RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR, ST. NICOLAS CHURCH TOWER

I had hoped to go to St Nicolas Church for the Christmas Day service but regrettably a gastric bug struck me down on the 22nd of December and I did not surface until Boxing Day evening. I was fully recovered by New Year’s Eve to visit the bell tower of St Nicolas Church. It must have seemed slightly incongruous to see the Mayor and Mayoress walking along West Mills to enter the bell tower external entrance in full evening dress as we had left a party in town. The bells were already being rung when we climbed the 69 or so narrow steps up to the bell tower. On arrival, we saw the bell ringers busy with a peal and waited in some amazement at how precise the actions were to ring the bells in a particular sequence. When they had finished, one of them, Ian Park said that he had to adjust the muffler on one of the bells and not missing an opportunity to go into the bell chamber, I joined him, going up another 30 or 40 steps to do so. I was glad that the bells were not being rung as we clambered over the joists to get near to the bells in question. Ian had to go between the bells, a rather hazardous activity, in order to do the muffling which he did within minutes and we then went down the
staircase to the bell tower. By this time, we were getting near to midnight and everyone was getting ready to peal the bells.
In the absence of the Rector and any other priests, Ian said prayers for the New Year and then he rang a single bell twelve times and that announced the beginning of the New Year. The bell ringers then began a celebratory peal which reverberated throughout the tower. Some of us then went onto the tower roof and it was a wonderful sight to see the town lit up and some firework displays had started. It was interesting that from that height we could just about make out the loud conversations coming from the nearby pub.

Having left the bottle of whisky with the bell ringers as is the custom, Edwina and I wished them all a very happy New Year and descended from the tower to return to the party we had left earlier. We both thought it was a unique way of seeing in the New Year and a splendid beginning to 2008.

WEST BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL – CAROL SINGING IN THE WARDS

We were invited to the carol singing in the Wards of the West Berkshire Community Hospital on the afternoon of afternoon of Thursday 20 December and we had to cut short our visit to Volunteer Centre’s Christmas drinks to get there for 2.30 p.m.
So Edwina Cooper and I arrived at the hospital to find about 20 people assembled in the ground floor. I recognised some of them were Friends of the Hospital and other were choir members. Armed with carol sheets, we went upstairs to the wards. Some of the ladies wore nurses overcoats inside out and I could only deduce that they were formally nurses. I was later told that it was a tradition for this to happen. Because of the current hygiene restrictions, we were only allowed to sing outside the wards but the singing was robust and loud enough for the patients to hear the singing. I, however, was asked if I would like to go into the Wards and speak to the patients wherever possible. So I left the carol singers and went with the Ward Sister to the first ward where I went round every possible bed to speak to the patients. Before I was allowed into each area, I had to wash my hands in antiseptic cream. On each ward there was a variety of conditions patients had ranging from neurological, surgical, heart and respiratory conditions; some were about to be allowed home permanently, some just for Christmas and then return, some would be in long term and a few who would never recover. There was one person who had surgery who had been involved in an accident in which a youth had died and his passengers critically injured. He had scars over his arms, legs and body and had lost an eye. He was however anticipating leaving for Christmas but possibly returning. He was relatively cheerful and seemed pleased at my visit. Most of the patients had either relatives or friends visiting
And I was able to speak to them as well. There was one lady who was in an isolation room with, presumably MRSA or similar and I was not allowed into her room, so I had to speak to her from the door. They were all very content with their care and I heard not one grumble from either patients or visitors I wished them all a speedy recovery and my best wishes for Christmas. I felt sad for those not coming out for Christmas but was very confident that they would be given as much care as they would have received at home from a very dedicated team of nurses.

BERKSHIRE CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY

I was invited to carry out the official opening of the Berkshire Creative Arts Academy (BEECA) in Bartholomew Street at 11.30a.m. on Thursday 20 December 2007. So accompanied by my attendant, Carol Currie, I walked down from the Town Hall to their premises which is located above the Citizens Advice Bureau. We arrived at the entrance to be greeted by Donna Lewis, the Principal and her associates, who welcomed me to the Academy. After the official ribbon cutting and photographs, we were then invited to a tour of the premises. From the outside one has no conception of the size of the Academy, as you have to ascend a flight of stairs to get to the working areas. It is a Listed building and was part of the old Sugar Loaf Inn. Although some modernisation has taken place, there the have been some constraints on the internal refurbishment of the accommodation. For example, the sash windows have been retained. The Academy occupies the first and second floors of the buildings and the rooms are large enough to be studios and lecture rooms. There is a library as well as a photographic studio with a dark room up towards the roof, accessed by steep stairs. There are areas with computer terminals which have many uses including graphic design.
All the staff were very enthusiastic about the Academy’s future and we met a number of potential students, one of whom was an artist and was about to sign up for a course. I was pleased for them and wished them every success for the future.

FAIRCLOSE DAY CENTRE – CHRISTMAS LUNCH

I was invited to attend the Fairclose Christmas lunch on Wednesday 19 December and so Edwina Cooper and I arrived with my attendant Carol Currie at 11.45 a.m. where we were met by Sue Kitchener the Centre Manager. We were joined by the Rev Keri Eynon and Archie Ferguson one of the Trustees and there must have been over 90 in the dining hall waiting for their lunch. Delicious smells were coming out of the kitchen and my taste buds were already anticipating the traditional lunch. I noted one of the helpers was Richard Fisher who runs a small transport business. He said that he always takes this day off to help with the Christmas lunch; his wife is one of the cooks there, so I am sure his help was greatly appreciated. It takes a great deal of organisation and dedication to feed so many but the staff and volunteers swung into action and it only took about fifteen minutes to serve everyone with their turkey and all the trimmings. The clearing of the main course and serving the sweet took about the same time and by then everyone was very content and well fed. We were able to talk to some of the guests afterwards and most of them would have families and friends visiting them at Christmas, or that they would be going to them. For most, this would be the first of several Christmas dinners but for a smaller number, this was the only Christmas dinner they would have. This shows the value of the Fairclose Day centre to the elderly. My thanks go to all the staff and volunteers of the Day Centre for all the work they do which is always appreciated.

ROYAL MASONIC BENEVOLENT SOCIETY PRESENTATION

An invitation was received from the Freemasons in Newbury for us to attend a presentation at the Masonic Hall in Newbury on Monday 17 December and so Edwina Cooper and I were pleased to accept. We arrived and found we were two of some thirty people attending. We were taken into the main hall where the Masonic meeting are held and met officers of the Masonic Lodge, who were wearing their aprons and various regalia.
The presentation was to give us an idea of the scope and nature of the charities which the Masons support. This is done on a regional and provincial basis. I noted that they supported Newbury Shopmobility, which provides electric buggies for the disabled to help them get around the town and the shops. Others include West Berkshire Alzheimers Disease Society and Royal Berkshire Hospital Premature Baby Unit. They also gave out to the guests some literature and brochures which explains what the Masons do and what their values are. And yes, apparently the new members do have to roll their trouser legs up as one of the rituals, but it does have a symbolic meaning.
At the conclusion of the presentation, the guests were invited to a meal at the Newbury Golf Club but I had to decline as I had to attend a Full Council meeting. It was however a useful presentation and helped me to understand at least in outline the charitable aspects of the Masons.

CIVIC CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

One of the more important civic events is the annual carol service which this year took place on 16 December at 6.30 p.m. in St Nicolas Church. This is a ceremonial occasion when the Mayor wears his robe and chain and the Councillors in their robes and process to the church together with all the guests and controlled by the Town Marshall, Dave Stubbs.
We arrived at the church which was almost full to the aisles and with Christmas flowers and candles, which made it very festive. The service began with the carol Once in royal David’s city, the first verse being sung by one of the choir’s young sopranos who sang it beautifully. Before, there were 9 lessons, interspersed with carols sung either by the choir or the congregation or both. The address was given by the Rector, Revd David Stone and a retiring collection was taken in aid of the three charities, Thatcham in Need Flood Appeal, the Neurological Alliance and Karenaid.
After the service, we all went into the church hall for refreshments and we were able to talk to the congregation.
It was a great start to Christmas and everyone had enjoyed the service.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION SENIOR CITIZENS CHRISTMAS LUNCH

I was invited to attend the Royal British Legion lunch for senior citizens on Sunday 16 December at their premises in Pelican Lane. Edwina Cooper, the Mayoress, and I arrived and were met and taken into the Bar area. There we met many of the guests who were not only pensioners but also veterans of the Second World War but also of Suez, Korea and Malaya and other campaigns. We also met an ex-serviceman who, having served in various theatres of war, had only recently received his campaign medals and an extra one as well. They were from all arms of the Services; the Royal Navy, including Royal Marines, the Royal Air Force and the Army. Among them was a former sub-mariner, Vernon Coles who had been on midget submarines and he must have been a great survivor as many of these brave men were killed in action. Another was Leslie Weaver who was a retired Group Captain who was in bomber command in the second world war. There were also some ladies present who had been in the armed forces and others who had served in munitions factories or in the nursing service.
We all sat down to an excellent lunch provided by the ladies of the Royal British Legion and at the end I gave a short speech, thanking them for inviting us to their lunch, thanking those who provided the lunch and wishing them a very happy Christmas and New Year.

