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.

LAUNCH 0F BIMONTHLY FARMERS’ MARKET

I was invited to take part in the launch of an additional Farmers Market on Sunday 21 October 2007 by the Thames Valley Farmers’ Market Co-operative. I duly arrived at 10 a.m. with Edwina Cooper and we were met by Ceinwen Lally who was the Manager of the Co-operative who said that holding of a second Farmers’ Market per month was the result of the request of regular market customers. After consultation with the Farmers, they agreed to try it for a limited period and subject to a later review on its viability.
The market stalls had been put up some hours before and even at 10 o’clock, many customers were already there for the launch. I had the pleasure of meeting Antony Worrell Thompson the famous chef and restauranteur, and Richard Benyon, the MP for Newbury, himself a farmer.
My introductory speech concentrated on the value of our historical charter market which had benefited both the local people and the traders and that this additional Farmers’ Market enhanced this benefit. Antony spoke about the benefits to both the community and the farmers who were experiencing tough times recently, and the advantages of fresh produce from local established farms, rather from abroad where the provenance of food was not always reliable. Richard also spoke from a farmers’ viewpoint who reiterated the plight of farmers and the Market was a good way of supplementing their income and getting a realistic price for their produce.
We then toured around the Market and I have to admit we were drooling at the wonderful range of produce available. I bought cheeses and a pretty fiery curry sauce while Edwina bought a very large chicken (it has a special name – according to my Constance Spry cookery book, it is a capon). This was from the Christmas Farm, Enborne not far from my house. I resisted the temptation of buying a goat burger as it would ruin my appetite for lunch, but it was doing a roaring trade.
I am certain that the Farmers’ Market operating on the first and third Sundays in each month will be a success in the future nand I wish them the best of good fortune.

CLAY HILL COMMUNITY DAY – RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY CENTRE

I was invited to the Clay Hill Community Day on Saturday 20 October at the Riverside Community Centre in Rosemoor Gardens. I arrived at 10a.m. and there was already great activity with a number of organisations already set up to receive residents and visitors. Outside, a group of Rapid Responders had set their equipment up while the Fire Brigade had deployed one of their tenders and a very battered car was alongside. The reason for this would be demonstrated later. There was also a climbing tower which looked rather formidable. Inside I met the Neighbourhood Action Group chairman Graham Farquhar who showed me around the various displays. Thames Valley police were there with a stand, with Sgt Simon Briggs and Jo Pomphrey, the Clay Hill community police officer. There were a number of volunteer groups, which would be of interest to children such as one where they could make their own badges. There was also a tea bar manned by volunteers which was very welcome and very popular.
There was the sound of drumming outside and there were a number of customers drumming a wide variety of African and other drums and I was invited to take part. I also saw a number of girls climbing the tower but none of the boys seemed keen to take part. The Fire Officers then gave a demonstration on how they would cut open a car to release trapped passengers. Their target time was to release anyone within the crucial one hour when it was generally considered the survival rate is greatly increased if they can achieve this. The operation was slow and methodical but this was needed to ensure that no-one was injured in the release operation. The volunteer fire officer in the car was enventually released and put on a stretcher for the Rapid
Response officers to take over. The Fire Officers were loudly applauded for their work which was well deserved.
When I left, there was an increasing number of local people attending and it proved to be a very successful venture and one which will help to promote better relations within the community and offer more opportunities for the younger people at the Community centre. Congratulations to the organisers and volunteers for their hard work in providing such a successful day.

VISIT TO RIDING FOR THE DISABLED, WYLD COURT, HAMPSTEAD NORREYS

The Newbury group of Riding for the Disabled invited us to their stables at Wyld Court on the afternoon of Tuesday 16 October. This was a specific day when children from a number of Newbury schools attend for riding. Edwina Cooper, the Mayoress and I were met on arrival by the organiser, Jo Stevenson-Hamilton and she took us in to the large indoor barn which had been arranged with a riding ring which the horses are walked around with their riders. Most of the children there were from Castle school and had varying degrees of disablement. What we amazed at was the transformation on the faces of the children when they were assisted onto the horses by the helpers. Big smiles and laughter were apparent as they were walked around the ring. The children then took part in games whereby they had to place objects on posts which gave them a modicum of activity while riding. Each session lasted about an hour and the children were somewhat reluctant to dismount and be taken off to the buses outside.
We were given a tour of the stables before sitting down to a welcome cup of tea and cake in the ‘office’. We were told that Riding for the Disabled received no Government grants and had to raise the £30,000 annual budget to run the site and care and feed the horses. They do have a full-time employee who carries out the routine daily work in the stables but apart from her, all the other activities are carried out by volunteers who include Jo’s son who helps when not studying at school. The annual budget is raised by the volunteers themselves with jumble sales and other fundraising activities. They also have some generous donors.

