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No. 368 11 October 2012

It was in 1796 that Robert Piggott endowed a School
for the instruction and clothing of 20 boys and 20 girls
of the parish of Wargrave.

Although there have been Piggott Schools in Wargrave
for over two hundred years, it was not until 1862 that
the present Junior School on School Hill opened. At
this time the School housed both the Infant and Junior
departments until, due to growing numbers, a separate
Infant School was started in 1908. The present Infant
School opened in 1963.

It is therefore the 150th Anniversary of the Junior
School as a place of primary education in our village.
We intend to mark this achievement with a week of
celebrating school life through the ages and an
exhibition about the history of the school on Friday 9
November from 3.30pm to 6.00pm.

We would be delighted if the community could support
and participate in our celebration by sharing memories
of life at the Junior School whether as a pupil, member of
staff, governor or parent. If you have any relevant
photos, we would love to borrow them for our exhibition.
We would also appreciate it if people would lend us
artefacts from the last 150 years to help us with our
learning about life in the past. All artefacts will be
carefully looked after and returned to their owners after
the exhibition.

For those of you who would like to send the Junior
School a message of goodwill, a Blessing & Memory
Book will be available in St Marys Parish Church,
Wargrave for written prayers and memories. The
Blessing and Memory Book will also be in Wargrave
Library for the last two weeks of October.

If you have any memories or artefacts you would like to
share with us please call into the Junior School office or
telephone Mrs Jane Miller on 940 2645.

Sally Ann Akers
Robert Piggott CE Junior School 150th Anniversary
3
The Big Book Drop

Piggott students responded enthusiastically to the Big Book Drop
appeal for unwanted childrens books. A car load of books was
collected by Heather Key of Interserve,
Twyford who are leading the initiative,
as Literacy for Life is their chosen
charity this year. Big Book Drop aims
to send books to the Philippines, South
Africa, India and Chile to improve and encourage childrens
literacy.

Interserve Twyford have been very supportive in sending HR staff
to help with mock interviews for Year 11 students, so the school
was very keen to reciprocate and support this worthwhile appeal.

European Day of Languages

Phrases of various European languages could be heard at lunchtimes at
The Piggott School, as students celebrated European Day of Languages.
During assemblies Year 7 and 8 watched a short performance by some of
the 6th form students, which showed the advantages of knowing a
language. This was followed by short sessions at lunchtime when they
could learn a few phrases. Even the staff in the canteen participated and
continued with the theme by serving a European menu.
The most successful session was the one led by students, who shared their
mother tongue with others. All students at the school study at least one
foreign language to GCSE.

The Piggott School

The 2012 Village Firework Display will be held on Saturday 3 November at
the Recreation Ground, organised once more by the 1st Wargrave Scout
Group.

Refreshments will be available from 5.30pm, with the bonfire lit at 6.00pm
and the firework display from 6.30pm.

Admission is by donation at the gate a minimum
of 5 for up to four people, please. This gate
money will be used to purchase fireworks for next
years display, so please be generous.

We hope that you, your family and friends will
come along and enjoy this annual event which still
retains its family village atmosphere.

For your personal safety, we ask you not to bring
sparklers to this event.

Pete Fry
Village Firework Display
Peter
Please can you change the e mail
address to
gdaygardeners@btinternet.com
email: gdaygardeners@btinternet.com
Cards for Good Causes
The charity Christmas Card Shop,
staffed by local volunteers, will open at
Elizabeth Court, Victoria Road, on
Wednesday 7 November from 9.00am
to 7.00pm and on Thursday 8 November
from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Come and buy your Christmas
cards and support your favourite charities at the shop
which is held in the Residents Lounge. Everyone is
invited and we are very grateful to the chairman and
committee for allowing us this privilege and to Mrs Sue
Saunders for her help. More than 25 national and local
charities are represented, including the Thames Valley
Air Ambulance and Parkinsons UK.
Cards for Good Causes Limited (CFGC) is a non-profit
making multi-charity organisation. All costs are kept to a
bare minimum, so that the participating charities (or
their trading subsidiaries) can receive at least 75p in
every 1 from their card sales, less the VAT payable on
the amount retained by CFGC. The retained amount
covers CFGCs costs of running its temporary charity
Christmas card shops. In addition to these costs, the
participants have to pay for the production and
distribution of their own cards.
If you are unable to visit the shop in Wargrave on those
days, the shop in the Twyford URC schoolroom (next to
the United Reformed Church, by Twyford traffic lights)
will also be open every Friday from Friday 26 October
from 10.00am to 4.00pm and every Saturday from
10.00am to 1.00pm until Saturday 15 December. Small
gifts, wrapping paper and other Christmas goods will
also be available. The Wargrave and Twyford shop is
one of a national network of shops. For more
information visit www.cardsforcharity.co.uk.
Helen Perry
Come celebrate the season!
Charvil Voices invite female singers aged 10 to 100
to come and join them singing six seasonal songs
Come Celebrate The Season
Snow Is Falling
All Alone Beneath The Mistletoe
Issay Issay!
Away In A Manger
Rockin' The Baby
The event will take place on Monday 17 December
from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at Charvil Village Hall, Park
Lane, Charvil. The cost is 10.00 to include a
copy of the music to keep and refreshments. The
evening is being led by Suzanne Newman,
Musical Director of Charvil Voices and Jewel Tones
and will be accompanied by Mary Daniels.
To book a place, please phone Suzanne on 934 0589
or e-mail suzanneynewman@btinternet.com.
This years card is another design by Don
Robinson. His work has been very popular
in the past so we hope you will buy this
one and help support the work of the
Heritage Trust.
Ten cards cost 3.90 from Wendy Smith,
2, Langhams Way, phone 940 2920.
Wendy will also be bringing them to the
Cards for Good Causes Sale at Elizabeth
Court on Wednesday 7 November and
Thursday 8 November .
Rosemary Gray
Wargrave Heritage Trust Christmas Card
5
7
Woodley Light Operatic Society
presents

West End Comes To
Woodley

An evening of song and dance from
the West End


Tuesday 4 to
Saturday 8 December
Oakwood Theatre, Woodley


Performances start at 7:45pm
3.00pm matinee on Saturday


Tickets 10 and 12
(concessions available) from
woodleylightoperatic.ticketsource.co.uk
or 07528 337924


More information at
www.wlos.co.uk
The Royal British Legion, Wargrave
We enjoyed a fine day on 28 September at Hennerton Golf Club
for our annual tournament and prizegiving dinner. Committee
members David Smith and Colin Dean once again came up
trumps with the organisation of the event, which was well
supported by 30 entrants. Prizes were awarded as follows:
Individual Ladies Champion Golfer: Liz Wilsey (40 points)
Individual Mens Champion Golfer: Colin Dean (39 points)
Team Winners - 18 hole Match: Philip Waldman, Hylda Freeman, Brian
Jales (76 points)
Team Winners - 9 hole Match: Mike Dudley, Marilyn Dudley, Sylvia
Dean (37 points)
Nearest the pin - 3rd hole, Men: Ian Prosser
Nearest the pin - 5th hole, Ladies: Liz Wilsey
Nearest the pin 14th hole: Philip Waldman
Nearest the pin in two shots 10th hole: Peter Darwent

Future events
Fish and Chips and Lecture evening we may still have a few tickets
available at 12.50 each for this event, to be held in the Woodclyffe Hall on
Friday 19 October at 7.15pm, when this months Wargrave News is
distributed. Tim Clayton, the highly acclaimed author, researcher and
historian, will speak on The Battle of Trafalgar and the dreadful
experiences of the ships and men involved in the action. Please contact
Geoffrey Nugus on 940 3398 for information.
Remembrance Weekend - our entire year of events and fundraising
activities culminate in our commemoration of Remembrance and
thanksgiving for those who gave their lives in the first and second world
wars and the many conflicts thereafter up to the present day. We start with
the Poppy Appeal collection programme which once again is masterminded
by Barbara Pitcher, our official Poppy Appeal Organiser. Barbara will
distribute well over 100 collection boxes to the many static points and
volunteers who carry out house to house collections. We are ever grateful
to all those who assist Barbara in this way and trust we can rely on their
support once more this year.
On the afternoon of Friday 9 November the Branch will be represented at
The Piggott School for their own Remembrance service when they honour
the memory of former students of the school who gave their lives in the first
and second world wars. Later that day we will hold our Branch
Remembrance Dinner in the Woodclyffe Hall. This ever-popular event is
always well supported and this year we are pleased to announce that the
chief guest and speaker will be John Thornhill, the outstanding and well-
respected deputy editor of the Financial Times, who has worked across the
paper and world-wide in his time with the newspaper.
Remembrance Sunday on 11 November will be recognised in the usual
way with the parade of members accompanied by representatives from all
the young peoples organisations in the village, together with our own
firefighters and traffic control officers. We will march from Church Street to
St Marys Church for the main service where the preacher will be Colonel
Edward Armistead CBE of the Coldstream Guards. A strongly Christian
family man, he retired from active service in 2001 following a wide range of
duties which took him to all parts of the world, and we look forward to
hearing him on the day.
Finally, we thank all those who have helped us throughout the year in
making our events and activities so successful. It is your continued support
that gives us the encouragement and enthusiasm to develop a link between
the Legion and the caring attitude of the members, their friends and indeed
the entire village.
Geoffrey Nugus 940 3398
In last month's Wargrave News I
made a typing error and reported
that Primary pupil James received a
Merit for his exam taken in the
summer. In fact he was awarded a
Distinction and is therefore the
proud recipient of a Gold medal.
Very many congratulations James.
We started the new school year with
a flurry of activity and a great deal of
enthusiasm. Our freshers are well
settled and our long standing pupils
are back into the stride of things.
Teachers are coping and enjoying
the new syllabus for Grades 1, 2
and 3 introduced by the Royal
Academy of Dance, but it is causing
some disruption as the old syllabus
is not phased out until the end of
this coming December.
We are happy to accept new pupils
into the school at any time during
the term and also to arrange free
trial lessons. For details of all
classes please contact me on 940
3978 or e-mail
hatatwargrave@tiscali.co.uk
Hilary Thomas
Wargrave
Ballet School
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Bend It Like Beckham in Rural India
Football became part of my life after the age
of 59. My old school pal, Lucy Mathen saw
to that! Lucy first went into television, gave it
up to train as a doctor then went on to found
Second Sight, a charity that has given sight
to thousands suffering from cataract
blindness in the poorest part of India. The
AJEH hospital in Bihar cured 50,000 in
2011 and aims to cure 100,000 a year by
2015.

So how do I and football fit in?

Two years ago Lucy phoned me out of the blue and asked me to come with
her to India to teach English. Mad keen on football, she had started a
scheme that swapped child marriage and a spiral of bad health with
football, food and a future as ophthalmic assistants at the hospital. The girls
board at the hospital, get an education, an opportunity to play football,
escape childhood marriage and take up a skilled job. Several are training to
become doctors themselves. Medical exams are in English so the girls
need English teaching. I was dragged onto the pitch by Lucy and the girls
and have never looked back!

Another dragged onto the pitch but with far
superior skill is Permi Jhooti, the girl who defied
her parents to play football inspiring the film Bend
it Like Beckham. Permi is also a Second Sight
volunteer when not being a Fifa ambassador.














