Tag: #ParishionerMagazine

Posted on

Meet the local: Refeia Zaman, The Holistic Coach

The Parishioner was delighted to interview Refeia, a locally based Holistic Life Coach:

Parishioner – It was lovely to meet you at a community coffee morning organised by the ladies from the Ahmadiya community at the Ash Centre recently. What is your local connection, and what does community mean to you?

Refeia – I have lived in Frimley Green for the past 26 years, my children grew up and went to school around Frimley. Community to me means friendship and support during good times and the not so easy times. 

Parishioner – We are always interested in what people love about the local area and what would you suggest to newcomers to try within a few miles of Ash Vale. Any favourite pass times, places to visit, walks, clubs or groups you would recommend?

Refeia – My happy place is feeling the sun on my skin. I take a daily walk through Frimley Lodge Park, along the canal. It is so peaceful and I love being in nature. There’s lots to do for those with children and a cafe. The past couple of weeks, the ducks and geese are having their babies, so I’ve been feeding the ducklings and goslings. Tip: Try leaving your phone at home.

Parishioner – We understand that you are a professional Holistic Life Coach, how did you find your way in to this profession, and can you give our readers an idea of what you get up to in a typical week? 

Refeia – I’ve always been interested in helping people become the best version of themselves. About five years ago, I trained as an organisational development coach, and through working with people, I quickly realised that you can’t really separate work life from home life. When things improve in one area, it often has a positive knock-on effect in others.

In any given week, I might be supporting someone who’s feeling overwhelmed and trying to find a better work-life balance, helping someone build confidence, or talking things through with someone going through a big life change such as becoming a parent, going through a divorce, retiring, or coping with bereavement.

No two days are ever the same, and that’s something I really enjoy. But what I enjoy most is seeing people start to feel more like themselves again, often through small, simple changes that make a big difference.

It’s not about having all the answers or making huge life overhauls. Sometimes, it’s just about having the space to pause, reflect, and take that next step forward. 

Parishioner  – You gave us a wonderful deep breathing exercise to try at the coffee morning. It was a very effective way to release some of the stresses of the day. If you had one piece of advice for a new habit for someone to start, what would you suggest?

Refeia – Step outside and pause long enough to take it in. Properly pause and let your attention land on something natural around you. A tree, the sky, the sound of the leaves rustling or the birds singing. The calm you’re searching for isn’t something you need to build from scratch but something your body already knows how to access.

Parishioner –  Thank you so much for being our “meet the local” for April 2026. If a community group, company or individual is interested in your services how can they reach you?

 Refeia – Thank you so much. I work with both individuals and groups.

Contact details  below ….

Refeia Zaman
The Holistic Coach
Tel: 07448 684349
Email: refeia@the-holistic-coach.co.uk
www.the-holistic-coach.co.uk
Refeia Zaman | LinkedIn

Posted on

In loving memory of dear “Scrivener”

St Mary’s church family remembers Tony Fitzpatrick-Brown

As some of you will know, Tony Fitzpatrick-Brown died unexpectedly over the Christmas period. He was a faithful member of St Mary’s, being a contributor to the Parish Magazine as “Scrivener”, a Thursday Cafe visitor, and a staunch supporter of Evensong and previously the 8.00am Sunday service. We will miss his love, care and support very much. We hope you enjoy these memories from his St Mary’s church family.

Continue reading “In loving memory of dear “Scrivener””
Posted on

From my Abuela…. with Love

Oil Pickled Partridge – Perdiz en escabeche, by Val Hoppichler

The hunting season is over and now is the time to cook delicious recipes with game. I do not remember when was the first time I ate partridge as my grandfather used to go hunting in “The Pampas” in Argentina since my mom was a child. I still remember the smell of the burnt feathers, a particular smell that is impossible not to recognise. In those times 1970’-1990’ it was not possible to eat game if you were not a hunter, at least in South America. My grandmother had so many partridges that she made all kind of meals. One of my favourites is her oil pickled partridge which I cook every year and I share it with you today. It is also the best way to preserve the bird and be able to eat it later. Fortunately in England we can find and buy all kind of birds even in supermarkets.  This recipe also works well with any kind of game or meat of your choice.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Partridges
  • 2 Carrots (or as much as you like)
  • 1 or 2 Onions (or as much as you like)
  • 1 tsp peppercorns
  • 4 Garlic cloves
  • 1000ml White wine
  • 1000ml Vinegar
  • 200 Rapeseed Oil or Sunflower Oil
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • Aromatic herbs (2 bay leaf, 1 tsp of oregano or parsley, fresh or dried)

Cut the partridge into pieces (as you would a chicken). Place the sliced carrots in and the onions cut in quarters into a saucepan, along with the aromatic herbs, peppercorns, garlic cloves, white wine, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. 