VISIT TO NEWBURY MOSQUE

I was invited to attend the Mosque in Pound Street on Friday 14 December at 2 p.m. for a cheque presentation on behalf of the Bangladesh Cyclone Appeal. And so I walked down from the Town Hall to Pound Street with my attendant for the morning, Rod Thomason and arrived down at the Mosque in Pound Street. There is nothing to identify it as such as it is the last terraced house on the south side of the road. I was met by Nadeem Soomro, whom I had met previously at the Fringe Festival and had shown me around the food tent. He invited me to take off my shoes before entering which I did and was introduced to Lucky Niazami, the vice-president of the Bangladesh Welfare Centre. He said that all the Indian restaurants and takeaways in Newbury and Thatcham had organised charity events in the last couple of weeks and the proceeds would be sent through the Welfare Centre directly to Bangladesh to help the victims of the flooding caused by the recent cyclone. I then presented the cheque for £5,500 which the restaurants had raised and commended them for their generosity and the money would be gratefully received. I was then taken on a tour of the ground floor, which included the prayer room, the library and meeting room. I was told that there was accommodation upstairs which was used by students. Friday morning was the time for men’s prayers while the women also worship but at a different time.
Despite my army service in Aden and Malaya, I had not been into a mosque before so it was a unique experience. I was also told that I was the first Mayor of Newbury to attend their Mosque, so it was a double first. The meeting with them was very friendly and cordial and I hope I am invited again.

WEST BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Edwina Cooper and I were invited by Muriel Kirkham of the League of Friends to attend the Community Hospital annual carol service in St Nicolas Church on the evening of 13 December. On our arrival, we were given a programme in which the Chairman of the League gave thanks to the League member, supporters and the public in fund raising enabling £200,000 worth of equipment to be purchased during the year. Also at the service was the Chairman of West Berkshire Council Andrew Rowles and his lady, Mrs Wendy Carpenter and the Mayor of Thatcham, Phil Dray and his wife.
The service followed the conventional lines with 7 lessons and carols. Most of the lesson readers were staff of the hospital; Peter Constable, consultant eye surgeon; Graham Stiff, general practitioner; Sue Bishop, Matron; and Sarah Deal, Sister, Highclere Ward. Other readers were Mavis Greenhalgh of the League of Friends, Reverend David Stone, Rector of St Nicolas Church and myself. The address was given by the Hospital Chaplain, Revd Canon Bernard Dagnall and the prayers and blessing given by Revd John Stannard, Minister of the Newbury Baptist Church. After the service we went into the hall to enjoy a cup of coffee and mince pies, which were very welcome. It was an excellent service and I am sure the retiring collection would be used by the League for more good use in the Hospital.

GREENHAM COMMON MEMORIAL SERVICE

Each year, a memorial service is held at Greenham Common to remember those United States military personnel who died in a glider crash at the airbase in 1944. There is a memorial site near the centre of the old Greenham Common base, which has a plaque which lists the names of the 33 who died in the crash. I was privileged to represent the Town on the morning of 12 December for the memorial service. I arrived with Edwina Cooper the Mayoress and met the President of the Newbury Royal British Legion, Michael Westropp, the Rev Keri Enyon who was taking the service, members of the Royal British Legion and standard bearers and two U S Air Force officers from RAF Welford. Prior to the service beginning, we were told that a letter had been received from the daughter of one of the serviceman who died, expressing her gratitude at holding this annual service of commemoration.
The service itself was short but solemn; the one hymn “O god our help in ages past, our hope for years to come” was sung as it is on Remembrance Sunday, followed by prayers for peace in the world and imAprovements in international relations and a prayer for those remembered that day. The Last Post was sounded followed by wreaths being laid by the US Air force Officers and by myself on behalf of the Town of Newbury. After the service we all went into Liberty House for refreshments when we were able to speak to those attending the Memorial Service. It was difficult to visualise what it was like at this part of Greenham Common in 1944 but it was bursting with service personnel of many nationalities, all preparing for the invasion of France in Operation Overlord in June. Many were destined not to survive and we all owe our current freedom for what they achieved over 60 years ago.

TRINITY SCHOOL AND PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS

I was invited to Trinity School’s celebrating excellence
Evening on Monday 10 December. On arrival I was welcomed by Ms Deborah Forster, the Headteacher who gave her welcome and introductory speech. A Key stage 3 student played a very polished piano performance and then the Head of Key Stage 4, Annette Rennie announced the special awards for former year 11 students and together with Jamie Read presented the awards. This was followed a former year 11student, Libby Davies who gave a short speech, thanking the school for all it had done for her.
Deborah Forster with Jamie Read presented GCSE certificates. After that, Vicky Benger, Head of the Sixth Form, announced the special sixth form awards. A former year 13 student, Ben Taylor, then gave a short speech; it was worthy of note that he was given the Gerald Orbell award for leadership in Key Stage 5. Deborah then presented A level certificates and Jamie Read then gave an entertaining speech. He is the Director of the Read Dance and Theatre Company. The presentation evening was concluded with a dance routine from students in Key Stage 4.
This was another great celebration of success by the Trinity School and it was great to see the students enjoying the ceremony.

THE YORK NATIVITY PLAY

I have not been to a great number of nativity plays in recent years but I was invited by Pat Eastop to attend the York Nativity play at St. Mary’s church in Aldermaston village on the evening of 9 December. So Edwina Cooper and I drove down to the Village and parked off the road and entered the church which was already full. We were met by Pat who seated us next to the Bishop of Basingstoke, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott and his wife. He admitted that this was his first visit to the Nativity play but had heard a great deal about it.
The play has been enacted in the village since 1957 and has been an integral part of the Christmas festivities. It is a re-enaction of six individual plays in the medieval Yoek cycle which relate the Nativity from the annunciation to the purification. Most of the actors are from the local village and some of them are grandchildren of earlier actors in the play. The music is a mixture of 14th century to modern carols. The production takes place at three stations in the church and it is very intimate, particularly when the three shepherds are very close to you and you almost feel like talking to them. The choir sings from the bell tower and because it is very dark and they are up high and behind you, it is difficult to realise where they are. The costumes look very authentic, the acting very accomplished and the music was very emotive.
While the content of the play follows the biblical story, it has something special about it. I would recommend it to anyone and particularly young children. These in the congregation we saw were absolutely entranced by it.
It was another glorious aspect of Christmas which I will remember for a long time to come.

CONTACT THE ELDERLY CHRISTMAS PARTY

Edwina Cooper and I were invited to attend a Contact the Elderly Christmas party at the United Reform Church on the afternoon of Sunday 9 December. We walked from the Town Hall with our attendant for the day, Rod Thomason, as I was wearing the full chain and to the church hall on the left of Cromwell Place. The hall was already filling up with the guests and we were met by Mary Eynon, who was the organiser. Her husband is the Reverend Keri Eynon of the United Reform Church. Mary was recovering from a broken shoulder which was taking its time to heal. It was good to be able to move around the tables talking to the guests, some of whom we had met at Fairclose Day Centre and at other venues around the town. Regrettably, we had to leave after having some refreshments as we were due to go off to Aldermaston in the early evening. It is this and other charity organisations which gives Newbury such a good reputation for looking after the elderly and others not so fortunate, particularly over the Christmas season.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY

The MS Society invited us to attend their Christmas Party on the afternoon of Saturday 8 December. Edwina Cooper and I arrived at 2.30 p.m. to find that the hall was almost filled with people, wheelchairs and their carers. Even as we entered, another charity bus drew up outside to offload more people. We were met by Ann Tuersley, whom we had met at their 40th Anniversary party in September. There was food and drink in plentiful quantities and it was good to be able to go around and chat to the guests, many of whom we had seen in September. We had an interruption when a bearded figure in a red robe arrived with a sack and began distributing them to the guests. Yes, it was Santa Claus, or rather Father Christmas doing the rounds. He did not stay long as he said he had other customers to serve. I believe that his clock was in advance as I was informed he was not due until Christmas Eve. Never mind, everyone was pleased and all received a small parcel, including us, for which we were grateful. This was our second Christmas party and it was so good to see everyone happy and enjoying each others companyAs we left, we wished them all a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

VICTORIA PARK NURSERY SCHOOL

The thought of going back to Victoria Park Nursery School revives memories of when my daughter went there in 1977/78. Having spent two years previously in Germany, she spoke more German than English but that was a bonus rather than a problem. She quickly settled in there until she was old enough to go to John Rankin Infants School.
I set out from the Town Hall with Edwina Cooper and Carol Currie the Mayor’s attendant, who has to accompany me when I wear the full chain. It was a fine morning and it was very pleasant walking over the canal bridge and through Victoria Park to the school. Things have changed a great deal since 1977. There is now strict control of access to the grounds and building and the building has been extended. We met the deputy headteacher , governors, teachers, other staff and volunteer helpers who do a great job to ensure that the early learning years and both interesting and to an extent educational. It also gives the children the opportunity to mix with other children of differing backgrounds. It was amusing to see some of the children even at that age taking the lead in some of the activities.
We were able to see what the children were doing inside and outside and they all seemed to enjoy it.
We were pleased to attend the coffee morning as it gave us the opportunity of going back to early learning school to see the wide range of activities which the children have now, compared with 30 years ago.

