We are delighted to announce the opening of our new office in Thatcham at the beginning of December 2011. Full details can be found on the Thatcham page of our website.
News
Reading Crematorium
Cemetery will close at 15.00hrs on Friday 23rd & 30th December.
Saturday 24th-Tuesday 27th December Closed
Saturday 31st – Monday 2nd January Closed
West Berkshire Crematorium
Saturday 24th-Tuesday 27th December Closed
Wednesday 28th – Friday 30th Dec Open as normal
Saturday 31st – Monday 2nd January Closed
Easthampstead Park Crematorium
Saturday 24th-Tuesday 27th December Closed
Saturday 31st – Monday 2nd January Closed
Our very own Julian Walker was interviewed by Coutts Family Business department. They will be using ABW as a case study and we will be able to provide more details after the 15th December... Watch this space!
We are absolutely delighted to report that our very own Fueral Administrator Debbie Friel has won a pride of Reading Award! Hardworking Debbie was Reading’s Employee of the Year and was nominated for being “caring, sympathetic, diplomatic and professional”.
The eighth Pride of Reading awards were held at the Crowne Plaza on 23rd November. The glittering ceremony was hosted by Reading boy Chris Tarrant with special guests – including chef Antony Worrall Thompson, TV star Debbie McGee, Sir John Madejski and Brian McDermott from the Royals, London Irish’s Shontayne Hape and many more. Performances came from X Factor star Danyl Johnson and Reading’s own Elvis Paul Rouse.
Huge Congratulations to Debbie from the whole team at AB Walker! We are very proud too!
Duchess of Kent House Charity - Light up a Life 2011
We would like to invite you to celebrate with us the life of someone who was very dear to you at 6.30pm on Friday, 2nd December 2011 at our annual Light Up a Life service.
For further details, please visit the Duchess of Kent website.
The festive season will soon be with us, and we would love for you to join us at this year’s Lights of Love service. Many find it a very welcome way to celebrate the life of a loved one at Christmas, and we hope you will too.
We’ll have tea, coffee and mince pies available after the service and we’d love you to stay on for a chat with us, our Hospice Manager and nurses.
Event Details:
Date: 01 December 2011
Time: 18.30
Activity: Lights of Love
Location: St Mary's Church, Henley-on-Thames
Thursday 1st Dec service http://www.sueryder.org/events.php/1086/lights_of_love_nettlebed
Thursday 1st Dec service http://www.sueryder.org/events.php/1086/lights_of_love_nettlebed
Here's Michael celebrating his 65th birthday, on the 18th November. At the same time he shared his birthday with his Grandaughter who was 2 years old!
The whole team would like to wish Michael very many Happy Returns!
.jpg)
Renovation work has started at our new Thatcham branch and is progressing well. More photos to follow.
We are delighted to report that Steve Pope and Chris Finill have completed their run across America, running an astonishing 40 miles a day for 77 days from San Francisco to New York.
Finishing in the unseasonably cold and snowy conditions after rain, wind, desert, altitude – we are all immensely proud of Steve and Chris. They have raised over £3,000 for Help for Heroes. We look forward to welcoming them home in a week or so! Please visit http://www.bmycharity.com/runacrossamerica if you would like to make a donation.
A. B. Walker & Son Limited have been awarded the bronze Investors in People recognition. This is a big achievement for the team at A B Walker!
The aim is to continue to improve on what we currently do and to aim towards silver for the next review.
A.B.Walker & Son held its third annual game shoot at the Wasing Estate near Aldermaston in October. The weather was spectacularly warm to the relief of all! The day was in support of Chris Mears – our Olympic Diving Hopeful. The day was finished with a lunch at Wasing Park and prizes for the best and worst!