Lucy has made a magical film about this inspiring success story -
A Junction for Having Fun. This is a warm and uplifting film that transports
you to the Indian countryside in all its beauty. It has been submitted to the
IDFA, London Lift-off and Sundance Film Festivals.

You can preview it at
An Indian evening at the Woodclyffe Hall coming in the
New Year.
The evening will include a screening of the film, Indian snacks and a bar,
followed by a Question and Answer session hosted by Second Sight
founder, Lucy Mathen, volunteers Andy Richards, ophthalmologist and
Sheila Brockelbank, teacher.
email sheilabrockelbank@mail.com
We all feel
suitably
rested after
the summer
and are
ready to get
back into the Autumn term. We are
pleased to welcome some new
children, the first half of term we
welcome Poppy Ellis-Jones,
Rubyann Spiers, Aleksandra Carne-
Ross, Jake Carter, Mattia Simmons,
Samuel Piercy, Megan Eglington,
Elizabeth Candler, Barnaby Winters,
Jack Forsaith, Jocelyn Evans, Mia
Gupta and Oliver Meen.
Later during the term we will be
welcoming Maia Millward, Isabella
Davies, Thomas Davies and Logan
Giebfried-Nietzard. We hope you all
settle in and have a happy time
while you are with us at the pre-
school.
This term we are focusing on The
Farmyard exploring all the different
aspects to farm life from chickens
and ducks to different crops. It is a
very popular subject and we are
sure the children will have great fun.
The children play inside and outside
whatever the weather and enjoy a
wide range of different games and
toys.
If you are a prospective parent and
would like to visit the Pre-School,
please telephone 940 3127 on
weekday mornings. The Pre-School
benefits from very favourable adult
to child ratios, a caring and fun
environment, a wonderful setting
within the recreation ground and a
lively social scene.
Denise Askew
Wargrave Pre-School
Sheila Brockelbank on the
pitch with hospital staff
Lucy Mathen with
Permi Jhooti
Sheila Brockelbank and Lucy
Mathen in action
Girls and hospital staff

Biian Benton
Aiounu the Bouse
Naintenance
Caipentiy Plumbing Painting
Kitchen Fitting
0vei foity yeais expeiience
Contact foi a fiee quote
No job too small



11

Annual Concert at St Marys
Saturday 17 November at 7.30pm
Save the date !!

My very first visit to St Marys was for the launch of the
St Marys refurbished organ, last year in November, a
concert brilliantly organised by Patsy Roynon and Tony
Elliot. It was a great success and we had the idea to
establish an annual concert every year around the same
time. Well, time flies, and this year the date falls on
Saturday 17 November.

The difference will be in the balance of the music. Whilst there will still
be some organ music, to show the organ is still producing a really good
sound, there will be contributions from other musicians based in and
around Wargrave. We have already secured Virginia McMurtrie (Cello) and
Susie Buckle (Soprano), a local a cappella group called Apollo5 and many
others. The first half will be classical; after the interval light and
contemporary. The St Marys choir will also lead some rousing singing from
the audience!

It will also be a social event, with some local wine and nibbles available in
the interval and we do hope as many people from the Wargrave community
and nearby will support the event. Tickets, priced 5 and 2.50 (children)
are available from Andy Ferguson.
(andyferguson1@btinternet)

For details please see the Church Website. Please buy early we are
expecting the concert to sell out in advance!


Peter Dart, St Marys Music Director.
Henley Choral Society
Two Lovely Concerts in December
Henley Choral Society gets their 40th Anniversary
Season off to a cracking start in December when they
present Benjamin Bevan, (Baritone) and Susannah
Wapshott, (Piano), in a beautiful lunchtime recital of
English Song featuring songs both elegiac and pastoral
from the early part of the 20th century.

The concert is at 12 noon on Saturday 1 December at St Marys,
Henley. Tickets 10.00 (under 18s FREE).

At 8.00pm on Tuesday 11 December at St Marys, Henley, the Choral
Society invite you to their much-loved traditional Carol Concert featuring
audience participation; the children of St Marys School; readings from
A Christmas Carol to celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens; a
retiring collection in aid of the Footsteps Foundation which helps
children with disabilities to take their first steps, plus wine and mince
pies.

A great way for the whole family to start the Christmas season!

Tickets 12.00 (under 18s 8.00) from Ticket Secretary 01491 572795
or
Gorvett & Stone, Duke Street, Henley-on-Thames.



Littlewick Green
Art Exhibition

There will be an exhibition
of paintings, pictures and
ceramics at:
Gilchrist Thomas Village
Hall, Littlewick Green
on
Saturday 13 October
and
Sunday 14 October
10.00am to 4.30pm

Macmillan
Coffee Morning

The Macmillan Coffee Morning held
recently at Elizabeth Court raised
the magnificent sum of 205. Thank
you to everyone who came to
support this worthwhile cause.
ser vi ces
Garden Maintenance
trimming, strimming, lawn care, clearing
phone Stuart
07758 957455
[e] duplexservices@btinternet.com
pressure washing etc
References and
recommendations available
Internal and external work
undertaken
Please call for advice or a
quotation
Anthony McKay
0118 934 0950
07809 624 495
Painter and Decorator
City & Guilds Qualifications
30+ years experience
Local Tradesman
13

















We also were honoured to have been involved with The Olympic Games -
as Ambassadors for the Eton Dorney rowing and canoeing events.

After various training sessions and assessment days of duty at Windsor
Horse Show, Queens Armed Forces Muster and the Torch Relay we were
pleased to be awarded an NVQ Level 2 in Crowd Safety. (You can
include it on your CV you know Quite why at the ages of 65 and 73 we
will need a CV again we have not yet worked out!) We were issued with
our pink uniforms, which caused mirth especially with the male volunteers
and was constantly part of the good-humoured banter, which epitomised
all our interactions. We knew from first volunteering that we would be
working outside the venue and much preferred our pink to the purple and
orange outfits of the Games Makers.

In all we worked for 15 full days. Our main role was meeting and greeting
visitors, either in Windsor town centre or at Maidenhead Station and
Braywick Park and Ride, but for most of the time from 6.30am at the
Transport Hub at Windsor Racecourse the only way into the venue. We
had a thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable time and met some amazing
people, fellow volunteers, transport organisers and bus drivers and around
25,000 spectators each day. In addition to meeting and greeting from the
shuttle buses, we helped with photography alongside mascot Wenlock,
with getting mobility buses for those for whom the mile plus walk to the
venue was going to be too much, with first aid and generally interacting
with supporters from many parts of the world. Everyone was happy,
courteous and outgoing and contributed to the euphoric atmosphere.

At the end of it all we felt that, although exhausted, our lives had been
enhanced by the experience. The way that Royal Borough manager Julia
White and staff from Sports Solutions received our efforts and cared for us
was inspiring as well, and we have been happy to remain on a register for
future events. If we then see some of the action that will be a bonus, but
WE WERE PART OF THE OLYMPICS AND PROUD OF IT!

Margaret Campbell and Sue Everitt

Dont Let Others Choose for You.
Drop in at Knowl Hill Village Hall

Thursday 25 October
Any time between 6.00pm and 9.00pm

What is the Neighbourhood Plan?
The Neighbourhood plan is a new way for
our community to help guide development
in our area. Through the plan our
community can ensure that development
occurs in a way which meets the needs of
our residents and businesses whilst
protecting aspects of our area which are
important to us. We now have our chance
to tell our local council, The Royal Borough
of Windsor and Maidenhead, what we
would like to see in Hurley and The
Walthams and have our say on the way our
area could change in the next 10 to 15
years. This will be our plan created by you
and put together by local residents who
have volunteered to help.

How will it happen?
It will happen because you tell us what
matters to you in Hurley. Drop in for 5 or 50
minutes and make a difference. (Well even
have a complimentary cup of tea ready and
waiting for you!)
Housing Is there a need for more
housing and what type?
Environment. How you would like your
area to be?
Community. How do you view your
community?
Transport. Are there problems that can
be amended with our plan?
Business. Would you like to see more
businesses in the area, small or large?

These are just some of the questions you
can answer or discuss. We need your help.
After we hear all your ideas we will create
and deliver a survey to every household so
that everyone has the opportunity to say
how important the issues are. It is your
input at these drop in events and your
response to the survey that will be used to
create our Neighbourhood Plan.

If you are unable to make this meeting
please call in to the event at:
Burchetts Green School on Saturday 20
October from 9.00am to 12 noon.
Gilchrist Hall at Littlewick Green on
Wednesday 24 October from 6.00pm to
9.00pm.
The Church, Warren Row on Tuesday 30
October from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.
For further venues and times visit
www.hurleyandthewalthams.org

Maureen Hunt Chairman, Steering Group for
Hurley and The Walthams Neighbourhood Plan
Our Olympics
Hurley and the Walthams

Agatha Christies And Then There Were None

Performed by WTWs WEDGE in the Woodclyffe Hall at 7.30pm

Thursday 22 November
Friday 23 November
Saturday 24 November.

Tickets 8 or 6 concessions
Orders for tickets can be made by calling 07760 665112
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15
Retirement Fair
A retirement fair of interest to people
of all ages is being held at Hare
Hatch Sheeplands in Twyford on
Saturday 13 October. Organised by
Twyford Village Partnerships Health
and Wellbeing Group, the fair is
being targeted at a wider audience
than those who are already retired.
The fair will allow visitors to seek
advice on many subjects as early as
possible in order to plan their future.
This is the first time Twyford Village
Partnership has organised a fair of
this sort and visitors will find a wide
range of information on offer from
relevant businesses and support
services. Experts will offer advice on
pensions, mortgages, wills and
inheritance tax.
A specialist physiotherapist from Fit
and Able will be present, as will
Pilates experts. Alison Hesketh from
Timefinders, a specialist in
downsizing, will offer practical
advice to people who are starting to
find their home too large to cope
with. In addition Hare Hatch
Sheeplands plans a range of special
offers for visitors. Admission and
parking is free and the show runs
from 9.00am to 4.00pm.
Brian Roach
Mill Green Wargrave WI
Jackie and Mark Bloomfield,
professional wildlife photographers
gave us a fascinating talk about the
Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya.
The highlight of a visit to this game
park is to see the annual migration
of thousands of wilderbeast. The
migration takes a whole year
starting in December from the
Serengetti in Tanzania, to the Masai
Mara in Kenya and back. As
wilderbeast only eat grass, they
spend 10 to 14 days in one place
before moving on to find fresh food.
Once the rains start in July they
should have reached the Masai
Mara, having crossed several
crocodile-infested rivers. There are
also more than 2000 lions in the
game reserve. They sleep 20 hours
out of 24, hunting late at night or in
the early morning. Leopards sleep
high in the trees away from
predators such as hyenas and store
their food safely.
Ann Richmond
Berkshire Dental
Care and Wellness
Centre
Berkshire Dental Care in the High
Street, Twyford, has recently
undergone a refurbishment and
added a new range of wellness
services, including chiropractic
and physiotherapy.
To celebrate this fantastic
upgrade and change of name to
Berkshire Dentalcare and
Wellness Centre, the team is
offering all readers the chance to
come and see a Chiropractor for
a full consultation (including x-
rays if required) for the special
introductory price of just 20
instead of the normal 95,
thereby saving 75.
Please cut out the voucher which
was printed on page 31 of the
September issue of Wargrave
News and call the front desk on
968 0863.
The new wellness services are
operated by the well established
Halsa Care Group, which owns
and operates large wellness
clinics in Bracknell, Windsor and
Burnham. You are free to transfer
care to any of these practices at
any time. For more information
and to discover what the team
can offer you, please visit
www.halsacare.info.
Dont forget to mention the
Wargrave News when booking
your appointment. If you are
suffering from back pain, neck
pain, headaches, shoulder pain,
joint swelling, sciatica, or simply
need some rehabilitative care,
please call.
Lauren Dougall
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I would like to
vent my
frustration with
regards to the
number of
times I am
having to
remove dog
waste from the footpath at the front
of our property.
On numerous occasions dog
owners are allowing their dogs to
foul the footpath without taking the
required steps to clean it up. We
live on Victoria Road close to the
convenience shop, a regular
walkway for many people. Not only
is it unpleasant should you have the
misfortune to tred in it, but its also a
health risk to the many children that
use the route to and from school
and to access the local recreation
ground. So along with the shop
CCTV system, I will be adding my
own in-house equipment to pass
any future failings of dog owners to
the police. Signs at the top of
Victoria Road state that fouling the
footpath carries a fine of up to
1000. If you own a dog, please
respect the village and fellow
villagers by cleaning up. Its not
difficult to do, I should know Ive
done it many times on YOUR behalf
already!
Your sincerely,
Name and address supplied
Increase the Speed of
Wargrave Broadband
In order to ensure that all in the
county of Berkshire has a chance of
getting some of the fastest
broadband speeds in the country,
Berkshire is running a sign-up
campaign to get households and
businesses to register their support
for an improved service. Visit
www.superfastberkshire.org.uk for
details on how to register and to see
lots useful information and updates
on the project. There is also a
broadband speed checker and an
opportunity to comment on both the
current service and the level of
service to which users would like
access.
Maureen Hunt
17
I wanted to echo the sentiments of the article, Exercise
Caution Please that appeared in last months edition
of Wargrave News, and provide some practical tips that
might help you become more active without injury.

