Wokingham Today, June 1, 2023

Charity calls for a wilder Wokingham

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

CALLS not to cut roadside verges this summer have been branded “irresponsible”.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England wants gardeners to keep their mowers in the shed and local councils and landowners in Berkshire to let parks and other green spaces grow wild.

The charity claims long grass and flowers provide essential habitats and food sources for bees and other insects. It says the numbers of pollinators are in decline in Berkshire and throughout Britain, and “they need all the help they can get.”

There are fears the campaign could become a fire hazard and a danger to motorists and pedestrians.

A number of Wokingham residents and surrounding areas, warn uncut verges could catch alight during warm weather and also obscure traffic on smaller rural roads.

Launching the campaign, Greg Wilkinson, chairman of the Berkshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said: “Gardens are important wildlife havens and if we let our lawns grow in the coming weeks we will be doing nature a big favour.

“Allowing dandelions and daisies to bring a splash of colour to our lawns is also the easiest and most practical way to enable more bees and butterflies to survive.”

One homeowner who contacted Wokingham Today said the charity was “overlooking the blooming obvious.”

“I am all in favour of protecting wildlife but you need to use common sense which is clearly lacking in this campaign.

n Continued on page 13

Businesses and cllrs want to see work start before it’s too late

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM businesses and a candidate in the next general election have backed the idea of setting up of a Bank HUB in the town.

It comes amid warnings that communities across England could see the end of High Street banking within 10 years.

A rise in online customers and increasing property and staffing costs mean many major banks are pulling out of towns and cities.

Bank HUBS, where a number of banks share one building, have been successfully trialled in Glasgow and Essex.

They provide full banking services including cash and counter transactions.

The call comes following news Barclays in Wokingham town is to close. The former leader of the Borough Council has thrown its weight behind a local hub adding it plans to contact the major banks to encourage them to look at this as a solution to the increasing number of closures in the town.

n Continued on page 13

HOW

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v Family notices

cause is being investigated Picture: Andrew Batt

Investigation after woman falls in trench

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

AN INVESTIGATION is ongoing into how a woman fell into a trench caused by roadworks on a busy Wokingham road.

The incident at lunchtime on Thursday, May 25, and saw emergency crews sent to Reading Road to help her.

She was riding a mobility scooter, and came across the works which are to install low-voltage electrical supplies, close to Wokingham Bowling Centre and the turning into Station Road.

Contractor Power On says these works are for a housing development project nearby.

It is not known how the injured person came to be in the ditch. There is no suggestion that Power On, which was working on behalf of The Electricity Network Compant Limited, or the injured person were at fault.

A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 1.30pm on Thursday, May 25, we received reports that someone had fallen into a ditch on Reading Road in Wokingham.

“Crews from Wokingham and Wokingham Road Fire Stations were sent to the scene.

“Upon arrival, crews extricated

a woman from the ditch and placed her in the care of South Central Ambulance Service.”

The woman was taken to hospital for treatment, and it is understood that she does not have serious injuries.

The contractor working on the pavement had made the trench so it could install the electrical connection. This was protected by barricades.

No work was being undertaken at the time of the incident, and no one was onsite. Power On said that while the barrier system was in place to prevent pedestrians from going into works, it was breached, and an investigation is underway to find out how this could have happened.

The company has pledged to work with all relevant parties, including Wokingham Borough Council and Thames Valley Police, to find out.

Neil Fitzsimons, managing director of Power On, said: “We would like to extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the lady involved. Incidents like this are extremely rare and we take them very seriously.

“Health and Safety is our utmost priority at all times. We are working with all relevant parties to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, and we will report fully in due course.”

WWW ABWALKER CO UK

SAYER Pamela Mary

Passed away at the Florence Nightingale Hospice on 11th May 2023 aged 67 years

HAPPY DAYS: The Chong family enjoy a picnic at the Children’s Fun Day at Wokingham on Saturday

Families flock to

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

IT WAS sunny side up, whichever way you turned as families flocked to a free fun day on Saturday.

With not a cloud in the sky, Langborough Recreation Ground was certainly the brightest place to be as Wokingham Town Council held its annual extravaganza.

Hundreds of people turned out for a day of fun and games aimed at children aged 10 and under.

Activities included small fairground rides, farm animal meet and greet, go-kart rides, hands-on arts and crafts.

Everything was free to have-a-go

BASTIMAN Karl

on or with, while there were some paid-for add-ons including a popular ice cream van and a barbecue from the 1st Winnersh Scouts.

Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Sally Gurney was thrilled with how the day had gone.

“For a first outing as a new mayor, I couldn’t have asked for better weather or a more fantastic event to be part of,” she said.

“It was a delight to see hundreds of happy faces, and I would like to thank everyone who helped make it happen.

“It is a privilege to be part of a council that is committed to holding such a brilliant free event for children every year, especially with the current cost of living crisis. Long may the fun day continue.”

Passed away peacefully on 10th May, aged 48 years

Much loved husband of Janet, father of Matthew, Amber, and Ruby He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends

Funeral to be held on 12th June please contact J B Hall for details

Flowers welcome, or donations in memory of Karl can be made to St Bartholomews Charity via https://www justgiving com/team/bastiman

HELP: Emergency crews were called to Reading Road on Thursday, May 25, after a woman on a mobility scooter fell into a trench that had been created during roadworks. The

E-scooters train ban

E-TRANSPORT devices are to be banned from South Western Railway stations and trains from Thursday over fears the batteries could overheat. Devices such as e-scooters, hoverboards, e-unicycles and e-skateboards are powered by lithium-ion, and these devices can catch fire.

While the train firm says the risk is small, there have been incidents of the personal transport devices going up in smoke on other forms of public transport.

As well as being prohibited on trains, SWR says they cannot be charged on their premises, nor will they be accepted as lost property.

The exceptions are electric wheelchairs, and mobility scooters for those with accessibility needs. Also permitted are e-bikes, as these are legal to use in UK. Customers are advised to check with staff if they are unsure.

Jane Lupson, SWR’s Head of Safety, said: “Reports of incidents involving e-scooters catching fire on National Rail services or infrastructure are increasing and the potential risk that they pose is not acceptable to our customers and colleagues.

“After some consideration, and in line with other partners in the rail industry, we will be banning e-scooters on our trains and at our stations from Thursday, June 1.

“We understand that these devices are popular, but the safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority, so until greater regulation and testing can be brought in to ensure the safety of those travelling on trains, e-scooters will remain banned.”

free fun day

Your Wokingham Today

REGULAR readers will notice that this week’s Wokingham Today is slightly smaller than usual – 32 pages rather than 40.

We are an independent newspaper, known in the trade as a hyperlocal. That means everything we do is produced by a small, committed team of people who live and work in the borough. We launched as a successor to The Wokingham Times back in 2015, and since then your editor has not missed a single weekly deadline, with papers produced from cafes and chalets across

the country. Later this summer, he will be spending a bit of time on a sun lounger, with a good book or two.

It won’t be all rest, of course. There will be some planning for the autumn –but that’s another story.

Because we are a small team preparing for that absence requires some logistical planning.

To help us, we have made a decision to temporarily reduce our pagination, and rest some regular features for the summer. Rest assured they will return in September.

You can also rest assured that the latest news from across Wokingham borough, along with the best roundup of political developments, the best commentaries, and the best analysis of what’s happening in our borough will be on our website, wokingham.today, which is updated daily.

We are always grateful for your support. Local news is a precious resource and we couldn’t exist with you. After all, your Wokingham is our Wokingham too.

Phil Creighton, editor

Mayor Sally Gurney declares the fun day open

Saturday Pictures: Steve Smyth

Kitchen fire in Woodley home

FIRE crews were called to a house in Woodley on Tuesday. The incident happened at 11.06am in the kitchen of a Howth Drive home.

Crews from Wokingham Road and Bracknell Fire Stations were sent to the scene, as well as one from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire had been extinguished when they arrived, and two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus cleared smoke from the home with a large fan.

A casualty was treated for smoke inhalation and placed in the care of South Central Ambulance Service.

Summer tea party

A CHURCH is holding a summer tea party to raise funds to restore and improve its building.

Organised by The Friends Of St Andrew’s Church (FOStAC) the outdoor event will be held in a Sonning garden.

Money raised will be used for restoration, repair, maintenance and improvement of the historic church.

The event takes place on Sunday, July 9, from 3pm to 5pm. Tickets cost £20. n For more information and to reserve tickets,email: mustangsallywilson@gmail.com

Frimley Park gets rebuilding cash, but RBH awaits news of its future

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

WORK to develop a new Royal Berkshire Hospital will continue, despite not being named as one of five sites to be rebuilt by 2030.

However, a Camberley-based hospital used by some borough residents was.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced the plans in the House of Commons on Thursday, May 25, saying the government is committed to its 2019 general election promise of building 40 new hospitals by 2030.

The government concedes that eight schemes will be finished after this deadline, but by working on three mental health hospitals they will still reach the target.

It says that by the end of next year, more than 20 schemes will be either underway or completed. More than £20 billion is expected to be spent on the new infrastructure.

The five hospitals announced are Airedale in West Yorkshire, Queen Elizabeth King’s Lynn in Norfolk, Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire, Mid Cheshire Leighton in Cheshire and Frimley Park in Surrey.

They have been chosen due to being constructed from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a lightweight type of concrete used to construct parts of the NHS estate in the past but has a limited lifespan, after which it deteriorates significantly. Health and social care secretary Steve Barclay said: “These five hospitals are in pressing need of repair and are being prioritised so patients and staff can benefit from major new hospital buildings, equipped with the latest technology.”

Bracknell MP James Sunderland had teamed up with parliamentary colleagues

Michael Gove and Leo Docherty to campaign for the redevelopment of Frimley Park, which was built in the 1970s. Infrastructure issues were discovered in 2020, and it is thought that two-thirds of the site comprises the RAAC.

The trust submitted its bid to the Department of Health in December 2021, saying it would cost £1.26 billion to create the new site.

In March, Surrey Heath council’s planning committee granted permission.

Frimley Park’s planned redevelopment is not a new proposal. Planning permission had previously been granted in 2019, but this expired last year

as the build had stalled due to Covid-19.

Mr Sunderland was pleased with the announcement.

“I very much welcome news that Frimley Park Hospital is one of five reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete hospitals being given priority in today’s hospital funding announcement,” he said.

“This is fantastic news.”

Work on Reading’s Royal Berkshire Hospital will continue despite not been announced in parliament. Wokingham Today exclusively revealed the proposal in October 2020.

The Building Berkshire Together team, which is devising the plans on behalf of the NHS Trust, say the Victorian site in Reading town centre is ageing, which makes it hard to deliver modern healthcare for an increasing number of people.

They argue that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the issues and create a 21st century healthcare centre.

Proposals include revamping the existing site but keeping the Victorian façade on London Road or creating a new site on land in Green Park or Shinfield’s science park.

To help gauge interest, it has been running workshops

and consultations, as well as running regular online updates.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said it is still very much looking to the future.

“As the Secretary of State for Health Steve Barclay announced in the Commons, the redevelopment of the Royal Berkshire Hospital is still part of the rolling new hospital programme and we are in ‘active discussions’ about the work and the complexities of the site,” a spokesperson said.

“As these talks continue, we are progressing our Outline Business Case and pushing ahead with enabling works to ensure we are in a strong position to proceed with the redevelopment as soon as practicable.

“Our priority is to deliver safe and outstanding care to our patients, and we are committed to ensuring they continue to receive the best possible treatment as this work progresses.

“We will continue to work closely with our system partners and will involve and engage with our staff, patients, key stakeholders and local people to ensure that when the time comes, we will deliver next generation care from the best possible healthcare facilities.”

MP’s concerns over plans to axe one-day travelcards

AXING one-day travelcards to London will have a serious impact on passengers, says one of the borough’s MPs.

Matt Rodda has written to Transport for London to express his concerns over plans to axe the special ticket that allows Wokingham residents to pay one price for unlimited use of bus and tube services in the capital city as well as catching a Great Western or South Western rail service to and from Paddington or Waterloo stations.

The London transport company, overseen by the mayor of London, has to make savings and is looking at dropping the scheme.

Reading and Wokingham borough councils have both expressed their opposition to the plan, and now the Reading East MP has joined their calls.

In his letter, Mr Rodda said: “The travelcard is a very important fare for a wide range of residents.

“The withdrawal would mean a significant increase to many passengers’ fares to London, especially those wishing to travel off-peak, with the cost set to increase from £29.60 to £38.90.

“This notable change is likely to affect those who travel to London one or two days a week, including many selfemployed people and part-time

workers… it could also affect those travelling for leisure and some students.”

He was also concerned about the impact such a large price hike would have on passengers already struggling due to the cost of living crisis as well as the climate emergency.

“Removal of this scheme could discourage residents from using the train when this should be promoted as a more environmentally friendly way to travel to London,” he wrote.

“An increase in car usage is likely to lead to more carbon dioxide emissions and risks reducing air quality in London.”

He added: “I believe this proposal would be against the interests of local residents”.

Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for active travel, transport and highways, Cllr Paul Fishwick, said: “We truly understand the challenges that the pandemic

In a bid to generate more income, London’s mayor is considering withdrawing Transport for London from the one-day travelcard scheme

has had on the economic viability of all public transport provisions.

“However, increasing the cost of travel significantly is likely to have a detrimental effect on the demand for rail travel and will therefore amplify the financial situation not improve it.

“Cost increases of 27-29% are significant, especially set against the backdrop of the current increases in cost of living. Off-peak leisure travel is likely to be non-essential travel and therefore any increases are likely to reduce demand for travel or cause residents to look for other ways to make their journeys.

“The council is unable to support the mayor’s proposal to withdraw the day travelcard and we urge the mayor to reconsider the true impact of the scheme.”

The consultation closed on May 23.

NO NEWS: Wokingham residents will discuss Royal Berkshire Hospital redevelopment plans at a community event on March 21. Picture: Juan Martinez via Wikimedia Commons

Picture: Ron Porter from Pixabay

SEND charity Dingley’s Promise prepares for 40th anniversary

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM charity is gearing up for a huge celebration to mark its work supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) over the past 40 years.

Families from across the country will be gathering at Camp Mohawk in Berkshire for a day of festivities on Sunday, June 11, to mark the milestone of Dingley’s Promise.

Those looking to join the Dingley family are also welcome.

The charity launched in Reading, and has since opened centres across the country to support more families.

It also runs a national training programme to aid early years practitioners in supporting SEND children and working more inclusively.

Catherine McLeod, CEO of Dingley’s Promise, said: “We are delighted to be able to celebrate our 40th year of giving the best start to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by holding this big event for our families past and present.

“Camp Mohawk is such a fantastic place with facilities

CELEBRATION: Dingley’s Promise helps support SEND families and is marking its 40th

and natural space for children with a variety of additional needs to play and socialise.

“We look forward to welcoming our families and seeing all of the children using the facilities, enjoying refreshments and playing together on the day.”

Dingley’s Promise offers nursery provision and developmental support to children with Special

Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the early years, with the aim of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Charlotte James, who is supported by Dingley’s Promise together with her daughter Emilia, and is attending Camp Mohawk, said: “Dingley’s Promise has been an amazing support for us.

“Even before Emilia started the nursery, they supported us at the family support sessions where they were always happy to listen and answer any questions I had.

“At Dingley’s Promise I feel surrounded by people in similar situations which has helped me to feel less alone.

“We are so grateful for Dingley’s Promise and the patience and care that Emilia

Pedal power as Bikeathon returns with new route

is given and are very excited to share the Camp Mohawk experience with other families, meet new people and celebrate Dingley’s Promise.”

Camp Mohawk is a multifunctional day centre for children with special needs set in five acres of ancient woodland in Berkshire.

It provides a safe haven for children to enjoy a range of indoor and outdoor activities year-round in a secure and caring environment.

Ms McLeod added: “We welcome any families we have worked with over the last 40 years to join us, so please contact sara.dean@dingley.org. uk for more information about the event and how you can join the fun.”

Dingley’s Promise says it is growing the reach of its specialist provision nationally, to ensure that more children with SEND are given the best start and more families are supported.

They are also ambitious in their target to train practitioners in mainstream settings across the country via its Comic Relief-funded training, with the aim of reaching 30,000 practitioners in their five-year programme.

n For more: dingley.org.uk

IT’S NEARLY time for Wokingham to get on their bikes again, as the annual Bikeathon prepares to return.

The annual event starts and finishes at Cantley Park, and usually attracts around 800 riders of all ages.

There are four routes, offering a chance to explore Wokingham’s countryside. They are 15, 25, 35 and, for the first time, 50 miles.

