guiding the students throughtheir NVQs in horticulture and ultimatelyinto jobs with other organisations. A lotof the focus is also placed upon socialskills and customer service training. Sev-eral of their students have achieved place-ments with local companies and organisa-tions as a direct result of their training atGreenshoots. One of their true successstories is tutor Neal who, having oncebeen a student himself, has just passed hisNVQ Level 1 (along with 6 others) and isnow working towards his BTEC Certifi-cate. Neal supervises some of the outdooractivities and oversees some of the class-room work.

The students are involved in all aspects ofthe horticultural work from the hard dig-ging, to sowing seeds, pricking out andpotting on and making up the hangingbaskets and vegetable boxes. With cus-tomer care comprising a large part of theirtraining, customers are greeted enthusias-tically and given painstaking help in se-lecting plants and vegetables under thewatchful, but distant, eye of the tutors.All the students have their favourite activi-

ties but dealing with customers comesvery high up for all of them. Even load-ing a car boot with vegetables is in-cluded in the list of enjoyable activities.

Greenshoots are dedicated green garden-ers and try to encourage wildlife. Mostof the plants (and all of the vegetables)are grown from seed with just annualsand herbs grown from plugs and all in achemical free environment. In responseto requests from customers, this yearthey are growing a large variety of al-pine plants. The students all learn topropagate cuttings as a major part oftheir training. This means that Green-shoots can keep their costs to a mini-mum.

They have charitable status and receivefunding from Berkshire College of Agri-culture and from local councils as amechanism of the student referrals butnevertheless they run on a shoestring.They aim to cover costs of basic materi-als with sales of plants to the generalpublic but they have to apply a delicatebalance: if they were to become a suc-cessful commercial organisation theywould lose their charitable status.

Your custom will be welcomed but anydonations would also be appreciated.Greenshoots offer recycling of sorts –they will refill hanging baskets and re-use plastic pots and seed trays. Theywill make good use of any gardeningequipment. So don’t forget, when youare clearing out the garden shed andreplacing tools, you can give that oldwheelbarrow or spade to Greenshoots.

agement of our funds by our Treasurerand Committee, and generous donationsfrom the Oxfordshire Rural TransportPartnership and Sonning Common ParishCouncil. We give our thanks to all whomade this possible. We are currentlypreparing a programme of events for theSpring and Summer including the popu-lar "Shop and Lunch" trips.

We are constantly in need of car drivers.If you have a few hours to spare perhapsyou would like to join our happy band;you can be sure of a warm welcome.Telephone us on 0118 9723986 between09.30 and 11.30. There are no monetaryrewards in driving for FISH, although wedo pay 35p per mile expenses, but it is aworthwhile experience. Ask any of ourdrivers and they will tell you so.

Beating the Bounds: Rogation Sunday 21st MayMeet at The Dog Public House

at 12 noonHelp keep this ancient custom alive byjoining us on this attractive walk.Parishioners, their families and friends areinvited to take part in the annual “Beatingthe Bounds". This year we shall be beat-ing the north & north east boundaries ofthe Parish. The walk will last about 1½hours and will be led by Tim Meikle. TheReverend Graham Foulis Brown will pro-vide an appropriate send off for this an-cient custom of “Beating the Bounds” onRogation Sunday. Beating sticks will beprovided. Wellies are essential if theweather is wet. There are no stiles on thewalk. Please come and join us and enjoy agood walk in our wonderful countrysideand help keep a tradition alive.Further details from: Tim Meikle 0118

972 3084

Replacement Bus Shelter at Peppard Crossroads

It was due to the generous grant byOxfordshire County Council and SouthOxfordshire District Council that the Par-ish Council has been able to replace theold bus shelter that was in poor repair atPeppard Crossroads with the bespokebrick and flint and oak bus shelter re-cently built by Heart of Oak BuildingsLtd., of Checkendon.

FISH FISH is about to replace the currentmini-bus with a new one which will belarger and more comfortable. This hasbeen made possible by prudent man-

Page 5

Church Matters

Our 8-Office Network Sells and Lets More HousesSonning Common 0118 972 4242 - Henley 01491 412345

www.davistate.com

From 2 Priory Copse This is a kind of ‘A Day in the Life Of…’I write on Ash Wednesday evening at theend of an encouraging day.

