Social Events
We enjoy many opportunities to get together for fellowship across the Benefice - in addition to the refreshments we usually share after our services. We look forward to welcoming you to an event soon - here are the current options:Anna Chaplaincy Events
Anna lunches and teas are open to all in their maturity but we also welcome anyone who would value the social interaction it affords. Revd Heather is the Anna Chaplain, assisted by Anna Friends Paul and Valerie, please see the Anna Chaplaincy page for more information.
It has been decided that as there is either a harvest lunch or tea being arranged by each of the churches, to wait till November for our church Community Lunch. The date is Thursday 13th of November at 1pm. This will be at Shiplake Meadows (the Audley village on the A4155 not far from Shiplake war memorial). A menu is now available. Please contact Revd Heather for further details. And to book your place on [email protected] or 07946352026.
The Anna tea in December will be different! Mindful of the darker days I am planning to hold a prayer book 1662 Communion service at 2pm at Dunsden on the 11th December prior to celebrating the forthcoming season of Christmas, with a glass of mulled wine, Christmas cake and mince pies. EVERYONE is welcome but I do need to know you are coming for catering purposes please.
Any questions, please contact Revd Heather on [email protected] or 07946352026.
Boys Brunches
Boys Brunches are hosted by Paul at Harpsden, usually every first Monday of the month, 10.30 am - 12 noon, and are for all mature gentlemen who may, or may not, have recently lost a loved one, live alone and would welcome company, like talking, or listening, or just want to chew the cud with a group of sympathetic blokes. Come and join us for tea/coffee and a bite to eat whilst putting the world to rights.
Please contact Paul for more information, email Paul by clicking here.
Calendar Related or Miscellaneous Events
These special events celebrate particular dates, items in the church calendar or season / nature.
Flute and Piano Concert at Shiplake Church
Join us at Shiplake Church on Tuesday, 28th October 2025 at 3:00pm for a beautiful afternoon of music for flute and piano. The programme features timeless works by Bach and Debussy, alongside favourites by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Dvořák.
Admission is free, with donations welcome in support of the church. All are warmly invited to enjoy this varied programme in the peaceful setting of our church.
Hand Chimes
During half-term there will be two "open to all" hand chimes sessions at Shiplake church on Monday 27th October at 1pm and 1.45pm. Please come along and try playing hand chimes with Helen. This is suitable for all ages and levels - but children are to be accompanied please. This may be a one-off or develop into something more if people are keen. Please email Vic to reserve a space or with any questions. We shall look forward to seeing you there.
Harvest
There are lots of Harvest services and socials in the Benefice this year, please see the Harvest News item for more information.
Community Lunches
The two types of Community lunches are usually self-funded:
There is a regular Harpsden Lunch at Badgemore Park. Everyone is welcome, from across the Benefice - but please let Hazel know if you would like to attend (or if you have any questions) by email on [email protected]
It has been decided that as there is either a harvest lunch or tea being arranged by each of the churches, to wait till November for our church Community Lunch. The date is Thursday 13th of November at 1pm. A venue has yet to be finally decided but will either be at the Griffin in Caversham or the Bottle and Glass in Binfield Heath. Please let Revd Heather know your preference and if you are likely to attend. The venue will be announced in the Benefice newsletter after the 1st of October.
Cuppa and Chat
All Saints ,Dunsden will be open every Wednesday afternoon (2.30-4.30) for a cuppa, cake, biscuits and chat. All are welcome. Should you like to bring along any unfinished crafts to finish yourself or need help to get them completed, we are here for you. Contact Yvonne by email for details.
Study and Prayer
While not solely social, like many of the other events listed here, we have several groups that share refreshments and fellowship alongside study and prayer. If this is of interest, please see below, as well as the Benefice Bible Study and Benefice Prayer Group pages.
New Bible Study House Group – The Letter to the Hebrews
David and Shelagh will be hosting a new Bible Study House Group at their home on the last Thursday of each month from 2–4pm, beginning Thursday 25th September 2025. Read more here. Email David by clicking here.