Refreshment and toilet stops have been planned along the route, and for families, there is a Kidical Mass ride of just two miles, starting at 10am.

Children can also tackle a bike obstacle course, and receive a medal courtesy of MyJourney Wokingham for taking part.

There will also be Dr Bike on hand to offer checks, and the chance to have security marking added to bikes.

Refreshments will also be available.

The event is volunteerled and proceeds will go to charities. It will be held on Sunday, June 11. n For more details, or to book a place, log on to: www. wokinghambikeathon.co.uk

The Borough building has quietly existed within the hustle and bustle of Maidenhead since the 1850s as a wine and spirit merchant, located steps away from the main High Street.

Over 170 odd years have passed, and we are now the privileged custodians of this historic building where people have been socia lising for over a century.

Today, this three-storey building is a neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, restaurant with private events spaces

Opening 30th of May from 5pm

anniversary with a special gathering at Camp Mohawk next weekend Picture: Peter McClintock

School could welcome girls from next year

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A WINNERSH school has launched a consultation as to whether it should go co-educational.

The Forest School in Robin Hood Lane has been a boys’ school for many years, but its ruling academy trustees are currently gauging opinions as to whether it should welcome girls as well.

If approved, the school’s Year 7 intake will be co-educational from September 2024. The process to becoming fully co-ed will therefore take seven years.

Consultation documents released by the school say the proposals are based on four factors: addressing surplus capacity at the school, addressing a shortage of places for secondary education across the borough, a desire to continue improving its educational standards, and the school’s commitment to preparing all pupils to thrive in the modern workplace and world.

On a lack of secondary places, the documents note that only the Forest has a surplus of places for the school year starting in September, especially for girls. Department for Education guidelines currently prevent the school from accepting female pupils.

On national offer day earlier this year, the day when Year 6 pupils find out which school they have been offered a place at, there were 57 girls without a place. The Forest School, on the other hand, is taking 133 boys, but has the potential to take an additional 77 pupils.

The documents note: “The Forest School can help meet the future shortfall if it moves to coeducational provision and will also reduce pressure on other nonselective secondary schools in Wokingham Borough. This will help ensure enough local school places for students.”

Alison Lovland, the chair of trustees, says in the document that no decision, other than to consult, has been made at this stage.

If the decision is approved, the school will then submit a business case to the regional schools commissioner.

To help parents decide, the school is holding a drop-in information session from 4.30pm to 6pm on Monday, June 19.

A consultation form is available on the school’s website. This can also be printed and then sent back to the school.

The consultation will close at midnight on Friday, June 30. n www.forest.wokingham.sch.uk

Driver arrested after town centre bench destroyed

A DRIVER has been arrested, and a bench destroyed in an incident in Wokingham town centre.

It happened in the afternoon of Thursday, May 25, on Market Place heading towards Denmark Street.

The vehicle came off the road and smashed into one of the benches installed outside the visitor information centre part of the town hall.

Emergency services were called out and paramedics treated the driver’s injuries.

The bench, which was made of wood, has been removed.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “A 76-yearold man from Wokingham has

Repair cafe

THIS month’s Spencers Wood repair cafe will take place on Sunday.

Residents can bring broken household items to be fixed by the group’s able team of volunteers at Spencers Wood Village Hall, Basingstoke Road.

Organiser Billie Bachra said: “We are looking forward to getting together again to see what we can do to fix any broken items you may have.

“Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday - enjoy our cafe and bookstore while you wait.”

The repair cafe takes place between 10am-1pm.

n For more information, search Spencers Wood Village Hall on www.facebook.com

Tennis tasters

A TENNIS club will hold an open day for people of all ages to try out the game.

Sonning Lawn Tennis Club invites players of all abilities and all ages to try out its free coaching taster sessions. Racquets will be made available for all ages on the day.

Players are asked to wear trainers to the event which takes place on King George’s Field, Sonning on Sunday.

The open day runs from 11am to 3pm, with coaching taster sessions available from noon to 2pm.

n For more information visit: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/ SonningLawnTennisClub

AFTERMATH: The area outside Wokingham town hall were the bench was was cordoned off

Village to have say over future plan

By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today

A CONSULTATION has been launched into the future of one of the northern parishes of Wokingham borough.

Residents of Ruscombe are being asked to have their say on a draft neighbourhood plan.

Once adopted, it will be help with decision making over planning matters. Other parts of the borough, including Arborfield and Shinfield have already gone through this process.

The six-week consultation is based on information prepared by Ruscombe Parish Council and responses to a first draft consultation. If adopted, the council will use it alongside its boroughwide local plan to help decide planning applications in the parish.

It includes a vision, specific objectives and policies for housing design and the natural and historic environment, community facilities, business and commercial development, local green space, and transport.

Residents can view it, and other supporting documents, on the council’s Engage Wokingham Borough page or by visiting its offices at Shute End or the library at

A bubbly treat in Sindlesham

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

AN event with cake, scones and bubbles raised funds for a charity that supports people living with multiple sclerosis.

Carnival Hub off Wellington Road, both in Wokingham town.

It will then be reviewed by an independent examiner, with the parish council then having the option to hold a referendum on it. If supported, it will be formally adopted.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, executive member for planning and local plan, said: “Neighbourhood plans are a key part of our wider vision for how development should be managed in the borough.

“Ruscombe Parish Council and many volunteers have worked hard to produce a plan that will add value to how development in their area can be managed appropriately.

“Your comments at this stage are important and will be considered by the examiner, alongside all the plan documents and evidence, before deciding whether the plan should proceed to a referendum.

“The examiner can use your input to test the plan and recommend changes where needed, so please get involved while you have the chance.”

Ruscombe residents can share their views until 5pm on Monday, June 26. Comments received after the deadline cannot be accepted.

n To make submissions, log on to: engage.wokingham.gov.uk

The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre welcomed guests to their Sparkling Afternoon Tea at Sindlesham Court last montyh.

Claire Frew from the charity, said: “It went really well.

“And we are delighted that the event raised £4,963 to support the charity.

“More than 90 people came, and everyone received a glass of prosecco on arrival, followed by scones, cakes and sandwiches.”

A raffle was held with prizes including: two tickets on Eurostar, tickets to the Henley Festival, a John Lewis hamper, tickets to the Newbury Races, and champagne.

“There were lots of lovely prizes, and the raffle was well supported” said Ms Frew.

“And we had great entertainment from The 5T’s Brass Quartet.”

Many of those attending the event already had close associations with the therapy centre, either as service users, or as the family member of someone living with MS.

“It was so nice to see everyone chatting together at this lovely event,” added Ms Frew.

“We’ve had lots of positive feedback from people, saying how much they enjoyed the event.

“It was a bit of a treat.”

“Staff were very helpful at Sindlesham Court, too.

“It’s such a lovely place, and we felt very welcome.”

The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre, which is based in Reading, provides a number of specialised therapies and a social space for people with MS.

The charity receives no NHS funding, and is therefore reliant on fundraising to ensure that it can deliver its services.

n To find out more, and to support the organisation, visit: www.bmstc.org

TIME FOR TEA: The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre welcomed guests to their Sparkling Afternoon Tea at Sindlesham Court Pictures: Steve Smyth

Keep knives out of blue bin bags

WOKINGHAM Borough Council says that there has been an increase in sharp items such as knives, scissors, blades and broken glass being placed in blue rubbish bags.

The council asks residents to be aware of the safety of crews and passers by, and says that sharp items should be disposed of properly.

Broken glass should be wrapped before being put out with rubbish, glass jars and bottles of any colour can be recycled at all glass banks, while unwanted blades, scissors and knives can be taken to recycling centres. n For information, visit: www.re3.fccenvironment.co.uk

Have a ball

AN ANNUAL contest between local organisations and groups will see teams lining up to battle it out in a Sonning rounders championship.

Spectators of all ages are welcome to attend the sporting event, and to help cheer the teams on to victory.

As well as the championship, a raffle will take place, and refreshments will be available, including a barbecue and a bar.

Entry is free to the event which takes place on King George’s Field on Friday, June 9.

Play starts at 5.45pm.

Bank robber sent to jail

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

WOODLEY bank robber jailed

A MAN has been jailed for a robbery in Woodley, following an investigation by Thames Valley Police.

Shaun Atkins, 40, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight years in prison, with an extended licence period of four years, at Reading Crown Court on Monday, May 22.

He pleaded guilty to one count of robbery in March.

At around 8.30am on January 18, Atkins and another offender robbed Lloyds Bank in Crockhamwell Road, manhandling staff in the process.

The other offender made off in a vehicle while Atkins walked out with a large quantity of cash

Officers arrested Atkins at the scene. The other offender had fled before police arrived.

Three members of staff suffered minor injuries but did not require hospital treatment.

A 30-year-old woman from Woodley was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery. She was released with no further action.

A 29-year-old woman from Twyford, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to

commit robbery on February 2. She was released under investigation.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Wasim Akram, of the Bracknell & Wokingham Priority Crime Team, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for the Lloyds Bank staff and members of public who were on the school run that morning, some of whom are still struggling to come to terms with what happened.

“Our immediate response to the robbery by two PCs and the initial good work thereafter are a big part of why Shaun Atkins was detained.

“That work, along with the support of the victims and witnesses, ultimately brought him to justice with a lengthy prison sentence.

“All the victims are still recovering from this ordeal but I hope this sentence will help aid their recovery and offer closure on what was a very difficult experience.

“We have been working hard to find the outstanding offender but anyone with information about them who hasn’t already spoken to us should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting 43230025811.”

Police release CCTV images after Elms Walk shoplifting incident

THAMES Valley Police has released CCTV images of individuals that officers would like to speak to as they may have vital information regarding an incident of shoplifting in Wokingham.

The incident occurred at around 2.15pm on Wednesday, March 29, at Little Miss Piggy in Elms Walk, Wokingham.

The offenders stole more than £800 worth of baby clothes. The vehicle the offenders left in was a Peugeot 308 estate.

Investigating officer, PC Amy Knowles based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “We would like to

Summer run series returns to Dinton

AN EVENING run could end up being memorable for all the right reasons as an annual summer race returns.

The Dinton Summer Series, organised by Barnes Fitness, will be held on Thursday, June 8.

Starting at 7.30pm, there will be two routes around the country park, one at 5km and the other 10km.

The routes are flat, with the only difference being whether runners do one lap or two.

Runners will have a chip, with a result available as soon

The devil and the deep blue sea?

THE SEA is the inspiration for a new theological lecture and discussion coming to Reading town centre next week.

The regular gathering will welcome Susie Templeton, a priest, pioneer minister and a former naval chaplain. She will share her researches on the spirituality of the oceans in a talk entitled The Sea as a Place of Spiritual Encounter: Exploring Mission in a Post-Secular World. It will be followed with an

appeal to anybody who recognises the people in these images to please get in touch as they may have vital information about this incident.

“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43230139121.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

n To make a report online, visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk

Drive safely call

as the finish line is crossed. There are trophies for the top three finishers in different categories.

This is the 11th year the event has taken place, and there are similar events on Thursdays July 13 at 7.30pm, and August 10, from 7pm.

Places cost £21 for the 5km race and £23 for the 10km race.

n For more details, log on to: www.barnesfitness.co.uk/ dinton-summer-series-2/, or call Ellie Barnes on: 07872 805883.

opportunity to ask questions and debate.

The Café Théologique event is organised by the University of Reading Chaplaincy and is a space to explore contemporary issues from a theological perspective.

It takes place from 7.30pm on Monday, June 5, from Zerodegrees in Bridge Street. People can join from 6pm and order food before the meeting.

It will also be available to tune in to via Zoom and Facebook.

The Zoom meeting is: u.nu/cafetheo, its meeting ID is: 994 1078 8443, and passcode: 511541. The Facebook event link: https://fb.me/ e/2VRcyQ4aV

THAMES Valley Police has urged the public to drive safely after announcing that it was investigating high numbers of fatal collisions in May.

Between Tuesday, May 9, and Sunday, May 28, officers have attended and dealt with nine fatal road traffic collisions in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire area.

All of these fatal collisions are thought to have involved one or more of what they call the “Fatal 4” factors, which are the leading causes on serious injury and death on UK roads.

These are the use of excessive speed, failure to wear a seatbelt, using a mobile phone, and drink or drug driving.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Bettington, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “We need the public to slow down, wear their seatbelts, not use their phones and not drink/drug drive.

“This is the case every day but we’re noticing the impact more so as we reach the warmer months.”

He explained: “Any one of these offences can and tragically do lead to loss of life on our roads and unless all of the public adhere to these basics we will continue to suffer needless fatalities.”

CCTV images of two women police believe could help their investigation into a shoplifting incident at Little Miss Piggy in Elms Walk, back in March Picture: Thames Valley Police

HOWZAT: Shinfield CC edge University at new ground unveiling

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

A WEST Wokingham village came together to witness the unveiling of a new sports facility, while also enjoying a spot of barbecue and ice cream in the sumptuous Sunday sun.

Shinfield Cricket Club, who will now call Manor Ground, Brookers Hill their home, took on a talented University of Reading team in a commemorative exhibition match and ultimately came out on top.

In conjunction with its current pitches at Millworth Lane, the facility will help the club accommodate its various men’s, women’s, junior teams and school teams, as well as provide a meeting place for the parish’s groups and clubs.

Emil Reisser-Weston, Shinfield Cricket Club’s captain, said: “The Manor Ground’s inauguration marked more than just a cricket match, it symbolised the unbreakable bond between the Shinfield community and their cherished sport.

“The state-of-the-art facilities and meticulously maintained grounds will undoubtedly serve as a hub for nurturing local talent and fostering a love for cricket among the younger generation.”

He described the

atmosphere on the day as ‘electric’, with some visitors taking a look around the new facilities, while others enjoyed the on-site bouncy castle.

Pawan Tyagi, Shinfield Cricket Club’s senior team captain and girls team coach, said: “Opening a new cricket ground will provide a muchneeded space for women and girls to play cricket, which will help to grow the game at the grassroots level.

“This is in line with the ECB’s initiatives to encourage more girls and women to play cricket.”

The match itself was a close-run affair, with the University and Shinfield sides both producing some moments of quality, but it was ultimately the home side who came out on top.

Representatives from the University of Reading and Shinfield Parish Council were in attendance to take in the momentous occasion.

Cllr Andrew Grimes, chair of the parish council, said: “The parish council is keen to develop sports opportunities for residents and particularly young adults.

“As a parish we do not suffer from anti-social behaviour any more than other parts of the country but we do believe that involvement in sport reduces the likelihood of being involved in anti-social behaviour.

“The development of these new sports facilities is part of an overall approach towards lowering anti-social behaviour which also includes cooperating with PCSOs and Wokingham Borough Council’s ASB team.”

AT THE CREASE: The University of Reading fielded a strong side for the game against Shinfield Cricket Club, the first at the new Manor Ground Picture: Shinfield Cricket Club

READY TO PLAY: Shinfield CC lining up before the first innings

Some of the players at the crease ahead of the match starting, the first

Beth elected as mayor, Adrian Mather as her

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

THE NEW Wokingham Borough

Mayor for the coming year was elected at the annual meeting of council on May 18.

Cllr Beth Rowland has taken over the chain of office from Cllr Caroline Smith.

As the ‘first citizen’ of the borough, the mayor holds a civic role, representing the council and the people of the borough as well as presiding over borough council meetings.

Conservatives reveal shadow exec

WOKINGHAM’S Conservative group has announced its shadow executive for the new municipal year.

At the recent local elections, the party lost four seats, reducing the number of seats on the borough council to just 22.

Two councillors, John Kaiser and Gregor Murray, stepped down, while Parry Batth and Chris Bowring, lost their seats. Others, including Laura Blumenthal, Alison Swaddle and Michael Firmager, held on to their seats and remain on the council.

As a result, they remain as the opposition party, with the

Liberal Democrats running a minority administration as they are one short of an overall majority.

The Conservative group voted to keep Cllr Pauline Jorgensen as its leader for the next 12 months.

Cllr Charles Margetts will remain in his role as spokesperson for highways and transport.

Cllr Stuart Munro will be the shadow executive member for regeneration, neighbourhoods, communities, business, and economic development. Finance and waste services will be the brief of Cllr Norman Jorgensen.

Cllr Graham Howe continues to look at children’s services, and Cllr Phil Cunnington’s brief is health, wellbeing and adult services.

Hurst councillor Wayne Smith remains in his role of planning and enforcement, and strategic development.

Environment and leisure will be the portfolio of Cllr Rebecca Margetts.

Climate Emergency and environmental protection now becomes Cllr Peter Harper’s role, and Cllr Laura Blumenthal remains the spokesperson for levelling up, equality and social housing.