We enjoyed our visit and I have to admit that if any organisation deserves support, the Riding for the Disabled is a prime candidate.

LIONS DISTRICT 105D ANNUAL SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING AND DEDICATION

Each year the Lions Club hold an annual service and this year it was held in the Falklands Islands Memorial Chapel at Pangbourne College. I and the Mayoress were invited to attend as were a good number of Town Mayors and District/Unitary Council Chairmen from Hampshire and Berkshire and we were pleased to see Andrew Rowles the Chairman of West Berkshire Council attending. It was the first time I had been to the Chapel and was impressed by both the design and the memorial window which depicts the Falkland Islands with Christ’s Cross surrounded by a lively sea with the colours of blue, grey, green and yellow.
We were welcomed by the District Governor Lion and the service was conducted by the Rev Brian Cunningham the chaplain to the College. The choir was the Sacred Heart Choir. Senior Lions figures read the lessons and lead the reaffirmation of their international ethics and purposes and re-dedication.
After the service, we had tea in the college. Sitting at the trestle tables reminded me of when I was at school but fortunately it was only a passing thought but I was in some way relieved at leaving that building!
It was a moving service and I was pleased to have been invited.

MAYOR’S GALA CONCERT –CORN EXCHANGE

After months of preparations and rehearsals, the Gala concert took place on Friday 14 October in the Corn Exchange. It was an evening of Beethoven’s music which I love and I have to admit that I did help to choose the programme. What I did not know was that Kay Lawrence, the Southern Sinfonia Managing Director and David Hill, their Chief Conductor, had managed to get Melvin Tan, who has a formidable international reputation for playing Beethoven’s sonatas and concertos, to play at the concert.

Prior to the concert beginning, Chris de Souza the Presenter introduced me to say few words about the 3 charities which would benefit from the concert with – the Mayor’s Benevolent Fund, the Re-ordering of the interior of St. Nicolas Church and the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families Association (SSAFA). The concert then began with the Overture to the only ballet music he composed, The Creatures of Prometheus. It was a great overture to begin any concert and the Southern Sinfonia did it great justice and the audience was very appreciative.
Melvyn Tan gave a masterly performance of the 3rd Piano Concerto and you could hear a pin drop as the audience was enthralled by his playing. After the concert, a friend of mine who is not a particularly great classical music follower, said that he had never seen such piano playing as Melvyn had given.
The concert ended with the ever popular 6th Symphony which Beethoven had composed in 1806, and which contrasted in style from the 5th. All five movements were performed exceptionally well under David Hill’s direction and control and at the end, the audience exploded with prolonged applause.
At the reception afterwards, I congratulated David Hill on a wonderful concert and was able to meet Melvyn Tan who promised he would return to Newbury when his extensive tour in 2008 permitted and I for one will be there with all his other local fans!
It was a great concert and many of the audience I met since said it was one of the best. I look forward to the next one.

COLDSTREAM GUARDS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL SUNDAY LUNCH

I have been twice to the Coldstream Guards Association Annual Lunch at the Racecourse. In 2005, I went as a Town Councillor deputising for the Mayor and last year as well but this year, I am attending in my own right as Mayor. Edwina and I met Major John Cole in the car park who was talking to General the Lord Alvingham, whom I had met at previous lunches. John Cole is one of the veteran Coldstreamers and incidentally was once the Chairman of Newbury District Council. He was also closely involved in the management of Fairclose Day Centre.

In the Restaurant we met Barrie Padwick, the honorary Secretary and his wife who were responsible for the organisation of the event and have been doing so for many years. I was introduced to General Alvingham who was acting as the Association President in the absence of Major David Powell who had been given a special birthday gift from his family, a day at the Races. I was also introduced to General Sir Michael Rose, the Colonel of the Regiment.

The lunch was excellent and then General Alvingham proposed the toasts to the Queen, The Regiment and Association. General Rose spoke then about the deployment of the Coldstreams wold-wide and had some strong comment on how some parts of the Regiments had been split up into small packets without the usual leadership from the Regimental officers.

The lunch concluded by presentations and a raffle. Edwina was presented with a wonderful bouquet and I was given a Regimental Tankard, which I shall cherish. It was a splendid lunch and my thanks and best wishes go to the Coldstreamers and the Association.

ROYAL ANTEDILUVIAN ORDER OF BUFFALOES

Edwina Cooper and I were invited to a Ladies Festival Evening at the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes on 6 October at the West Berkshire Indoor Bowls Club. It was a black tie event and so we arrived to be greeted by Andy Double, the Provincial Grand Primo which interprets as the Chairman outside the Buffaloes movement. His wife Tracy was also there to greet us. There were no sign of aprons or regalia apart from most of the members wearing pendants of differing colours and inscriptions.
I was slightly embarrassed to be taken into the dining area to resounding applause by the members and guests. This is the normal custom so I felt better when explained to me.
The three course dinner was excellent and it was followed by a number of toasts; to the Queen; the Order; the Guest of Honour; and the Ladies and Guests. I then gave a speech of thanks for the invitation, congratulated them on their successful year and commending them for their charitable work.
Dancing followed and it was obvious that many of them were polished dancers, so we felt rather humbled by their practiced steps. We did enjoy it and quite late we said our farewells to very kind and hospitable hosts.