I spent the morning at our school. A ladyfrom Harcourt Arboretum kept the chil-dren’s interest for an hour as she talkedabout trees. Then I watched as the Founda-tion children worked on their Rain Forestproject – joining up dots and painting but-terflies and frogs. It was a very happyclassroom with a lot of learning going on.I felt very proud of our school and am gladto have the opportunity to say so publicly.

In the afternoon some twenty folk met atthe Christian Community Action Shop inSonning Common to hear from the Direc-tor of CCA, Alan Magness, that the leaseon the shop has been renewed. It is won-derful that this excellent facility will con-tinue to serve our communities, providingfurniture and other goods for those in needand a meeting place for many. We aregrateful to Peppard CongregationalChurch who will help the centre finan-cially by basing some of their communityservices in the building.

The day ended with members of our threecongregations gathering at Christ the Kingfor the Ash Wednesday Eucharist. As ourforeheads were marked with ash we heardthe words, ‘Remember that you are dust,and to dust you shall return.’ That is ournatural destiny, but soon the Easter mes-sage will remind us that God raised Jesusfrom death and will raise his people too.

Barry Olsen

Churchyard Extension Consequent upon the sale of the formerRectory of Rotherfield Peppard, arrange-ments were made for the retention of partof the Rectory grounds for an extension tothe churchyard for burials. In a processwhich began in September 2003, an appli-cation was made to South OxfordshireDistrict Council (as Burial Authority)under Section 214 of the Local Govern-ment Act 1972 for a grant to defray Paro-chial Church Council costs of £4038·13.

The PCC has pursued the matter vigor-ously. SODC officers, after two years ofprevarication, have now stated, in aletter dated 2nd February, 2006, thatSODC will make no financial contribu-tion: "The grounds for this decision arethat the Council accepts its responsibil-ity as a burial authority but having takenadvice, feels that it is obliged to assurespaces for burial across the districtrather than in a specific parish." Itwould seem that this "policy statement"has been developed solely in responseto our application. Fortunately, Rother-field Peppard Parish Council made agenerous grant of £1000 to the PCC as acontribution towards the cost of theextension, leaving the PCC to find theremaining £3038·13.

Congratulations! Doris Simmonds has been a faithful andmuch loved member of our congrega-tion at All Saints' Church. Her move tolive at Spencers Wood has meant thatshe has not been able to worship veryoften at All Saints'. Doris reached her100th birthday on the Feast of theEpiphany when seven members of thecongregation took her our very bestwishes and congratulations.

Congratulations of a different kind aredue to Sandra Atkinson, whose photo-graph Nets on the shore was judged run-ner up in The Door's (the Oxford dioce-san newspaper) photographic competi-tion.

Head Chorister, Jamie Bell, sang at St.Albans Cathedral in January with theRoyal School of Church Music SouthernCathedral Singers. He also sang with themat Guildford Cathedral in February and hehas been invited to sing at York Minsteron 1st May.

Forthcoming Concerts at All Saints' Church

A tango through France is the title of arecital for flute and piano, to be given byPeppard flautist, Claire Overbury, and heraccompanist, Anna Kounadi, in All Saints'Church on Friday, 7th April at 8 pm. Re-freshments will be available after the re-cital and there will be a retiring collectionfor the work of the Rotherfield PeppardEducational Charity.

On Saturday, 20th May at 8 pm, In anarbour green ~ the genius of early 20thcentury English music - a concert featuringJulia Booker (soprano) of Greys, RobinHowles (tenor) of Peppard, their accompa-nist, Antonia King, and the Tuesday StringQuartet. Music by Warlock, Bridge, Gur-ney, Quilter, Hurlstone, Wood andVaughan Williams will be included intheir programme. The retiring collectionwill benefit the work of Christian Aid.

The Guild of All Saints The Second Annual Guild Service, whichrecognises the devoted service and com-mitment of so many parishioners to theirparish church, will be held at 6.30 pm onSunday, 21st May. It will be preceded bythe dedication of a tree which has beenplanted in the churchyard in memory ofElizabeth Brown, herself a devoted ser-vant of the church who had particularlywished for the re-invigoration of theGuild.