CHRISTMAS SHOP WINDOW DISPLAY

I was invited to join Brian Burgess of the Town Centre Steering Group and Joss Baker of Kick FM to help judge the Christmas shop window display competition, which had been held for a number of years. We met at the Town Hall and agreed the criteria for marking each window display. We then went out to tour the town wherever there were shops, under the direction of Brian. We walked down Bartholomew Street, along Pound Street and back to the opposite side of Bartholomew Street and then turned right along Market Street, calling into Inch’s Yard and along Cheap Street and then crossed the road and walked along the opposite side to get to the Market Place. We were grateful to go into the Kennet Centre for warmth as it was a cold day, but fortunately not raining. I should perhaps state the obvious that we were taking notes (and recording scores whenever we saw a shop window with Christmas decorations in the window. We then went up Northbrook Street, including Cromwell Place, Weavers Walk, Saddlers Court and back over the bridge into West Mills. Our last port of call was the Arcade before returning to the Town Hall. It was apparent there were three front runners; Panousha Baguettes in the Arcade, G K Curtains of Bartholomew Street and Hetheringtons at the Kings Coffee House in the Broadway. All three had gone to a lot of trouble, effort and cost to make their shop windows part of the Christmas scene. In the end it was the G K Curtains which came first as a result of their cascading snow machine which had attracted a great deal of interest, particularly amongst the children. We all thought that Hetheringtons was a close second but much of their decoration was inside the shop. We returned at a later date to present the prizes and certificates which were much appreciated.
I found it disappointing that only the smaller retailers had bothered to decorate their shops. It was evident that the larger national retailers had done virtually nothing and in particular in Northbrook Street. I hope that next year it will be better.

SCHOOLS CRIME PREVENTION POSTER COMPETITION

I was invited to take part in judging the junior schools’ crime prevention poster competition which had been organised by the Safer Communities Partnership Ream of West Berkshire Council. When I arrived at 2 p.m. at the Council Chamber, there were already a number of children and teachers from the participating schools there and I met up with Andrew Rowles the Chairman of West Berkshire Council and Phil Dray Mayor of Thatcham who would be judging with me. There were a large number of posters displayed on the side of the Chamber; these were the ones which had been eliminated from the competition from an earlier elimination. Andrew, Phil and I had the difficult job of deciding the winning poster so we agreed a criteria under which the posters would be marked; the three were design, message and impact. There were eight posters to judge and none were marked with the name of the school so that we could not be influenced as to where they were from. I found it difficult to believe that we were able to get a winner because they all had good messages about vandalism, anti-social behaviour and alcohol abuse. The one which won had all these but we agreed that the winner had the most impact and the winner was John Rankin Junior School. I felt slightly embarrassed because I am a governor of the school but I was equally proud that it was first.
I commend all the schools for taking part as it does get the children thinking about the local issues which can make or break community spirit. I hope that this competition will continue over subsequent years as it gives some important messages.

THATCHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

I was invited, with Edwina Cooper the Mayoress, to attend the Christmas lights switch on in Thatcham on 7 December. We arrived at around 5. 15 p.m. and parked up in the Waitrose car park and walked through to the Broadway where stalls had already been erected and were doing good business. We walked around to get the atmosphere and went for a hot cup of tea before going to the HSBC Bank for a glass of wine and a mince pie. We had just missed the Mayor and his company so we then went out to catch up with them. With the Cold Ash Brass Band playing in the background, we walked around the stalls. One was run by the Royal British Legion supporting SSAFA so we stopped and had a glass of non-alcoholic mulled wine. It was hot as well as being delicious. It certainly warmed us up. By this time, the crowds were beginning to swell in numbers and it became difficult to move around. Over the next half hour, we listened to the singing, of mainly carols, from school children from Parsons Down, Trinity and Kennet before the Mayor, Phil Dray, gave his Christmas message followed by the countdown for the lights to be switched on.
It was a very happy occasion and it was obvious that the children loved it all. And it did not rain!

NEWBURY COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

I am always pleased to be invited to attend an award ceremony as it indicates that a great deal of work and achievement by both the students and the organisation and tutors. I was therefore pleased to go to Newbury College’s Graduation ceremony on Thursday 6 December. On arrival I met Dr Anne Murdoch the Principal of the College and was introduced to members of the Governing Body, tutors and other guests, amongst whom was Richard Benyon,M.P. who would be presenting the certificates.
Anne Murdoch opened the presentation evening with a welcome speech in which she praised both students and her tutors who had worked hard to get so many through their courses. There was a wide range of subjects in the presentations; accountancy, health and social care, marketing, quality assurance, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computing and teaching assistants foundation degree. Richard Benyon congratulated them all on their achievements, particularly as some had full time jobs as well as well as studying and completing course work. There were two further presentations; the first was the Vodafone Award 2007 by David Danielli, the Vodafone Group Community Manager to Chris Scott awarded his BTEC HNC in electrical engineering. The second was the Newbury College Outstanding Learner Award 2007 presented by Tony Allen, chairman of governors to Emma Newman, studying Quality Assurance.
After the presentations, we all left to go into the Refectory for a buffet supper which gave us all the opportunity to meet the graduates It was a splendid evening and my congratulations to all the students and staff for all their achievements.

NEWBURY BLIND CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY

I was invited to attend, with Edwina Cooper, the Newbury Blind Club Christmas party at St George’s Church hall on Tuesday 4 December. We arrived at 2.30p.m. to be met by the Chairman and Secretary of the Blind Club. We were also pleased to see the Mayors of Thatcham and Hungerford, Phil Dray and Peter Harries and their wives also there. After the refreshments, we were treated to a musical entertainment by a group of singers in early 20th century costumes. They sang a number of popular ballards and I could hear and see many of the audience joining in. One of the singers I recognised as Pauline Shilton who has been in the group for many years and they go around the various charity and elderly clubs giving their time and efforts free of charge. They are obviously very popular. I was also pleased to see Florrie Marx, the widow of Frank Marx who was a Newbury Town Council mace bearer for many years. Florrie, despite having impaired sight, is still very active and she often attends concerts and Town Council functions.
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon, having had the opportunity to meet and talk with many of the people attending. Such organisations give a lot of pleasure to those whose health is not too good and we wish them the very best for the future.

BASILDON PARK RECEPTION AND TOUR OF A COUNTRY HOUSE AT CHRISTMAS

I received an invitation from the National Trust to visit Basildon Park for a drinks reception and a tour of the interior. I had been there once many years ago and looked forward to this visit. So Edwina Cooper and I drove down there arriving at 7 p.m. to be met by Amanda Beard, the Property Manager of Basildon Park. Clutching a glass of mulled wine, we mingled with other guests and amongst them were Jo Stevenson-Hamilton and her husband. She is the principal organiser of Riding for the Disabled at Wyld Court, which we visited in October.
Basildon Park is an 18th century Palladian mansion, built in 1783 for Sir Francis Sykes and sold on to James Morrison MP in 1838. It was later left empty in the early 1900s and was used as a convalescent home for the Berkshire Regiment during the 1914-1918 war. Eventually it was bought in 1952 by Lord and Lady Iliffe who spent much time and money in restoring it. It has extensive grounds overlooking the river Thames and was the setting for a production of Pride and Prejudice in 2005. On our tour, it was obvious that it must have been a splendid house with lavish furniture, textiles and tapestries It has a glorious staircase and the first landing had a tall Christmas tree decorated in the old style. There was some excellent ornate plasterwork which was apparently the original.
The tour was not long as the house is not that large but it is very comfortable and homely. We enjoyed the tour but I would have liked to have walked around the grounds but darkness prevented that. We shall return at some time.