A good warm up
The purpose of the warm up is to prepare your body for
exercise. It increases the temperature in, and blood
flow to, your muscles. It also elevates your heart and
breathing rates, mobilises joints and mentally prepares
you for exercise. A good guide is to warm up until
slightly out of breath and just starting to sweat, this
usually takes 5-10 minutes. This is particularly
important as the weather gets colder because you are
more likely to injure cold muscles. Walking or marching
on the spot with exaggerated arm swings is a great
way to warm up.

Dont do too much too soon
Start slowly, dont be tempted to push yourself too hard too soon and listen to
your body. To begin with, be careful with high impact moves such as jumps,
sprints and hops as these put your body under a lot of strain.

Focus on technique
If you are in the gym, remember that equipment is set up for Mr Average so
you will need to adjust it to suit your body. If in doubt ask someone to help
you. If you are doing bodyweight exercises, for example squats or press ups,
make sure your technique doesnt suffer as you get tired. Of key importance
is to ensure that the muscles of your midriff are working to maintain a good
posture and that the muscles around your joints are working to provide good
stability. Make sure your knees dont wobble when doing a squat or your
lower back sag when doing a press up.

Cool down and stretch
The purpose of this is the opposite to that of the warm up: to return your body
to a pre-exercise state and to stretch muscles to help relaxation and recovery.
Hold a stretch for about 20-30 seconds just at the point before it becomes
uncomfortable, dont bounce but maintain a consistent, even pressure.
Repeat 2 to 3 times.

Have a look at the Winter Warmer Warm Up on my web-site for a good
whole body warm up routine and General Stretch for a generic stretching
routine.

Jennifer Hoodless, www.livelypt.co.uk

The new football season is now well
under way for Wargrave Girls Football
Club. Most of the teams have begun
league campaigns and are tussling it
out against competition from other
clubs in the area. Training is now
taking place under lights for most
teams, with the younger age groups
still training on Saturday mornings at
the Recreation Ground.

At the younger end of the club, a group
of Under 9 girls made their 'competitive'
football debut on Saturday 22
September at a mini-festival in
Reading. A very excited team played
four matches in all, winning one,
drawing two and losing one, which was
a very commendable performance.
Most importantly, the girls gained
experience and enjoyed themselves.

With an influx of new players at Open
Mornings, the Club's playing
membership now exceeds 100. This is
an amazing feat, making Wargrave one
of the biggest girls' clubs in the region.
There are eight teams, from Under 9 to
Under 18, and the Club is always eager
to welcome more girls willing to give
football a go.

As mentioned in the last report, our
eyes are cast to the skies seeking
favourable weather conditions to
encourage growth at the new Kings
Field pitches. While we await the
capacity provided by these new
pitches, the Club would like to say a
particularly big thank you to
groundsman Martin Woods. Martin is
being very patient and working hard to
juggle all the requirements for pitches.
He does a great job at the Recreation
Ground, and his work is really valued.

The Club is receiving valuable support
from many local businesses. No overt
plugs, but a big thanks to: The Abbey
Clinic, Anvet Memec, CIPHR, Haweli
Restaurant, The Head Partnership,
Hobbs of Henley, Masters
Bookbinding, QLogistics, Resolve and
Spacers Flooring. Their support is very
much appreciated.

For more information about the club,
visit www.wargravegirlsfc.co.uk

Joe Hanley,
Under 9
Coach
940 2495
Exercise Proceed With Caution Wargrave
Girls Football Club
World's Biggest Coffee Morning
for Mcmillan Cancer Trust

I would like to say an enormous thank you to our customers, local
businesses and staff for making our charity day on 28 September at The Old
Post Office a great success.

Through very generous donations we
managed to raise nearly 2,500 for Mcmillan
Cancer Trust which is a really great
achievement. It was a fabulous day with so
many people from the local community
coming to support the event. Thank you
again.

Tony Colborne
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Mixed Doubles winners
Steph Ashton and
Jeremy Morgan,
with supporters
Eilish MacBean, Chris Dickenson, Annie Moore and Paolo
Pederola, Presidents Finalists
Wargrave Lawn Tennis Club photographs, for which there
were 39 competitors.
Despite the inclement weather, the Club has been very
busy with members playing the Presidents Tournament
on 2 September, followed by the Senior Club Finals on
16 September. The players were split up into two
groups for the mixed doubles; group winners Eilish
MacBean and Chris Dickenson playing Annie Moore
and Paolo Pederoda in the final. Since Annie and Paolo
only dropped five games in their group, they were going
to be very hard to beat and this proved to be the case!
Annie has won the cup quite a few times and Paolo was
very happy to win his first ever Presidents Tournament.
The Finals day was very exciting with many matches
having to be played; because two players, Steph Aston
and Jeremy Morgan reached three of the finals, two of
their matches were played earlier. Steph won the ladies
singles championship, whilst Jeremy won the mens
doubles with Charles Freeman. The first final was the
mens singles played between Tim Janisch and Jeremy
Morgan. It was a hard-fought contest, with Jeremy
emerging as the mens champion this year. The winner
of the Plate was Artur Stankiewicz, who beat Alex
Alexander.
In the ladies doubles, favourites Steph and Sue
Gutierrez were outplayed by cunning tactics used by
Annie Paddison and Clare Belton. The final two
matches saw Julia Freeman winning the ladies doubles
plate with Eilish MacBean, beating Sheena Darke and
Sue Jones, and the mixed doubles plate with Alexis
Alexander, beating Simon Pickup and Juliet Flann.
All that was left was presentation of the prizes by club
chairman, Sheena Darke, and consumption of the
excellent barbecue cooked by organiser and chef, Dave
Smith, ably helped by sous chef, Graham Jones.
Wargrave Lawn Tennis Club AGM
Wednesday, 7 November, 7.30pm
Old Cricket Pavilion
Wargrave Lawn Tennis Club
Congratulations to all the winners and many thanks to
all who helped make this a memorable finals day. See
www,wargraveltc.co.uk for full details and great photos.
Congratulations also to Derek Collins, who celebrated
his 80th birthday in September. He has been a member
for over twenty years; we look forward to playing with
him for a further 20!
The club held a very successful coffee morning and
Bring and Buy sale on behalf of the Macmillan Cancer
Charity on Friday 21 September, raising over 180.
Thanks for your continued support.
Dont forget the AGM at the Old Cricket Pavilion on
Wednesday 7 November at 7.30pm. All are very
welcome to come along, get involved and air views and
suggestions. See you there!
Selina Avent
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Skiff Regatta
The WBC Skiffing Regatta was held
on 22 September in glorious
sunshine. This event is contested
between individuals belonging to the
various skiff clubs on the Thames.
Racing skiffs are lightweight
versions of the traditional wooden
Thames rowing boats which were
particularly popular in Victorian and
Edwardian times. In total there were
43 races throughout the day on the
500 metre course.

Skiffers from Wargrave won three
events - Jonny Casey (Junior Senior
Singles), Susanna Hanks & Helen
Casey (Ladies Novice Restricted
Doubles), and Hal Stephenson &
Jonny Casey (Gentlemans Junior
Doubles). Many thanks to Beverley
Davies for co-ordinating the event
and to all those who helped make it
such a success.




Rowing
The rowing section goes from
strength to strength and the nine
new rowers who did the training
course have now joined the other
regulars. A fun Sunday morning is
planned for the end of September
when the skiffers and rowers will be
trying out each others boats.

River Swim
Well done to all the children who
successfully swam the river on 9
September you did really well
considering the strong current.



Wargrave Boating Club News - September
September has
been a busy month
at the Boating Club.
It kicked off in style with the Rag
Regatta and Blues Evening both
taking place on the first of the
month.
Strong currents and heavy rain had
caused the 'Rag' to be postponed
from its traditional July date, so all
were delighted to see the
sunshine. Watching the Olympics
certainly motivated everyone and it
was great to see competitive
instincts combine with fun in the
varied events. Competitors ranged
from Boat Club coaches to young
children and novice adults and it
was good to see lots of new families
this year.

Thank you to Jane Swift, Charlotte
Taylor, Camilla Cook and their team
of umpires and boatmen who
organised such a slick programme
of events. The Social Committee
had done an excellent job of
co-ordinating the barbecue and tea
and there was a delicious array of
home-made cakes. The trophies
were presented by Jane and Peter
Jordan in recognition of their
tremendous service to the club over
the years.

Many returned in the evening for the
'Blues at the Boathouse' event
organised by Tim Hodges - an idyllic
Indian Summer's evening on the
riverbank listening to the music of
Brighton-based band, 'Goofer Dust'.
The event raised money for WBC
and a cancer charity and was a big
success.


Kayaking
Many kayakers have enjoyed the
faster flowing river this summer and
are looking forward to the Surf
Weekend and River Dart trip. Joe
Langham is organizing winter
training for those keen to become
instructors as junior and adult kayak
courses continue to be very popular.

End of Season
The main boating season is drawing
to a close and it would be good to
see as many volunteers as possible
down at the club for TLC Day on
Saturday 13 October from 9.00am.
The Laying Up Supper on Saturday
1 December has a Going for Gold
theme and tickets are available in
person from Susanna Hanks or Lisa
Taylor or email
social@wargraveboatingclub.co.uk.