.jpg)
A B Walker and Sons Limited are very pleased to announce that our Funeral Operative, Mark Stewart, has successfully passed his BRAMM Exam, please join us in offering him our congratulations
The A B Walker K2 Canoe was dusted off and put in to action on Sunday 2nd October at the 55th National Hasler Final Canoe Marathon Racing Championships held at Bedford. The A B Walker boat which was used in the 2010 Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race to raise money for Help For Heroes was again crewed by Reading Canoe Club paddlers Matthew Walker and Lee Atkins, who made a credible 5th place in their divisional race. Both Matt and Lee opted for the reassuring stability of the A B Walker boat to meet the predicted choppy conditions which proved the right call.
All Saints Church, Witlshire Road, Wokingham are holding a short service to give thanks for the life of someone you remember, Please feel free to join them for a thoughtful prayer and a quiet moment on Sunday 6th November 2011 at 3.00pm. Refreshments to be served after the service.
Members of the A B Walker & Son team will be attending a Memorial Service at Holy Trinity Church, Bracknell on Sunday 30th October 2011 at 3pm. This is an annual service to remember all those who have passed away within the last year. The service is open to family and friends.
AB Walker & Son Limited have been listed as a recommended funeral director by the Natural Death Centre.
The Natural Death Centre is a social entrepreneurial, educational charity that gives advice on all aspects of dying, bereavement and consumer rights in this area. They offer support on family-organised and environmentally-friendly funerals and run the Association Natural Burial Grounds. Although green, they promote choice and education not just environmental issues.
An old University Friend of Julian Walker, Steve Pope, is undertaking a coast to coast run across America, starting in San Francisco and finishing in New York. Steve and running mate Chris Finill will be running 40 miles a day for 77 days to raise money for charity "Help For Heroes".
The pair are hoping to raise £10,000 for the chairty, and with your help we hope to get that figure even higher. Please check out their web site if you wish to sponsor them. http://runacrossamerica.co.uk/index.php.
All the very best of luck to Tony Grimshaw, a Funeral Conductor for A B Walker & Son Limited, who is taking his NAFD Diploma Exam this Week!
James Leedham of Native Woodland Limited and Julian Walker of A B Walker and Son Limited teamed up to run a stall at the Henley Show to promote natural burials, this event took place in Hambledon, near Henley-on-Thames on Saturday 10th September 2011.
Native Woodland Limited have a natural burial ground based in Rotherfield Greys, near Henley and work closely with A B Walker's Henley Office. A natural burial ground is a place where mourners can have more time, more privacy and more space in which to remember their loved one. The area is surrounded by trees, grass, wild flowers and wildlife rather than rows of head stones, which keeps things simple and less traditional.
Although a natural burial site may take some years to become established, the beauty of it is that the meadows will be grazed just as they have always been and will continue to be long after burials cease; new tree planting will develop within 10 years to become new native woodland and the mature woodland burial grounds are managed to regenerate old and fallen trees.
A B Walker and Son Limited are hosting a Reception and Dinner for all their employees and their partners to be held at Cilantro in the Madjeski Stadium Complex on Friday 9th September 2011, this is our way of thanking all our staff for their amazing contribution to the success of our business, and a chance for everyone to let their hair down!
Sadly The Independent Living and Easy Lifestyle Show which was due to be held at Rivermead Leisure Centre on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2011 did not go ahead in the end due to unforeseen circumstances, however, A B Walker and Son are hoping to find a similar event to participate in in the not too distant future.
A B Walker and Son Limited will be hosting a stand at The Independent Living and Easy Lifestyle Show which is being held at Rivermead Leisure Centre on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2011. The event will comprise approximately 100 exhibitors and admission is free to all visitors. The event will be open to the general public on both days betweeen 10am and 5pm. Car parking is available for both exhibitors and visitors.
Aimed at the over 50s, companies exhibiting at this event will include mobility services, care/nursing agencies, retirement homes, overseas properties, residential homes, hearing aids and pre-paid funeral plans.
Representatives from A B Walker & Son Limited will be attending the Annual Memorial Service at Easthampstead Park Crematorium which takes place on Sunday 4th September at 3.00pm.