All Saints' Church, Rotherfield Peppard

Services on Good Friday and Easter Day

Good Friday, 10 am Morning Prayerand Litany

14th April 2 pm Devotional Hour

Easter Day, 9 am Holy Communion

16th April 10.30 am Sung Eucharist

6.30 pm Festal Evensong

All Saints’ Church of England

www.allsaintspeppard.org.uk

Rector: Revd Graham Foulis Brown 0118 972 3987Asst. Priests: Revd Hugh Warwick 0118 972 3070

Revd Barry Olsen 0118 924 2812Churchwardens: Keith Atkinson 0118 972 2844

Peter Hutt 01491 628335

Can You Help? Further efforts are being made to iden-tify unmarked graves in the ‘new’churchyard at All Saints’. One is betterthan none, and the brief article in ourlast issue resulted in one person supply-ing information that enabled identifica-tion of one unidentified grave. Severalgraves, some of which are well tended,remain unidentified. If you can help,please contact Keith Atkinson on 0118972 2844.

Page 6

Church Matters (Continued)

WeddingsFunctionsFuneral Tributes

Tel: 0118 972 1240

National andInternationalDelivery Service

Mob: 07771 790916

Brambles

Floristry

Fresh Flowers available everyday

Corner of Wood Lane/Woodlands Road, Sonning Common

The Unicorn Kingwood Common

Tim & Steve thank the people of Rotherfield Peppard for their support, help and custom in making their dream come true.

01491 628 452

St Michael’s Catholic ChurchRevd Chris Bester 0118 972 3418

Revd Francis Andrews 0118 972 2354chris.bester@btinternet.com

Minister

Revd Phil Cheale0118 972 4519

www.pc-church.org.uk

I was sitting quietly in The Unicorn ona lovely summer's day and picked upthe Peppard News only to be surprisedwhen I saw a photograph of Fr JohnEllis, my predecessor who had justretired, and to read a little about me ashis successor. I have now been at StMichael's for seven months and havecome to a community which is verymuch alive.

At Easter we celebrate the eventswhich brought about our Redemp-tion. Easter comes from the sameroot word as oestrus; the life-cycle.Easter is about the newness of lifewe share with the Risen Christ.

Lent is about growth and develop-ment of our inner lives, with alittle pruning of the externals.Most gardeners prune in order toachieve a better and more luxuri-ant growth. So must we. It is tra-ditional in Lent not only to try tocut down on our excesses, but totry to come to an understanding ofwhat it is that is really importantin life. It may not be an easy task,but that is the challenge. Easter isabout the abundant new growthwhich comes as a result of suc-cessful pruning

One of all churches’ major concernsis that many of our congregation areno longer regular attendees. We wantto find a satisfactory way of invitingthem back and offering a warm wel-come as well as understanding theirabsence. I think that for all the

churches this is a burning issue: "How dowe become welcoming, family-friendlychurches? And how do we cultivate adeeper faith?" We all see it as our task tobe leaven in the dough. Lent gives ustime and space for reflection and intro-spection so that we can listen to the Lordand hear what He is saying to us. Eastergives us the confidence to go and put Hisrecommendations into practice.

I hope we all have a marvellous Easter-tide.

Estimates free - Job size no object

Electric Quick! Phone: 0118 972 2143 - Mobile: 07973 491069

Fully qualified - Building Regs registered

News September 2005 saw the visit to PeppardCongregational Church of Isaac Georgefrom Liberia. The church has been sup-porting Isaac and his family for manyyears and it was wonderful to have himwith us for 3 weeks. During his time withus we discussed his requirements for com-puters and general aid and started planningthe container which finally left Peppard inFebruary. We worked very closely withthe charity Feed the Children, based inTwyford, to send a 40ft container. Therewere approx fifty computers, sewing ma-chines, food, clothing, paper, schoolbooks, and many more items of need.

Many local companies and schoolshelped in supplying goods which we arevery grateful for. The container shouldhave reached Monrovia, Liberia onMarch 9th. If you would like furtherinformation regarding the work we do inLiberia please contact the Church officeon 01189 724519.