Sue Gutierrez

The Anne Reid Enduro
(Under 18 Kayak)
Junior Dongola
Punting
Adult and Child Canadian Canoe
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WBC Rag Regatta
Results
Side by Side Dinghy (U12)
Anna Gutierrez and Aggie
Wildgoose, Mara Branet (cox)
Dinghy Race (U12)
Eleanor Blois-Brooke
Dinghy Race (U15)
Henry Blois-Brooke
Traditional Skiff Race (8 and over)
Nicolas Pierro, Matthew Hunt,
William Denham (cox)
Traditional Skiff Race (U18)
Maisie Wildgoose, Henry Blois
Brooke, Thomas Vonka (cox)
Adult and child (U9) Canadian
Canoe
Dave and Scarlett Corke
Child (9-14) Canadian Canoe
Lucas Coleman and Anna Gutierrez
Scratch Dongola Race (U18)
Team E (Chris Jennings, Jack
Masters, Neve Edwards, Izzy Devine
-McGovern, Thomas Vonka, Sally
Kunzig
Scratch Dongola (18 & over)
Team B (Peter Hanks, Sharon Tubb,
Jane Swift, Nicolas Pierro, Andrew
Wayland, Matthew Hunt)
The Bull Enduro (18 and over kayak)
Dave Corke and Belinda Corke
The Anne Reid Enduro (U18 kayak)
Alex Leigh and Isabella Taylor
Classified and Drawn Punt
Marcus Chew and Henry Blois-
Brooke
Double Punting in Canadian Canoes
(open)
Julian and Sean Sutcliffe
Sit-on Kayak Race (Adult &Under
10)
Roger and Jack Masters
Sit-on Kayak Race (Age 10-15)
Jack Daisley and Hannah Masters
Sit-on Kayak Race (age 16 & over)
Chris Jennings and Martin Pennock
Planning and Enforcement
The single biggest doorstep issue in
Wargrave is the protection of the
environment and the maintenance of
the Green Belt. The recent
government pronouncements have
yet to be explained but are not
encouraging. It is an irony of
democracy that those who care
about how and where they live must
be active registering concerns.
Unless a complaint is registered, the
assumption is that there is nothing to
complain about. Planning policies
have a general presumption of
permissiveness, which means that
landowners should be able to do
what they want unless otherwise
prohibited: if they have done what
they want for a number of years,
even if initially prohibited, they
should be given the right to continue
to do so.
Recently, there has been an
epidemic of applications for
certificates of lawful use, which will
be hard to resist. If there has been
little history of complaint during the
recent past, it is likely that there has
been no enforcement. This is not
because WBC is incompetent or
uninterested, but it is limited in what
it can do or know about. Very rarely
will its priorities coincide completely
with those of the residents. Seldom
will it have an intimate knowledge of
the local circumstances.
The only way for the local authority
to prevent planning abuses is for
residents, neighbours and parish
councils to be very active in
reporting abuses prior to the
established period (four years)
expiring. The apparent iniquity in
planning law is that unless those
opposed to a condition continue to
be very energetic, a dedicated
applicant will eventually succeed.
Refusal can occur frequently but the
applicant only needs one
acceptance.
Council Tax Benefits
From April 2013, local authorities
will have a duty to create and
manage their own Council Tax
Support Scheme. The Government
will make a fixed annual grant at
least 10% less than now. Creating
Wargrave Borough Councillors
a local scheme with a reduced
grant and within government
constraints will be a challenge.
The constraints are as follows:
that pensioners should not see
any change in the current levels of
support they receive as a result of
this reform; local authorities
should consider how they can
support other vulnerable groups;
and local schemes should support
incentives to help and encourage
people to move into work and
away from welfare benefits.
Annual Accounts
The annual accounts have been
published. They are complicated
as they now revalue assets and
liabilities annually. Essentially the
accounts reveal a small deficit
after massive movements on loan
accounts, provisions to account
for the transfer of council house
stock (95m) which in financial
terms WBC already owned, the
transfer of schools to academies
(60m), and a change in valuation
of future pension liabilities (52m).
John Halsall, 01491 576190
cherwell@btinternet.com
Bob Pitts, 07768107070
bob.pitts@wokingham.gov.uk
Community Matters
for the Toddlers
We are very excited that
Wargrave Baby and Toddler
Group has been chosen for
Waitroses Community Matters
in Twyford During October. We
hope as many people as
possible will post their green
tokens into the box by the store
exit, as the more tokens we get
the bigger our share of the
1,000 monthly donation. Our
weekly subs only just cover
basic running costs so the
money received will help pay for
essentials like insurance as well
as allowing us to run special
events such as our Christmas
party.
Sarah Davies
setwell@hotmail.com
NB 23 October Cake Sale
22
courage of Parkinsons sufferers, who only too often
endure many bad days which are physically and
mentally draining until they hit a good day.
And he hasnt been deterred. As an ambassador, he
plans to encourage and train others to get on their
bikes to ride for Parkinsons.
When people see me and others out cycling in the
blue, black and white Parkinsons colours, I want
them to know what it means and start thinking how
they could help, he said.
If Youd Like to Help
While you might not be inclined to get on your bike
for Parkinsons, its not too late to help Joseph hit
that 6000 target. To support his efforts, go
www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for
Joseph Giret. If you need further encouragement,
check out his website, www.giret.co.uk where there
are some great blogs and fabulous photos of his
experience.
Joseph and son Pascal at the finish
What a Difference 20 Years Makes
This month marks the twentieth

anniversary of the
opening of Hennerton Golf Club by former Ryder
Cup Captain Bernard Gallacher. At the same time,
Crazies Hill resident Joan Morley unveiled a portrait
of her late husband actor Robert Morley, which still
hangs in the bar.
Much has changed at
the club since
Gallacher stepped up
to the first tee way
back in 1992. Initially a
nine-hole course,
Hennerton developed
into a challenging 18
holes in 2006, and the
four bay driving range
was extended to
seven. The tiny original
clubhouse can now
hold a championship
worth of golfers and
what was a small duck pond on the ninth hole is
now a beautiful lake with an attractive water
feature. Indeed, Hennerton Golf Club has a
reputation for being one of the most picturesque
courses in the area.
Barrister Turns Ambassador for
Parkinsons UK
A Crazies Hill barrister, who swapped silk for
lycra last month to complete two gruelling cycling
challenges in order to raise money for
Parkinsons UK, has fallen short of his target but
is still hoping to raise more.
Joseph Giret QC, 57, who lives at Holly Cross,
raised just under 5,000 after undertaking not
one, but two, gruelling rides in the space of just
three weeks. Hes still hoping that he can
increase that total to 6,000, which would trigger
an additional large donation to the charity from
one of the event organisers.
Admitting to some disappointment that his self-
funded efforts have so far failed to hit his financial
target, Joseph said he had nevertheless
achieved his main objective to increase
awareness of Parkinsons and to show support
for those who suffer from the crippling disease.
Now, having visited the headquarters of
Parkinsons UK, he has decided to become an
ambassador for the charity, whose slogan is
Change attitudes. Find a cure. Join us.
Josephs former wife Jane was diagnosed with
Parkinsons seven years ago. He is driven by the
belief that a cure could be just around the corner,
but believes the lack of sponsorship exists
because giving money to research doesnt
provide the immediate results that are seen with
some other charities.
At the beginning of September Joseph, a
member of GS Henley Cycle Club, was one of
only seven amateurs chosen to cycle for charity
alongside former and current GB professionals
on the infamous alpine Haute Route. In seven
days he cycled 780km from Geneva to Nice,
crossing 19 mountains and ascending 21,000m.
Just a week later, he was back in France, cycling
in the Alpine Challenge, a four-stage 320km
mountain ride which starts at Annecy.
Undoubtedly fit a former England Schoolboy
rugby international who twice sailed across the
Atlantic and a member of Leander Club and
Upper Thames Rowing Club he found the
Haute Montagne challenge particularly tough.
What kept him going was recognising the
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As it has grown in size, Hennertons importance in
the community has grown too. The club now offers
junior golf scholarships to schools and is used as a
venue for local societies and clubs as well as for
parties and business meetings. It also plays host to
the Wargrave Festival Golf Tournament.
In the name of the Club members have raised
money for numerous local charities such as CLIC
Sargent, Daisys Dream, Twyford Adventure
Playground, Twyford Age Concern, Camp Mohawk
and Chiltern Air Ambulance. They have also
supported many national charities, including Lupus
UK, Guide Dogs for the Blind, DEBra and
Macmillan Nurses.
Despite all of the changes over the past 20 years,
though, some things never change: theres still the
same welcome and still those breath-taking views.
Happy Anniversary, Hennerton!
The Hearn Family would like to thank everyone,
particularly past and current members, who have
supported the golf club over the past 20 years,
without whom it would not be the success it has
become.
Terrific Triglav: What a Team!
Many, many congratulations to Team Triglav, who
pushed the boat out in last months Commando
Challenge to take another major step towards their
target of raising an incredible 100,000 for Cancer
Research UK.
Amazingly, the group of parents from Crazies Hill
Primary School completed the Lake District
challenge - to canoe, climb and cycle 46km within
12 hours - in just nine hours and 20 minutes.
This impressive achievement has pushed their
fundraising total to more than 92,000 and they are
determined to hit their target by the end of the year.
Jo Taylor, a member of Triglav whose battle with
cancer has been the inspiration for the teams
fundraising, joined the crew in their canoes to start
and finish the challenge. Fellow member Susie
Wingate praised her courage and said that without
Jos inspiration and driving force the team could not
have raised so much.
Fortunately it was a lovely sunny morning when
they launched their challenge by canoeing across
Ullswater, spotting an otter on the way. They then
climbed Helvellyn and crossed Striding Edge
(challenge to beat all challenges for those without a
head for heights, apparently) before cycling 20km
to Derwentwater.
Exhausted but delighted that they had all finished
together, they arrived back to find their support
team taken by surprise at the speed of their return.
Cheered on throughout the day by well-wishers,
the icing on the celebratory cake came when a
fellow diner in the restaurant where they were
toasting their success - a Scotsman no less
made an additional and very generous donation.
Team Triglav celebrate their success
Typically, Team Triglav are already considering
their 2014 challenge but in the interim plan to give
their children a taster of what its all about by
climbing Mount Snowdon.
Thatll be Tiny Team Triglav then.
Join the Party . . .
Team Triglav will be celebrating their success on
Thursday 25 October at The Horns and everyone
is welcome to join them. (Readers will be pleased
to know that, following refurbishment, The Horns
should be open again by mid-October.)
Triglavs fundraising page
(www.virginmoneygiving) is still open and all
donations, large or small, will be gratefully
received.
Lets get Quizzical
Undoubtedly, most of you will have been in brain
training since the shock news in the last issue that
the Residents Association is holding a quiz night
on Saturday 10 November.
Worry not. This is a family quiz for teams of up to
eight, designed for fun not failure and includes a
two course meal to fuel our frazzled brains.
There will also be a paybar, but for those thinking
of turning to early drink, note that the prize for the
winning team will be vouchers towards a meal in
the restaurant at Hennerton Golf Club. The club
has also donated a bottle of wine for each winning
team member, for all of which, many thanks.
Village Hall doors open at 7.30pm and the quiz
starts at 8.00pm prompt, so dont miss that all
important first round - its usually the easiest!
Tickets are only 10 for adults and 5 for children
under 12. Naturally they are selling fast, so call me
now on 940 2269 to secure yours.
Tess Dixon