Unless His Majesty The King or his representative is in attendance, the mayor takes precedence over any other dignitaries at events within the borough.

Cllr Rowland said: “I am delighted to serve as your Wokingham Borough Mayor and would like to thank people for putting their faith in me for the coming year.

“I will carry out this position to the best of my ability and hope to live up to the legacy of my predecessor, Cllr Caroline Smith who has been a great example to us all.

“As Mayor I look forward to meeting residents as well as many of the great organisations active across the Borough.

“It’s an opportunity to show

how they are valued as well as shining a spotlight on the fantastic work they are doing to make Wokingham Borough such a wonderful place.”

Cllr Rowland represents the South Lake Ward in Woodley, where she has been a resident for almost 50 years. She has four children, all educated locally, and eight grandchildren.

She has also been a governor at South Lake Primary School for nearly 40 years and for more than 20 years at Highwood Primary School.

With more than 25 years of experience as a councillor, Cllr

Rowland also served as Mayor of Woodley in 2000. She is also a Woodley Town councillor, a trustee at Waingels Academy and has worked at Berkshire Credit Union since her retirement more than a decade ago. She is also a member of Christ Church in Woodley.

Last year, Cllr Rowland raised £1,250 for Macmillan Cancer Support after having her head shaved in public. She ‘braved the shave’ having been inspired by several people in her life who were diagnosed with cancer. The mayor is traditionally

NEW TEAM:@ Wokingham Conservatives following the count. Pictured fourth from left are Cllr Laura Blumenthal, Cllr Abdul Loyes, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen and Cllr Michael Firmager Picture: Phil Creighton

NEW TEAM: Cllr Rowland is the new borough mayor and is joined by Cllr Adrian Mather as deputy mayor. Picture: Stewart Turkington

mayor, with deputy

tasked with choosing a charity to benefit from fundraising during their year in office, and Cllr Rowland has chosen Woodley Foodbank, which helps those in the town and surrounding areas fight food poverty.

The initiative is part of the Pilot Light Trust, a registered charity set up by the churches of Woodley. Established in 1997, it has been providing food to its community for more than 25 years.

Alongside Cllr Rowland, Cllr Adrian Mather, who represents Evendons ward, will serve as deputy mayor.

Cllr Mather has been a Wokingham resident since 1999 and has three grown-up children who were all born and educated locally.

He was previously chair of the Wokingham Borough Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee and also a partner governor of the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust and a representative on the joint Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

It is his intention to continue, where possible, these or similar roles and therefore represent health aspects of Wokingham Borough residents.

Sally is new mayor for Wokingham town

WOKINGHAM town’s new mayor is Cllr Sally Gurney. She was sworn in at a special ceremony held in Wokingham Town Hall last month, and welcomed to the office alongside her consort, Chris Cooke.

First elected as an independent town councillor in 2015 for the Evendons East ward, she has chaired the arts and culture committee and was last year’s deputy mayor.

Her charity will be Berkshire Search & Rescue Dogs.

The Deputy Town Mayor will be Cllr Robert Comber, from Wescott East ward.

Cllr Gurney said: “I feel lucky to be a resident of our town having moved here some 18 years ago, and it is very much the place I call home.

“Getting to see the best side of our community as deputy mayor has left me looking forward to the many activities and events this year. It is an absolute privilege to serve this town as mayor.

“We have many new councillors recently elected, and as an independent mayor, I aim to foster a deep sense of respect and collaboration across the council and ensure that we work together for the good of our town, and all the residents and businesses that make their home here.

“We have become a more

Student set to swim from Switzerland to France

By JAKE CLOTHIER news@rdg.today

A STUDENT is set to make a splash with a charity challenge this summer.

In July, Oscar Sanger is due to swim across Lake Geneva, making a 14km trip from Switzerland to France to raise money for Beat.

Beat is the UK’s largest eating disorder charity, lending support to people who experience disturbance of eating behaviours or struggle with mental health problems related to eating.

diverse council, and I want everyone to feel that their contributions are valued as we work together to serve our community.

“I invite our residents to share your ideas, engage in open dialogue with your councillors, and let us work together to find solutions to the challenges we face.

“Your input is invaluable, and together, we will build a stronger, more resilient community.

“Together, we will create a town that future generations will be proud to call home, a town that celebrates the arts, supports our local charities, and fosters a strong sense of community.”

Mr Sanger, 22, is currently studying at the University of Exeter, though his family home is near the borough.

He explains that the cause is close to home due to a family member experiencing repeated hospital visits as a result of severe anorexia.

It means he has seen firsthand the effects the condition and others like it can have on both the person themselves and their loved ones.

As such, he resolved to support the charity in tackling eating disorders with a fundraising challenge before he returns home from a student exchange programme in Switzerland.

Mr Sanger will be joined by William Henman in the

undertaking, due to take place in July.

So far, their JustGiving page has raised more than £1,600.

Around 1.25 million people in the UK suffer from eating disorders according to Beat’s figures.

National Eating Disorder Association statistics show that around 1 in 4 students (24%) at university will personally experience some kind of eating disorder during their studies.

Beat provides a national helpline which helps those suffering to understand their

illness and take positive steps towards treatment.

It also provides help to family and friends of those with disorders as well as raising awareness and reducing stigma attached to eating disorders through national campaigns.

n More information about the charity’s work and how to access support is available via: beateatingdisorders.org.uk.

n To donate to Oscar and Will’s Swim Challenge in aid of Beat, visit: justgiving.com/page/ oscarandwillswim

e t i t i v e r a t e s O u r d i g g e r ' s a r e s u i t a b l e f o r a l l t y p e s o f w o r k i n c l u d i n g ; G r o u n d P r e p a r a t i o n , F o u n d a t i o n s d u g , L a w n s d u g o u t , G a r d e n s L e v e l l e d a n d S o i l R e m o v a l

READY TO SWIM: Mr Sanger will be joined by William Henman in the undertaking, due to take place in July. Picture: Oscar Sanger

Cllr Sally Gurney Picture: Stewart Turkington / www.stphotos.co.uk

EXPATS MAKING FOOTBALL STADIUM, RUGBY STADIUM AND GOLF STADIUM , WE HAVE 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE FOR STADIUM

Wine Tasting - Sunday 25th June from 6pm

The Chalk Wine Club was created to celebrate community, to toast to our shared love for good food, good wine, and good company. These extraordinary, multiple-course meals or tastings are always themed around a wine, season or cultural experience.

Summer is the time for garden parties, picnics and beach days. The last thing you want when the weather warms up is a rich hearty wine. But that doesn’t mean you want a drink that tastes of nothing. Whether it’s crisp whites for al fresco dining, lighter reds for barbecues or refreshing rosés for balmy evenings We are delighted to bring to you a summer wine tasting

During the evening we will taste a selection of delicious wines that lend themselves well to alfresco dining or to just kicking back with a good book in the garden

Welcome Cocktail

Nine Wines

Guest Speaker

Seafood and Barbeque Snacks

Eton Mess Cup

All wines from the evening can be bought at a retail price.

£34.95 per person

Start planning for a bank HUB now urges businesses

n Continued from page Cllr Clive Jones, said before he stepped down as leader of the council to focus on his general election campaign:

“Wokingham Borough Council is heavily invested in the success of Wokingham town centre.

“The town centre has grown and grown at a time when town centres across the country are losing footfall and businesses are closing their doors.

“The council is committed to helping Wokingham town centre businesses and will soon have a dedicated town centre officer to provide business support to town centre businesses.

“We are supportive of any ideas that can help our local shops, including having a bank hub in the town centre.

“While setting up a bank hub is not something the council can do, we will be contacting the major banks and asking them to consider this.”

Businesses in Wokingham say they would welcome a hub as it would make cash transactions easier and encourage shoppers, especially the elderly, to come into the town rather do their shopping in Reading where there are more banks.

However, LINK, the UK’s Cash Access and ATM network, which operates hubs, said it can only start the process once all banks in a town have closed. This is getting closer as only Lloyd’s and HSBC are the only banks, while Nationwide and Newbury building societies have branches in Wokingham’s Broad Street.

Two years ago, HSBC closed its counter service, leaving Lloyd’s as the only traditional bank.

Phil Edgecombe who runs Phil’s Good Food store on Broad Street said: “There’s no doubt Wokingham needs traditional banking services. Elderly customers prefer speaking to someone over the counter and withdrawing money for their

shopping.

“I think it would be better if LINK considered a hub before the last bank closed. I’d welcome them to start the process now.”

Carol Williams landlady at the Queen’s Head pub said cash transactions remain popular with customers: “We still take cash and need change so a bank is the best place for us.

“I’d hate to see Wokingham lose all its branches. We need banks in some form or other and the hub seems the way forward.”

A spokesperson at the Headmasters salon in Denmark Street added: “We have to use the Post Office more but we’d much prefer a bank.”

LINK has opened a number

Charity calls for less mowing

n Continued from front page

GOING: The Barclays bank in Wokingham will close this summer

Picture: Phil Creighton

of hubs around the country as the major banks pulled out.

A spokesperson said High Street services could probably cease in most places within 10 years.

“As long as there is one bank left, we cannot do anything. When the last one goes, we can move in to assess the situation.

“If there is a Post Office still operating, then we have to be careful as we don’t want to put the other services it provides at risk.

“We estimate around five million people still rely on cash and counter services.

“It seems certain that Bank HUBS will become much more common around the country in years to come.”

They added: “We’ve already enjoyed some high temperatures this summer which turns overgrown grass and plants into kindling,” they said.

“It only takes one idiot to drop a cigarette butt or a smouldering barbecue tray left unattended to set a park alight. I don’t think that is protecting wildlife, more like encouraging a wildfire.”

Another blamed overgrown verges for causing an increase in traffic accidents.

She said: “In previous years, campaigns like this mean my view of the road is hindered when I back out of my driveway.

“Some of my neighbours have suffered minor bumps which increases their insurance while others have received terrible abuse from pedestrians who were obscured by unkempt grass. I think it is irresponsible for the charity to call for parks and roadsides to be left to grow wild.

“There is also the problem of rats which just love hiding in long grass and eating flowers. They don’t leave much for the bees.”

Andy Smith, spokesperson for the Berkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said concerns about the campaign were exaggerated: “Regarding grass verges, in the great majority of cases it is perfectly safe,

and hugely beneficial, to allow grass to grow and wildflowers to flourish.

“We accept that management of roadside areas is a caseby-case decision and may depend on verge width, drivers’ sightlines and so on. However, it is worth noting that across the border in Surrey the county council has had a policy for the last few years of ‘re-wilding’ most of the roadside verges for which it has responsibility and there have been no reported problems resulting from this policy, which has been very popular.

“With regard to domestic gardens, there is much to be gained from a ‘no mow’ approach, and if some readers have concerns they should consider experimenting by leaving just some areas of their lawns unmowed but cutting other areas.

“Rats really are not an issue, but wouldn’t we all prefer to see more flowers, more bees and more butterflies in our gardens and along our verges?”

n What do you think? Email your thoughts to: letters@wokingham. today

Arborfield market to make its return

A COMMUNITY group is gearing up for its next craft and food market on June 10.

The Arborfield Green Events Committee’s event takes place on the second Sunday of each month.

Food traders and craft businesses will occupy stalls, allowing visitors to explore the very best of what the area has to offer. The organisers are inviting those interested in showcasing their wares to get in touch.

The events take place from noon-4pm at the Arborfield Community Centre, Sheerlands Road.

n For more information, email: arborfieldevents@gmail.com

A chance to swap

EARLEY Town Council is holding a clothes swap, where people can bring items they no longer need and exchange them for others at the event.

People are invited to bring up to five pieces of clothing, and can take five home.

Clothes should have plenty of wear in them to be a good addition to someone else’s wardrobe.

The two-day event takes place at Earley Town Council offices, Radstock Lane today and tomorrow.

Doors are open from 9am to 1pm, and from 2pm to 4.30pm on both days.

Brass band coronation concert will serenade cats and kings

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A MUSIC group’s June concert will combine twin themes.

Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band says its programme will be both fun and celebratory, containing music to serenade both felines and monarchs.

Called Cats And Coronations, the concert features, among others, The Tiger Of San Pedro.

Amy Wells, from the group says: “It’s a jazz piece, not something that brass bands often like to tackle, but Saint Sebastians does a great job of playing it.

“We’re all really, really excited to be performing a midyear concert, after not having done so for a while.”

Cat-themed music has been on the group’s minds since they took a programme of work to Wychavon Festival Of Brass.

“We’ve been rehearsing the pieces for six months now, but the cats theme really took off at the Wychavon festival last year,” Amy said.

“It’s an entertainment competition, which is different from area contests.”

At area festivals brass bands are compared and assessed against their individual performances of the same piece.

“But with performance competitions, there’s lots of different music, and you can choose your own programme,” explained Amy.

“We went with cats.

“We loved the programme, and have been looking for an opportunity to play it in concert.”

The audience at the Cats and Coronations concert will be able to enjoy a range of music that begins with royal pieces.

“The first half includes Horizons, Pilgrim’s Progress, Albion Treasures, Bacchanale, Vivat Regina, Trombone King, and The Coronation March,” Amy said.

The second half of the concert includes performances of Memory, and Old Gumbie Cat, both from the musical, Cats.

“We’ll also play The Circle Of Life, from The Lion King, and our jazz piece, Tiger Of San Pedro,” she continued.

Each of the numbers will be given a short explanation by the band’s musical director, John Watts.

“John always introduces the pieces, and for this concert he has a story lined up to entertain, that will link the music to a most wanted Wokingham cat,” Amy added.

The band of around 25 performers includes players whose ages range from 17 to 90.

“We’re quite a young band as they go,” said Amy.

“We take players of all ages,

and all levels from grade two or three upwards.

“If they can read music, anyone can join in and learn the ropes.

“We currently have an 11year-old, who is taking part in rehearsals.

“We love to encourage people to play, whether they are starting out, or returning to brass.

“And we’re quite social.

“Most concerts end up with us all enjoying time together in the pub, or over a curry.

“It’s fairly traditional behaviour for brass bands.”

In the coming months, Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band has a stream of engagements, including The Whit Friday Band Contests in early June, which sees hundreds of bands congregate to play in Saddleworth and the surrounding villages, in the North of England.

They will also play light hearted summer music in Wokingham’s Peach Place for Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 24, at borough school fairs throughout the Summer, and at an entertainment contest in Witney, Oxfordshire, in October.

“We’ll also be reviving our December performance of The Snowman, where we play to accompany a screening of the film,” said Amy.

“It will be at Wokingham Baptist Church as in previous years, but with this time with two performances on the same day.”

Those interested in seeing it should mark December 16 in their diaries, but to hear the band’s Cats And Coronations concert next month, audiences can book their places now.

“It’s suitable for all the family,” said Amy.

“It may be slightly on the late side, but my three-year-old will be there.

“She loves coming to our concerts.”

The event takes place at Wokingham Baptist Church, on Saturday, June 10.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £10, or £5 for under 18s. Under fives get in free.

The event is supported by Share Wokingham.

n For tickets and information, call: 07544 774528 or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/ stsebswokingham

‘We feel like thieves’: Shoppers’ anger over new security system

ANGRY shoppers have hit out over a new security system at the Sainsbury’s store in Winnersh which they claim makes them “feel like thieves”, writes James

Hastings

A number have vowed to boycott the store in King’s Street Lane after being forced to scan their receipts at a barrier in the self-service area.

Failure to do so means they have to ask staff to let them through but they claim only after their purchases are checked.

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One Charvil resident who contacted Wokingham Today has refused to return to Sainsbury’s warning the barrier is a health and safety risk.

“When I paid for my shopping I was given the option of not taking a receipt so I didn’t but that meant I was trapped like a prisoner,” he said.

“There was a crowd at the barrier and the staff were not very helpful, telling me it was a new system and we had to get used to it. I don’t like being in crowded conditions and it

made me panic. The barriers are a health and safety risk.

“What would happen if there was an emergency and people couldn’t get through these barriers?

“I have shopped at Sainsbury’s for many years but I haven’t returned since this incident last month and I don’t intend to. Perhaps the supermarket is experiencing problems with shoplifting but these new barriers are an excessive response.”

Another resident from Winnersh said her receipt did not scan and her bag was searched before she was allowed to leave: “It reminded me of airport security but all I had was some cheese and a bottle of wine as I was

planning a picnic with friends.

“I took my receipt and put it in my purse then I remembered about the barrier but my receipt wouldn’t scan because I’d scrunched it up and the scanner wouldn’t allow me through. A staff member tried it and it still wouldn’t work. She looked in my bag as if I’d nicked something. I was embarrassed as the self-scan area was packed with people.”