Boil for 5 -10 minutes to soften the vegetables, then add the partridge pieces and cook until the partridge is tender. 

If you want to store in sterilised jars, place the hot food into the jar and cool with the lid closed. You can also boil the jars or use any method you are familiar with. Note: As with any preserving recipe, you can freely add more or less vegetables to enjoy with the partridge, and a bit more wine or vinegar. Before eating, place the jar in the fridge and cool, slice some bread, open the wine or your favourite drink, and enjoy!  

Buen Provecho!

Posted on

New Year Bible Study: Colossians 3:12-14

By Helen Lambert

“There’s no such thing as bad weather – only unsuitable clothing!”*  If you are someone who loves to be outdoors, you know the importance of being dressed for the season, especially in these winter months.  You understand how the enjoyment and success of your activity depends very much on being properly prepared, dressed and equipped. 

Continue reading “New Year Bible Study: Colossians 3:12-14”
Posted on

Tesco Community Grant for Local Project

By Alex Sanderson (Food Parcels Project Team)

Today we would all like to say a huge thank you to everyone who used their blue to tokens and voted for the local food parcels project at Tesco last year.  We are  absolutely delighted to announce that we have now received a Tesco Community Grant of £1000, which will fund 3-6 weeks of much needed food parcel items for local families facing difficult times. Thanks must also go to Tesco and their team who make this all possible.

Every wondered what our weekly shop looks like? Have a look at this photo—this is a fairly typical week, depending on how many families we are supporting. (Usually 20-30 families every week)

If you missed your chance to vote and would like to donate, why not donate online? We have a ‘Give a Little’ fundraising page hosted by St Mary’s where you can even add Gift Aid if you are a tax payer. Of if you prefer to donate food items, why not fill a bag this Lent, one item per day? Contact us for the online giving link or for a list of suggested items Text or call: 07730 609446.

We hugely appreciate your support, as do all our  volunteers and the local families who have benefited from the parcels in their time of need. Our project is only possible thanks to your donations and grants. Your help makes all the difference!  Thank You!

Find out more online about community grants: #CommunityGrants @groundworkuk www.tesco.com/communitygrants

Posted on

What’s on in February & March 2022 – Regular Groups

Mondays:
Keep fit:  HIIT at 7.45pm with Janet Thomas Fitness (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)

Tuesdays:
Baby Group 10am—11.30am : A support group for 0-12mth olds and their parents and carers. Tea, coffee, chat, and we have song time at the end. All welcome. Text or call Alex for details 07730 609446  (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)
Choir Practise: 8pm on Tuesday evenings, all welcome (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)
Keep fit:  Fit Steps 7.30pm with Janet Thomas Fitness (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)

Wednesdays:
Chapel Kids 11:30am—1.30pm Come and join our Baby & Toddler group with craft, story and songs at The Chapel. All welcome 0-4yrs and their parents and carers. We eat lunch together too. Bring a picnic or enjoy something from the community fridge! (The Chapel, Wharf Rd)
Chapel Craft 8pm-10pm Bring along your latest craft project and craft  enjoy a  sociable cuppa and chat as we craft. (The Chapel, Wharf Rd)

Thursdays :
Baby Plus (Tongham)  10.30am Baby group for non-walkers at The Old School, Poyle Rd, Tongham. (St Paul’s, Poyle Rd)
** Lent Special ** Thursday Lent Film nights 6.30pm at The Chapel  
Every Thursday in lent—Film, food and discussion. Starts on 3rd March, running for 6 weeks, all welcome. Text to book 07730 609446

Fridays:
Community  Café 10am-12 Noon Please pop in for a cuppa and a chat at the  St Mary’s community café. All are welcome, all faiths and none, all ages and stages. It’s free / by donation (St Mary’s, Vale Rd)

Sundays:
Sunday Services 10:30am at St Mary’s. All are welcome, whether life long Christians or just exploring. We serve refreshments after the service, join us for cuppa & chat. You can also join us via Zoom online.
Sunday School is on too!  Join us on Sundays at 10:30 at St Mary’s while your grownups are in church. The sessions are aimed at school age children.

More on Facebook: @StMarysAshVale @TheParishioner @AshValeChapel