Cradle Club MONDAYS 10.00 am (Except BankHolidays)

Cradle Club was started nine years agowith a few Mums meeting together. Ithas since grown and become increas-ingly popular. It was created for Mumsand is one of the few groups which caterfor newborn babies. Most then continueto stay until their child is two or con-tinue when they have more children. It isa chance to meet new friends, to have acup of tea or coffee, and for children tomix with others of similar ages. We also

have nannies, child-minders and Grand-mas who come along, and even the occa-sional Dad.

For more details please contact the Churchoffice on 1189 724519

Sunday Services With Creche and Children’s SundaySchool

All are welcome to our Sunday Services… start 10.30 am

There is a supervised crèche for the veryyoung and groups of children up to 14 toattend if they wish. They will go out mid-service and come back in just before theend. After the service, please join us forrefreshments and a chat.

Missed Sunday’s message? We are nowplacing an audio recording of each Sun-day’s message on the web -www.pepcon.plus.com

We will soon be offering CD and tapes ofSundays’ services.

Easter Services

Palm Sunday 9 am and 10.30

Maundy Thursday 8 am – Mass and the Lord’s Supper

Good Friday 12 noon – Stations of the Cross3 pm Solemn Liturgy

Easter Saturday 9 pm Vigil

Easter Sunday 9 am and 10.30 First Mass of Easter

Page 7

Clubs and Societies

Mike Farina Auto ServicesServicing, repairs and welding for all makes of vehicles

21 Sedgewell Road, Sonning CommonTelephone: 0118 972 4036

MOT tests arranged

HAPPY PETSAre happier at home whilst their owners roam

Let us visit, feed, and cuddle daily while you’re awayVET APPROVED

Phone/Fax 0118 972 4580 & 0118 924 2589Visit our website at www.happyhappypets.co.uk

Colin Porteousof Sonning Common

Taxi Service0118 972 2193

Chiltern Edge Horticultural Society

Having enjoyed a successful year in 2005and now looking forward to spring, Chil-tern Edge Horticultural Society thought ita good time to let you know what we haveto offer.

A local resident recently approached meto say how much she had enjoyed the af-ternoon at our Autumn Show. She wasamazed at the colour and quality of flow-ers and vegetables, flower arrangements,photography and art works that filledChiltern Edge School hall, as well as thecakes, pastries and preserves. She haslived in Sonning Common many yearsunaware these social occasions existed!Yes, it's time we promoted our Society!

Our membership subscription rates arevery reasonable and include 6 horticulturaltalks through winter months (free to mem-bers), 3 coach outings - May, June andSeptember: one of these will include a freeentry to RHS Wisley as the Society is af-filiated to the RHS. Two social occasions-a July evening buffet supper in a localgarden (small charge for food). Also a freewine and cheese supper combined withbrief AGM in early December. Membersare issued with a Programme Card and afree monthly newsletter delivered to theirdoor. WHAT VALUE!

We are delighted to welcome new mem-bers and we encourage children to enterthe show classes specifically for 12's andunder. Our Membership Secretary, MrsSue Hedges will be pleased to hear fromyou on 0118 972 3678. You don't have tobe a knowledgeable gardener to join. Weare a friendly bunch, wishing to keepCEHS, a rural tradition, alive. We holdtwo shows a year, Spring and Autumn –social occasions as well as mildly com-petitive. There are art, craft, photographyand cookery classes too.

Who knows? Having joined our Societyyou may be tempted to enter! We en-courage novices - that's how I started.We would be pleased to welcome newmembers. Come along and join us.

Molly Lindlaw

Bowls Club Report The outdoor season begins at Peppard onSaturday 22nd April when members areinvited to call to pay subscriptions andsign up for matches. On Sunday 30th

April there will be an Open Day for oldand new members and friends with anopportunity for prospective new bowlersto try out their skills. All we need now isfor the sun to shine!

For further information phone 01189722757.