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said she could not state why the barriers had been installed “for security reasons”.

She added: “This is just one of a range of security measures and used in a small number of our stores at our self-service checkout areas. We have dedicated colleague support for customers who need assistance.

“We have updated the technology and there is not an option to refuse a receipt.”

She added Sainsbury’s had received few complaints from shoppers at the Winnersh branch.

Origins of Wokingham United Charities to be explored

THE

The Wokingham Society will welcome Dennis Eyriey, a trustee of Wokingham United Charities, for the event which will be held in Wokingham

Town Hall in Market Place.

The Charity’s origins date back to 1451, when John Westende gifted eight cottages in Le Peche-street – now known as Peach Street – for poor and needy people in Wokingham.

Over time other charities have been incorporated and Mr

Eyriey will explain that history and also what Wokingham United Charities does now.

The event starts at 7.45pm on Wednesday, June 21, and entry is free.

n For more, call Peter Must on: 0118 978 1671, or email: chairman@wokinghamsociety.org.uk

IN TUNE: Lovers of brass music can enjoy a concert from Saint Sebastian Wokingham Brass Band on June 10. Picture: Brian Matangelo via Unsplash

origins of a Wokingham charity that is nearly 600 years old will be the focus for a new talk next month.

United nations: primary school celebrates cultural diversity

Tea and fruit could prevent memory loss

A DIET lacking a compound found in tea, apples and berries is linked to age-related memory loss, according to a large trial in older adults.

The project explored the impact of flavanols - compounds found in foods such as tea, apples and berries - on cognitive ageing in 3,562 older individuals over three years.

Conducted by staff at Columbia University and co-investigated by the University of Reading’s Gunter Kuhnle, the study showed that individuals with high habitual flavanol consumption have better hippocampal memory function than those with lower consumption.

Lead investigator Scott Small MD, professor of neurology at Columbia University said: “The identification of nutrients critical for the proper development of an infant’s nervous system was a crowning achievement of 20th century nutrition science.

“Research is starting to reveal that different nutrients are needed to fortify our ageing minds.”

Prof Kuhnle said: “We used nutritional biomarkers in urine to measure the baseline diet of around one-third of the participants. This method is more accurate than relying on self-reported diet and provided us with a better estimate of flavanol intake.”

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A LOWER EARLEY primary school held a grand celebration of cultural diversity last week.

Around a thousand people, made up of pupils and their families, came to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavours of multi-cultural heritage at a joyful parade and festival at Hawkedon Primary School.

It is the largest primary school in Lower Earley, serving 630 pupils, who come from 60 different countries, and speak 35 languages between them.

Headteacher Gareth O’Shea said: “Our community is very diverse here, and we wanted everyone to be able to come into school to celebrate all the different cultures.

“It’s brilliant to have so many parents here. They’ve been really enthusiastic, and there’s such a sense of excitement.

“They put together a number of stalls representing countries from around the world.

“Some have brought in food, while others have brought in objects that represent their culture.

“We usually ask children what their home languages are, but we don’t necessarily learn where their birth place is.

“So it’s been really interesting to find out that they come from such a wide range of places, and wonderful to be able to celebrate that.”

On the celebration day, the children were invited to dress in traditional or typical clothing, or the colours of the country they represented.

They processed together as part of a colourful promenade around the school in recognition of all the represented communities and cultures.

There were two parades, one for reception children, and another in the afternoon for the rest of the school years.

Afterwards years 2 and 3 performed Indian drumming, and years 4 and 5 demonstrated a Chinese dragon dance.

LIz Woodard, school business manager said: “We’ve had events going on all week and the atmosphere is buzzing.

“All the stories that the children have been telling, and the conversations we’ve been having, have been wonderful. Everyone is learning and sharing about where they come from.

“One of our teachers said that this has been the best off-curriculum days they have ever had, because of the children’s engagement.

“This hasn’t been teacher led, it has been led by the whole community.”

Staff and parents set up stalls to represent the

different countries, displaying traditional clothes, flags, musical instruments, objects of interest, photographs and artwork.

Festival goers were also able to sample cultural delicacies from around the world, including soda bread made by the headteacher, at his stall representing Ireland.

Head of year 4, Amy Cooke, said: “Two weeks ago we gave all the children homework. We asked everyone to research and share something about their country with the community.

“We had an amazing response, with children singing traditional songs in their own languages, playing musical instruments, sharing food, making posters, and even making things out of Lego.

“We’ve all been learning something, not just the children, but the teachers too.”

Families were full of praise for the event.

Parent, Subadhra, said: “It’s a wonderful day. It’s all so colourful, and everyone is so enthusiastic.

“I’m helping out on the Indian stall, and parents have been coming to taste the different foods we have brought.”

Another parent, Omaima, said: “We’ve felt so welcomed.

“It’s really interesting to learn about all the other cultures. At our Sudanese stall people have been enjoying the baklava and falafel.”

Other parents, Pradeep and Meenakshi, said: “This is a great event.

“Britain has always welcomed migrants into the community, and this celebration brings everyone together.

“In India there is a saying, which means all cultures, all people, are one family. This is a ‘one family’ event. It’s such a big community, but it looks like a family.”

n For information about the school, visit: www. hawkedon.wokingham.sch.uk

Omaima, a parent at the school, ran the Sudanese stall, and said that it had been interesting to learn about other cultures during the day

The research was part of the COSMOS study (Cocoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study), a double-blind placebo controlled randomised study of more than 21,000 participants over three years.

In contrast to other studies, which rely on foods as flavanol sources, the COSMOS study used a standardised flavanol extract, which allowed a better control of the intervention, making it possible to attribute any effects to the compounds and not specific foods.

This study already showed that flavanols reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

In celebration of our 30 year anniversary this year, we are offering 30% off room hire for all new special events to be booked and take place by 30th November 2023

Please quote SMGC30 to receive your discount

Parent Subadhra ran the Indian stall, and enjoyed the enthusiasm of all the visitors to the event

Head teacher Gareth O’Shea and school parent Fiona Morissey manned the Irish stall at Hawkedon Primary’s grand day of celebration

Parents Pradeep and Meenakshi said the celebration felt like one big family

All 600 of the children at Hawkedon Primary School took part in a parade to celebrate cultural diversity. Picture: Emma Merchant

Another view Neil Coupe

Marking the passage of time

ATTENDING a wedding recently it dawned on me that the passage of time was very much pushing those of us in our fifties to the edges.

During the break between the wedding and the reception, there was no longer a need to make a stampede to the bar to and have a few cold ones to get the party started.

We were now the ones relishing the prospect of a nice cup of tea, and the bonus of biscuits and on this occasion, even cake, as we sat in a quiet room comparing ailments, the potential attraction of cruises, and addressing the issue of ‘how much longer are you planning to work’, or ‘how is retirement? Let me guess, you have never been so busy.’

There was no-one sending out search parties to have us in the photographs.

We commented that there were not many ‘oldies’ there, such as the noble grandparents that everyone makes an effort to speak to. To our surprise, we were pretty much the oldest cohort there, albeit still too young to be distinguished and therefore visible. This was then reinforced at the Reception as we were put on a table in the shadows with a ragtag of people we didn’t know – what we described as the ‘overspill’ table.

We have imperceptibly moved away from being the main players to being members of the supporting cast. It is the younger generation with the exciting career developments, the plans for the future, the lust for life, and their fast-moving razor-sharp brains. They are the ones with the news. We are the ones with stories from the past to repeat.

A couple of nephews explained in great detail what they did for a living. I was riveted with the detail and the buzzwords. The enthusiasm was palpable, and they both clearly had very stimulating roles.

Were they designing something? Were they creating or building software or something? Was it a sales job?

When subsequently quizzed by my wife about what their jobs were, I was only able to muster, “Oh, it’s something to do with IT. In London”.

The generational differences are even more palpable when it comes to cultural references. I am aware of the concept of ‘influencers’ using their reach on social media to promote brands.

Some of these people are superstars in their own right with books deals etc. Who knew?

It is however a good thing to acknowledge the march of time and accept our changing place in the world. This is the circle of life. It is right that the young take over and innovate and shape the world for themselves. We have had our turn.

Moving away from being a participant in everything that goes on to being slightly more of an interested observer of everything going on can be just as enjoyable. The key point here of course is remaining interested. Back to the wedding.

There was no pressure to be anywhere near the dancefloor at any part of the proceedings, which is always a relief.

Disappearing for a stroll when the music was being cranked up was totally acceptable. Most importantly of all, nobody batted an eyelid or raised any polite objection as we left the event earlier than we would have done 20 years ago, to the luxurious embrace of our own bed.

A day to remember enjoy premier league

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

BOROUGH refugees living in hotel accommodation have been given an opportunity to watch premier football matches thanks to a Wokingham charity, a computer company, and Premier League.

Working with refugee crisis group Care4Calais, and Oracle computers, Wokingham charity The Cowshed, was able to send eight refugees passionate about football to see two premier matches.

The charity was given eight tickets for the 2023 Premier League match fixtures to pass on to asylum seekers currently residing in hotels.

BINFIELD business man

David Horton is a man in a million.

He first gave blood as a student aged 19 and this year the 75-year-old received a certificate thanking him for his 300th donation.

According to the NHS Blood and Transplant Service, that puts David into a very rare category of lifelong donors known as blood millionaires.

Despite this amazing achievement, he plans to continue as long as the NHS allows him even though he has reached the official cut off age for donors.

“I feel wonderful to have achieved this milestone and greatly honoured to receive such recognition from the Blood and Transplant Service,” explained David.

“I was told just over 200 people in the UK have reached the 250 mark so to go even further is something special. I would like to continue but it is up to the NHS if they allow it.”

David says he “just fell into giving blood” in 1966 while a PE student at university.

After a few years break, he started organising charity events with the late actor and disability

campaigner, Brian Rix, and began making more regular donations. These included blood, platelets and plasma up to six times a year.

“When people ask what motivates me, I reply it’s the free tea and biscuits,” he jokes.

“I just believe it is something important that needs to be done and which almost anyone can do. Around 25% of the UK population will require a blood transfusion in their lifetime but only 4% of eligible adults will give blood. The NHS says 750,000 people donate annually but it needs 100,000 new people to do so each year.

“Giving blood doesn’t take long and is easily done. I have been told that I have helped so many people of all ages over the years, people I will never know but it feels good to realise they have benefited from what is really a very simple thing to do.”

During the covid pandemic, David was asked to donate as often as twice a month at the JRH Oxford Hospital. He earned his 250th donation credit in 2018, but had to wait until July last year to receive an NHS medal.

In February this year, he made his 300th blood donation in Reading.

Taste the rainbow ... Pride cocktail goes on sale

A NEW cocktail has gone on sale at a Winnersh restaurant, aimed at celebrating Pride month.

Bar + Block, at the Showcase Roundabout, is offering the limited edition drink during June.

Costing £8.80, it comprises Absolut Vodka, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, grenadine and orange juice.

They are carefully layered to resemble the Pride flag and the drink is topped with raspberries.

Bar + Block offers two cocktails for the price of one between 5pm and 7pm daily.

Profits from sales of the drink will be donated to akt (Albert Kennedy Trust), a charity supporting young LGBTQ+ people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness since 1989. It is available until Friday, June 30.

The ticket holders were able to enjoy matches between West Ham and Crystal Palace, and between Bournemouth and Chelsea.

Fundraising manager from The Cowshed, Rebecca Mole, said: “When our supporters, Oracle, told us they had been provided with Premier League tickets, we were delighted to be able to distribute them to our refugees.

“Often the families are stuck in hotel accommodation with no access to public funds.

“Last year members of Reading Football Club came to play the game with our refugee families.

“We saw how much the boys loved playing football, and we knew that these tickets would be well received.”

The charity says that football is a powerful way to bring communities together, and to relieve stress.

Many of the refugees they support are passionate football players themselves.

One of the ticket recipients, Lalhmunsanga, said: “I don’t know how to express my gratitude for the sponsorship of tickets.

“The moment I got mine, I was filled with joy and anticipation.

“I never thought I would be able

A GROUP of creative sewers plans to relax and sew together in one of the town’s parks.

Everyone is welcome to join Wokingham Embroiderer’s Group at their annual outdoor stitching session in July. Members will bring along projects that they are completing, or have finished, and will talk about their work.

The organisers promise cake, but ask all visitors to provide their own drink, and a chair.

Maggs Carver, from the group said: “We first started meeting outdoors during the pandemic. Rather than sit alone at home, we took our stitching to the park, and sat in a socially distanced circle.

“We had to shout at each other to have conversations, but it was lots of fun, and we have decided to do it again this summer.

“Obviously we don’t have to be distanced any more, and can sit

to see professional football players in real life, but I had a chance to see not only my favourite football players but also their great movements on the pitch.

“It was a day I will never forget.

“The fans were buzzing around and the atmosphere was electric.

“It means the world to me and I will always be grateful.”

Another ticket holder, Rahim, said: “Thanks to your kindness, I was able to witness an unforgettable game and enjoy a fantastic day out.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better time.

“The energy in the stadium was

wherever we like, to sew and chat together.”

The sewers meet regularly for stitching sessions in the town, and welcome people of all sewing levels, from complete beginners to very experienced textile artists. Visitors are welcome drop in to their monthly meetings as well as to workshops and open sessions. Activities other than stitching, include: challenges, group projects, and exhibitions of work.

Members enjoy a range of sewing interests, including: hand stitching, machine stitching, mixed media, and patchwork.

Others take part in quilting, lace, knitting, weaving, felt and beading.

“We’re a friendly group,” said Ms Carver. “Our members range from stitchers in their 50s to those in their 80s. We all help each other when we get stuck, and inspire each other to create new work.”

David Horton celebrating his blood donor milestones

David in one in a million, and it’s all thanks to a pint (or 300) of blood

REFUGEES WERE ABLE TO SEE A PREMIER LEAGUE. PICURE COURTESY OF THE COWSHED.

Bar + Block is serving a rainbowinspired cocktail during June, Pride month

remember as refugees league football

D-Day Dollies drop-in to care home for a singalong

WorcesterObserver

electric, and your kindness has meant the world to me.

“I cannot thank you enough for your generosity.

“I hope to pay it forward someday and make a difference in someone’s life, just as you have done for me.”

The Cowshed provides support to people in crisis from all backgrounds, providing quality clothes and essentials free to anyone in need.

Recipients include those fleeing domestic abuse, individuals and families experiencing emergency rehousing, or health issues resulting in poverty.

The organisation also works with

people in the local community who are homeless, have emergency custody situations, or experience poor housing conditions.

The charity receives increasing numbers of referrals each week from health visitors, social services, foodbanks, schools, refuges, churches, doctors and charities.

n For information about The Cowshed, visit: www.thecowshed.org

n For more about Care4Calais, visit: www.care4calais.org

n For the charity’s supporter, Oracle, visit: www.oracle.com/uk

n For information about Premier League football, visit their Facebook page.

THERE were bluebirds not over the white cliffs of Dover, but the green fields of Sindlesham.

The reason? An early commemoration of the D-Day anniversary.

Residents of the Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court care home enjoyed a visit from the D-Day Dollies, a duo that performed songs from the 1940s and 50s.

D-Day is a major military operation during the Second World War that saw troops land en masse on Normandy on June 6, 1944, and heralded the start of the end of the conflict – although that would be a year later.

The performers provided the residents with an afternoon of entertainment that crossed generations.

The residents were able to sing along and could also reminisce and

share fond memories of a bygone age.

“The music definitely captured my younger days, and the harmonies were so enjoyable,” said Michael, one of the residents.

“The blended tones of the girls’ voices was wonderful.”

And Iris, a resident who says she loves dancing, added: “The music made my toes tap to the beat. It really cheered us all.”

Sharon Fletcher, one of the centre’s activities coordinators, said: “It was a delight to see the joy and emotion from residents and family members.

“The room was alight with the songs from the generation, including We’ll Meet Again and The White Cliffs of Dover.”

n For more information, visit: www.rmbi.org.uk/

Departing Mon 7 Aug ‘23

Attracting holidaymakers since Victorian times, Eastbourne is a bustling seaside resort that epitomises the British summer holiday. During our relaxing break here, we take a trip on the Bluebell Railway, and spend time in picturesque Lewes and charming Alfriston.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 4 nights at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast

 Entertainment some evenings

 Heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway

 Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)

Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£13pp)

5 Days by Coach only £369

Single Supplement £60

WARNER ENTERTAINMENT Break - Norton Grange

“We love to challenge ourselves with new themes, and we enjoy creating unique pieces each month to put in our travelling books.

“These are blank, and go home with a different member each meeting, who sews a new piece to place inside it.

“At the end of the year, each book contains 12 creations inspired by comments and thoughts from our members.”