HENNESSY WINTER FESTIVAL

I was invited with Edwina Cooper to attend the Sunday meeting of the Hennessy winter festival weekend and as we had been before, we were delighted to attend. We arrived at the Royal Box at 11.30 a.m. where we met Mark Kershaw and his staff and other guests. The racing began at 12.30 and there were seven races in the afternoon and Edwina was quick to get her programme, to look at the runners and riders while I was busy talking to the other guests. I was taken aback at how far people travelled to the races; there were some from Ireland, Newmarket, Dubai and Wales but they certainly knew a great deal about horse racing. I also met Frank Osgood who was the earlier Manager of the Course and I guess that he was in his early 90s and he has been responsible for many of the improvements to the racecourse in his time. He handed over the reins as it were to his son, Richard and between them, there was not much anyone else knew about Newbury Racecourse than they did.
After the delicious brunch which was served, we got down to the difficult task of selecting the winners. Of the seven races, I got not one winner but Edwina picked up five and when I asked how she did it, she replied that she had been talking to an Irishman who gave her the tips. I know who to find and talk to next time.
Nevertheless it was an excellent afternoon and we were very grateful to our hosts for their kind hospitality.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT FOR CANCER CHARITIES

For the last five years, the Newbury and District Cancer Care Trust and the Macmillan Cancer Support group have held a carol concert at the beginning of December. This year, they held their carol concert on 1 December at St Nicolas Church and it was specifically dedicated to Susannah Whittaker, a former Chairman of the Cancer Care Trust who died in 2006. I, together with Edwina Cooper, was invited to attend this year and we both were looking forward to it.
The concert began with a trumpet solo by Rosie Davies, who is an undergraduate at Jesus College, Oxford. She learnt to play the trumpet at Burghclere primary school and has continued with it ever since. Her playing of Handel’s “The Trumpet Shall Sound” was an apt way of getting the concert underway. John Miller, the former High Sheriff of Berkshire gave an introductory speech and then the choir led the audience in what is the traditional carol to begin with, "Once in Royal David’s city". The choir then sang two carols, firstly "Ding Dong Merrily on High" which according to history is a 16th century French carol, and then, "There is no rose of such virtue", a 15th century English carol. The choir was the renown Oxford Pro Musica Singers. The first reading was by Ashley Whittaker, the second son of Susannah , which was followed by the choir singing "Santa Claus is coming to town" and "Jingle Bells". We then had a sixth former of St Bartholomew’s School who played Mozart’s Oboe Concerto with great and confidence and panache. She was accompaied by Sally Goldworth and they played really well together. That was followed by Richard Ingrams who read an extract from Murder in the Cathedral. The choir then sang two more carols before we exercised our lungs prior to the interval by singing "O Come O Come Emmanuel". We were then able to stretch our legs for ten minutes or so before the second half started.
We began the second half with the carol “Unto us a child is born” and this was followed by a reading by Fiona, Countess of Carnarvon, in a very creditable Yorkshire accent, of a very amusing account by a St Swithun’s parishioner on listening to his local church choir singing Handel’s Messiah. And to follow this was the choir who sang three extracts from that very cantata. Rageh Omaar, whose prominent journalistic career began in 1990 as BBC’s man in Baghdad, read from Longfellow’s The Three Kings. George Millard, the son of Dr Paul Millard, the founder of the Cancer Care Trust, gave a splendid performance of Paul Creston’s Rapsodie for alto saxophone, ably accompanied by Sally Goldworth. He is currently a sixth former at St. Bartholomew’s School. Following on the choir’s next two carols, Philip Wroughton, the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire read the traditional last lesson from St John’s gospel which begins ‘In the beginning was the Word’. The choir then sang ‘Silent Night’ followed by Dr Paul Millard giving the Christmas Appeal on behalf of the Cancer Care Trust. We all sang ‘O Come all ye Faithful’ which ended this concert. It was a splendid concert with a touch of emotion at times. I understand that their next Christmas carol concert is on 6 December and I hope to be there.

WATERSHIP BRASS COFFEE MORNING

Several years ago, the Town Council decided to invite the Watership Brass to become the official Town Band and they agreed to this. There have been a number of occasions when they have played as the Newbury Town band. I was therefore very pleased to support their coffee morning on 1 December 2007 at the Town Hall. When Edwina Cooper and I arrived at around 10 30a.m, the Council Chamber was already busy with customers who were obviously delighted with the music which could be heard throughout the building. I love to hear brass bands playing although you could say that they are a silver band. I also am very pleased to see young musicians playing as they are the seed corn of the future for these bands.
We did go around the tables talking to the customers, some of whom were visitors to the town either from excursion coaches which stop at the Wharf for an hour or so, or those from outlying villages who come to shop.
We enjoyed our coffee and meeting members of the Band and we hoped that they would make a great deal of money which would benefit the band in the future.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON - NEWBURY MARKET PLACE

A number of detailed planning meetings were held prior to the Lights Switch on which were headed by the Chief Executive, to ensure that the event proceeded smoothly and on time. I was therefore very confident that everyone was aware of what was happening at specific times and that all health and safety issues had been addressed. The only aspect which could not be assured was the weather.
On the afternoon of 30 November, Edwina and I, having donned my robes, chain and hat, went from the Town Hall to meet up with the Rev David Stone and the choir in the church. The plan was to move from the Church at 16.30p.m. to link up with the Father Christmas and the procession of children from Speenhamland Primary school who were setting off from the Methodist Church in Northbrook Street. We would meet them at the junction of Bartholomew Street and Mansion House Street, and move into the Market Place, with the stewards nearby to keep a path clear. By this time, the Market Place was getting full of parents with their children. This year the stage, run by Kick FM had been sited closer to the Corn Exchange and there was a much more room in which to move about, particularly around the back.
There we met up with Graeme Murty, the player captain of Reading Football Club and Sian Cook who is the inspiration behind a new charity Swings and Smiles, a project to provide special recreational facilities for handicapped children. Graeme is the Patron of this charity. Both were there to help to switch on the lights, with Sian’s daughter, Amy. Kick FM’s staff worked wonders with interviews and music to keep the crowd entertained and St Nicolas church choir led carol singing until the magic hour of 5 p.m. when the countdown started and Sian, Graeme and I pressed the plunger to set off the lights, to tumultuous applause. This year saw a new lighting display which the Town Council had funded and most people I spoke to considered they were very good. After the switch-on, the rain became quite heavy but some of the more hardy people stayed there and Edwina and I distributed sweets to the children (and to some of the adults) before we returned to the Town Hall where mince pies and mulled wine were served. I felt very sorry for the stewards who could not leave their posts, and particularly those deployed in Victoria Park for the firework display.
Despite the rain, the switching on of the lights went well, and my thanks to all the organisers and volunteers who ensured the smooth and safe running of the event.

OPENING OF THE NEW HUCKNET,BLOSSOMS FIELD, WASH COMMON

Blossoms Field is part of the Wash Common recreation ground and runs alongside Enborne Street. It has been used for informal football and has recently had a netball stand and hoop installed for use by the young people in the area. I was asked to carry out an official opening of a Hucknet on the 24 November at 11a.m. which had been installed a week previously. The hucknet is a conical climbing rope structure some 20 feet high and is suitable for 8 to 14 year old children. It is an innovative way of giving children the opportunity to exercise agility and coordination and to build confidence. It is very robust and has gone through safety tests.
In my speech to open it, I mentioned that Deborah Wyatt and Beverley Lewis of the Wash Common Jubilee Park project had worked hard to raise funds for this equipment. Their aim was to provide more equipment for the 8 to 14 age range within the Wash Common area. The Town Council and from Section 106 contributions from developers added to the funds raised. I also said that this is the continuation of a longer term project. We proposed to expand the range of play equipment that will meet some of the needs of older children, but we also would make it more secure and accessible for the disabled.
After this opening ceremony, we all adjourned to the nearby community centre for hot drinks to thaw us all out, as it was a very cold morning. I am pleased to say that the Hucknet is being used and no damage has been done to it. I hope that this continues.