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however, oversee the work of
designing and making the
Sparrowhawk for Fred Miles to use
in the Kings Cup in 1935. Miles
aircraft came first, second, third and
fifth that year.
Among the ladies who learnt to fly at
Woodley were Pauline Gower and
Dorothy Spicer, both daughters of
wealthy MPs. They were among the
nine lady fliers in a race to mark the
opening of the Woodley Aero Club -
others including Amy Johnson and
Winifred Spooner (who had not only
the fastest lap time, but also the
highest handicap).
Pauline became the head of the
womens section of the Air
Transport Auxiliary in 1939.
Wargrave Local History Society
Septembers meeting of the
Wargrave Local History Society was
an illustrated presentation by Geoff
and Val Beckett on Berkshires Lady
Fliers.
Geoff recounted the history -
punctuated by contemporary quotes
about the fliers read by Val - from
balloons to Spitfires.
The hot air balloon was re-invented
by a Berkshire man, Reverend John
Bacon, Vicar of Cold Ash, in 1902.
Reverend Bacons daughter,
Gertrude, also became a balloonist.
On one occasion, having left
Newbury, they became concerned
that they could hear the sound of
the sea, so descended rapidly -
landing just clear of the Bristol
Channel.
Another of the early
Berkshire lady fliers was
Violet Kavanagh, who flew
from Maidenhead where she
lived. She made over 300
balloon flights and went on
to become one of the first
women to fly an aircraft.
Then, from Wokingham,
came Winifred Spooner. She
was a well-known flier before
Amy Johnson, having gained
her licence in 1927 (only the
16th woman to qualify for
one). She set up an air taxi
business, was one of the
founder members in 1928 of
the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Flying
Club and she was considered a
better pilot and navigator than Amy.
Winifred was elected to the Guild of
Air Pilots and Navigators in 1930,
the same year as she received the
Freedom of Wokingham for her
gallantry in saving another after an
air crash at sea. Her aim had been
to show that a woman could be
every bit as good a pilot as a man.
Sadly, she died in 1933 from
influenza. Winifred had flown in the
Kings Cup Air Race, flying a
Southern Martlet aeroplane.
Maxine Freeman-Thomas, known
as Blossom, became the mother of
the company at Miles Aircraft.
However she probably did not pilot
a plane much, if at all, having lost
the sight of one eye in an accident
some years previously. She did,
Wellington from there to Little
Rissington; a Spitfire from there to
Wales and then a Mosquito to Ford
(in Sussex). An hours wait whilst a
Mustang was prepared was the only
break in the day, before she took it
(a type never flown before) to
Lichfield, picking up an Anson to fly
to Castle Bromwich, before another
Wellington to White Waltham. Joan
Hughes became the only woman
qualified to instruct on every type of
aircraft. A diminutive lady, she was
the first to fly a Stirling bomber -
Lettice being the first woman to fly a
Halifax. All this work was done
without radio or radar; they
navigated with just a map, watch
and their eyes.
After the war, Joan Hughes became
an instructor at White Waltham and
later chief instructor at
Booker. Some of the aircraft
used in the film Those
Magnificent Men and Their
Flying Machines were built
at White Waltham - one was
too small for any of the men
to get into, so Joan did the
test flight and, dressed as an
amorous Frenchman, did all
the flying scenes in the film.
Extracts from Geoffs book
Brushes With Aviation,
which includes many of his
illustrations, can be found at
www.geoffbecket.com. The
book also includes stories
about Berkshires gentlemen fliers,
its airfields and the aircraft built in
the county.
The Societys next meeting takes
place on Tuesday, 13 November
when Clive Williams will speak on
The Nabobs of Berkshire - the
merchants of the East India
Company who subsequently
returned to Britain and mostly
settled in the Thames Valley in large
mansions, many of which still
survive. The Society will hold its
Christmas Party on Tuesday, 11
December.
Our meetings start at 8.00pm in the
Pavilion on the Recreation Ground.
For more information, please visit
www.wargravehistory.org.uk or
contact me on 940 3121.
Peter Delaney
Among the pilots she recruited was
Joan Hughes - who had first flown
an aircraft aged 15 (although a
minimum age of 16 applied to get a
licence).
Initially the ladies were only
supposed to fly Tiger Moths, but
eventually they flew all types of
aircraft, including the heaviest of the
bombers, delivering them from
factories to RAF squadrons or
maintenance bases.
Lettice Curtis, generally accepted as
the best ATA pilot, male or female,
was another local flier. The variety
of work the women undertook is
apparent from just one day in
Lettices log book - an Anson from
White Waltham to Brooklands; a
A Spitfire
26
Wargrave Gardeners Club
Located close by is Trebah
Gardens, more densely planted and
considered by the speaker to be
better than Glendurgan, causing a
stir of controversy amongst the
audience! A slide of a Ceanothus,
from California, flowering in
February at Trebah was evidence
that the season starts up to two
months earlier in Cornwall,
something to bear in mind when you
plan your visit to these unmissable
gardens.
The final garden of the journey was
Tresco Abbey, actually in the Isles
of Scilly, which has plants from
Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.
There is a wide range of Echinas
here, including rare specimens from
the Canaries, that Michael
illustrated with a head-spinning
slideshow to complete his talk.
Our next talk will be Herbs and
Their Uses on Wednesday 31
October at 8.00pm in the Hannen
Room.
Ian Bradley
On Wednesday 19 September,
President Adrienne Rance
welcomed members before
introducing guest speaker
Mrs D Warnock who gave an
interesting, illustrated talk entitled
What the Bride Wore, focussing on
royal and aristocratic weddings.
Marriages before the 1400s were
purely civic affairs, nothing to do
with the church or necessarily in
white; in fact dresses were all sorts
of colours, including black.
Marriages were often arranged to
link powerful families together.
Cicely Neville, Henry VIIs sister,
was betrothed at the age of nine to
Richard, Duke of York, whom she
married in 1429; she was the
mother of Edward IV and Richard
III. Henry VIII used his younger
sister, Mary Tudor as a political
pawn, betrothing her to King Louis
XII of France, who was more than
30 years older.
Love is blind, but marriage
restores its sight
Georg C. Lichtenberg
The Wargrave
Gardeners Club
members met in the
Hannen Room on the
last Wednesday of September to be
treated to a fascinating talk about
selected gardens of Cornwall by Dr
Michael Keith-Lucas. Dr Keith-
Lucas explained that due to the frost
-free weather and benign
microclimates of the gardens it
would also be a journey to countries
with a Mediterranean climate such
as Spain, the Canaries, South
Africa, Argentina and Chile.
The tour began with the Eden
Project, more of a botanical garden
and one that Dr. KeithLucas was
closely associated with due to his
work at the University of Reading.
He explained the planting involved
in the tropical and Mediterranean
Biomes there and how the number
of visitors and popularity of the
project exceeded all expectations.
The Cornish gardens with their
milder climate all have specimens of
plants that would never survive
elsewhere in the UK.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan near
Mevagissey were the next stop.
They were rescued after 100 years
of neglect and consequently have
rhododendrons that have grown
larger than anywhere else. Statues
are a feature of Heligan and Dr
KeithLucas slides reinforced his
opinion that sculpture is an
important part of a garden.
Next was Trewithen at Truro with its
superb hydrangeas and collection of
plants that are pollinated by
humming birds in their native South
America. This is signified by the
flowers pointing downward. In the
UK bumblebees do the job of the
birds as they will visit such flowers
whereas our other bees generally
prefer flowers pointing upwards.
The garden at Glendurgan,
Falmouth, also has plants from
South America as well as South
Africa, the palms being particularly
spectacular.
Fashions changed over the
centuries; for example, in the 1700s
dresses were flat at the front and
very wide at the side (mantu style),
whilst in the 1950s shoulder pads
were in vogue. The traditional white
wedding was made fashionable by
Queen Victoria when she married
Prince Albert in February 1840. Until
then, creating a white gown to be
worn for just one day was thought to
be very extravagant. Victoria wore a
crown of orange blossom, a tradition
handed down through the centuries
as symbol of purity.
The wedding of her daughter,
Elizabeth, to Prince Philip in 1947
was a wonderful highlight as
England was struggling in the
aftermath of war. Like many other
wartime brides, Elizabeth had to
save up ration coupons for material
needed for her gown. Members
were delighted to see so many
colourful illustrations of the different
bridal dresses created over the
centuries. A delicious tea was then
served by Ann Whittaker and
Maureen Fennemore. The
competition for a memento from a
wedding was won by Averil Parton.
The next meeting will take place on
Wednesday 17 October at 2.30pm
at Crazies Hill Village Hall, when
Mr V Shaw will give an illustrated
talk about Basildon House. If you
are interested in attending, please
ring me on 940 3426.
Selina Avent
Cockpole Green WI Report
Another royal first was the public
wedding of the marriage of Lady
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (Queen
Elizabeth The Queen Mother), in
1923 in Westminster Abbey.
28

Home Start Wokingham District



Home-Start Wokingham District is a voluntary organisation which supports young families
which have at least one child under five years of age who are experiencing difficulties and live
within Wokingham Borough.

Volunteers visit families in their own homes once a week for up to three hours to provide practical help with
children and emotional support and friendship to the parents. Volunteers can be a listening ear and direct families
to other organisations that can help with specific issues. They can help families with medical and other
appointments and help a family take the children out to the park or play with the children in the home whilst the
parent attends to household chores or gives individual attention to other children in the family.

Home-Start supports families with a wide range of issues including mums with post-natal depression, families with
a child with additional needs, the long term illness of a parent or child, families that are isolated from their
extended family or have moved to the area or from another country. It also supports single parents and families
that have multiple births or several children under five.

Home-Start volunteers come from all walks of life and are a variety of ages. They are all parents themselves and
understand the stresses and strains of bringing up young children. They are not there to tell parents how to bring
up their children but to be alongside them giving them the support they need to enable parents to enjoy family life.
Volunteers attend a 40 hour training course held over ten weeks. They are then carefully matched to families and
receive regular supervision and support from the Scheme staff. If you are a parent who feels you could help a
young family then Home-Start Wokingham District would love to hear from you.

Our next Volunteer Preparation Course is due to start soon.
If you feel you would like to be involved please contact Lindsay or Mandy for more
information on 988 8025 or email admin@home-startwd.org.uk

Lindsay Browne
Scheme Co-ordinator
Pop-In Club

Once again through the generosity of the Hennerton Old Golfers Society
(HOGS) the Pop-in Club and the Luncheon Club were invited to tea at the
club. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and there was a delicious spread of
sandwiches and cakes. Those who wanted to were taken on a golf buggy
tour of the course. We are very grateful for the hospitality and friendship
shown to us and would like to say a big thank-you to all those involved.

We had a flower arranging morning which is always popular. Members
could choose either yellow and white or pink and white flowers and there
was ample foliage. The arrangements produced were most attractive and
showed skill and imagination.

The September outing was to Longbridge Mill, at Sherfield-on-Loddon.
There is an extensive dining area but all the old mill machinery is still
in working order and once a month corn is ground and the flour
produced is sold. The portions provided for lunch are generous to say the
least and this is another favourite venue for an outing.