Regular sessions take place at St Paul’s Parish Rooms, on Saturdays towards the end of the month. They run from 2.30pm through to 4.30pm.

POETRY CORNER

When I run it’s just like poetry

Extra workshops are arranged during the year, and these run from 10am through to 4pm.

Membership costs £45, but visitors are able to drop in to individual sessions for £5.

“We’d love some new members to come and join us,” said Ms Carver.

The group’s outdoor embroidery event will take place in Howard Palmer on Saturday, July 29, at 2.30pm. Weather dependant, it is subject to cancellation at short notice.

n For more information about the group and their events programme, visit: wokinghamembroiderers.org

I’m limping like a limerick Looking for that last rhyme I stumble like a stanza

That’s completely lost its time

I’m sauntering in a sonnet

That Shakespeare clean forgot Tripping over my iambic pentameters My leg muscles in a knot

And as I climb the hill

Supporters’ shouts reach my ears

It must be really poetic

‘Cause my eyes have filled with tears

Then the race gets really tough

And I start to swear and curse

My normal vocabulary

Is replaced by blank, blank verse

But when the race is over

And I’ve finished off my run

Like singing a round, I’ll be back again

It really was such fun!

Departing Mon 7 Aug ‘23

Breaks to the Isle of Wight are some of our very best sellers, and is it any wonder why?

Capturing the charms of ye olde English holidays with world-famous beaches, historic landmarks and quaint villages, this five-day break has got the lot.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Crawley

 4 nights at the Warner Norton Grange Coastal Village, Isle of Wight with dinner & breakfast

 Daytime activities in resort

 Entertainment every evening

 Excursions to Ryde, Cowes & Shanklin

Optional Island Highlights Tour to Ventnor, Alum Bay (Needles View), Yarmouth & Newport (£13pp)

5 Days by Coach only £449

Single Supplement £60

Kathy Tyler

We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Send your verse to poems@wokingham.today

SONG TIME: Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court resident Michael posing with The D-Day Dollies after their performance

STITCHED For more information, or to book, please call

in July. Picture: Wokingham Embroiderers Group Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Prices are correct at the time of printing and will be honoured for bookings made on or before 7 days after publication. Prices after this date are subject to fluctuation. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

When I run, it’s just like poetry

Hospitals for the future

NEWS that Frimley Park in Camberley is to be rebuilt is welcomed.

A delay to the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s future less so.

However, we are where we are. The government is pressing on with its pledge to build 40 new hospitals by 2030, where new and 2030 are moveable feasts.

It is good news that healthcare facilities are being given a much-needed shot in the arm. But it is frustrating that it is taking so long for decisions to be made in Westminster as to how much money should be allocated, and where it should go.

Frimley Park needs the green light as its buildings are falling apart. But the delay to the RBH seems inexcusable. We need to know where the hospital will be so the team looking to its future can take appropriate action and plan accordingly.

This new hospital for the future is too important to be left hanging.

We call on the government to give some much needed clarity – the sooner the better.

CHURCH NOTES Kingdom Keys: Eating Together

EATING together has always met more than just a physical need. Cooking and eating together builds social connection and by saying grace before eating we make this daily need for food spiritual too.

In Wokingham, the SHARE food project collects 4-8 tons of perishable foods from local supermarkets each week which are distributed by local churches to meet physical needs.

The Well (11am-3pm every Wednesday at Kings Place, 9 Station Road) adds the social, and (for those who want it) the spiritual too.

Drinks, games, conversations and jigsaws create a happy, social-backdrop as people anticipate the arrival of near-toexpiry food from SHARE, once it arrives everybody can contribute to the planning and preparation of an open-community lunch.

This is often built around soup and bread, but on one occasion SHARE couldn’t provide vegetables, but they did have burgers and chips.

The Well is also a warm space for people to spend their Wednesday, the community is far broader than one church or faith.

Most weeks around 20 people turn-up, happy to prepare vegetables, set tables, cook, wash up and join in other optional activities.

At the end of the day they take unused fruit, vegetables and cakes home for themselves, families and friends.

The Apostle Paul once observed that: “The Kingdom of God is not food and drink”, but that’s not a bad place to start.

All are welcome, we would love to meet you there.

Wendy and Nigel Preston for The Well@ King’s Church on behalf of Churches Together.

Your letters

Complaints?

I have a few

Dear Readers, if our nice Editor allows, may I start the new Month with complaints about life today that affects us all?

With due respect to Civil Servants and other people paid out of our pockets, I wish you to get back to normal working – five days per week and in the office you were placed in before the farcical “work from home” commenced, as a temporary aid to escape Covid – not for a holiday.

Such is required because we as country cannot afford the present low productivity and inefficiency associated with WFH employment.

Whatever all the financial experts say, and nothing to do with Political views, we need to work – but much more efficiently and disciplined.

Turning to MPs and perhaps Lords, why do we allow them to have “other means of income?

Those two bodies cost this country a fortune and are often out of any control.

Taking a social view, as maybe Kier Starmer would like to, perhaps changes are desired, if we are ever to get a stable high integrity true social country. I make such comments not as a politition.

A classic example of allowing MPs to act freely – outside the needs of this country – was Liz Trust’s trip to Taiwan.

Having some knowledge of the Chinese and the Far East, I could have given her a lecture as to why she should not - nor for that matter should anyone, go to Taiwan representing us.

I have publicly cursed the ever

From the vicechancellor

Robert Van de Noort

growing strength of the Chinese in terms of their fiscal, industrial and military power and investments in the UK, and have pointed out that Europe, of which we are a part, desperately needs to work as if one State.

We have the ability to design almost anything, but a lack of management – again I have experience, especially of how the Chinese operate.

Lastly, I am horrified by the failures of the travel paperwork automated checking system this past week at Airports.

What appears to have been done is to improve and thus speed up passenger movements.

Any software that is altered –as a general rule, needs proving/ testing prior to use, until any problems are resolved. Was that carried out? Are we talking about a typical UK management failure?

Reg Clifton, complete with Stirring device

Knives out

The knives have been out again for Boris and what happened during lockdown etc, the Labour leader was also found to be eating and drinking after a meeting, but somehow managed to wriggle out of it.

All World Leaders had meetings during their lockdown periods and I am sure afterwards refreshments were serviced no different from this Country.

We had family on holiday in America and they were saying the cost of food was a lot dearer than Britain, so it goes to show the cost of living is WORLD WIDE.

It is a disgrace that this political and in-house and TV media fighting is no way to get into power and gain public support.

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokingham.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

We have ALL benefited from all the injections we have had and should be thankful, including all NEWS TV presenters.

A Phillips, Twyford

Meat consumption

‘YOU CAN’T EAT GRASS E109’ is published by Grove Books based in Cambridge.

Grove booklets share evangelical scholarship on a wide range of topics.

The author is a retired vicar and clearly loves the South Shropshire countryside where he now lives. He acknowledges how the prettiness and accessibility of that landscape depends on the work of livestock farmers.

He is entirely realistic about the need to reduce meat consumption in lots of Western countries, due to human health and environmental considerations (including Methane and Greenhouse Gas reduction).

But he defends livestock farming, and lays out a range of thoughtful arguments against buying unreservedly into a more extreme vegan position.

Some of the statistics and terms are possibly a little hard for someone who is not an agriculture student to follow, but a wide range of subtle points are spelt out across six chapters and 23 pages.

A final chapter, of just three paragraphs, ties together three central arguments: humans may benefit from or need some meat to supply nutrients which are difficult to get from a vegan diet; not all land can support arable crops and food security means using every available resource; animal waste may

research going on at the University such as protecting bees and insects, understanding the cultures of the past, and improving awareness of climate change.

We hope everyone enjoyed exploring our beautiful nature-filled campus and it helped to restore and energise people after a busy working week. Remember that you can visit us throughout the year, and we have a number of dedicated walking routes signposted around campus.

be an under-utilised energy source as well as being one of the finest soil fertilisers.

People, animals and the land, have all very clearly shaped our culture and values.

Livestock farmers are themselves part of a complex rural ecosystem, whose activities enrich the land and the landscape.

I spent a very enjoyable year as a GP trainee in Mid-Wales many years ago, where sheep farming was the dominant activity, being a central part of economic and community life.

It’s interesting to consider the arguments laid out so cleverly by the Revd Forster, as well as remembering how great swathes of the rural UK are dependent on dairy and meat farming.

James Hardy, by email

A double crosser

Keir Starmer will double cross people as he changed his mind.

He is a two-faced person himself – on students fees, first he wants to abolish them, now he says students will pay that struggle every day with insincere politicians and university chancellors that are overpaid.

Mr Starmer is copying the Lib Dems.

He does not want trained nurses because he is xenophobic.

It’s the same with the single market – the NHS will never work with Starmer, a two-face mark two Tory with this leader. He has no idea.

He is a disaster and should stand down, as should David Lammy.

Victor Rones, via email

We will also be talking more about the opening of new natural open spaces for recreation later this year.

Education is something we obviously take very seriously here at the University.

That is why we are delighted to have signed up to the Department for Education’s new National Education Nature Park initiative.

WITH the weather finally starting to turn warmer, and the summer lying ahead of us, many of us will be spending more of our time outdoors.

We know that having access to outdoor recreational space is incredibly important, and does wonders for our health and wellbeing.

It also helps people to reconnect with nature and better understand biodiversity and environmental sustainability, something we know a lot about here at the

University.

Last month, we were very proud to welcome thousands of visitors to our Whiteknights campus for our first ever Community Festival.

Luckily, the weather stayed dry for us and the sunshine even came out in the afternoon as people were enjoying the eclectic music offerings available on the main stage in our lovely meadow.

As well as workshops in painting, yoga, music and more, and sports taster sessions and demonstrations, visitors also had the opportunity to find out more about the innovative

In addition to our Whiteknights campus, we offer further green space for our local community to enjoy. Langley Mead nature reserve is 18 hectares of countryside along the banks of the River Loddon.

With a series of walking loops and areas of natural beauty, it is part of an ongoing project aimed at restoring agricultural land back into habitats for wildlife and plants.

We will be hosting our annual National Meadows Day event at Langley Mead on Saturday, July 1.

Please do come and join us to find out more about how we’ve used traditional management practices to successfully encourage greater biodiversity and environmental conservation.

This will see us using Whiteknights as a readymade nature park, which will provide more outdoor learning opportunities for children and young people, enabling them to gain a deeper appreciation of our changing climate and engaging in practical conservation work.

Environmental sustainability is one of the key missions of our University. I am proud that we are playing our part to preserve nature for our community to enjoy, and in helping to educate the next generation on the importance of conservation and biodiversity.

Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading

From the chamber

Cllr Andy Croy

Labour built our Council Houses before and we will build them again

WE are facing multiple housing crises. It is not just about protecting (or not) this field or that field.

There are simply not enough houses available to rent or buy at a reasonable price.

Many families have to pay expensive private rents and it is impossible to save for a deposit.

Living in private rented property, be it a single room or a fourbedroom house, means paying a lot of money for an insecure existence, knowing the property may be sold from under you, or the rent raised arbitrarily.

Private renting can be a precarious and expensive way to live.

For those who wish to buy a house, the cost of private renting makes it so much harder to save for a deposit

The cost and uncertainty of private renting makes it harder for

young people to leave home. Often, those that do can only afford to do so with the help of the bank of mum and dad – if mum and dad have a bank.

Council housing – not social housing/Housing Associations – offers the solution. Housing Associations are accountable to no one. They are often mega-landlords with little or no local connection. As a councillor I am all too aware of the difference in how Councils treat their tenants and how Housing associations treat their tenants.

A recent cross-party working group at Wokingham Borough council saw councillors from all parties agreeing that tenants were far better served by Wokingham Council than by whatever Housing Association had managed to snaffle the development rights on one of our new estates.

Both social housing, normally owned and managed by Housing Associations, and Council Housing,

offer properties for rent at about 60% of the market rate. The cheapness of renting a Council house – and it is cheap because no one is making a profit from it – offers the residents a couple of choices.

With more money left in their bank accounts, families have greater resilience in the face of rising bills. Families who wish to save a deposit to buy their own house will find their spare cash can accumulate in their own deposit pot and not the landlord’s bank account

But currently there are simply not enough Council houses for everyone who needs a home. Council houses have been sold off but not replaced. This has increased demand for private rented properties which has made private rents ever more expensive. High private sector rents can mean that tax payers money has to be paid to landlords in the form of housing component of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. Everyone has to pay for our housing crisis. The housing market is broken and needs to be fixed but house building is at a record low, further increasing pressure on rents and prices.

1962 was a remarkable year for Council housing in Wokingham. An article in local press – check the excellent “Wokingham in the News (Extracts from local newpapers 1791 to 1999” by Jim Bell – noted that in that year, Wokingham Town Council had completed its 750th permanent council house for rent built since the end of the Second

World War 17 years earlier - or about 44 houses per year.

I was astonished, and proud, to see that for 13 of these golden years, the chair of the housing committee was A.N. Lawrence, a Labour councillor who, I read to my astonishment, has been elected in 1937, and served on the council for 34 years.

The paper also noted that in the 18 years between 1921 and 1939 the council had built only 40 Council houses or about two houses per year. The years of the Great Depression were, however, halcyon days for Council house building in Wokingham compared to the modern era.

In the 20 years between 1998 and 2018, the Conservatives managed to not build a single Council house, preferring instead to let flawed Housing Associations take the strain.

In recent years, the response to requests to build Council houses has been “the Council cannot afford the land”.

This obstacle to Council house building looks set to disappear with the news this week that a Labour government will empower local authorities to purchase land at the land’s current use value – rather than its speculative value.

This will mean local authorities like Wokingham Borough Council will be able to afford to buy land for housing and will once again be able build the homes which people need – and which people can afford.

Cllr Andy Croy is Labour councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates on Wokingham Borough Council

From the council leadership

Rising to the financial challenge

THE financial pressures on the council, as for every household in the borough, are no less this year than last.

Inflation is still with us.

Demand for our services, especially in the areas of home-to-school transport and adult social care, continues to grow at an unsustainable rate. Interest rates remain high and rising.

Central government has given the council inadequate core funding, meaning we rely to a much great extent than other councils do on what resources we can generate ourselves.

All around us, councils are struggling to balance their books. Several have effectively gone bankrupt, leading the government to step in and appoint commissioners to take over, introducing deep cuts in services and raising the council tax to a much higher level than in other local authority areas.

We are determined to avoid that fate befalling Wokingham, even if it requires us to make tough devious that we would rather not make. Sound finance is the basis of a good council; without it, we can do nothing to serve you and your community.

Considerable though the challenges are this year, I have reasons for optimism about our ability to weather the storms ahead.

First, we surmounted similar challenges last year.

IHAVE now been the lead councillor for Children’s Services’ for a year.

When the Liberal Democrats took over the council in May 2022, we inherited a system which was faced with rising numbers of children with special educational needs and disabilities, but was struggling to find the capacity or the resources to provide those children with the education they needed.

Too many of our children with special educational needs and disabilities have to travel a long way out of the borough for their education.

Many of the schools they go to are in the independent sector, and very expensive.

While there will always be some children who need very specialist provision, many of the children who currently have to go further afield would benefit from being able to go to an appropriate school closer to home.

A new special school in Winnersh is already on the way.

It will take 150 children and the intention is that it will serve Wokingham Borough and Reading equally.

It is due to open in September, but it has been obvious for a while that this would not meet all the extra demand for special school places.

Last autumn, we bid to the Department for Education for funding to build two additional special schools, and earlier this year we found out that we were successful in both bids.

We are delighted.

We had hoped to get funding for one school, and were amazed to get both.

The fact that we did is an indication that the government has recognised the significant level of difficulty that we have with provision and funding locally.

The two schools will take 100 children each.

One will be for children with primarily emotional and mental health needs, and the other for children with, primarily, learning and other disabilities.

Work has now started on the building projects and we expect the schools to be open in about four to five years.

These two new schools will help, but they are not the only thing that needs to happen with regard to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Due to Wokingham’s low level of education funding, since the funding mechanism changed in 2017 the schools budget has accumulated a deficit of over £16 million, almost entirely in the block of spending provided for Special Educational Needs.

If spending were to be left unchecked, the deficit would continue to spiral upwards to the point at which in about five years it would threaten the very viability of the council itself.

But also, the quality of our SEND service is not good enough.

While Wokingham Borough is far from the worst-performing local authority on SEND, we can, and should, do better for our children.

As well as more specialist provision locally, we need better support for children in mainstream schools, right from the point at which it is first identified

that they may have additional needs.

Creating a better SEND support service will be a win for everyone.