This is an open air ceremony, aimed at remembering those who have passed away during the last year. The service will comprise hymns, a humanist section, readings from local Ministers, plus a Choir and the Salvation Army Band will also be performing. Afterwards refreshments will be served to raise money for the Mayor’s Charity.
A B Walker and Son Limited were sad to say goodbye to one of their Funeral Operatives, Phil Young, who left our employment on Friday 12th August. Phil and his partner Lauren are moving to Lincolnshire to start a new life, where Phil has managed to find employment with another Funeral Director - our loss, their gain, but we wish them all the very best for the future.
Cynthia Townley and Heidi Nightingale, of A B Walker & Son Limited, joined the Town Mayor, Peter Lucey for the judging of "Wokingham in Flower Competition" which is sponsored by A. B. Walker & Son every year.
The winner in the Container section was "The Hope & Anchor", followed closely by "Waitrose". Winner in the Garden section was "The Crispin", followed by "The Doll’s House".
Trophies and certificates are to be presented at The Town Hall on Wednesday 14th September 2011, and in the meantime may A B Walker & Son Limited take this opportunity of congratulating everyone who took part, our thanks go out to you for all your effort and hard work - well done!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKVAX6pA_84
Filmed on Sunday 24th July 2011 at the Palmer Park Bowling Club. - The 'Spider' was the first event of the PPBC Gala Day, sponsored by A.B.Walker & Son Ltd
Our Charity of the Year for 2010-2011, the very worthwhile Chiltern and Thames Valley Air Ambulance Trust (TVACAA) is now coming to an end. We are currently considering what charity we will support during 2011-2012 and this will be announced in September
A B Walker and Son Limited have donated a second memorial stone for Reading Football Club Memorial Park at the Madejski Stadium in memory of players and management, cementing our affliliation with the club and supporters.
As stalwart Reading fans, we all wish them well in the new season and hope to see Premiership football back in Berkshire in 2012 - come on you R's!!
Palmer Park Bowling Club held their Gala Day yesterday - Sunday 24th July 2011 - which A B Walker & Son Limited were very proud to sponsor.
This is the 10th year ABW have sponsored PPBC’s Gala day, with 20 teams competing in glorious sunshine. PPBC President John Hall with Matthew Walker and Tony Grimshaw were there to present the trophies to;
Winners: Three Mile Cross B (pictured above)
Runners Up: Woodley
Semi-Finalist: Island Bohemians A
Semi-Finalist: Trenthams
Winner of the £100 Raffle: Gordon Gunns (pictured above)
Winner of the ‘Spider’: Theresa Slark
Well done to all those who attended and a special thank you to all the Palmer Park Bowling Club members who made the day relaxed as ever.
All the luck in the world and our very best good wishes go to our Receptionist Sue Stacey whose last day with us is on Friday 22nd July 2011, we will all miss you very much Sue, and our good wishes go with you in your new career
A B Walker & Sons Limited are very proud to be sponsoring Palmer Park Bowls Club Gala Day this Sunday 24th July. We wish all the participants the very best of luck and are keeping everything crossed that the rain holds off - unlike our staff bowling event kindly organised by PPBC last month (Pictured)!
Congratulations to A B Walker and Son Employee David Gavin for passing his BRAMM (British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons) Accreditattion Exam. This is a recognised uniform standard of workmanship and business practice throughout the UK.
Pride of Reading nomination for Debbie Friel
Caring Debbie Friel’s friendly face and sympathetic ear have offered comfort at a time of grief for many families and they have now earned her a nomination for a Pride of Reading award.
The Reading-born 52-year-old has been nominated in the Employee of the Year category in her role of funeral administrator at AB Walker & Son in Eldon Road, Central Reading.
She was nominated by Chris Millard who used the funeral directors following the loss of his parents Derek and Margaret and has nothing but praise for his nominee he calls “a real star”.