CARING CAMPS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DAY

Each year, Camp Hopson hold a special shopping day in their store, specifically to facilitate Christmas shopping for those who are elderly infirm or disabled. This year it was on the 22nd November and I was asked to attend the opening. Edwina Cooper and I arrived at Camp Hopson at 10 a.m. and met the organiser Garry Poulson, the director of the Volunteer Centre, Jonathan Hopson, Andrew Rowles, the Chairman of West Berkshire Council and Nick Hutchins, the Chairman of the West Berkshire Disability Alliance. I was also pleased to see Peter and Shirley Harris, the Mayor and Mayoress of Hungerford there as well. We gathered outside the north entrance and Nick Hutchins performed the opening ceremony and we returned inside the store. Some of us then went up to the restaurant for a welcome cup of coffee and we were told that already buses such as Readibus and other buses driven by volunteers had arrived to bring in customers. We were told that the store’s management had issued over 900 special discount vouchers and they were anticipating hundreds of customers to take advantage of these vouchers. The store was already busy with customers and we had to walk against the tide of people coming in to return to the Town Hall. It is very generous of Camp Hopson to make a special day for the elderly and disabled as it gives them an opportunity well before Christmas to do their shopping. It was certainly welcomed by the people we spoke to.

H.R.H PRINCESS ALEXANDRA’S VISIT TO BRITISH RED CROSS 100 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

It is always exciting when a member of the Royal family is due to visit Newbury and the visit by HRH Princess Alexandra to the British Red Cross offices in Kingfisher Court on 21 November was no exception. We arrived at 10.40a.m. and met the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Philip Wroughton and the President of the Berkshire Red Cross, Mrs Jane Grievson. There were other Red Cross staff and volunteers from across the County and there was an air of expectancy, and possibly a few nerves. When she arrived, we were presented to her by the Lord Lieutenant. Princess Alexander was intrigued with my chain and pendant and commented on the pendant’s weight. She then was then taken into the building to be shown around the various parts of the building where several presentations of their work were made. Unfortunately, due to the lack of room in parts of the building, we were asked to remain downstairs until the unveiling of the plaque to commemorate the visit. Princess Alexander commended the Berkshire Red Cross on their achievements and congratulated them on their centenary and then she unveiled the plaque to great applause.
Although the visit lasted only an hour , everyone was delighted with her visit and her genuine interest in their work. After her departure, I was presented with a book on the British Red Cross in Berkshire and there were a number of interesting items in it. In 1905 the then Queen Alexandra appealed to all the women of the Empire to join the British Red Cross to aid and assist in the care of wounded service personnel in time of war. This led to a nationwide recruitment based at a County level. It was in 1907 that Mrs Edith Benyon of Englefield House became the first President of the Berkshire Red Cross and the family have been closely involved ever since. It is also noteworthy that Mrs Philip Wroughton was the President between 2002 and 2007.
The Berkshire Red Cross continue their excellent work in the District and in the flooding last year, their ambulance crews in their 4x4 vehicles gave support to the overstretched NHS ambulances and helped families in Tilehurst and Windsor. I have no doubt that whenever a crisis occurs in the County in the future, the Red Cross will be there to give help and we must be grateful for all those who give their time to this wonderful organisation.

40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF FAIRCLOSE DAY CENTRE

Fair Close Day Centre celebrated its 40th birthday on Thursday 29 November and I together with Edwina Cooper were invited to share in the celebrations that afternoon for tea and entertainment. When we arrived at 2 p.m., the hall was full of people, around about 90 or so, so we found a couple of chairs and waited for the entertainment to begin. The entertainer played an electronic keyboard, sang popular songs and told jokes, so he was pretty versatile. When I mention popular songs, these were from the 1940s and 50s which the assembled pensioners would remember. And they did with some gusto so everyone became quite relaxed and content. Then came the tea and an enormous cake which the kitchen staff had made. I was asked to cut the cake and made a short speech, thanking the staff and volunteers for their efforts in providing the tea and the cake. I congratulated the Centre on achieving forty years and that I was sure it would continue for at least another forty years although I would not be around to see it. Before we left, we were able to speak to many of the guests who were very pleased with this event.

Fairclose is a very valuable resource in the Town, not just for their residents, but also for those living in and around the Town, as it enables the elderly to get a good lunch as well as the company of others. Without it, there would be many lonely pensioners who could not meet others in a such a convivial environment as this provides. Long may it continue.

FUNERAL OF JACK HOLE, FORMER MAYOR OF NEWBURY AT ST. NICOLAS CHURCH

One of the sad occasions of my term of Mayor was to attend the funeral of Jack Hole, a former Mayor and one of the Freemen of the Borough. I went to the church in my full chain as an expression of our great admiration and respect the Town of Newbury had for him. Sadly, the church was not very full but nevertheless, most of the prominent people in the Town were there to pay their last respects to him.

I gave an eulogy in the church as follows, from a Town Council’s perspective.

“When I came to live in Newbury some 30 years ago, I was soon told that if I wanted to know anything about the life and history of the Town and in particular about local government, Jack Hole was the person to talk to. He had arrived here some 45 years earlier and had not only established himself as a successful businessman, running the Tudor Café which many people today still talk about with great affection, but as a Borough Councillor.

He was co-opted onto the Council in 1942 and retained his seat in 1947 at the local elections in what was then the North Ward. In 1950, he was appointed the Mayor of Newbury, one of the youngest townsmen to be honoured since the Borough received its Charter of Incorporation from Queen Elizabeth 1st. At the Mayor Making ceremony, Councillor Jim Freeman proposed his nomination, and spoke of Jack’s record in public life. Amongst these were him taking the lead in 1947 in the relief of flood victims and supplying food to those badly affected. He also spoke of Jack’s success as the Chairman of the Estates and Town Planning Committee, the Civic Publicity and the Finance Committees. He also referred to Jack’s interests outside the Civic sphere, such as the Chamber of Commerce of which Jack was a Past President, the deputy Chairman of the Fairclose Day Centre and the Chairman of the Old Peoples Outing Committee. This Old Peoples Outing is of particular credit to Jack as it is still going strong today. It is only its title has changed to the Mayor’s Drive and Tea party.

In his acceptance speech, Jack paid tribute to his wife Ruth who had been the greatest help to him in their married life and and who would give him the necessary support in his term of office. One of the schemes he wanted to finish was the War Memorial which was the incorporation of those who had fallen in the 2nd World War.

As predicted, his term as Mayor was very successful and subsequently in 1954, he was elevated to the position of Alderman and was the senior member of the Council.

In 1969 in recognition of his outstanding service to the community, Jack was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Newbury, the town’s highest honour and which had only been conferred on six previous occasions. As the Newbury Weekly News reported at the time, over 250 civic dignitaries attended the occasion in the Corn Exchange where they heard Alderman Jim Freeman explain that the honorary freemanship conferred no privileges or rights. In its simplest form, it is a mark of appreciation given by the Town to a person who has stood out amongst his fellows in the service he has given. It is intangible , neither marked by title nor decoration. Recorded yes on a simple scroll in a simple casket but somehow we feel that the message it conveys stretches back to the early history of our country, to lords, serfs and freedmen. Such men were of great character, who worked courageously and had a pride in their town which was a necessary foundation for its well being. Jack worked tirelessly to make this town a better place to live in than it would otherwise have been.

Today we say goodbye to Jack, to whom this town owes a great debt of gratitude. He will be remembered in the chronicles and history of this town as one of the great men of his time and a great inspiration to us all.”

I really cannot add much to that except to reiterate that the Town had lost a good friend who was a great inspiration to us all

NEWBURY ART GROUP EXHIBITION PREVIEW EVENING

The Newbury art group exhibition preview took place in the Town Hall council chamber on the evening of 20 November and I, together with Edwina Cooper, were invited to attend. We were met by their Chairman Len Webb and Amanda Tipple, one of their organisers and an artist in her own right. I had seen them setting up their exhibition during the day and I could not help noticing the quantity of material which was being brought up to the Chamber and I was looking forward to viewing it that evening. On walking around the exhibits, I was impressed at the wide variety of paintings and ceramics on show and it was fairly obvious that the river Kennet was the focus of many of the paintings and not all in the Newbury area. I could see that one painter had been to Italy, judging from the setting.
In my speech, I congratulated them on 60 years of the Art Group in various locations although I believed that the Group had been in existence from the end of the 19th century under another name. I wished them a successful exhibition and that they would get a good response from the public.
I could not resist the temptation to buy one of the paintings which now hangs in my study. It was a great exhibition and I hope that they do well.