By supporting children more effectively and much earlier, we will do better for the children, their parents and their schools, but we will also save money.

Making huge structural changes to the way we handle Special Educational Needs is not easy and will take a while.

It requires real partnership working with our schools, our colleagues in the NHS, and, most importantly, parents.

There are likely to be bumps along the road.

Change is never easy.

We know we are asking parents, particularly, to take a leap of faith that we can make things better for their children.

We can’t guarantee that we can do everything that they want.

But we are determined to do better.

The Lib Dems started to bring change to the council in our first year.

We will be working hard towards making even more of a difference in the year ahead.

Cllr Prue Bray is the deputy leader of the council, executive member for children’s services, and ward member for Winnersh

We not only eliminated the in-year deficit that we inherited from our predecessors, but also started the process of rebuilding the council’s general fund balance, it’s general reserve. We did that thanks to hard work by council officers and courageous decisionmaking by councillors.

Second, we are forging productive and effective relationships with external partners in the voluntary and charitable sector, faith groups, the Youth Council, town and parish councils, businesses, schools, the university, health providers, and the emergency services.

These partnerships help ensure that the people of the borough receive the help they need by pooling ideas, knowledge, data, person-power, and resources.

Gone are the days when the council sought to do everything itself; we are embracing partnership working to benefit from collaborative efforts to achieve agreed objectives.

Finally, I have great faith in the good sense and intelligence of the people of the borough. You know, from you own experiences of running households, or your own working life, that financial solvency is vital.

I have every confidence that if we share with you the challenges we face, you will appreciate that tough decisions are necessary and will resist those siren voices telling you that there’s an easy and painless way to deal with the problems.

We have seen in recent years the dangers of peddling simple solutions to complex problems.

Now is the time for a more grown-up approach, which seeks to explain the difficult choices clearly and honestly and brings you into the conversation at an early stage.

Cllr Stephen Conway is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council and ward member for Twyford

From the chamber

Cllr Prue Bray

Cllr Stephen Conway

Working to help all our children and their families

Blandy&BlandyShortlistedfor ‘PropertyLawfirmoftheYear’Award

E-waste recycling firm moves to Arborfield

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A COMPANY specialising in recycling electronic waste has relocated near to Reading to expand its operations.

Intelligent Waste Management Ltd, known as iWaste, has taken over a lease on a unit at Ducks Nest Farm, Arborfield Cross.

It follows a four-year search for new premises after its previous site in Eversley became too small.

Its new home features 15,000sq ft of space, secure access for heavy goods vehicles, a one-third-acre yard, and a separate, detached warehouse building, all on a gated estate with 24-hour security.

iWaste was established in 2013 by Sam Prentice and Sam Mountain when they spotted a gap in the market for an industry-wide service, and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

LawfirmBlandy&Blandyisdelightedtohavebeen shortlistedinthe‘PropertyLawfirmoftheYear’ categoryattheInsiderSouthEastPropertyAwards.

TheAwardsrecognisethecommitment,hardworkand achievementsofpropertyprofessionalsacrossSurrey, Sussex,Kent,theThamesValleyandtheSolent, showcasingthebestdevelopments,themostsuccessful firmsandthemostsignificantdealsofthelast12 months.

PartnerKatjaWigham,headofBlandy&Blandy’s CommercialPropertyteam,said:“Welldonetoour teamonbeingshortlistedandthankyoutothejudges andorganisers.Thisfurtherreflectsourteam’s experience,expertiseandcommitmenttodelivering first-ratelegalservicesandclientcare.”

Blandy&Blandycontinuestoberecommendedinthe UK’sleadingguidestolawfirms,ChambersUKandThe Legal500,andhastwicebeennamedasafinalistinthe ‘PropertyLawFirmoftheYear’categoryattheThames ValleyPropertyAwards,winningin2017.

Thewinnerswillbeannouncedataspecialblack-tie dinnertakingplaceatLingfieldParkRacecourseon13 July2023.

Forfurtherinformationorlegaladvice,pleasevisit www.blandy.co.uk.

01189516800

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations mean that the 5.6 million businesses in the UK must dispose of their e-waste responsibly so as to reduce their environmental impact.

As well as collection services, secure data destruction, and recycling, iWaste also provides a WEEE-compliant disposal for businesses.

It is a licensed Approved Authorised Treatment Facility, the highest accreditation in the waste industry awarded by the Environment Agency.

As well as this, it is aiming to off-set more than 100 tonnes of its carbon footprint through the Forest Carbon initiative and is set to become completely paperless during the 2023/2024 financial year.

It also works with organisations such as the NHS and larger national waste companies, and was one of the first

e-waste recycling facilities to achieve a B-Corp certification denoting a gold standard of sustainability as assesses by B Lab.

Director Sam Prentice said: “This move – which is not far from our previous home – enables iWaste to take that next step up as a business.

“We are investing heavily in new facilities and we have site potential for onward development as required.”

He explained: “We are very much a national business, thus securing a site with good vehicle access and excellent transportation links was crucial.

“We are within quick reach of both the M4 and the M3 so can easily reach the whole country.

“This site is all about growth and

having the capacity to expand further–the next 12 months are really going to be about bedding in, refining our systems and ensuring that we are able to push forward.”

He continued: “Our mission is to divert waste from landfill and to reduce our client’s carbon footprint.

“For every 20 tonnes of waste we collect and recycle from our clients, we plant a tree in woodland near to them, on their behalf.”

As the company moves to Arborfield and expands operations, it is seeking more staff and is focusing on hiring from the Arborfield area for IT, warehouse, driving, and sales roles. n More information about iWaste and how to apply is available via: www.iwaste.co.uk

Changes at the top for Macbeth Insurance

THERE are changes at the top of Thames Valley business, Macbeth, as the company predicts a 15% revenue increase this year.

Millie Smith, Marketing Director, joins CEO Paul Macbeth and MD Ben Butler on the board. Tony Gibbs has stepped down but remains with the business in a senior role.

Ms.Smith will continue to lead the fully integrated marketing strategy for Macbeth, one of the region’s leading independent insurance

brokers and financial services firms. Her portfolio of responsibilities includes corporate communications, client experience, digital marketing and community partnerships, an area of strategic importance for the firm.

Since joining Macbeth in March last year as head of marketing, she has been pivotal to consolidating the firm’s brand, overseeing the integration of the firm’s acquisition of Peter Lole.

She led Macbeth’s complete rebrand announced in February this year and has been instrumental in strengthening the firm’s reputation as an employer of choice.

“I’m thrilled to take on this newly created role and help build Macbeth’s brand momentum. To represent marketing at board level feels so rewarding. To take my career to this next level, as a working-mum, working flexibly is incredibly exciting. It’s not something I thought I could

have achieved even five years ago and speaks completely to the culture here at Macbeth,” she said.

Paul Macbeth, CEO, added: “From the outset, Millie’s marketing expertise and strategic vision clicked with our energetic culture of entrepreneurialism, professionalism, and genuine client centricity. We know she’s only going to be more impactful for our business in this new role. It’s a real delight to welcome her to the board.”

NEW HOME: Sam Prentice from Intelligent Waste Management at the firm’s new Arborfield site. Picture: Courtesy of IWM Ltd

Charity Golf Day in Wargrave will benefit young and old

TWO borough charities, one that supports youngsters, and the other the over 60s, have clubbed together to hold a joint charity golf competition.

Wokingham’s WADE Day Care Centre which supports older residents, and Home-Start Wokingham which helps families with very young children, are presenting a Charity Golf Day at a local golf course.

“There are some great prizes, “ said Philip Mirfin, chair of trustees at WADE.

“There is £10,000 for anyone who gets a hole in one on the 11th hole.”

Other hole in one prizes are a weekend golfing holiday in Portugal (fifth hole), a Forest Of Arden holiday (ninth hole) and a golf driver prize (seventh hole).

“There are also some great silent auction items to bid for,” added Mr Mirfin, “including a 45-minute trip in a Tiger Moth plane.”

Already 17 teams have signed up for the tournament, but there is room for three more teams of four people.

Tickets cost £65 per person, and include hot snacks at breakfast, a two course carvery lunch and a day of golfing with 18 holes.

The tournament takes place at Hennerton Golf Club, Wargrave on Friday, June 9.

Teams arrive at 8am, with the event ending at 2.30pm.

Anyone interested in joining the golfing day should call WADE on: 0118 978 7025 n For information about the two charities visit: www.wadecentre.org.uk and www.home-start.org. uk (search for Wokingham).

Records rebellion to continue as show brings on the challenge

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

THIS year’s Hurst Show and Country Fayre is going to be a record-breaker.

The list of have-a-go challenges, just released, ranges from competitive plastic duck hooking to scoring football penalties.

Following last year’s Guinness World Records (GWR) hobbyhorse record attempt, the show, over 40 years old, is staging a local records rebellion on June 24 and 25.

There was a large turnout of hobbyhorse fans for last year’s attempt. But GWR refused to recognise it.

Now this year’s show is rebelling against that decision by staging its own record-making events, sponsored, fittingly, by Rebellion Beer of Marlow.

It’s all part of the fun to raise tens of thousands of pounds for local good causes including St Nicholas Primary School, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice and Just Around the Corner helping young people.

The challenges include hobbyhorse jumping and scoring

football penalties. You can hook plastic ducks and guess the identity of a crushed car.

You can also vote for your favourite classic vehicle, name a cuddly dog soft toy, post a selfie with a committee member and estimate the number of bottle caps in a jar at the bar. There are prizes for each competition.

By collecting stamps for the attempts children can claim a small prize and adults will be entered into a prize draw to win a Rebellion Beer membership and a brewery tour. For more information and to print

out your Log Book, go to: https:// hurstshow.uk/rebellion

The show organisers said GWR had ruled that not all those taking part in last year’s record attempt were riding their hobbyhorses. But the show team said this had not been stipulated in the GWR guidelines for the event.

All the usual Hurst Show favourite attractions will return for 2023, including: arena events including hobbyhorse jumping and dog agility, a fun dog show and dog racing, children’s activities and bouncy castle, craft stalls, classic

A dog and their owner enjoying last year’s Hurst Show. The dog show will form part of this year’s event

vehicle show, live music, a tea and cake tent, bar and BBQ.

To save money and beat the queues you can buy show tickets online in advance. Online ticket prices: adults £5 for one day, £7.50 for the weekend. Seniors ages 65+: £2.50 for one day or £4 for the weekend. Free entry for under 16s and for carers accompanying the person they care for.

Day tickets at the gate will be £6 for adults, £3 for seniors aged 65+ and £1 for under 16s. Free entry for carers. Tickets are available at www.hurstshow.uk

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Email your news to: news@wokingham.today

Vigil held in churchyard to mark Conscientious Objectors’ Day

A vigil in a Wokingham garden of remembrance marked International Conscientious Objectors’ Day.

The churchyard of All Saints Church in Wiltshire Road provided the peaceful setting on Monday, May 15, for the vigil.

The event was to remember people who have resisted armed conflict and have faced persecution and imprisonment as a result.

David Chapman, who belongs to the Peace Pledge Union, read out the names of conscientious objectors around the world. Some have been imprisoned and others are in danger of persecution by their governments.

Those at the vigil took turns to remember each person by laying white chrysanthemums on a plaque bearing the words My peace I give

to you. Two of those at the vigil read their own poems.

Others read prose or poetry or spoke a personal reflection.

Michael Freeman said: “The group discussed the need for peace in the world, but how difficult that is to attain when everything is so geared up for war, and there are men like Putin who care nothing for ordinary people in pursuit of his aggressive ambitions.

“This event at All Saints was quiet, thoughtful and beautifully presented by David Chapman.”

Among those present were Peace Pledge Union members and also people from the Society of Friends (Quakers).

Mr Chapman is planning another event on Armistice Day on Saturday, November 11.

Still time to sign up for this Sunday’s 3 Counties Cycle Ride

REGISTRATION is still open for the 3 Counties Cycle Ride which will take place this Sunday.

The annual event is organised by the Rotary Club of Easthampstead and features three rides through three counties – 15, 33 or 54 miles. The club says they are well-signed and marshalled routes, mostly around Berkhsire, but the longer rides dip into Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Each course starts and finishes at Garth Hill College in Bracknell, where there is free on-site parking and refreshments. There are also drink stations and rest stops on the longer routes, and a 3CCR support vehicle.

Charlie’s Angels from Bia Cycling will be riding to assist 3CCR cyclists.

“It’s a charity cycle ride,” says Dave Donaldson, long-term 3CCR Steering Group leader and Easthampstead Rotarian. “Over its almost 60-year history, it has raised well over a million pounds for local charities.”

This year’s beneficiaries will be the WAYZ youth centre in Bracknell, The WADE day centre for the over-60s in Wokingham, and Easthampstead Rotary Club whose members live in Bracknell, Wokingham, and surrounding villages.

Derek New who now heads up the 3CCR Steering Group reports “And it’s

thanks to TREK Bicycle Bracknell, who are again sponsoring this year’s 3CCR, that more funds from the ride will go to our chosen charities.

“Over 300 riders have already registered for this year’s 3 Counties Cycle Ride on Sunday, June 4, and while you can simply sign up on the day, to save time why not register online today at https://3ccr.org/”

The website has maps of the routes and hundreds of photos from previous 3CCRs.

“So ride with us. E-bikes are welcome, as are trikes, tandems, recumbent bikes, bikes with baby seats or trailers. Even monocycles, penny-farthings and pandas have taken part over the years,” Mr New said.

Easthampstead Rotary raises more than £20,000 for charities over the course of the year, and welcomes new members.

It has fortnightly meetings with guest speakers.

For more information, call Brian on 07720 321526, log on to: www.easthampsteadrotary. org, or www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub

For more on the charities, log on to: www.thewayzyouth.co.uk, and www. wadecentre.org.uk

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

IT’S not known for sure who the first person was to be helped by the Wokingham United Charities.

It could have been a homeless widow driven out of her cottage by an unscrupulous landlord, or perhaps a local farmer needing repairs to his plough.

But one thing is known - for nearly 600 years, Wokingham United Charities has been at the forefront of coming to the aid of people, initially in Wokingham and, for the past five years, across the whole Borough.

Today, the charity which can trace its roots back to 1451, still provides almshouses at a block of flats on Peach Street for older, vulnerable people who are unable to buy or afford rental properties in Wokingham.

While plough repairs may no longer be a major need, other requests for grants include many essential household items like white goods and beds as well as the family of a child requiring a dyslexia assessment, counselling, transport costs and funds for a mobility scooter.

Wokingham United Charities is proud to say that it continues to help local people when they may have no one else to turn to, whether it’s almshouse accommodation or from its substantial Relief in Need fund for local charities and individuals.

Amy Garstang, the charity manager who oversees the day-to-day running of the grants programme and the Westende almshouses, explained how the charity began in 1451, when John

Westende gifted eight cottages in Le Peche-street, now Peach Street.

“He wanted to help the poor and needy people in Wokingham and from that humble beginning, the charity has grown.

“As our name suggests, Wokingham United Charities is an amalgamation of a number of Wokingham charities. The Queen Victoria House almshouses were built in 1887 and demolished in 1974 then replaced with Westende and Queen Victoria House flats which were further renovated in 1987.

“Westende consists of two blocks of self-contained flats, 27 in all, in pleasant well maintained gardens. They are close to the shops and only a short walk from other facilities. A Monthly Maintenance Charge is payable to cover the cost of the accommodation and includes all heating and hot water charges. The MMC rate is below the Local Housing allowance level for the Borough.”

As well as the Peach Street complex, Wokingham United Charities understands that sometimes everyone needs a helping hand.

That’s why its essential item grant programme is aimed at individuals or families who

have found themselves in circumstances of financial hardship and are in need of an essential item.

“If you find yourself with a broken cooker and don’t have the funds available to buy a replacement, or you have moved into new accommodation and need a fridge freezer and money is tight, you may be eligible for an essential item grant,” explained Amy.

“The grants aren’t limited to white goods, but also other items or needs.

“We may also be able to help with transport costs, debt-related fees, school trips, counselling and other essential items or services. We review each application on its own merits.

“We have partnered with Citizens Advice Wokingham to provide holistic support for people who need it most. That way people can be directed to the relevant support agency and if eligible, can apply on their behalf for an essential item grant.”

Anyone inquiring about support should call 0808 278 7958 in the first instance or complete the referral form on the website. The service is available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Citizens Advice Wokingham can help with

issues around welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment law and much more.

Wokingham United Charities is run by a small, dedicated and professional team, but it always welcomes volunteers and those who just want to show their support.

“We are so happy people are interested in getting involved with our work here at Wokingham United Charities,” said Amy.