Peppard WI Peppard WI look forward to their 88thyear. There has been a welcome influxof new members recently but it wouldbe nice to see even more people in thearea joining us. Please phone PamelaDavies on 0118 9723614 for details

Forthcoming events planned are: 12th

April, John Woolley BEM will give atalk on what became known as TheGreat Train Robbery. He was involvedin the investigations as a serving policeofficer at that time; 10th May, we shalldebate the two resolutions to be put tothe National Federation of Women'sInstitutes' AGM. These cover the effi-ciency levels in buildings using renew-able energy and urging the Governmentto increase sporting facilities in schools.14th June there will be a visit to the gar-den of an ex-member now living nearDidcot.

Royal British Legion Peppard & District Branch

We had a very successful 2005 PoppyAppeal and our branch raised almost£3,200, an amazing sum for a branchwhose area is quite rural and wide-spread. It covers Peppard, a small partof Sonning Common, Greys, Satwell,Kingwood, Wyfold and Stoke Row andmuch praise must go to the collectorswho work so hard (and those who walkso far!) to make this achievable. We arealways looking for help with the PoppyAppeal and also members, so if you areinterested please contact Penny Harvey0118 9723779.

Peppard Charity Support Group

At the Group’s last meeting of 2005 thedecision was taken to bring the group to aclose. It was set up at the beginning of1996 and in the intervening period hasraised a total of £19,042 - in just10 years!Especial thanks are due to Sue Nicksonand the committee for all their work – thecommittee comprised Sandra Atkinson(Secretary), Barbara Butler (Treasurer),Pat Fraser, Vivian Rex, Ann Butler-Smith,Ruth Whitaker and Sue Nickson (Co-ordinator). Previous group members haveincluded Beryl Warwick, Judith Howles,Beryl Swan, Pam Pearson and SallyLonghurst.

In that time the group donated money andgoods to the victims of the Kosovo andthe former Yugoslavia crises, war victimsin Iraq and for the Boxing Day Tsunami.We have employed many ways to raisefunds, not least of these being the PeppardRun and the Cantus concerts. These, withtheir fund raising principles, will continue.

Rotherfield Peppard Educational TrustFund for support of educational activities

The Trust supports educational activities undertaken by under twenty-fives from Peppard. It can help with purchase of books, educational

visits, special projects, and the like. If you may be eligible, or know ofothers who may wish to apply, please give us a call.

Robin Howles (0118 972 3528) or Sylvia Overbury (01491 628 245)

Christian Aid A house to house collection in support ofChristian Aid will take place in the week14th-20th May. Please be generous whenthe red envelope drops through your door.

Page 8

Peppard Diary

Church Services

Sunday Services at Peppard Congregational ChurchFamily Service: 10.30 - 11.45 � Sunday School 10.30 - 11.30

Mass at St Michael’s Roman Catholic Church�Monday-Friday 09.00�

Saturday 17.30 � Sunday 09.00 & 10.30

Garden design and landscaping by Chelsea Gold Medal winners

Show gardens ~ Plants and artefacts for sale

Breathe new life into your garden!

“A haven for plant lovers” on the A329, Newington, near Stadhampton, Oxon ~ Follow the tourist signs from every direction

NEWINGTON NURSERIES Specialists in unusual and tropical plants

Newington NurseriesTel: 01865 400533

www.newington-nurseries.co.ukOpen Tuesday to Sunday and

Bank Holiday Mondays

Static Dustcarts At the time of going to press no schedule of dustcarts is available until decision is made on the collection of green waste. See Page 3for more detail.

APRILSat 1 SODC/OCC Councillor Surgery/10-12/St Michael’s Hall Sat 13 Green Gym/Kennylands Field/09.30-12.30/0118 9723528

Chiltern Players/G B Shaw’s Pygmalion/Memorial Hall Hort Soc/Coach trip Hilliers, Romsey/Info 0118 9723245Hort Soc Annual Spring Show/15.00-17.00/Chiltern Edge Mon 15 Start Christian Aid Week

Mon 3 Peppard Lunch Club Bring & Buy/10.30/Wyfold Grange Wed 17 Peppard Lunch Club/12.15/Memorial HallFISH Garden Centre Outing/13.30/details FISH office CRUSE Coffee Morning/10.00-11.30/SC Village Hall