TWIN TOWN REUNION IN BAGNOLS-SUR-SEZE

The annual Twin Town reunion took place at Bagnols-sur-Ceze in the Rhone region of France between 14 and 18 November 2007. Edwina Cooper, the Mayoress and I drove to Stanstead Airport and met up with members of the Twin Town association to fly to Marseille by Ryanair. I had no experience of flying by a budget airline so I did not know what to expect. As I have extra long legs, I am usually able to get a seat with plenty of leg room. I could not do that but I did get an isle seat. However, the seats are fixed with no ability to recline so I had an uncomfortable flight. Any refreshments have to be purchased. I was glad that the flight only took 90 minutes. A coach arrived to drive us up to Bagnols and when we arrived, we were taken into the European Village for refreshments and where we met some of the hosts. We were taken to our hotel the St George (we liked the name) to offload our cases and we were then taken with Stewart Durrant to have supper with his hosts with whom he was staying for the 4 day period. We were subsequently driven back to our hotel by the host’s wife. At the hotel, we met up with our German counterparts, the Mayor (Burgermeister) of Braunfels, Herr Wolfgang Keller and his wife. They both spoke excellent English which was good for Edwina who does not speak German and mine is a bit rusty!
The next day, Thursday 15th was regional heritage day so we went to Avignon for the day. Regrettably, we missed the coach and we were taken there by Didier Hamon, an official in the Town Hall responsible for Twin Town activities, in his car as he had a meeting there. We eventually met up with the other delegates at the Palace of the Popes. This is perhaps the time to mention the Mistral. This is a very cold northerly wind which blows down the Rhone valley into the Mediterranean. It cuts through even the warmest clothing and could well, in unsheltered areas, blow you off your feet. The Palace is an enormous complex and has many open areas which even the Mistral can penetrate. The Palace and was built in the 14th century. Initially, Avignon was not part of the Holy See but the owner of lands on the outskirts of Avignon, the Count of Toulouse, left these lands to the Holy See. With problems in Italy, the Holy See moved to Avignon under Pope Clement V, who closely cooperated with King Philip of France and not surprisingly, the next six Popes were all Frenchmen. It was Pope Benedict XII who during his papacy between 1334 and 1342 started the construction of the Palace. The Holy See returned to Rome in 1378, leaving this enormous palace in the hands of a papal legate. This palace was a mighty symbol of ecclesiastical power and although there is not much left in the way of fixtures and fittings, it still retains an element of its former glory. If anyone wishes to visit, choose the summer when the Mistral is not blowing. We left for lunch at the auberge LaTreille on Piot Island and enjoyed the warmth of good food and red wine of the Rhone. After that, we then boarded a pleasure boat which did a circular tour of several miles which gave us a close view of the famous old bridge, le Pont d’Avignon. The original bridge was built in the 12th century but was mostly destroyed in 1226 and only the small chapel remained intact. A new bridge was built a few years later and survived intact until the 17th century when a flooded Rhone swept part of the bridge’s arches away and remains as much today. Architecturally, it is a gem but I am surprised the authorities have done nothing to it to make it more of a tourist attraction.
After the boat trip, we had free time to explore Avignon and do some shopping. Edwina took the in initiative of buying a scarf to protect herself from the Mistral and then we went into le Place de l’Horloge where the local wine growers were offering samples of the new wine. Then there came the procession of the wine guilds from throughout the Rhone wine region in their gowns, hats and regalia. It was a colourful procession and bystanders cheered on their local guilds as they processed by. They then gathered outside to sing their guild wine songs before going into the nearby Town Hall for a celebratory meal. We all returned to the coach for the drive back to Bagnols. That evening, the Mayors and their partners were entertained to supper at a local restaurant by the Mayor of Bagnols, Mr Rene Cret. It was a very pleasant and relaxed evening with good food and more ‘young’ wine. It was an opportunity to speak with other Mayors and their partners and although French was spoken most of the time, English was also spoken which was a relief.
We were pleased to return to the hotel as it had been a long day.
On Friday, I was involved with a lengthy session with the other delegates in talking through the next years programme while Edwina was taken off for a tour of the town and its environs, including a visit to a recycling plant. We then met up for lunch at the multicultural room at the Escanaux before we went off by coach to a nuclear power exhibition at Marcoule, organised by the CEA, the French power company. It covered subjects such as nuclear radiation, waste, protective clothing, nuclear rods and components. We then returned to Bagnols and to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for the evening. We were taken with Mr and Mrs Keller to the Venejan Wine cellars for a buffet and to taste the new wine. We were all amazed at the size of the complex: some three stories high and divided into four of five different areas, it processes and stores gallons (or should I say litres) of wine in vats before being bottled. We were offered canapés with the wine which seemed to improve as the evening progressed. Eventually, the wine and food finished and we were driven back to Bagnols. As we were hungry for a proper meal, we were able to get the last table at a fish restaurant which seemed to be the only one open. Afterwards we walked back to the hotel which was about half a mile away.
Saturday was the last full day in Bagnols and it began at 10 a.m. with the unveiling of a direction post at the Jean Monnet European roundabout on the edge of town. Its branches indicated each of the Twin Towns and their direction and distance from Bagnols. The Mistral wind was still blowing so we did not tarry long there but walked back to the town and to the European village where each of the Twin Town set up their samples of produce from their home countries for the others to sample. The Newbury contingent had brought a wide range of British cheeses together with a map showing where they originated, and although some of the local people thought it was rather like taking coals to Newcastle, (or at least the French equivalent), they were impressed enough to taste it and there was little left at the end of the morning. We did visit the other stands and it was remarkable to see such a wide range of food and drink throughout the European Twin Towns. After a buffet lunch, we were free to wander around the town in the afternoon before we returned to the hotel to change for the climax of the reunion, the official dinner and dance.
Early that evening, we were collected with the Mayor of Braunfels and his wife and driven to les Eyrieux sports centre and entered the sports hall which had been transformed into a large function room for around 300 people, complete with a stage, dance band, loudspeaker system, and over 50 white cloth bedecked tables and a large dance floor. A small army of waiters were waiting in the wings to serve the meal. We were taken to a bar where we were served aperitives before being taken to our table. I had assumed that we would be seated with our respective delegations but this was not to be. We were seated with the Bagnols Mayor’s staff who were pleased to meet us. Language did not seem to be a problem.
I should perhaps say at this stage that I was in a suit and wore the Newbury Town pendant. I noted that none of the other Mayors wore anything which would identify them as such. Even the Mayor of Bagnols did not wear a tricolour sash as I was told they do wear sometimes. Each of the visiting Mayors were prepared to give a speech and these were to be given during the dinner. I was somewhat nervous as I had prepared mine in French and although I had been tutored beforehand by Amelie Rousset of Park House school, it was a daunting prospect. I remember I was about the fourth speaker and the previous two had given their speeches in their own language with an interpreter on hand, so I felt better about it.
I believe there was some surprise I did give my speech in French as those in the Mayor’s office knew I spoke little French. It was well received so I was able to relax for the rest of the evening. There was an exchange of gifts and I presented the Bagnols Mayor with a model of a narrow boat with a brass engraving on it, purchased from the Stone Building in Newbury. To the other Mayors, I gave a copy of the book describing the Town Mosaic on the wharf. I was given what seemed to be a long box which was gift wrapped and which I did not open that evening. There was dancing after the dinner which was led by Rene Cret and it was the cue for Edwina and I to get onto the dance floor. It did develop into a crush on the floor but somehow we survived. The time flew and before we knew, everyone started to leave. Despite the cold evening, we did walk back to the hotel and retired for the night.
After breakfast, we said our goodbyes to Wolfgang and his wife who did say that whenever we were near to Braunfels, they would be pleased to see us. I have no doubt we will see them in Newbury on a future reunion. Later that morning, we went into town and had a good lunch at a restaurant at the top of the town before getting to the coach which took us to the airport at Marseilles. Checking in my luggage of two bags, I was told that it exceeded the 15kgs and that I could transfer
some of the contents into my hand baggage. This I did including the as yet unwrapped gift. To my horror, the box contained a bottle of wine which they would not allow me to take on board. Despite my protestations, they would not budge. I was not pleased and I was glad when we landed at Stanstead Airport and back to a cold and very wet England.
Despite this trauma, it was a wonderful reunion and I wrote to Rene Cret thanking him and his staff for their kindness and hospitality. We might even return, but not by a budget airline.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY PARADE AND SERVICE