There are some interesting events planned for the rest of the year so if you
would like to join us on a Monday morning at the Bowls Club and see what
is on offer do please contact the following:

Ann Holland 940 3582
Pat Jones 940 2267


Wargrave Theatre
Workshop
Pantomime
Auditions
Announced

The Wargrave Theatre Workshops
January 2013 pantomime will be the
story of Dick Whittington, Lord Mayor
of London Town, and his faithful cat
Tom. Aided by the Good Fairy Bow
Bells they hope to defeat King Rat
and rid London of his evil menace.
If you are interested in being part of
the pantomime please come along to
the reading on Thursday 18 October,
and to our open auditions on Sunday
21 October at 7.00pm and Thursday
25 October at 8.00pm in the Green
Room, Woodclyffe Hostel. If you
would like to be involved but cant
make these dates please let me know
at Linda.Daman@btinternet.com.
Tickets will be available from early
December and the show will take
place 17 to 20 January 2013 and you
will be able to purchase online
through our website
www.wargravetheatre.co.uk.

Linda Daman
30
Alison Mercer - Thursday 15
November
Please book your place for a visit by
Alison Mercer on Thursday 15
November at 7.45pm for 8.00pm in
the Sansom Room. There will be a
charge of 5.00 which will include a
glass of wine. Alison will be talking
about writing her debut novel, Stop
the Clock. The book contrasts the
lives of three women and their life
choices. This will be a great
opportunity for any want to be
novelists to find out how to get started
on a writing career and how to get
published.
Chapter One Bookshop from Woodley
(an excellent local independent
bookshop and friend to Wargrave
Library) will be selling Alisons book
which Im sure she will be pleased to
sign for you. Please book your place
now on 940 4656.
Coffee Mornings
We are very sorry to report that Sue
Sedden (from Butterflies in the High
Street) has decided to hang up her
tea towel and is retiring from
volunteering at our Coffee Mornings. I
have done my best to refuse to accept
her resignation, so Ive agreed to let
her have a break. In all seriousness,
Sue has been absolutely brilliant and
we dont want to lose her but we
completely understand her reasons.
Weve so appreciated her hosting the
Coffee Mornings; encouraging new
people to come along and to giving
people support when theyve needed
someone to confide in. Im also
encouraging her to join in with Knit
the Village so we wont lose touch.
Coffee Mornings will still continue to
run on the second Wednesday of the
month from 9.30am to 1.00pm. You
may have to resort to making your
own tea and coffee occasionally but
youll be most welcome to come and
see what the library has to offer. I
know we are competing with the
Wednesday Bus and the gorgeous
Coffee Shop up the road but we are
always pleased to see new faces in
the library.
Knit the Village Knitting Project
Knit Wits
Thank you to everyone who has
signed up to join us.
Youll be amazed
how many items we
have already
accumulated. We
have garlands,
knitted paper
chains, flowers,
crocheted spiders
webs, athletes, a couple of pigeons
and a mouse to name just a few. If
you are not sure what this is all about
pop into the library and Ill show you a
beautiful piece of work that has been
put together by Sue Emms (who is at
the heart of this project and got it off
the ground). Youll soon see that
knitting items really can transform into
art. Wed love anyone that has ever
knitted, crocheted or done anything to
do with a needle to join in. Even if you
just knit a square youll be joining in
with a great village project. We are
planning to leave some knitting
needles and wool around the village
so that you can knit a couple of rows
while youre chatting. And dont think
you chaps cant have a go too. Join us
at the Library on Fridays between
2.00pm and 4.00pm and well even
give you a cup of tea. There are
sessions throughout the week, just
ask for more information.
Speed Dating
Knitting Style, Knit
Wits too
If you dont feel
confident enough
about your knitting
skills or you want to
learn to crochet, why
not join us on Saturday 27 October in
the Hannen Room from 10.00am until
3.00pm. Youll get the chance to have
a go at six different skills and Ill blow
the whistle when its time to rotate to a
new activity. Should be good fun and
youll meet lots of new people. This is
also a great chance to learn a new
skill and we are also busy recruiting
people who are willing to teach as
well as learn. Please bring along a
packed lunch but well have plenty of
tea and coffee available.
Thrive
Just to let you know we had a bit of a
hiccup with starting our latest group of
Thrive (eight week gardening course)
sessions. It has been delayed slightly
and will now be starting on
Wednesday 17 October. The
sessions are held in the library
between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. They
are free of charge and aimed at
people who are over 50 years of age.
Call in if you would like to join us.
Bridge Lessons
Bridge with John has returned to the
library for a new term. We hold
sessions for beginners and improvers
on alternate Thursday afternoons
between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. We are
always pleased to hear from anyone
who would like to join us. We are very
lucky to have a small group so you
get plenty of support and John is the
most patient person Ive ever met
thank goodness.
Libby the Library Bears
Adventures
Hi Children,
Dont forget to say hello to me next
time you are in the library. I get a bit
lonely sat on the shelf and Id like a bit
of a cuddle. The leaves are starting to
fall off the trees so it must to getting
towards Autumn. Im expecting Ros
and Chris to turn the display board
into a new picture and have pictures
of bonfires and fireworks any minute
now. Please feel free to nag them;
sometimes they can be a bit slow.
Join us on Wednesday 31 October
for a morning of Halloween
Activities and enjoy some Trick or
Treats from 9.30am until 1.00pm.
Storytime
Storytime is held every Monday from
4.00pm until 4.30pm. Sometimes the
library is fit to burst so we have
decided that we may hold some of
these sessions upstairs in the
Sansom Room. It will really depend
how many people turn up. Please can
I come up with you?
Ros & Chris
940 4656
Library Matters
Bruce Glasby
Fire alarms
Emergency lighting
Reactive maintenance
Monthly building checks
Testing and Inspections
Data cabling and networking
BG
Electrical & Mechanical Ltd
All commercial & domestic electrical work carried out to electrical regulation BS7671
Telephone: 0118 9406076 Mobile: 07740 870398
Email: bruce.glasby@tiscali.co.uk www.bgelectricalservices.co.uk
Carols Cat Care, Dog Walking, House
and Pet Sitting Service
We are a husband and wife team who have retired from
professional jobs. We visit or stay while youre away!
Many years of experience with animals.
Honest, reliable and trustworthy. Excellent references,
police checked, vet approved and fully insured.
Carol on 0118 901 6590 or 07888 614 840
Email
carol@carolscatdogcare.co.uk
www.carolscatdogcare.co.uk
Bob Woodmansee

Financial
Consultant

e-mail: robert.woodmansee@btinternet.com

phone: 0118 9401354 or 07901 553441

website: www.woodmanseeinancial.co.uk
32
Wargrave Surgery Patient
Participation Group
Wargrave Surgery Patient Participation Group (PPG)
was set up by the Wargrave doctors in 2007. Now most
of the 14 practices in the Wokingham area have similar
patient participation groups, and these are working
cooperatively through a forum that meets regularly with
the Wokingham Clinical Commissioning Group
(WCCG). Under the new NHS regime CCGs throughout
the UK are due to replace the existing Primary Care
Trusts in April 2013.
The Wargrave Surgery PPG has eight members drawn
from the patient list who meet the doctors and practice
manager every three or four months. The objective is to
act as a channel of communication between the public
and the surgery and so help the surgery to provide the
best possible service. To communicate with patients the
Wargrave PPG has enrolled a Patients Panel, which
now consists of over 650 patients representing nearly
10% of Wargrave patients, who are willing to respond to
questionnaires. The Wargrave PPG has, over time,
issued four questionnaires to its Patients Panel, the last
one at the end of 2011, and a fifth one is planned for
later in 2012. In order to obtain the views of younger
patients, who are under-represented in the Patients
Panel, the PPG also carried out a separate survey with
the Wargrave Piggott School sixth formers in October
2011.
The Wargrave Surgery PPGs questionnaires have
covered a range of issues that are important to patients
such as the level of satisfaction with the appointments
system, the availability of extended opening hours, the
out-of-hours service, the service on repeat prescriptions
and the views of patients as to routine medical services
that they might receive closer to home rather than at
the Royal Berkshire or other acute hospitals; and the
next questionnaire will follow up on some of these
issues and will also be seeking views on the availability
of personal medical records online.
From 2013 groups such as the Wargrave PPG will have
an increasingly important part to play as the NHS
struggles to meet increasing demand with completely
new administrative structures and with budgets that are
diminishing in real terms.
The Wargrave Surgery PPG is keen to recruit more
members to its Patients Panel (or Patients Reference
Group), especially in the youger age range, and
patients may sign up to join this online at
www.wargravesurgery.org.uk.
T R Berman
Chair, Wargrave Surgery PPG
Time for Tiny Toes
Tiddlers, toddlers, pre-school children and their carers
meet on a Monday morning when it is time for Tiny
Toes. We are a small, lively group that meet in the
comfort of the Sansom Room which is above the library.
The class begins with a warm-up, before percussion
instruments, hoops and soft balls are used. There is
also the childrens favourite, the parachute. Adults and
children work together throughout the class and we
finish with a quiet time sitting together and singing some
favourite childrens songs. In between there are
sections where the children move in an imaginative way
but still working with their carer.
Tiny Toes has been running for some years now and is
a lovely time for the young and adults to work and play
together at the start of the week. At present our boy
members outnumber the girls, which is unusual but very
encouraging.
For details regarding Tiny Toes please contact Hilary
Thomas on 940 3978 or email
hatatwargrave@tiscali.co.uk.
Hilary Thomas
Hoops, instruments and parachutes at Tiny Toes
Fun times at
Tiny Toes
D M King Plastering
All types of plastering undertaken
25 years experience
Walls and ceilings re-skimmed
Skimming over artex
Rendering
Pebble dashing
Plastering repairs
Tacking
Coving
Tel 0118 944 2067 Mob 0778 053 7845
Have you ever wanted to have full
access to the River Thames at
Wargrave? Its not always easy to find
a place to enjoy messing about on the
river or even launch a boat. If you
also want to store your gear, enjoy tea
and cakes on the lawn in the summer,
gaze out over the sunset from a
double glazed panoramic bar, feed the
children with a barbecue, enjoy the
simple pleasure of an overnight camp,
a spot of fishing, slip off to the
regattas or Henley Festival and still
have time for a dash of competitive
dinghy sailing then weve got news for
you. There is such a place, and its
almost on your doorstep, down
Wargraves Willow Lane at Henley
Sailing Club.
Henley Sailing Club is one of the
oldest recreational sailing clubs in the
world. It was founded on 1 August
1896 by Dr WH Macpherson and a
few other gentlemen who met at
Cordreys Boat Yard, Shiplake. It was
called the Henley and Shiplake Sailing
Association and had 22 members. In
1897 it changed its name to the
Henley Sailing Club and took over the
burgee of the defunct Erith Yacht
Club. The club was almost exclusively
dedicated to fast but tricky sailing
punts but gradually mixed
classes of dinghies were
introduced. Races were held
either at Shiplake near to the
Thames Conservancy Ferry
(opposite the current
clubhouse) or on a course
between Henley Bridge and
Temple Island. One of the
most famous sailors and
boat builders of all time, Uffa
Fox, was associated with the
club and took forward the
design of a 12-foot boat
suitable for river conditions
that became the National 12.
This boat, in a variety of its
historical forms, is still raced
on the Thames but now over
the river in Wargrave.
Times have changed since
1896 and the club is now
family-oriented with an emphasis on
enjoying the great outdoors with some
keen sailing to get the adrenalin
pumping. The Commodore no longer
needs to wear a peaked cap and
smoke a pipe (shes quite pleased
about that).
Although competitive sailing is still the
thrill that ticks most of the boxes,
there is a full programme of fun sailing
where everyone can join in and try out
the selection of club boats of Lasers,
Topper, Enterprise, Pico, N12 and
Optimist. For the less windy days
there is space to store kayaks,
Canadian canoes, skiffs, punts, small
cruisers and rowing boats for quick (or
slow) trips up and downstream or a
lazy paddle round the Hennerton
backwater. As a member you have a
personal key and can come and go as
you please and enjoy the river or the
clubs facilities for as long as you like.
The facilities are blessed by nature
with two acres of grounds, a
clubhouse in the Art Deco style of the
1920-30s, a bar, lounge, kitchen and
windows overlooking the river.
There are two boat stores, boat
parking (wet and dry), two car parks
and the chance to hire out the club for
uniquely-sited wedding receptions,
other family celebrations and social or
business meetings.
A highlight of the summer is tea and
home made cakes on the lawns every
Sunday. We have an active social
events list as long as a yard arm and
those with a desire to exhibit their
culinary skills have the chance to
show off by cooking three-course
dinners for 30 guests on six different
occasions throughout the year. Weve
sampled everything from grey squirrel
stew to nettle gnocci and Hawaiian
nights to Irish nights with several
hilarious fancy dress themes in
between. Not only that but curry
nights, horse racing nights, quiz
nights, talks, music and general
frivolity including the spectacularly
dressy Annual Cocktail Party with a
posh picnic and dancing on the lawn.
If you never knew all this was
happening within a couple of miles of
where you live, come to our open day
on Saturday 13 June 2009 between
2.00pm and 5.00pm. If you cant
make it on the day, pop down any
Sunday afternoon and have a chat
with the sailors or the Commodore if
shes not on the water! Our website is
at www.henleysailingclub.org.uk.
Duncan Mackay
Welcome to the Henley Sailing Club,
Wargraves Riverside Secret
34

