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.