“There are so many ways for you to help, and we truly appreciate each and every effort. By lending your support, you’ll become a valuable part of our Non-Profit and help to strengthen our operations.

“We are currently recruiting committee members and I would urge anyone who can help to check out the website. Volunteers are always needed and is one of the simplest ways to help. We want the local community to actively get involved. Could you become a trustee, volunteer - keep our social media up to date, use your financial or administration skills to help our work? Please get in touch if you have some time to spare no matter how small because Wokingham United Charities is for the people of Wokingham who are helped by the people of Wokingham.”

Perhaps in another 600 years time, an astronaut may require a grant to repair his rocket rather than a plough and perhaps homelessness will still be a part of everyday life. However, one thing you can be sure of is that whatever the need, Wokingham United Charities will still be around to do what it does best – helping the people of Wokingham. n For more details, log on to: wokinghamunitedcharities. org.uk

For nearly 600 years, Wokingham United Charities has been at the forefront of helping the borough

International Consicientious Objectors Day was marked with a peace vigil in All Saints Churchyard, Wokingham

Recreate the glory of Tommy’s magical routines EastEnder Lucy prepares for panto

FOR YEARS, a shambolic giant of a man with a penchant for rubbish magic tricks could make audiences hoot with laughter just by looking at them.

It was also a finely honed act, and from one of the sharpest minds on the variety circuit.

But he was also one of the most troubled too.

Tommy Cooper, the fez-wearing mischief maker, was adored for his stage act, but behind the scenes was a heavy drinker and a reputation that preceded him.

His life and laughter will be explored in a new show coming to South Hill Park next month.

Daniel Taylor is stepping into the shoes of comedian who knew how to do the tricks really, but found it funnier for audiences to pretend he didn’t.

The Very Best of Tommy Cooper aims to recapture his trademark mayhem and misfiring magic for anyone who missed the original or for those who were left wanting more.

With the blessings of the great man’s daughter Vicky, the show brings to the stage many of Cooper’s hilarious one-liners, dazzling wordplay and celebrated tricks, including Glass/Bottle, Dappy Duck, Spot the Dog and Jar/Spoon.

Danny says: “Tommy was given that wonderful and rare gift to make people laugh, often by simply standing there.

“His most-loved routines draw on an innocent sense of humour that appeals to all ages and still stands the test of time.”

More than 30 years since Tommy passed away on stage after a heart attack during a live TV show, so Danny will be raising money and awareness along the tour to help install defibrillators in every performing venue across the UK and will be collecting donations at the Wilde Theatre on the night.

The event takes place on Thursday, June 22, from 7.45pm. Tickets cost £22.50.

n For more details, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk.

Christmas might seem a long way away, but a Guildford theatre has announced its core cast for Cinderella, including some familiar faces. PHIL CREIGHTON explains

AFORMER EastEnder is swapping metal detecting for a ball this Christmas. And no, that’s not as daft as it seems.

Lucy Benjamin will be making her debut at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford as they prepare for their festive show, Cinderella.

She will be playing the wicked stepmother in the rags to riches story of true love and finding a slipper that fits.

“I’m really looking forward to being in Guildford this Christmas at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, performing in one of my favourite pantos, Cinderella,” she says.

“I’m especially looking forward to playing the Wicked Stepmother … because there’s nothing more fun than playing the baddie, if you ask me.”

While it might be her first time in Guildford, for one of the cast it will be their 18th Christmas on stage: radio star Peter Gordon will once again don the frocks, this time as an ugly stepsister.

Cinderella will be Clair Gleave, Stanton Wright will be Prince Charming, and CBeebies star James Merry returns for a third year, this time as Buttons.

Peter is looking forward to his festive stint.

“As always, I’m hugely excited to be back at the Yvonne Arnaud,” he says. “Cinderella is so many

people’s favourite and I love the role of Ugly Sister as it’s a fun, mischievous part – and who doesn’t like a good ‘boo’?

“It’ll be an honour and a privilege – as always – to be back on stage with a great team in my hometown for so many years, Guildford.”

The show will be made, rehearsed and created by an inhouse team, and its recent show, Dick Whittington won an award for the best ensemble in the UK Pantomime Awards.

The show’s director will be the theatre’s chief executive, Joanna Read, who says: “I’m really excited about the cast we have been able to attract this year, namely EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin and

Creating monsters at South Hill Park

A PLAY based on a classic gothic novel is coming to a Bracknell stage.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, adapted for theatre by Lisa Evans, explores contemporary themes as well as the original story.

It tells the tale of Mary, a young woman held in a presentday psychiatric unit, with only a book for comfort.

The novel she is reading seems to contain her own history of disintegrating relationships, and of creating and taking a life.

David Stacey, who took up the role of South Hill Park Arts Centre Studio Theatre manager in March, directs the play.

He said: “I’m excited to be able to be able to continue the studio theatre’s tradition of giving opportunities to local talent, while offering great entertainment for our audiences.

“I wanted this initial

Party in the Park returns this weekend

THE FIELD will be alive with the sound of music this weekend as the ever-popular Party In The Park returns.

Wokingham Town Council is gearing up to host the Party in the Park at Elms Field on Saturday, June 3.

After the resounding success of last year’s Platinum Party in the Park, this free events is set to entertain music lovers with live performances, food, drinks, and a range of family-friendly activities.

The entertainment will begin at 3pm, with the line-up including The Midnight Soul Sisters with soul, funk, and Motown classics, followed by the high-octane rock and pop performance of the local band Majestix.

old favourites Peter Gordon and James Merry as well as up-andcoming talents.

“Cinderella is one of my favourite pantos and we’ve got a great team on board.”

Cinderella, will be performed from Saturday, Dec 2, to Sunday, January 7.

n For more information and to book tickets, visit: YvonneArnaud.co.uk, or call the Box Office on 01483 440000 from 10am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays.

Madonna fans will not want to miss Vogue Madonna’s tribute to the Queen of Pop, before the vibrant five-piece group Wild Boys perform the greatest songs of the 80s.

There will also be a wide selection of street food available throughout the day, including Greek, Ethiopian, Thai, and Indian cuisine, a barbecue, a hog roast, and a range of vegan and vegetarian options.

The event will also feature beer, cider, wine, gin, Pimms, and soft drinks for refreshments.

This free event is expected to be well attended, so it is advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment. n For more details, log on to:

www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk/partyinthepark/

THE SMASH HIT WEST END MUSICAL

production of the new season to be a familiar title that immediately engages an audience.

“Lisa Evans’ script really adds something different to the well known story. It’s classic horror, but it also explores what it means to be human today.

“While there is plenty of the original story to enjoy, we also follow a parallel contemporary journey.

“Through scenes from the book, we learn about a young woman’s inner life, and consider the possibility that we may contribute to the creation of monsters in others, as well as in ourselves.”

The production features original music, and will see the studio theatre transformed into Frankenstein’s laboratory, as well as a land of Arctic ice flows.

“We create two very different

worlds and experiences within a small, intimate space,” added David. “I want the audience to be drawn into the passion and effort in Frankenstein’s laboratory, in contrast to a starkly lit hospital setting.

“Charlie Lester’s music, written specially for this production, really adds gothic atmosphere.”

Studio Theatre productions are community-based, providing opportunities for anyone with an interest in theatre, from acting to technical roles, to take part.

Frankenstein will be performed in the Studio Theatre at South Hill Park, from Wednesday, June 14, through to Saturday, June 17.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £15, or £13 for members.

n For tickets and information visit: www.southhillpark.org.uk

CAST: Lucy Benjamin, Peter Gordon, James Merry, Stanton Wright, and Clair Gleave are performing in Cinderella at the Yvonne Arnaud this Christmas

RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

THE sounds of summer can be heard with this week’s RaW Sounds Today playlist.

Many of the tracks included have or are performing in the area over the coming weeks, many at open-air events including Wokingham Festival and the Abbey Ruins. Why not tune in and see what you discover?

It’s available for free on Spotify. Our playlist is a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music. There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into.

You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

from strength-tostrength following her band’s appearance on the second stage of Wokingham Festival last year.

She is certainly getting noticed throughout the music world and that’s not surprising.

She was so good at the festival last year that she’s been invited back to grace the main stage on August Bank Holiday Monday 28, before legendary headliners, Caravan.

Leoni has just released New World Woman, an album of her interpretations of some Rush classics and Tears is a single from it. It is a beautiful interpretation of the song – https://www. leonijanekennedy.com/

Tom Webber –Lightning Strike

of ‘22

for Girls at their recent Abbey Ruins show. He has also played Club Velocity/ New Mind shows and they are putting on another show for Tom in his Oxford home town on June 8, at Jericho Tavern.

This is Tom’s latest single which, like his previous releases, showcases his excellent song-writing talents and wonderful vocal performance – https:// lnk.to/tomwebber

The Salts haven’t played in our area for a while but they have certainly been wowing audiences throughout the UK and in Europe too. Their unique take on sea shanties is in more demand than ever as the reputation of this incredibly talented group of musicians grows.

Wokingham-based Braccan Records label – https://www.thesalts. co.uk/

Rezillos – Flying Saucer Attack

A few weeks ago this legendary band came to Reading for the first time since 1978 to perform at a Club Velocity Facebar event. They certainly made up for their absence playing classics and more at a great night – https://www.rezillos. rocks/

Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink

Caravan released an album that is often cited as one of the best progressive rock albums ever made and here’s the title track. They headline Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28 – https:// officialcaravan.co.uk/

Odyssey – Going Back to My Roots

Myopia –Unendable

An exciting band from Essex. They will be at Reading University this Friday, June 2 and at Wokingham Festival on August 28 – https://linktr.ee/ myopiaofficial

Spriggan Mist – The Portal

One of the standouts on Spriggan Mist’s 2017 album The Portal was the title track which has been remixed and mastered by Aaron Cilia, with Fay Brotherhood providing new lead vocals – https://www. sprigganmist.com/

Hello Indigo! – Fall Through You

This new young indie band from Cardiff will be at Wokingham Festival in August – https:// www.facebook.com/ helloindigouk

Healthy heart tip

Working out in the Park

LET’S get physical. Did you know, regular physical activity can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 35%?

Many of us don’t have gym memberships or access to home gym equipment, so while the weather is getting nicer, this week’s tip looks at how to create an easy work out in the park.

Get walking or cycling

Find your nearest park or open green space and head on down. Skip the use of the car, bus or train and throw your trainers on and get walking or cycling to that outdoor space. Walking or cycling is good for the environment, a great cardiovascular exercise and an excellent way to warm up before jumping into a resistance workout.

Resistance exercises

Leoni

Jane Kennedy – Tears

Leoni has gone

IN THE GARDEN

Tom played in Reading recently supporting Scouting

The Salts – Haul Away for Rosie

There is a chance to see the band next week though when they are at Norden Farm, Maidenhead on June 9. Here’s a song from their album Brave that was released on our

Fragrant flowers and foliage

JUNE is a lovely month to be in the garden – everything is bursting into bloom and you can really enjoy being outside.

With the evenings getting longer and brighter you can use your garden or patio as a great extension to your home – whether it’s in the countryside or in a smaller, but equally treasured, urban environment.

It’s also traditionally the time to plant out bedding plants which are so much part of the floral display of a summer garden. In addition to looking good, some plants also taste good. Herbs have some of the most beautiful flowers in the garden, and are edible.

So, thrifty tip for the month is … if you plant a selection of flowering edible herbs you will have a beautiful garden good enough to eat.

You can make any herb produce more flowers by planting them in a well drained site or container in a sunny location. When planting a herb that you want to flower use some organic compost and feed in the planting hole then plant the herb, water at the base and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. Along with basil, sage and mint, chives are delightful edible treats with beautiful flowers and make lovely pollinator plants.

You could also let your herbs bolt – when the plant changes from being

mainly leaf-based to a plant that has mostly flowers and stems.

Once a herb has bolted, when the weather gets hot and dry, it loses its flavour and produces flowers that are rich with nectar that attract bees and butterflies.

If you want to attract moths, then try plants with white flowers that release their scent in the evening such as tobacco plants or night scented stocks.

Another aromatic addition to the garden is the scented-leaved pelargonium – commonly known as geranium – that brings foliage, fragrance and

flowers to any outside space.

They had some huge disco hits, including this one, and now Odyssey will be playing live in Reading on Friday, June 9 at the Disco Abbey event being organised by Blue Collar – https:// www.facebook.com/ odysseyNY

Savour the Flavour – Fish and Chip Song

This local acoustic pop band have released their new album Crikey! It’s Savour the Flavour. It’s worth a listen –http://www.flavoursong. co.uk/

We should aim to do at least two resistance exercise sessions a week. They are designed to improve strength and endurance - this can be done through body-weight exercises or using weights. Whilst in the park look out for objects you can use. For example, use a park bench to perform some triceps dips, high step-ups, or elevated glute bridges.

Outdoor gyms

Many outdoor spaces are now equipped with free outdoor gyms. With the cost-ofliving crisis among us and most of us cutting back on spending, these free outdoor spaces are a great way to access workout equipment.

aroma and pink flowers; ‘Prince of Orange’ with a strong orange scent and pale purple and white flowers; and ‘Deerwood Lavender Lass’ a semitrailing plant with olive green leaves and rosy-mauve flowers.

The extra light and warmth this month encourages the garden to put on an exuberant burst of growth – especially fruit trees. Apple trees struggle to bring all their fruit to maturity which results in the ‘June drop’ of smaller fruits. To give a helping hand, the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) recommends that you also thin out some of the small apples left behind by hand or with secateurs.

This will improve the size and quality of those left behind resulting in a better crop.

You’ll normally find a variety of cardiovascular and resistance-based equipment, such as cross trainers, stationary bikes, rowers, chest and leg press, and pull up bars.

Find your closest gym by searching for the following in Google or similar search engines:

n The Great Outdoor Gym Company

n Fresh Air Fitness

n Wicksteed

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/ health-tips

There are a variety of fragrances –lemon, rose, lavender, cinnamon, apple – created from natural oils within the leaves that are released when brushed with fingers or hands, and sometimes after a summer shower. Scentedleaved pelargoniums are best grown in containers in the sunny position. They can withstand chills outside especially if grown next to a house wall, but not frosts and if temperatures dip they are best brought inside over winter. Cuttings can be taken in late summer.

Popular varieties include ‘Attar of Roses’ with pale green foliage, a rosy

Other jobs on the RHS Gardener’s Checklist for June include…

n Tie in climbing or rambling roses

n Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes

n Mow lawns at least once a week

n Recycle grass clippings

n Begin feeding potted flowers

n Protect brassicas from cabbage white caterpillars

n Plant out dahlias

n Be water wise and try to use grey water in the garden

n Watch out for mould on fruit, especially strawberries

n Weed regularly

Attar of Roses geranium

Leoni Jane Kennedy will be back at Wokingham Festival this August Picture: Andrew Merritt

Quiz Challenge

1. Poor Richard’s is a famous US collection of what?

2. The French Open Tennis Championships are played at which venue?

3. Which book of the Bible contains the account of Moses being given the Ten Commandments?

4. Which US state, known as the Pine Tree State, has Augusta as its capital city?

5. Pineapple juice, rum and coconut milk make up which cocktail?

6. What was the title of Delia Smith’s first cookbook, published in 1971?

7. Which 2022 film, starring Michelle Yeoh, won seven Academy Awards?

8. Our solar system is situated in which galaxy?

9. The Jorvik Viking Festival, Europe’s largest celebration of Norse heritage, is held in which city?

10. What F is a 2023 hit song by Miley Cyrus and a popular Valentine’s Day gift?

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Girl with a song in her heart (8)

5. Long film is only part of the picture (4)

8. Fellow getting on with running the company (8)

9. Young skipper (4)

11. I, say, notice plant disease (3-4)

13. Imp finds the slattern without work (5)

14. Extravagant person will blue it on the pink (11)

18. Nonsense, it can be found in a ship (5)

19. Love twitch in ear possibly caused by amatory literature (7)

21. Deeds Romans followed (4)

22. Dramatic account? (8)

24. Ten caught in net following (4)

25. Guard seeking to maintain his title? (8)

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

1. Does he live with intent? (6)

2. Lightly wash the resin out (5)

3. Bowler walks briskly to place in north-west London (3,7)

4. French say no to prefix (3)

6. Dismissal of student in the deciding match (4-3)

7. Blue for graduate, an inexperienced player outside (6)

10. Conventional image of a hi-fi buff (10)

12. Let it become the name of a book (5)

15. Duty paid to keep a parrot? (4,3)

16. Get in boat that has been wrecked (6)

17. Visitor on the line (6)

20. I struggled when covered in evergreen (5)

23. Not a true position (3)

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

693 2

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines:

748 16 3 5 2 6 7 2 485 4 7 6 7 2 8 9 1 6 92 3

SOLUTIONS

chip; chirp; cipher; cripes; crisp; epic; kepi; peck; peckish; perch; peri; perish; perk; phew; pick; picker; pier; pike; piker; pish; precis; price; prick; prise; ripe; scrip; ship; SHIPWRECK; sipe; skep; skip; spec; speck; spew; spheric; spice; spike; spire; swipe; swiper; whip; whisper; wipe; wiper; wisp.