Grease is the Word in Wargrave
Friday 21 September saw an influx of pink ladies and beauty school
dropouts to a Grease Singalong film night at the Woodclyffe Hall. This
sellout event, organised by a group of mums from the Robert Piggott
Infant School, raised over 1,000 for the Infant and Junior Schools.
The evening started with a fancy dress competition and warm-up dance
routine, and then the audience sang and danced the night away to the
well-loved movie. Guests were served popcorn and pink fizz by the T-
bird bar staff and the evening finished with a Grease-themed disco. The
event organisers, Georgina Kelly, Caroline Meader, Lucie Matthews and
Zanna Jeary, were inspired to put on the show in Wargrave, having
attended a similar event at the Hexagon earlier this year.
Caroline Meader commented We all love a good singsong and Grease is
one of those classic feel-good films that you cannot help but join in with. It
was great to see everyone dressed up and enjoying themselves and the
fact that we were able to raise such a lot of money for the schools was an
added bonus. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who
came and gave their time and expertise to make the event such a
success.

The X-mas Factor
Two Night
Extravaganza at
Woodclyffe Hall

Friday 7 December at 8.00pm
Christmas party and variety show.
Mulled wine, mince pies and
Christmas fare with music, sketches
and songs to start the Christmas
season.

Saturday 8 December at 8.00pm
Carry on the party spirit with
Rockeoke featuring Big Daddy and
YOU! Ticket includes curry.

15 a ticket for one night, 25 for
both nights. Tickets on sale from
Thursday 1 November.

All profits will be distributed among
local children's groups and charities.

Performers wanted! If you are
interested contact
xmasfactor@hotmail.co.uk or on
Facebook.com/thexmasfactor
The organisers of Grease Singalong are pictured
above - from left to right: Lucie Mattews, Caroline
Meader, Georgina Kelly and Zanna Jeary
35
SPRING MEADOWS AT
HIGHFIELD FARM
OFFICES to Let on our Rural Business Centre
GIBSTORE AT CRAZIES HILL
Lockable dry heated STORAGE
Various sizes of secure areas available
for household or business
Call Dick Bush 0118 940 1205 (office)
NIKKIS
KITCHEN
Nikki Alston
Professional Caterer
07776 342837
0118 940 3788
nikki.alston@googlemail.com
1he Wargrave 8||nd Company
ko||ers komans Vert|ca|s
Venet|ans and more
1e| 0118 940 1443
Mob 079100 76S21 wwwwargraveb||ndscouk
8llnds and curLaln poles made Lo
measure LxLenslve sLyllsh
range wlLh full flLLlng servlce
36
We are delighted that the internal building work of our new extension has
now been completed. This has long been a vision for the school and after
many years of designing, planning and a huge amount of patience, we now
have a fabulous new build.
Children in Remenham now have a large, bright and airy classroom which
provides fantastic opportunities for playing, learning and having fun all
part of the Early Years Curriculum. They still have their wonderful outdoor
area to further enhance their experiences.
The school offices have also been greatly improved. Mrs Laverty now has a
fit for purpose working space which enables her to tackle all the demands
of a busy school office, without people walking through to the rest of the
school. My own new office has space to meet visitors, parents and children
as well as hold meetings. We have a separate Finance Office, which is a
huge step up from the work-top in the staff room that Mrs Ginman used for
many years. Now we have a room that provides the privacy and
confidentiality that fits the role.
All of these new areas have a very positive impact on the rest of the school.
The library area is no longer being used for Remenham coats, book bags
and dressing up; the ICT suite is not required for meetings and reviews and
members of staff have their own staff room which is not also used as on
office. All in all it is a great success!
This project would not have happened without a number of key people. The
governors Futures sub-group has been on the case from the outset.
Phillip Cooper and Matt Kitson used their specialist experience to drive the
proposed plan and Trina Noyes (Chair) has been a major contributor to the
smooth running of it all. Several members of staff took on the role of
furniture removers and Mrs Laverty was an enormous help during the
summer holiday in communicating with contractors to ensure we finished
on schedule. Thanks must also go to our near neighbours for their patience
during the process; I hope it wasnt too disruptive for you.
Finally, I must add that this project has been fully funded by the school.
We received no financial support from WBC for the works; we have
targeted our capital budget (which can only be used for such projects)
towards this extension for several years, so we can truly say that
it really is all our own work!
Eileen Holmes, Headteacher
The new reception classroom
Crazies Hill CE Primary Schools Extension

What Has Happened to
Luncheon Club?
Having just embarked on my year
as leader of Wargrave Luncheon
Club, I was astonished to discover
that over 30 willing volunteers
provide delicious home-cooked
meals once a week to a group of
pensioners who number fewer than
20!
This I find very puzzling. Operating
a six-week rota, we have teams of
really good cooks giving their time
and skill to present a hot two-course
meal followed by tea or coffee. We
send our guests home with flowers
from our own gardens. And for all
this good company and scrummy
food, we currently charge 3.00! For
about 40 years the senior citizens of
Wargrave have waited patiently for
a place at our tables. Now,
suddenly, we wonder if we have the
support to keep going.
We meet for a couple of hours every
Thursday in the little room at the
back of the Woodclyffe Hall.
Transport is provided door-to-door
by Readibus, free with a bus pass.
We can cater for most dietary
requirements, with notice. All
pensioners living in the village will
be warmly welcomed, on a regular
basis, either alone or as a couple.
So why not join us? Ring Sue
Mackenzie on 940 3383 or me on
940 3602 to find out more.
Patsy Roynon
Thank you to everyone who came to
my coffee morning on 5 October in
aid of Parkinsons UK.
I was overwhelmed by the response
and generosity of you all. I would
like to thank Sue Chandler for
bringing her beautiful Soy candles,
everyone who baked the delicious
cakes and biscuits and my family for
supporting me, helping me decorate
the house and welcoming everyone
who came.
We raised 401.60 for this important
charity. I feel so lucky to live in such
a generous and caring community.
Susanna Farrow
Kentwood Garden Services
Garden Maintenance & Landscaping
Regular Maintenance & Clearance Visits
Fencing Turfing Paving Hedge Cutting
Fully Insured Free Estimates
A member of Checkatrade.com
All Garden Waste is Recycled
212 Kentwood Hill, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 6DP
email kevin.kgs@btinternet.com
Tel 0118 9678840 Mobile 07980915944
Wokingham Borough Councillors
A river pageant in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, HRH
The Duke of Edinburgh and 4,000 Jubilee garden party guests
took place at Henley Business School on 25 June. A significant
proportion of the 4,000 guests at the garden party were selected
by public ballot and they joined representatives of voluntary
organisations and charities, together with civic, community and business
leaders. The garden party and river pageant were organised by the Lord-
Lieutenants of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. I was proud
and honoured to have been invited; it was a glorious day.
WBC has signed up to the Governments Troubled Families programme by
launching the local Family First programme. 110 families in the Borough
will get extra help to change their lives for the better and to help them get
children into school, reduce youth crime and anti-social behaviour and put
adults on a path back to work. WBC is firmly committed to enabling
residents who rely on council support to become self sufficient and self
reliant. The Family First programme is a combination of intensive support
and challenge to help those families to make lasting changes, which
improve outcomes for them and for the communities in which they live. The
scheme is being run on a payment-by-results basis with up to 4,000
available for every family successfully turned around. This means that up to
366,667 will be available to Wokingham Borough over the next three
years if the council is successful in improving school attendance, reducing
crime and anti-social behaviour and moving families off benefits and into
continuous work.
WBC has successfully prosecuted two residents for not completing and
returning their annual canvass forms for the 2011/2012 Register of
Electors. It is a legal requirement to return the annual canvass form. As
well as not being able to vote, not being on the Register of Electors may
also lead to difficulty obtaining credit. Prosecution for not returning the form
could lead to a criminal record and a fine of up to 1,000.
The Council met with residents of Twyford Orchards to discuss proposals
to expand and refurbish the existing Traveller site on London Road,
Twyford. It is hoped a planning application will be submitted early this
summer; local residents and interested parties will have the chance to
comment during the formal public consultation period.
Bob Pitts has been appointed to Deputy Chairman of the WBC
Conservative Group, in addition to being a non Executive Director of
Optalis, a member of the Board of Governors at Royal Berkshire Hospital
Foundation Trust, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Corporate
Parenting Board, the Planning Committee and the Berkshire Museum of
Aviation. My primary duty will continue to be to represent the residents, but
I have joined the Audit Committee and the Piggott Trust.
John Halsall
01491 576190 cherwell@btinternet.com
Jack the Ripper
A musical play by Ron Pember
and Denis de Marne

10 13 October 2012
Woodclyffe Hall

Directors: Joe Haynes, Clive Dow
Musical Director: Rod Murray
Choreographer: Madelaine Kelly
What A Life! 1880s Whitechapel
was no picnic. Money was hard to
come by, and it was never enough
for your food and shelter. At least
everyone was in it together, and you
all looked forward to Half A Dozen
Pints at the local ale house on a
Saturday Night. Everyone hoped
that things would get better when
there was work in the docks, on the
day the Boat Comes In.
Join us in October as we relive the
horror and humour of the times in
our musical production of Jack the
Ripper. The show brilliantly captures
a mix of emotions with a wonderful
story based on actual events with
great comedy and memorable
songs. Despite the dark undertones,
it will be a very entertaining evening.
The Woodclyffe Hall will become the
Steam Packet Music Hall where
the Chairman will lead the cast and
audience in an evening of drama,
songs, dances and mystery.
Rehearsals for this major production
are now underway and we have an
experienced cast offering a great
blend of singing, acting and
movement skills.
Tickets will be on sale from
Saturday 1 September via the
Wargrave Theatre website
www.wargravetheatre.co.uk or by
phone or information 07876 532716
(no booking charge).
Tickets for all performances will be
10.00 (9.00 concessions).
Maria Hackemann
38
Robert Piggott C of E Schools Website

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new joint
school website for both Infant and Junior Schools. On our
new site you will be able to find key school dates, copies
of the latest newsletters, the curriculum overview,
information about school clubs, the PTA and the
Governors and much more!