Mr Millard, 49, from Hardwick Road, Tilehurst, said: “Debbie is the first point of contact for bereaved families and has a real special way of putting people at ease and making what is a unimaginably difficult time easier.
“She does her job very professionally and compassionately.
“Personally I have lost both parents in the last three years and Debbie has organised both funerals and has done a fantastic job each time.
“She is a real star, a lovely person and I really believe that she deserves to be nominated for this award.”
Mrs Friel, who lives with her husband George, 40, in Amethyst Lane, Tilehurst, has been employed by AB Walker & Son for 15 years.
She said: “I enjoy the job. Some people say they couldn’t do it but there are many jobs out there I couldn’t do. It is predominantly about helping people like any other caring profession.
“When a family come in they are often very apprehensive and have never had to arrange a funeral before and we help them from the start of their grief right through to the service.
“I have suffered bereavement before I joined the company when I lost both my parents at a young age and try to treat people the way I would like to be myself and listen to what they want.
“Each arrangement is different because of the circumstances, which can sometimes be tragic and emotional, but you learn to stay calm and professional.
“I always think that no matter how I am feeling if I can do something to make things a little easier then that gives me the satisfaction I need.”
On her nomination in the Hilton-sponsored category, Mrs Friel added: “I cannot quite believe it really. In lots of ways I do not like being singled out as it’s a really big team effort.“We get lots of thank you letters from people and it is nice that Chris has nominated me, but without everyone here it wouldn’t happen. I just play my part.”
On 1st August 2011 Wokingham Register Office will be moviing to the following address:
Wokingham Register Office
Civic Offices
Shute End
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 1WH
Tel: 0118 974 6554 (New Number)
Fax: 0118 974 6255
Palmer Park Bowls Club opened their doors to A B Walker staff and their families for an evening of bowls followed by a buffet kindly supplied by PPBC, a thank you to A B Walker & Son Limited for sponsoring their Gala Day.
Despite heavy rainfall a good time was had by all, even those who had never played bowls before in their lives! Unfortuantely beacause of the weather, all but the die-hards were forced to retire to the club house a little earlier than planned, but a most delicious buffet and a few drinks ensued which more than made up for the poor weather! A massive thank you to PPBC for their wonderful hospitality!
The launch for Sue Ryder Nettlebed Hospice Women of Achievement Awards 2011 was held at The Leander Club, Henley on 21st June 2011 and attended by Julian Walker.
The Women of Achievement Awards help to recognise and celebrate the successes of women; in business, the community, the creative world and in sport. Sue Ryder Nettlebed Hospice looks forward to welcoming back some previous winners and nominees and introducing this year's WOAA Category Champions.
The Awards Ceremony will be held at the Hilton Hotel, Reading on 13th October 2011. Please feel free to nominate the heroine in your life!
A B Walker & Son Limited held a Staff Workshop on Wednesday 22nd June 2011 at The Great House Sonning. The event was attended by all ABW Staff and Directors and was a most enjoyable and informative afternoon, invoking many lively discussions about the vision and future of A B Walker. This was followed by an absolutely delicious Barbeque on the Terrace of The Great House, and we were most fortunate that the earlier heavy rain dissipated leaving a dry and sunny evening. A most successful event and we extend our grateful thanks to all those who were involved.
A B Walker & Son Limited are proud to be sponsoring Henley Bowls Club Gala Day this Sunday 26th June 2011, Julian Walker will attend to present the prize to the winning team - good luck to everyone who is taking part!
We are holding a staff workshop on Wednesday 22nd June to discuss the vision and future of A.B. Walker. Watch out for future announcements from this day.
The team at A.B. Walker would like to wish a very happy retirement to both Rev. John Coombs from St. Nicholas Church, Hurst & St. Mary’s Church, Winnersh and Rector Bill Meyer from All Saints Church, Binfield. They are both much loved in their respective communities and we wish them every happiness in their retirement.