Remembrance Sunday is always a significant and important event in the civic calendar and it is a time when everyone has the opportunity of remembering those who have given their lives in the two World Wars and in more recent conflicts throughout the world.
As is usual for this event, Councillors in their robes and invited guests, including officers from the armed forces both regular and reserves, the emergency services and other organisations all assembled in the Council Chamber at around 10 a.m. We always rely on Dave Stubbs, the Town Marshall to get the procession in the correct order and this he did and we moved sedately out of the Town Hall and up Northbrook Street to the saluting dais. We waited for the parade to march down from the Clock Tower with crowds of people lining the street. The President of the Royal British Legion and the Commanding Officer of the Royal Engineers at Hermitage and I jointly took the salute. It was heart warming to see so many youngsters taking part in the parade and indeed in the crowds of people lining the pavements.
We then moved to the War Memorial for a short memorial service which included the two minutes silence. After this service, we moved to St Nicolas Church preceded by the Royal British Legion standard bearers. The church service was led by the Rector, The Rev David Stone and it was good to see that the church was full to remember those who had given their lives for their country. After the service, we processed back to the Town Hall where I thanked all those responsible for the parade and church services. The Royal British Legion had invited everyone back to their premises for refreshments which many of us did.It was a memorable morning and fortunately the weather was kind to us, which made a change

BLACKET AND TURNER LTD BUFFET LUNCH

Following on from attending a coffee morning at St Nicolas Church Hall organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, Edwina Cooper and I were invited to attend a buffet lunch at Blacket and Turner, the Newbury Weekly News, by way of a thank you to those who had helped raise money for the Over-80s Parcel Fund. As it was a fine morning we decided to walk from the Town Hall along the canal towpath to Faraday Road. A great number of people use the towpath from that side of the town to go into the centre and to the Market Place, particularly when the market is operating. We were met by Jeremy Willis, the NWN Chairman and talked to other guests. There were Rotary Club members, who spend a great deal of their time and effort in raising money and distributing the parcels to the hundreds of houses where the Over-80s live. We also talked to Debbie Howes who runs the Clothes Shop in Pound Street with her mother Ann who lives near to Edwina. Jeremy Willis very kindly showed us around the printing area after lunch. The press was printing off copies of another paper and it was an awesome sight as thousands of copies were being sent around the spiral channel from the large printers. The whole operation was computerised driven and the printing facility had not reached its capacity, even though other papers in the region were printed there.It was a very interesting lunch time and we were grateful to Jeremy for lunch and for taking us around the production area

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY COFFEE MORNING

Edwina Cooper and I were invited to attend the Alzheimer Society’s coffee morning on Thursday 8 November 2007 at St. Nicolas Church hall. We had been to one or two of their functions and were looking forward to visiting them again. When we got there, it was crowded out with supporters and friends and their idea of a coffee morning was to have a number of stalls selling materials, bric-a-brac and other items as well as serving coffee. Having bought a welcome cup of coffee and a biscuit, we talked to a number of people we had met before and then went around the various stalls. Edwina latched onto a framed photographic montage of the River Thames and as it showed the road her son’s house was in, she bought it as a present for him. There were a number of good framed and unframed prints but my eyes caught onto a beer mug which originated from Germany. It has an ornate brown exterior and had a hinged metal lid, designed to keep flies out of the beer. I was more than pleased to purchase that. It now occupies a place on the bureau shelf at home. Our purchases have allowed the Alzheimer Society to use the money to support its charitable work, which they do so well. Regrettably, we could not spend any more time there as we had another engagement that lunchtime.

POPPY APPEAL LAUNCH – CORN EXCHANGE

Edwina Cooper and I were invited to the launch of the Poppy Appeal by the Royal British Legion at the Corn Exchange on Thursday 1st November 2007. The Launch was in the balcony bar and there we were met by the President of the Newbury Branch of the Royal British Legion Michael Westropp and his wife, the Chairman Robin Hicks and the Vice Chairman Bill Hopkins. The RBL does exceptionally good work for ex-servicemen and women and gives financial and practical support when needed. The annual poppy appeal raises millions of pounds and its members are regularly seen throughout the Newbury area with their collecting boxes in all weathers. People in Newbury are very generous and I have no doubt that the money collected this year will surpass last year’s total.
After the reception, we were invited into the auditorium to see a Chas and Dave performance. Now, this was a new experience for me but Edwina had seen them on television and had enjoyed
their performance. It turned out that there there were three in the group, with a drummer to give them backing. Chas and Dave began with some popular ballads with both on their guitars and they were very professional and had a great audience who gave them loud and prolonged applause. There was someone in the audience who was so carried away that he was gyrating in the aisles. After the interval, Chas showed how versatile he was by changing from his guitar to the keyboard. He said that he was self-taught and great credit to him for that. His keyboard skills were really appreciated by his audience and they finished with loud and continuous applause.
We met them after their performance and they had been mobbed by their fan who wanted copies of their CD. They said that they always get a warm reception when they come to Newbury and hopefully that it would not be too long before they visited again.

SPONSORED ROW AT GREENACRES LEISURE CENTRE

Having been reminded of the Over 80s Parcel Fund, I spoke to the Manager of Greenacres Leisure Centre, Andrew Royce and asked him if Greenacres would be prepared to host a charity event to support the Parcel Fund. He agreed and it was agreed to run a sponsored relay event on one of the rowing machines on Wednesday 31 October. It was agreed that volunteers be given a sponsor form and to indicate the times they would be willing to slot into one of the timeframes of 15 or 30 minute sessions, depending on their availability and level of fitness. The target distance was set at 100 kilometres by the end of the day. We expected that most of the daytime slots would be taken up by the Over 50s group as most of them did not have to work. Once we had been given the date, we all began training on the rowing machines as these machines were supposed to give the best all-round fitness of them all. They were not designed for anyone with back trouble so we did not want people damaging themselves needlessly, even if it was to raise money for charity.
I took the first 30 minute slot at 8a.m. with a steady 5.6kms and was followed by Tom Patterson another early bird who took the second slot and recorded 6.6kms. I felt rather inadequate but I knew I had a long day as I had to slot into any gaps not allocated throughout the day. Maureen Atkins was the first lady taking over at 9 a.m. for a 15 minute slot, followed closely by her husband Brian and at 9.30 a.m. Jenni Boye and Stella Roache took the next two 15 minute slots. At the 2 hour stage, a total of 25 kilometres had been rowed, well up on the target. Joy Kirby took the next 15 minutes followed by Margaret Davidson and I relieved Margaret for another 15 minute session. Margaret took over from me and was relieved by Sandra Buxey who was a complete novice, not having rowed before and she notched up a creditable 1.8 kilometres before being relieved by Andrew Hunter for his first 15 minute slot. At this stage, 35.8 kilometres had been completed. Andrew powered his way to 3.4 kms followed by Margaret Davidson’s third session and she in turn was followed by Sandra Buxey’s second session. By 12 o’clock, the total Kms was 44.1. Andrew Hunter returned to power away to another 3.4 kms followed by Margaret Davidson who rowed another consistent 3 kms on her fourth and final session. In total, she rowed over 12 kms. I took on the next slot followed by Andrew Hunter for his third session. At 1 p.m. we had achieved 57.3 kms which was well within our target. Our next rower was Alex Garrett who had volunteered for a 30 minute slot and he achieved an awesome 7.67 kms which was 2 kms more than my opening 30 minute row. He is young, super-fit, and one of our instructors, so I was not too upset. Andrew Hunter came on for his fourth session and rowed another 3.4 kms when I took over for my fourth session. Andrew Royce, the General Manager of Greenacres, relieved me and he was another power house, achieving 3.66 kms in his 15 minute session. There was something of a hiatus then as a volunteer failed to appear so I had to fill the gap, which turned out to be the longest session of the day, a 45 minute slot so I was relieved when Maureen and Brian Atkins took the next 30 minutes.
By 3 p.m. we had chalked up 85 kms and we were well ahead of the target of 100 kms and we still had about 9 other volunteers to row. So it was decided we would continue until the last one had rowed, if only to see what a future target could be. Joy Kirby and Stella Roach returned for their second session each, Andrew Royce came back to his second session and he pushed the mileage towards the 100 kms but it was Joy Kirby who with her third row of 2.58 kms who broke the 100 km target. So from there on it was downhill and I did my sixth and last row before Brian and Maureen Atkins shared a 15 minute slot to hand over to Bob Blatch for his first of two sessions. Renate Czaja, one of our receptionists, then rowed for 15 minutes, Bob Blatch completed the penultimate session and then Sarah Parmenter finished the session with a commendable 2.91 kms.And so we achieved more than the 100 kms target with some to spare. With all the sponsorship money totalling £561 for the Over 80s Parcel Fund which Alex Garrett presented to the Chairman of the Newbury Weekly News, Jeremy Willis, it was a great achievement. Thanks and congratulations go to all the rowers, sponsors and Greenacres Management for all their support. Who knows, it might happen again in 2008