Wed 5 RPPC Bus Tokens/10.00-11.30/Sports Pavilion Thurs 18 Green Gym/Flowercroft Wood/09.30-12.30/0118 9723528Fri 7 Recital Flute & Piano/20.00/All Saints’ Church FISH Pub Lunch Outing/11.30/details FISH officeSat 8 Green Gym/ Peppard Common/09.30-12.30/0118 9723528 Sat 20 Green Gym/SC Primary School/09.30-12.30/0118 9723528Mon 10 Mobile Library-see below for times and places Table Top Sale/09.00-12.00/Sonning Common Village Hall

Parish Council Meeting/20.15/Pavilion Concert ‘In an arbour green’/19.30/All Saints’ ChurchWed 12 Peppard WI/Great Train Robbery/14.30/Memorial Hall Sun 21 Beating the Bounds/Dog PH/12 noon/Info T Meikle 9723084Tues 18 Peppard School start Term 5 Mon 22 Mobile Library-see below for times and placesWed 19 CRUSE Coffee Morning/10.00-11.30/SC Village Hall Parish Council Meeting/20.15/Pavilion

Peppard Lunch Club/12.15/Memorial Hall Fri 26 Peppard School end Term 5Hort Soc/Talk Roger Turner-Grasses & Ferns/19.30/C. Edge Sat 27 Green Gym/Flowercroft Wood/09.30-12.30/0118 9723528

Thurs 20 Refuse kerbside collection (Easter - day later) JUNEFISH Pub Lunch Outing/11.30/details FISH office Thurs 1 Refuse kerbside collection (Bank holiday - day later)

Mon 24 Mobile Library-see below for times and places Sat 3 SODC/OCC Councillor Surgery/10-12/St Michael’s HallParish Council Meeting/20.15/Pavilion Mon 5 Mobile Library-see below for times and places

Sat 29 Green Gym/Kingwood Common/09.30-12.30/0118 9723528 FISH Garden Centre Outing/13.30/details FISH officeSun 30 Peppard Bowls Club/Open Day /All welcome Peppard School start Term 6

MAY Sat 10 Green Gym/Flowercroft Wood/09.30-12.30/0118 9723528Mon 1 Bank Hol/School closed Mon 12 Parish Council Meeting/20.15/PavilionTues 2 FOPS/Swimathon/Gillotts/afternoon Wed 14 Peppard WI/Garden visit Didcot/14.30Thurs 4 Refuse kerbside collection (Bank holiday - day later) Thurs 15 FISH Pub Lunch Outing/11.30/details FISH officeSat 6 SODC/OCC Councillor Surgery/10-12/St Michael’s Hall Mon 19 Mobile Library-see below for times and places

Kidmore End School Spring Fair/14.30-17.30 Wed 21 CRUSE Coffee Morning/10.00-11.30/SC Village HallMon 8 Mobile Library-see below for times and places Peppard Lunch Club/12.15/Memorial Hall

FISH Garden Centre Outing/13.30/details FISH office Thurs 22 Green Gym/Kingwood Common/09.30-12.30/0118 9723528Parish Council Meeting/20.15/Pavilion Sat 24 Hort Soc/Coach Hidcote Manor, Glos/Info 0118 9723245

Wed 10 Peppard WI/Resolutions for AGM/14.30/Memorial Hall Mon 26 Parish Council Meeting/20.15/PavilionFri 12 P.C.AGM/19.30/Memorial Hall/Speaker Boris Johnson Fri 30 Peppard School Sports Day (if wet Fri 14 July)Mobile Library – places & times (School: 15.00-15.15) (Unicorn: 15.25-15.40) FISH Office: 118 972 3986 ((Mon-Fri, 09.30-11.30)

Sunday Services 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 Notes

At All Saints’ Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr May May May May June June June June † Festal Evensong

09.00 Communion � � � � � � � � � � � � � ‡ 11.00 at Kidmore End

10.30 Communion(sung)

� � ‡ � � � � Joint Benefice Service

10.30 Matins � � � Good Friday 14th April

10.30 Family Service � � � 10.00 Morning Prayer andLitany

10.30 Sunday School � � � 14.00 Devotional Hour

18.30 Evensong � � �† � � � � � � �† � � �