Julian Walker acted as a "celebrity" auctioneer with some other slightly more famous faces in mid May; the total raised was nearly £25,000 in aid of the tower fund at St Andrews Church, Sonning. The auction was held at Reading Blue Coat School where Julian and Matthew Walker were both pupils.
At A.B. Walker & Son Ltd we are now pleased to offer our customers a number of options for funeral catering. We work in partnership with local businesses to provide a variety of solutions, from catering at your home to a fully staffed service at local venues. Please call us on 0118 957 3650 to discuss how we can meet any requirements you may have. For further details, including sample menus, please visit the links below:
We are delighted to report that Julian completed this year’s London Marathon in just under 4 hours! He was aiming for 3 hours and 45 minutes and after the first half of the course was on schedule to meet this ambitious target. However at around 22 miles, the heat took over and Julian slowed down his pace (for fear of being the target of an over enthusiastic St John’s Ambulance worker!). He still managed to shave a couple of minutes off his finishing time in 2009 and we are all very impressed with his efforts. Most importantly, Julian hit his target to raise over £3,000 for Sue Ryder Care, a local hospice that helps very sick people with necessary care. Thanks to everybody who supported Julian and well done on a fantastic achievement!
Earlier this year, we were pleased to be told that A.B. Walker & Son had won a regional award for pre-paid funeral planning with Golden Charter, the leading independent pre-paid funeral provider in the UK (see the article below). We promised to share some photos from the national conference of the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, which took place in March. We were regional winners of the "over 500 funerals" category for the South East. James Hall, who was instrumental in driving this success, and Julian Walker were delighted to collect the award on behalf of A.B. Walker. A great result and well done to the team and everybody involved!
New fees are being issued by Easthampstead Park Crematorium which are effective from 1st April 2011. For further information, please visit their website.
We have a new funeral fleet on order; 2 shiny new jaguar hearses and 1 limousine due for delivery early in 2012.
Simon who has worked in the family firm for nearly seven years has decided that his time at AB Walker has come to an end and he hopes to continue to utilise his monumental masonry skills as well as learn some new skills. Simon intends to move in the Basingstoke direction, where he has a large concentration of friends. Many of his colleagues gathered on his last day in February to wish him well and send him off in style.
John, a very popular member of our ABW team, has decided to move to Liverpool to be with his beloved, Laura. We are all extremely excited for him - not least his mother, Sue, our monumental masonry administrator! We sent him on his way northwards with a Reading FC top to remind him of his heritage! Good luck John!
Ian and Pat MacDonald enjoyed a complimentary night at the Forbury Hotel in Reading as a result of winning a staff raffle - They would like to thank the Forbury management for an excellent experience.
We have been informed that AB Walker & Son have won a regional award for pre-paid funeral planning with Golden Charter, the leading independent prepaid funeral provider in the UK - this award is to be announced at the national conference of the Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors to be held at Brands Hatch in March. Pictures and details to follow!
A public consultation is underway considering changes to the cemetery regulations at Reading’s main cemetery. For details please click on this link.
2010 has been confirmed as having the lowest death rate in England and Wales for the past 55 years. Despite health concerns surrounding rising levels of obesity and alcohol use, death rates for both men and women fell by about 5% in 2009 from 2008. In 2010, there were under half a million deaths registered - the last time the figure fell this low was in the mid-1950s, when the population was 10m smaller. The life expectancy for adults continues to increase with men closing the gap on women – who still live significantly longer.
We have concluded an in depth review of our memorial operations and will spend 2011 bringing in a more client focused approach to the creation of memorials and hope to bring down the 12 week order time significantly.
Our ‘new girl’ Caroline Cassells officially takes the helm at our Henley branch during January after a three month training programme. Caroline is local to Henley and has a breadth of experience in customer care.
Some of the chaps have been putting themselves forward to loose a few pounds in a drive to make themselves more healthy in 2011. The company tailor has been readied to adjust tails and waistbands…
Fundraiser Allison Bennett, Julian Walker and Sue Ryder Manager Elise Hoadley launching the London Marathon fundraising bid and the new Sue Ryder logo – what a large T shirt for such a small chap!!
