A new crossing over the River Thames lived up to its name as the Bishop of Reading, Andrew Proud, led a transfer of worshippers across Christchurch Bridge from Reading to Caversham. The group of 15, from Greyfriars in the town centre, have joined the evolving community at St John the Baptist, Lower Caversham. Read more...
The Winter Ramble’s route took us past the mistletoe in Caversham Court, over Caversham Bridge (pausing to read the plaque on St Anne’s Chapel set into the wall) and along the south side of the Thames. We crossed at the exciting surging Caversham Lock and explored the nature reserve on View Island before returning along the north bank. After tea by the Christmas tree in St Peter’s we sat in the Lady Chapel to hear various ramblers recite favourite seasonal poetry and prose -all very much enjoyed. The afternoon ended with a spontaneous group rendition of Away... Read more...
The Christmas Market in 2017 raised £3,120.59 for the Myanmar refugees which will be sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) which covers 13 charities including Christian Aid and Tearfund. It was a very happy occasion with wonderful homemade goods, games to play and seasonal refreshments and was great fun. A tremendous effort by all involved. Read more...
A group of singers from St Peter's and associated friends met at The Pack Horse on the Thursday before Christmas to enjoy the convivial atmosphere and share their carols with a wider audience. The Bethlehem Carol Sheets were handed out and the customers joined in with the singing and said how nice it was to hear carols. The Singers were rewarded with delicious mince pies and mulled wine. Read more...
The Autumn Ramble took place on Remembrance Sunday. The trees looked truly spectacular in the stunning sunshine and against the clear blue skies. The footpath to the woods was muddy and treacherous (providing us with just the tiniest inkling of what it must have been like 100 years ago in Passchendaele).Amongst several records set this afternoon were the first time someone has lost a boot in the mud and had to be carried to dry ground, and the first incidence of blood-letting. Another record set was the appearance of our youngest ever rambler - Thomas – at just 7 weeks... Read more...
Taking time over a quiet coffee can be just the thing but sometimes a chance to chat can make all the difference. Chat Mats at the 3Cs Café in St John’s Church on Gosbrook Road ensure both are available every Tuesday morning. Read more...
The Parish Barn Dance at the end of September was great fun. Music was provided by local band Inisheer, with Howard Ballard as caller guiding us through the dances. We have booked the band again for next year, so put Friday 28th September 2018, 6.30pm, in your diaries! The proceeds of the evening came to £219 which we are donating to the Churches in Reading Drop In Centre (CIRDIC). Read more...
The Summer Ramble held on 10 September 2017 had a definite focus - to explore the Wilfred Owen connection at Dunsden.The walk was organised by Francis Sergeant and incorporated Clayfield Copse and Blackhouse Wood where we enjoyed seeing the various wooden sculptures and coppicing, noticed the original parish Saxon boundary between Mapledurham and Binfield Heath, and learnt about the gravel pit workings in that area. We then walked along old paths to Dunsden Church where we heard interesting talks about notable features of the church, the life of Wilfred Owen, and a recitation of three of his war poems (thanks... Read more...