The single website can be accessed through either
www.robertpiggott-jun.wokingham.sch.uk or www.robertpiggott-inf.wokingham.sch.uk

Our new website would not have been possible without the support of a number of local sponsors the Hall
Hunter Partnership, The Greyhound, Photos by Pennie, Tim Hodges Photography - and the time and creativity of a
working team of school governors, school offices and IT support teams. We thank them for their efforts. Please
take time to take a look at the new site and remember to bookmark it for future use!

Terri Walsh


Your South Central Ambulance Service Foundation Trust Public Governor

My name is Gary Clark and I am one of three appointed Public Governors in Berkshire for the newly formed South Central
Ambulance Foundation Trust, as well as being a member of a local Community Responder Group in Swallowfield.
What is a Foundation Trust?
Foundation Trusts are still part of the NHS, but unlike ordinary NHS trusts, they have thousands of members and a Council of
Governors (of which I am one) who form an integral part of the governance structure that exists in all NHS FTs.

NHS Foundation Trusts (FTs):
are free from direct central government control and are able to decide how to improve their services.
retain any surpluses they generate to invest in new services, and can borrow money to support these investments.
are accountable to their local communities; local people can become members and governors.
These freedoms mean that together they can shape our ambulance service around local needs and priorities.

Benefits at a glance
Real opportunities to be involved in developing health services, which meet the needs of local people.
Opportunities to be involved in decision making in areas of particular interest to them.
Greater access to more in-depth information about the workings of the Trust and its future plans.
More control for the Trust over the pace of change in terms of local target setting and meeting contracts .
More stability resulting in less workplace stress.
To provide health services and employment opportunities to a local population which has significant health and social needs?
We feel that, as an NHS Foundation Trust, we can play a much greater role in supporting the ongoing development and
success of our local communities .
To expect that our members and Council of Governors will challenge them to improve health and healthcare for local people.

The meetings are public, anyone can attend and I can assure everyone that the Governors mean business and are not afraid to
challenge or ask questions. I am convinced that as the Foundation Trust finds its feet, it will start to reap the benefits of being a
Foundation Trust. As your public governor I am here to listen to your views and take them forward to the main Board so that
your voices are heard in the shaping of the Trust. As a Foundation Trust, the Board is accountable to all of its key stakehol ders
and that most definitely includes you the public.

I am interested in any views that you have on the service or any questions that you want answered. I can be contacted
via :FAO Company Secretary, Gary Clark, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, 7-8 Talisman Business
Centre, Talisman Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6HR. You can send me an email directly via gary.scasft@gmail.com

Foundation Trust also needs members.
By becoming a member, whether you are a member of the public, work for a partner organisation or an employee of the Trust,
you are able to have more say in how things are done in order to achieve the best possible quality of care. Membership
numbers are increasing all the time, strengthening the link between your local ambulance service and the local community. It is
voluntary and free of charge and obligation. Members are able to give their views on relevant issues for Governors such as
myself to act on.

I would urge you to join the Foundation Trust by applying on line at
www.southcentralambulance.nhs.uk/foundation-trust/becomeamember.ashx. Every member of the
household is eligible to register and we need to ensure that we have as many members of the public
signed up as we can. If you have any questions about membership then please send them to:
Getinvolved@scas.nhs.uk. I look forward to hearing from you.
Gary Clark
39
October Notice board
News e-mail: editor@wargravenews.co.uk
Advertising e-mail: advertising@wargravenews.co.uk
Editors: Mal Evans 940 3173
Sue Ferguson 940 3032
Sue Chamberlain 940 3648
Silvia Fidler 940 2031
Cath Forsaith 940 1895
Sharon Hewitt 940 2909
Shirley Coward 940 3171
Website: Cath Forsaith 940 1895
Advertising: Sue Ferguson 18 Ridgeway 940 3032
Noticeboard: Cath Forsaith 940 1895
Distribution: Chris and Helen Perry 940 3017
Printed by: Higgs Group 01491 419429
Management Committee:
Chairman: John Ratings 940 1363
Treasurer: Graham Jones
20 Ridgeway 940 6613
Secretary: Sue Ferguson 940 3032
The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those
of the editors, unless signed by them.
The Wargrave News cannot accept responsibility for
products or services advertised in this paper.
The publication of adverts is at the discretion of the
editors.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
form without the prior permission of the editors.
Wargrave News 2012
TWYFORD WARGRAVE AND DISTRICT
VOLUNTEER CENTRE

VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR
DRIVING AND OFFICE DUTIES
TO OFFER OR ASK FOR HELP
TELEPHONE
934 3010
PARKING SPACE NEEDED
Retired, disabled Nursing Sister is
looking for a secure place to park a
small car, such as a garage, off road
place or driveway near School Lane.
If you are able to help please phone
Ros on 940 3658.
Urgent childcare needed!
I am looking for childcare for my 3 year old
daughter and require at the following times:
Monday
7.30am to 9.15am
(Pre-school from 9.15am to 2.45pm / Drop off &
collection needed)
2.45pm to 7.00pm
Tuesday
7.30am - 9.15am
(Pre-school from 9.15am to 2.45pm / Drop off &
collection needed)
2.45pm to 7.00pm
Wednesday
7.30am to 9.15pm
(Pre-school from 9.15am to 12.15pm / Drop off &
collection needed)
12.15pm to 7.00pm
If you can assist please contact me directly on
07525 850447.
Theresa May MP to speak at
Heritage Trusts October meeting
Our local MP and Home Secretary will be the guest
speaker at the Wargrave Heritage Trust meeting at the
Woodclyffe Hall on Friday 26 October at 8.00pm. The
talk will have an autobiographical theme and there will
be an opportunity for questions. Wine and soft-drinks will
be available.
Unreserved tickets at 10 are available from The Old
Post Office Coffee Shop in Wargrave High Street or from
Peter Halman on 940 4500 or Wendy Smith on 940
2920.
Come along and enjoy what promises to be an
interesting and popular event.
Contact Peter Halman on 940 4500 or email
prh@vinery.co.uk
or Neill Pitcher on 940 2424
nep@wargraveonthames.demon.co.uk
Wanted for reasonable price
Small Basic Electric Sewing Machine
Straight & Zigzag Stitch for son who
wishes to mend own jeans!
Phone 940 2788
40
Wargrave Village Diary October/November 2012
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
15 October 16 October 17 October 18 October 19 October 20 October 21 October
9.30am
Pop-In Club
Bowls Club
4-4.30pm
Storytime
Library
5.30-6.30pm
Woodclyffe
Book Club
Library
7.45pm Parish
Council The Old
Pavilion
10-11.30am
Baby and
Toddler Group
Woodclyffe Hall
8pm Womens
Club The Old
Pavilion
9.30-11am
Butterflies &
Rhymetime
Hannen Room
2.30pm
Cockpole
Green WI
Crazies Hill Hall
12.30pm
Luncheon
Club
2-4pm
Bridge Library
2pm Bridge
Drive Crazies
Hill Hall


2-4pm Knit
Wits Library
7.15pm RBL
Fish and
Chips Lecture
Woodclyffe Hall

10am-2pm
Wargrave
Apple Day
Kings Field
Orchard
10am 5 Mile
Walk NT Car
Park SL6 6QE
22 October 23 October 24 October 25 October 26 October 27 October 28 October
9.30am
Pop-In Club
Outing
4-4.30pm
Storytime
Library


9.15am Baby
and Toddler
Woodclyffe Hall


12.30pm
Luncheon Club
Woodclyffe Hall
2pm Cockpole
Green WI Bridge
Drive Crazies Hill
Village Hall
2-4pm
Bridge Library
8pm Heritage
Trust Talk by
Rt Hon
Theresa May
Woodclyffe Hall
Half Term
Begins
10am - 3pm
Knitting
Together

29 October 30 October 31 October 1 November 2 November 3 November 4 November
9.30am Pop-In
Club Bowls Club
4-4.30pm
Storytime Library
5.30pm Warg
Prof Business
Network
Hennerton Golf
Club
10am-12.30pm
Mice Bus
Recreation
Ground Car
Park
10-11.30am
Baby and
Toddler Group
Woodclyffe Hall
9.30am-1pm
Halloween
Activities
Library
8pm
Gardeners
Club Hannen
Room
10am 5 Mile
Walk Warfield
RG42 6EN
12.30pm
Luncheon
Club
Woodclyffe Hall
2-4pm
Bridge Library


5.30pm
Firework
Display
Recreation
Ground


5 November 6 November 7 November 8 November 9 November 10 November 11 November
9.30am Pop-In
Club Bowls Club
4-4.30pm
Storytime Library
7.45pm Parish
Council Old
Pavilion
10-11.30am
Baby and
Toddler Group
Woodclyffe Hall
9am-7pm Cards
for Good
Causes
Elizabeth Court
9.30-11am
Butterflies
Hannen Room
1.30-3.30 Crafts
& Laughs
Library
7.30pm Mill
Green WI
Hannen Room
7.30pm Tennis
AGM Bowls Club
9am-5pm
Cards for
Good Causes
Elizabeth Court
10.30am 5 Mile
Walk Littlewick
Green SL6
3QU No dogs
12.30pm
Luncheon
Club
Woodclyffe Hall
2-4pm
Bridge Library
3.30-6pm
Exhibition
Junior School

RBL
Remembrance
Dinner
Woodclyffe Hall




Crazies Hill
Harvest
Supper & Quiz
Village Hall
10am
Remembrance
Service St
Marys
10am 6 Mile
Walk SL8 5PS
12 November 13 November 14 November 15 November 16 November 17 November 18 November
9.30am Pop-In
Club Bowls Club
4-4.30pm
Storytime Library

10-11.30am
Baby and
Toddler Group
Woodclyffe Hall
8pm Local
History
Society Rec
Ground
Pavilion
10am12 noon
Coffee and
Cakes Library
10.30am 4
Mile Walk Dew
Drop Inn SL6
6RB No dogs
12.30pm
Luncheon
Club
Woodclyffe Hall
2-4pm
Bridge Library
8pm Author
Alison Mercer
Sansom Room





7pm RNLI
Antiques
Evening
Woodclyffe
Hall







7.30pm Annual
Concert St
Marys

The next village diary will run from Monday 19 November to Sunday 16 December
Please e-mail event details by 6.00pm on the copy date to editor@wargravenews.co.uk.
Friday 2 November is the copy date for the November Wargrave News
Friday 23 November is the copy date for the December Wargrave News
Friday 1 February 2013 is the copy date for the February Wargrave News