Some guests at the second AB Walker & Son charity shooting day in aid of the Air Ambulance, held at Wasing Park near Aldermaston.
Our Henley office has now been formally re-opened by the Mayor of Henley, Councillor Mrs Jennifer Wood and Reverend Duncan Carter following extensive refurbishment.
Julian Walker, Mayor Councillor Jennifer Wood and Rev Duncan Carter unveil a plaque commemorating the refurbishment of the Henley Office.
James from the Rotherfield Greys Woodland Burial site and Matthew Walker.
Ministers Galore!
Julian Walker has been awarded a place to run the London Marathon for Sue Ryder Care, Nettlebed in 2011.
Later next year Julian will be running the New York Marathon in support of a friend running across America in aid of Help for Heroes.
Cynthia Townley has been appointed our first General Manager. Cynthia has worked at AB Walker for the past 9 years and has extensive funeral and memorial experience.
All four of our branches held a coffee morning as part of the national “Biggest Coffee Morning” and were supported by clients, neighbours and several passers by! We collected a total of £142.94 which will be match funded by the Walker Family Charitable Trust.
Thank you all for attending.
Reading Crematorium in Caversham, has held its first public open day supported by AB Walker & Son. Members of the public were offered tours of the facilities and Julian Walker was on hand to answer specific questions.
It is hoped that shortly an annual memorial service will be announced for members of all denominations to gather and remember loved ones who either lay buried or were cremated at Reading Crematorium.
Mary Bliss, a stalwart of our Reading office has retired in September 2010 after 22 years service. Mary and her partner Colin were guests of honour at an open house where some of her family, nursing staff, clients, newspaper contacts, clergy and doctors gathered to raise a toast followed by a dinner held in The Forbury Hotel for all members of staff and their partners. Mary was gifted a watch despite never being late for work – even when it snowed! The Walker family paid tribute to Mary and wish her every happiness in her retirement.
Paul Starmer,an A.B. Walker Operative was thrilled to announce the arrival of his daughter Olivia Daniella on 18 June 2010 weighing in at 6lb 14ozs
Simon looks very confident abseiling down a Reading building in June.
Matt Walker and Lee Atkins came 37th in their class and raised over £9000 for Help for Heroes, A.B. Walker's chosen charity of the year.
Matthew Walker and Lee Atkins training hard for the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon being held on Easter Weekend 4th April 2010 – please sponsor the boys at http://www.justgiving.com/Canoe-Kings in aid of Help For Heroes.
A.B. Walker has chosen Help for Heroes as its Charity of the Year for 2009/10. This event raised £750 – the total stands at over £4,000 and will increase with several staff events in the pipeline.
A.B. Walker conducted it’s first burial at sea for some time this winter about 3 miles south of the Needles in accordance of the family wishes. An emotional if bracing experience for those in attendance.
Thank you all for supporting me I just missed my target of under 4 hours - I managed 4.00hrs and 42 seconds (but at least I beat Gordon Ramsay!).
I have to admit to rather enjoying myself, it was very hot for running (20 degrees plus), especially as all of my training has been early on frosty, snowy or wet mornings - my only injury is a spot of vest shaped sunburn! Nicky managed to spot me en route and together with friends Alex, Seamus and Franny, take me for a celebratory beer or two in the West End within minutes of finishing!
Together with your help, my sponsorship total for Sue Ryder Care is £5,329.34. I am going to see the staff at the Sue Ryder Hospice in Nettlebed on Wednesday for a ceremonial cheque handover.
Thank you everyone for being so generous with your money and your encouragement, especially the training tips and hints. From my personal health view, I have lost about 4 Kilos and reduced my body fat percentage by over 7% from Christmas time to be well within the recommended healthy range!
Thank you all.