LAUNCH OF THE INTERNAL RE-ORDERING OF ST. NICOLAS CHURCH

One of my chosen charities is the Re-ordering of the interior of St Nicolas Church and I was therefore very pleased to be able to host a reception at 6p.m. on 30 October in the Council Chamber to launch the project. In front of an invited audience mainly from the local business and other organisations within the Newbury community, I chaired a panel consisting of the Reverend David Stone, the Rector of St Nicolas Church, Andy Moore, a member of the Reordering Team, and the Rt Reverend John Pritchard, the Bishop of Oxford. I said that the purpose of the briefing was to give everyone the background to the project, what it entailed, where and how we intended to get support and to fund it. I gave a brief history of the Church and emphasised that the site had been the centre of Christian worship for over 900 years, and the existing church dated back to the 16th century, was one of the oldest buildings in the town, was a Grade 1 Listed Building and a significant part of the Town’s heritage. Andy Moore then gave a briefing on what the Reordering would include: to enhance the seating arrangements, to install under-floor heating, to improve the sound, lighting and vision and to clean up some of the interior fabric of the building. Some work was also needed on the organ. David Stone stated that consultation with the congregation had been ongoing and it was generally concluded that the majority were in favour of the scheme and made some useful and constructive comments which would be included. He emphasised the benefits both to regular church goers and to the community at large when the project was completed. Bishop John then spoke of other re-ordering schemes in which he had been involved and wished that the re-ordering would be used more by the community, which was one of the main aims of the scheme. At the end of the briefing session, there were a number of questions put to the panel and I then closed the briefing session and invited everyone to help themselves to the buffet. During the informal discussions afterwards, it was clear that there was a general level of support although there were no firm promises. I believe that once a next period of planning had been completed and in particular the recruitment of a Fundraiser, the launch would begin a new and vitally important and exciting phase of the project. I wish it well and I look forward to playing some part in the implementation phase

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION TRAFALGAR DAY DINNER

The Royal Navy celebrate the Battle of Trafalgar each year to commemorate the sea battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. This year the Newbury Branch of the RNA organised a dinner on the 21st and invited Edwina Cooper, the Mayoress and I to help them celebrate. We were met by Bob McGuiness who is Chairman of the RNA and his wife and daughter who were both involved in the arrangements.
After dinner, the loyal toast to H.M. the Queen was proposed and this was done without standing. This is a tradition in the Royal Navy, and I could only assume that in the good old days, there was little headroom and with the ships tossing and turning, there was always the danger of spilling the drink so they toasted sitting down. The Chairman then proposed a toast to Admiral Nelson. After a few words of introducing me and mentioning my previous Army career, he asked me to say a few words. After thanking them for inviting us, I said that even to someone who had spent years in the Army, the battle of Trafalgar was a significant event in our history. Admiral Nelson, commanding a smaller fleet than those of the combined French and Spanish, was able, through better tactics, seamanship and faster gunnery broadsides, destroyed over half of their ships. There was a high casualty list amongst the British including the death of Nelson himself. It did however put paid to any further ambitious plans of Napoleon to invade the British mainland. As an afterthought, I did mention that Napoleon was finally defeated in that great land battle at Waterloo in 1815 which signalled the end of the Napoleonic war.
The evening ended with disco music and dancing and it was obvious that there were some keen dancers amongst the former sailors. I did anticipate a hornpipe but it never came! Our thanks
to all the RNA members and the volunteers who made this such a pleasant evening for us.

ALLENOVA DANCE SCHOOL PERFORMANCE OF OLIVER – BEARWOOD THEATRE

Edwina Cooper, the Mayoress and I were invited to a production of Oliver at the Bearwood Theatre, located at Bearwood College at Wokingham. It was being staged by the Allenova Dance School which is based at Hermitage and many of the cast are from the Newbury area. The Principal is Tanya Allen.
We arrived at Bearwood Theatre for the first matinee performance and met the Mayor of Wokingham, Councillor Annette Drake and were almost immediately were whisked off for a photo call with several of the young cast already dressed as Victorian street children.
We then went into the auditorium for the first Act to begin with great anticipation. The curtain went up on the first scene, the workhouse where children file in for their meal of gruel and outrageously, Oliver asks for more! Well, we all know the plot and I do not intend to repeat it here. Suffice to say the that the singing and acting of the young people was really excellent and they were so confident with it. The costumes were very authentic and had been made individually to fit. There were 5 adult actors taking the parts of Fagin, Mr Bumble, Widow Corney, Mr Bromilow and Bill Sykes, while the senior soloists included Oliver, Dodger and Nancy. They all performed so well, and certainly the youngest boys and girls did themselves proud. The popular songs such as Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and You’ve Got To Pick a Pocket or Two were sung with gusto and I detected some of the audience joining in! Act 2 starts with the song Oom Pah Pah sung by Nancy and a group of ‘young’ customers in the pub. Oliver having been arrested by the police but released in to Mr Brownlow’s house where he is looked after. Later he is taken by Nancy in the street to Fagin’s house and so it continues as we all know the plot. It was really an excellent performance and the entire cast were given prolonged and well deserved applause. Even the real life dog, Sykes’ Bulls-eye, a bull terrier, received applause. It was wonderful to see so many children, around 80, enjoying taking part in the musical, with great support from families and friends in helping in a variety of tasks both front and backstage. Congratulations to the Directors and all involved in a great show

CARDS FOR GOOD CAUSES – UNITED REFORM CHURCH

I was invited to attend the United Reform Church in Cromwell Place on 25 October at 12.30p.m. to open the Cards for Good Causes event. Together with my ‘Minder’ the Mayor’s attendant, Carol Currie, we walked along Northbrook Street to Cromwell Place, where a cardboard Santa indicated the location of the Hall and where the cards were on sale. At the entrance, we were met by the Reverend Keri Eynon and Mrs Edna Wall, the manager for the card sales and two of their many volunteers, John and Barbara Spooner, who help with selling the cards.
After the ribbon cutting ceremony and some refreshments prepared by Edna herself, it was onto looking at the wide range of cards and other articles on display. I believe there were in the region of 30 different charities sponsored cards on display and I went looking for my specific charity, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA). I think I just about bought the lot displayed, with a view to writing them well before Christmas. As Keri said, it was a great way of supporting the various charities as the money collected will be distributed by Cards for Good Causes to the charities concerned.
So, in future years if you want to buy charity cards, the United Reform Church is the venue and you will not be disappointed. But you will have to get there as early as possible as their stocks are limited. Well done Edna and her helpers on doing a good job for charities.

ANNUAL UN DAY FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Each year, the local United Nations Association celebrates the founding of the United Nations and this year was no exception.
At noon on a cold and windy Wednesday morning, the Chairman of West Berkshire Council, Andrew Rowles, Chairman, Secretary and members of the UNA, Council employees and myself assembled outside the Council Offices and saw the UN flag raised to the top of the flagpole. Delegates from the UNA read out extracts from the UN Charter declarations. We then returned to the Council Chamber for refreshments and an update on the current activities of the UN.
The main issues were the 8 UN Millennium Development Goals which the 191 states of the UN have pledged to meet by 2015;
Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger,
Achieve universal primary education,
Promote gender equality and enpower women,
Reduce child mortality,
Improve maternal health,
Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases,
Ensure environmental sustainability,
Develop a global partnership for development.
Various UN operations throughout the world were announced and progress reports given. Having seen a number of UN peacekeeping operations operating in various parts of the world, it is regrettable that an organisation such as the UN does not get the support it deserves. Hopefully, this will change in the future. My best wishes to the local UNA group members for their contribution.

LUKESTIDE SERVICE AT WEST BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

I and Edwina Cooper were invited by the League of Friends of the West Berkshire Community Hospital to attend their Lukes tide service in the hospital on 21October. I had to admit I could not see the relationship between St Luke and the hospital so I looked it up in my Oxford English Reference Dictionary. Under Luke, St. it states;
An evangelist, closely associated with St. Paul and traditionally the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. A physician, he was possibly the son of a Greek freedman of Rome. Feast Day, 18 October.
So there you have it. St Luke is probably the patron saint of the medical profession, although I could not find anything on that.
We regrettably arrived a few minutes late in the Out Patients department and stood at the back while the first hymn, "Praise my soul the King of Heaven" was sung. The first reading was from Ezekiel Chapter 37 which is a very appropriate passage and I will leave it up to readers to dig out their bibles to read what it said about the bones! The second reading was from Luke himself Chapter 4 verses 38 -41 which talked about Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law and others. The last hymn was that old favourite, "Love Divine", all love excelling which was an fitting one for the service in the hospital.
The congregation was a mix of patients, staff and Friends and it was a fitting tribute to all the medical staff of the hospital who give such loving care and treatment to the sick and terminally ill.