BIG BREW CHARITY COFFEE MORNING WITH 42 ENGINEER REGIMENT

Several months ago, we had agreed with 42 Engineer Regiment that they could use our Town Hall facilities to organise a BIG BREW in aid of SSAFA the services charity. And so on the morning of Friday 5 October, Edwina Cooper and I arrived at the Town Hall to find that the Engineers had already erected an awning outside together with trestle tables, balloons etc and were ready to receive customers. I breathed a sigh of relief when I discovered they had also set up in the Council Chamber. Despite the fact that it was a Friday not a Saturday, a traditional day for coffee mornings, there was a stream of customers.
The Royal Engineers chefs had prepared a splendid array of mouth watering cakes and buns and this in itself encouraged many of the customers to stay longer than usual. I was very pleased to be able to talk to many of the service families who had come in to support the coffee morning. Many of their husbands were either in Iraq or had returned home and it brought to mind how difficult and dangerous life must be for them.
The coffee morning was a great success and I believe they made over £300 that morning. Well done the Royal Engineers.

NATIONAL MEALS ON WHEELS WEEK EVENT

Edwina Cooper, the Mayoress and I were invited to attend a Meals on Wheels event at Lambourn Court on the afternoon of 4 October. When we arrived, we noted that there was a pianist entertaining the residents which proceeded the catering event. In talking to the residents, we discovered that this facility was not sheltered accommodation as such, although there was a Warden. All the residents, apart from a few, were normally able to look after themselves, such as cooking, shopping etc. Only a few residents had their meals brought into the building.

The catering firm which was supplying the food was really doing some market testing its meals on the residents. The food was heated up in special ovens in the vans and then brought into the building to be served up in the kitchen. Although the food was wholesome and of good variety, many residents considered the prices were rather high and no doubt this would be a factor when the residents decided on taking the Meals on Wheels.

When we talked to the residents, who incidentally were mostly in their 70 and 80s, it was obvious many liked the location, either because it was conveniently close to the town or it was near close relatives. The Handy Bus did call which helped with bulky shopping. I was particularly impressed at the independence of most of them. One lady in her late 80s walked to the local shop, made her own meals and still played bridge and was not resigned to sitting in her room all day! I hope I will be like her at her age!

NEWBURY PRIMARY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

I was invited to attend the Newbury Primary Schools football tournament on the afternoon of 3 October at Trinity School. This is an annual event which gives the boys and girls of Newbury’s Primary Schools the opportunity to play against each other. I had a personal interest in this tournament on two counts. The first was that I am a Governor of John Rankin Junior School which was in the tournament and secondly, I sponsored from the Mayor’s Fund the medals for the teams.
I arrived well into the competition but I was able to see several of the games. I was amazed at the skills and determination of all of the players, both girls and boys, and I have little doubt that some of them will be very good if they continue to play regularly. I was also impressed at the sportsmanship by all the players and perhaps the more professional players should follow their excellent example. I was delighted to give out all the medals and trophies as I believed they were all winners.
My thanks go to Sgt Simon Briggs of the Newbury Neighbourhood Policing Team and the PCSOs, Neighbourhood Wardens, the referees and other volunteers who made this tournament go so well. Thanks also go to Trinity School who hosted the tournament.

CEREMONIAL CROWN COURT OPENING SERVICE

I, together with Edwina Copper, the Mayoress and the Mayor’s attendant went to the ceremonial crown court opening service at Reading Minster on 2 October. Prior to the service, we were entertained by the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Chris Maskell for coffee at the Mayor’s Parlour in the Civic Centre. Most of the Mayors of Berkshire and Chairmen of Unitary Authorities were present and it was good to meet up with the Mayors of Thatcham, Phil Dray and Hungerford, Peter Harries and their wives. Irene Neill represented West Berkshire Council. We then processed from the Civic Centre to the Minster where we were shown to our respective seats. The main procession then began and the High Sheriff, Harry Henderson, the Under Sheriff, the High Court Judge, Mr Justice Keith together with other legal representatives, as well as barristers, proceeded the Archdeacon and Bishop of Reading.
The service lasted about an hour and I thought the opening hymn was very apposite for this rather special service. It was Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, forgive our foolish ways!
Afterwards, we proceeded back to the Mayor’s Parlour for a glass of sherry before travelling back to Newbury. It was quite a ceremony as well as a service and this has been part of the legal process which has been in existence for hundreds of years.