Julian
Head Office Building renovation is progressing – all of the administrators are now safely ensconced in their new office and the conversion of the chapels, mortuary and entrance reception has started. We are on track for completion in December 2008 and look forward to a service of dedication of the new chapels in the late spring time on 2009.
David Walker is blessed with another grandchild – this time a girl! David’s elder daughter Sian and son-in-law Alan have announced the birth of Molly Naomi.
A. B. Walker & Son held its second forum at the Leander Club in Henley and this year our speaker was Claire Rayner OBE who spoke entertainingly, and openly, about her experiences as a nurse and an agony aunt and her survival against cancer.
Over 70 specially invited guests attended and the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all. 13 Leander Club athletes won medals at this year’s Olympics for rowing which made the venue even more spectacular.
As a treat for some Latvian students on an exchange with girls from the Abbey School, Reading, they were collected from the airport in three of our new limousine fleet.
We have now taken ownership of our new Jaguar fleet and this, in conjunction with retaining one of our Mercedes hearses and two of our Mercedes limousines, increases our fleet to an impressive 3 hearses and 6 limousines. This enables us to further meet the expectations of our clients throughout the area.
All members of staff were engaged at an afternoon workshop to develop their product and service knowledge as well as consider areas of our service to improve. It was held at the Madejski Stadium in August and the ideas thrown up by staff members are to be incorporated into our strategic planning process
This is a gardening and floral display competition for the Wokingham area. This year we are sponsors, judges and awarding the best floral display by a commercial premises. Entry forms for both sections can be obtained from the following link.
http://www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/
In July A. B. Walker sponsored the running shirts and transport to London of seven runners for the British 10km. Amongst the exhausted runners was Julian, his wife Nicky and local Twyford GP Carol James. Well done to all those who took part!
We have had two causes for celebration recently. In July Paul, one of our Funeral Operatives, married Giustina and spent their honeymoon in Turkey, and in August Pam married Giancarlo and enjoyed their honeymoon cruising around the Mediterranean. Coincidentally Giancarlo is the uncle of Giustina so a double celebration for their family!
We held our annual staff event on the ‘New Orleans’ in August with the vessel taking us on a leisurely trip along the River Thames. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening which was rounded off by a spot of dancing. Our thanks to Hobbs of Henley.
ABW again sponsored two bowls competitions locally and it was good to see that one of the home sides won their final with Henley beating Shiplake during the final end.
To celebrate the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth, Peppard Revels held a weekend celebration on Peppard Common. Attended by over 400 people, A. B. Walker supported the James Bond themed ball which ended with a magnificent fireworks display and raised nearly £4,000 - the bulk of which went to support the War Memorial Hall and the remainder to the Friends of Peppard School and the British Heart Foundation.
Every few years the Village of Rotherfield Peppard near Henley, holds a weekend celebration on Peppard Common which on the Saturday includes a family day, an evening event and a multi-denominational church service followed by lunch on the Sunday. In the past, themes have been The Millennium, The Queens Golden Jubilee and the Bicentenary of Trafalgar. This year we are supporting the evening extravaganza celebrating the centenary of the birth of local author Ian Fleming (the Fleming family were resident in Joyce Grove, now Sue Ryder Care in Nettlebed). The evening we are sponsoring is a James Bond Ball – tickets and information are available from http://www.peppardrevels.org.uk/
Hoping for better luck than last year we entered a highly trained team into the 2008 football tournament, played at the Madejski Stadium in May. Yet again we were unsuccessful in winning but we all know that it’s the taking part that counts!
We have decided to create a charitable trust. This will become our vehicle for directly helping local charitable causes. We are going to invest in the trust without drawing from it for another four years to allow an appropriate sum to accumulate and in turn earn a significant enough amount for distribution. We hope to include the next generation of the Walker family (the eldest is still only 9!) as well as members of staff and retired members of the family in the management and distribution of the funds.
Our thanks to Mark Evans and his team at Coutts for their advice.
http://www.coutts.com/philanthropy.asp