ACROSS DOWN

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

How they rated

ROYALS RELEGATED AS

READING 0 CHELSEA 3

Grace Moloney

Made a stunning save to deny a Cuthbert effort in the first half and would be harsh to lay the blame for either goal at the stopper’s door.

Emma Mukandi

Struggled to prevent the dangerous Lauren James cutting in from Chelsea’s right, never quite matching her for pace and power.

Deanna Cooper

A quiet display from the defender who seemed unsure whether or not to step up or sit back to nullify the threat posed by Kerr.

Gemma Evans

Could have done more to prevent Kerr having so much space for the opener and struggled to handle the movement of Reiten.

Brooke Hendrix

Slotted into the right side of the three centre-backs and was pulled from pillar to post by the dynamism of the visitors’ front line.

Easther Mayi Kith

Made an error which led to Chelsea’s second goal. Could also have done better to cut off the cross for the first. Some positive moments.

Justine Vanhaevermaet

Overrun in midfield. Could have got on the scoresheet with a header from inside the six-yard box which sailed over the bar.

Jade Moore

Used her physical presence to break up the play but seemed to tire as the game went on. Ultimately unable to create much.

Amalie Eikeland

A spirited, albeit futile, effort down Reading’s right, but probably needed to offer Mayi Kith a little more protection.

Deanne Rose

Made a visible difference up top. The start probably came a couple games too early as the Canadian was forced off on the half hour mark.

Emma Harries

Struggled to make much of an impact on the game out on the left. Took a nasty-looking knock in the first half

SUBS

6 5 5

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC’s relegation from the Women’s Super League was confirmed after they were beaten at home by Chelsea who sealed a fourth consecutive league title.

The Royals needed victory to give them hope of survival but soundly beaten on the final day as Emma Hayes’ team secured top spot.

5 4 5

5 5 4

The result means Reading finish bottom of the table on just 11 points as both senior teams at the club have suffered relegation this season.

4 6

The game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium had plenty riding on it with jeopardy at both ends of the table.

The Royals needed a win to have a shot at survival, while a Chelsea win would guarantee them a fourth consecutive title.

Deanne Rose returned to the starting line-up for the first time since the opening day of the season, while top scorer Sanne Troelsgaard was dropped to the bench.

Former Blues defender Deanna Cooper picked up the first caution of the match just three minutes in when she was penalised for tugging the shirt of Sam Kerr.

Reading looked to use the pace of Rose on the break, an asset they have greatly missed all season but she was thwarted as she was tightly marked by the Chelsea backline.

Kerr should have added to her season’s tally but somehow conspired to volley over the top from close range with the goal gaping.

Match stats

READING: Moloney, Mukandi, Cooper, Hendrix, Mayi Kith, Evans, Vanhaevermaet, Eikeland, Moore, Harries, Rose

SUBS: Poulter, Wellings, Wade, Caldwell, Alexander, Perry, Primmer, Troelsgaard

CHELSEA: Berger, Ingle, James, Reiten, Perisset, Eriksson, Mjelde, Charles, Cuthbert, Harder, Kerr

SUBS: Musovic, Carter, Leupolz, Svitkova, Fleming, Kaneryd, Buchanan, Aboullina, Cankovic

GOALS: Kerr 18’, 88’, Reiten 42’

The visitors then came a whisker away from taking the lead when Erin Cuthbert struck the bar before Magdalena Eriksson put the rebound over.

The chances kept coming for Hayes’ side and this time they capitalised when Kerr got on the end of Guro Reiten’s cross and powered a header past Grace Moloney to make it 1-0 after 18 minutes.

Reading’s best half of the chance came a few minutes later when

Justine Vanhaevermaet latched onto a cross from Emma Mukandi and headed over the target from inside the six yard box.

Rose’s afternoon lasted a little over 30 minutes before she had to be replaced, presumably with an injury after such a lengthy lay off. Madison Perry took her place as Troelsgaard was left on the bench.

The Blues asserted their dominance and found a second goal before the break after a fatal error from Esther Mayi Kith.

REACTION CHAMBERS: ‘WE NEED TO BOUNCE STRAIGHT BACK’

KELLY Chambers reflected on a difficult day for Reading FC after they were relegated from the Women’s Super League.

The Royals’ fate was sealed on the final day with defeat to Chelsea, who sealed a fourth consecutive WSL title.

Reading finished the season bottom of the table after picking up just 11 points in what conspired to be a miserable campaign.

It’s a tough day, the league doesn’t lie,” said Chambers.

“You need to be good enough across the season but at the moment we can’t compete with the investment other clubs are putting in.

“You only have to look at the

January transfer window at the other clubs in and around us and the injection they had to make sure they stayed up.

“It’s been a tough season, I’m not going to hide from that. I’m very proud that we have been in the league for eight years and every year we’ve had the lowest budget and have been able to compete and find ways to stay in this league.”

The Royals ended five points adrift of escaping the relegation places behind Brighton & Hove Albion who finished in 11th.

Chambers’ team have been in the WSL since 2015 and the Reading boss in now plotting an immediate return to the top flight.

She continued: “The first one

(conversation) will be with the club to make sure what is next and where do they want to go with taking the women’s side forward.

“And then building a team for next year and making sure we step into the Championship ready to compete and be ready to bounce straight back up.

“We’ve missed quite a few players this season. We’ve had an injury hit season which hasn’t helped in terms of the squad size.”

The club has already confirmed that club captain Emma Mukandi will leave when her contract expires this summer with a squad overhaul expected in the coming months.as the club prepares for a new challenge in the Championship.

Mayi Kith slides in on Reiten

Emma Harries glides past her marker

The visitors celebrate at full-time

Chelsea lift their fourth consecutive title Reading’s relegation from the

Madison Perry, 4, Charlie Wellings, Tia Primmer n/a, Sanne Troelsgaard n/a

Reading boss Kelly Chambers

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

BLUES CLINCH TITLE

Sam Kerr confirms Chelsea’s win with a third goal of the game

ROYALS STAR ATTRACING INTEREST FROM CHAMPIONSHIP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC star Tom Ince could leave the club this summer due to a shockingly low relegation release clause in his contract.

According to John Cross of the Mirror, Ince is reportedly attracting interest from plenty of clubs due to a £50,000 clause which can be activated after the Royals relegation to League One.

The 31-year-old joined the Royals in January 2022 originally on a loan swap deal from Stoke City as Liam Moore went to the Potters.

Ince was then joined at the club by his father, Paul Ince, who was appointed as firstteam manager in February to replace Veljko Paunovic.

Reading Women v Chelsea

Women Pictures: Steve Smyth

The Royals defender seemingly had the situation under control but took a heavy touch which played in Reiten who slotted the ball through Moloney’s legs to find the net and to put her side closer to clinching the title.

Chambers made another change with half an hour to play which saw Charlie Wellings take the place of Emma Harries.

Chelsea continued to enjoy the majority of possession but weren’t able to add to the scoreline as

Amalie Eikeland got in the way of a Kerr volley from a corner.

A double switch with 15 minutes to go saw Tia Primmer and Sanne Troelsgaard replace Jade Moore and Brooke Hendrix.

With just two minutes left, the Blues added a third to flex their superiority when Kerr’s initial shot hit the post but she responded quickly to convert the rebound.

The full-time whistle sounded which confirmed Reading’s relegation to the Championship.

Tom Ince then joined on a permanent basis last summer on a three-year contract and enjoyed a strong personal campaign despite Reading’s 22nd place finish.

His dad was sacked as manager with five games to go as Tom Ince missed the crucial concussion to the season as Reading were condemned to the drop and will now play in the third tier of English football for the first time since 2001/02.

The midfielder played a pivotal role in helping Reading to a fantastic first half of the season and was named as the club’s player of the season, scoring nine goals and claiming four assists.

Reading are yet to appoint Paul Ince’s full-time replacement after Noel Hunt took interim charge until the end of the 2022/23 and are currently in the process of looking for a new manage to rebuild in League One.

After two consecutive years of being under a transfer embargo, restrictions are set to be eased on the club for the coming summer transfer window as they look to plot a return to the Championship.

Tom Ince in action for the Royals Picture: Luke Adams

WSL was confirmed with defeat Pictures: Steve Smyth

Troelsgaard competes with Berger

Gemma Evans Chelsea add to the score

Amalie Eikeland

Grace Moloney kicks upfield

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

FINCH REMAIN WINLESS, BEARS KEEP

Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s lost out in their home fixture against Hurley Pictures: Andrew Batt

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Home Counties Premier Division One

FINCHAMPSTEAD are still winless in the early stages of their campaign after they suffered a heavy defeat at home to Banbury.

Banbury hit a huge first innings total of 285 after 50 overs to set Finch a tricky task.

Opening batsman Tommie Predgen top scored with 39, but

Finch were skittled all out for 116 to give Banbury a 169-run triumph.

WOKINGHAM picked up their second victory of the season with a two wicket success over Harefield at home.

After Harefield were all out on 195, the Oaks set about the chase and took victory with two wickets to spare after 48.1 overs.

Shaan Khan scored highest with 56 before Sukhmeet Kang and Muddassar Nawaz guided Wokingham to the win.

WARGRAVE were on the end of a thumping away defeat at High Wycombe.

The hosts amassed a big score of 311 before they had Wargrave all out in the second innings on just 68.

BCM Championship

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD maintained their spot at the top after they took a convincing 98-run win at Braywood.

The Bears put 182 on the board in the first innings and

then three wickets each from Tom Stevenson, Charlie Sawyer and Andy Lazenbury ensured their opponents ended on 84 all out.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD collected their first win of the season with a comfortable home showing against Ballinger Waggoners.

An excellent first innings score of 278 saw Christopher Emes top score with 66 as the Crows racked up 278 runs. They then bowled Ballinger all-out for 119 to settle

a 159-run success.

WEST READING earned a seven wicket win away at Great Kingshill.

A five wicket haul from Jawad Ahmad had Kingshill all out on 139 before Reading got over the line with seven wickets in reserve.

SHINFIELD put 38 points on their total with a six wicket triumph against Mortimer West End.

Devesh Gauchwal bowled superbly to take five wickets before Shinfield totalled

131 from 21 overs to take the points.

BCL Premier Division

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s got the better of Woodcote by just 14 runs. The Crows set a target of 212 for Woodcote to win the game, but they fell just short and lost their final wicket on 197.

SHINFIELD picked up 38 points by beating READING UNITED by two wickets in a close contest.

Shinfield managed to reach

Finchampstead (yellow) bowling against Banbury Pictures: Andrew Batt

Hurley appeal for a wicket with Emmbrook at the crease

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

TOP SPOT WITH AWAY WIN

HONOURS BOARD

BATTING

Kumaran Chandrababu: Eversley 5s v Wokingham Oaks & Acorns – 144

Ashish Kapila: Reading United v Outlaws – 126*

Sathesh Polepaka: Twyford and Ruscombe v Earley 2s – 105

Pete de Lange: Eversley 2s v Thatcham Town 2s – 103*

Ajay Sharma: Shinfield 3s v Farley Hill 2s – 100

Christopher Priddle: Twyford and Ruscombe v Earley 2s – 94*

Mark Richards: Wargrave 3s v Binfield 2s – 93

Hibberdine: Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot 2s – 92

Sohail Arshad: Theale & Tilehurst 2s v Kidmore End 2s – 90

Tassawar Nawaz: Wokingham 3s v White Waltham – 80

Jack Spooner: Finchampstead 4s v Bagshot 2s – 80

Aditya Mali: Eversley 5s v Wokingham Oaks & Acorns – 79

Jitto Joseph: Wokingham 5s v Bradfield – 74

Sushil Chaudhari: Twyford and Ruscombe v Earley 2s – 69

Harry Maxfield: Eversley v Cookham Dean – 67*

Christopher Emes: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners – 66

Raqeeb: Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot 2s – 65

George Coker: Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Cookham Dean 3s – 64

Mac Dsouza: Wokingham 3s v White Waltham – 63

Kieran Lall: Wargrave 2s v Bagshot – 61

Nisal Perera: Reading 3s v Thatcham Town 3s – 60*

Paolo Toffolo: Farley Hill 2s v Shinfield 3s – 59

Bill Burnett: Eversley 3s v Newbury 2s – 58

Ant Avrili: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Woodcote – 57

Nick Rigg: Eversley 2s v Thatcham Town 2s – 57

Waqas Ashraf: Royal Ascot 3s v Aldershot 3s – 56*

Shaan Khan: Wokingham v Harefield – 56

Daniel Cartledge: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners – 55

Peter Emes: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners – 54

Michael Chapman: White Waltham 2s v Wokingham 4s – 54

Daniel Aston: Eversley 3s v Newbury 2s – 54

Anand Bhadane: Reading Lions v Silchester – 53

Akshay Balaji: Theale & Tilehurst 2s v Kidmore End 2s – 53

Dilan Patel: Finchampstead 2s v Reading – 51*

the total of 172 to win the game after a score of 168 in the first innings from the home team.

WEST READING lost out at home by three wickets to Goring on Thames.

Chilterns Division One

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s were defeated for the first time this season at home to Hurley.

The Bears put a score of just 99 on the board before they were bowled all out.

Hurley then got over the line

CRICKET

with six wickets to spare.

Thames Valley Division 1

EVERSLEY moved up into third after they produced a strong display against Cookham Dean.

A score of 67 not out from Harry Maxfield saw Eversley surpass the first innings total after just 14.5 overs with six wickets left.

WOKINGHAM 2s are still waiting for their first win after they lost out by five wickets to Uxbridge.

Thames Valley Division 2B

READING are top of the pile

after they continued their winning streak in a close contest with FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s

Finch put 195 on the total in the first innings, but Reading managed to claim the win with just one wicket left.

BINFIELD won their first game of the campaign by thrashing Slough 2s.

Binfield put a sizeable first innings score of 250 on the scoreboard before they bowled Slough all out on 129.

SONNING lost out by 30 runs against Cove, while HURST were

beaten by seven wickets against Harpsden.

Thames Valley Division 3A

WARGRAVE 2s got their first win of the season with a fine showing against Bagshot. Wargrave hit 229 before they skittled Bagshot all out on 79 to claim a 150-run triumph.

ROYAL ASCOT managed a tie in their away fixture at Falkland 2s. Ascot ended the second innings on 201-9 from 45 overs which meant the points were shared between the teams.

VOJINOV STIRKES FOUR WICKETS TO HELP BOARS TO VICTORY

By ARTHUR STRAND

sport@wokingham.today overseas player from Australia came on to bowl and reduced the scoring with a mean run-rate to a single.

EVERSLEY moved up into third after they produced a strong display against Cookham Dean in Thames Valley Division One.

Cookham decided to open the batting and Eversley were rewarded with a wicket with the first ball of the game when Ollie Parsons bowled out Shahzad Asghar for a golden duck.

Khan found the boundary in over four, and two overs later Isbell was out, caught Magowan bowled by Parsons for seven with Cookham on 11-2.

Noah Vojinov, Eversley’s

Lawson and Khan managed two singles each in over 17 which showed 55-3.

The following over, the visitors lost two wickets from the bowling of Vojinov when Zain Khan was stumped by Tom Howorth.

Then he bowled skipper, Greg Davis, for a zero on the fifth ball to make it 59-5.

Vojinov had Mangat given LBW for 17 to take the final wicket of the first innings to end a superb spell from the Australian who took 4-5 as

Cookham ended with 103.

Eversley replied but that was after the 1st ball of the innings which was quite unexpected by Le Fleming which spread the stumps bowled with pace and obvious accuracy dismissing Parsons for a golden duck.

Maxfield joined Nicholls and dispatched Le Fleming for two boundaries in successive balls. Le Fleming bowled another varied over allowing 13 runs to go on the scoreboard, including two twos, a no ball with a single, then four legbyes and another single. Jayalath conceded two singles in over eight before he bowled he bowled

Nicholls out for 22 with Everskey on 64-2.

Magowan joined Maxfield briefly but the former was caught by Davis bowled by Zain Khan for a zero in over nine to make it 65-3.

Next to the crease was Sam Kennett who was dismissed in the next over for a zero by Jayalath caught by Davis.

Ben Salter was next man in but Maxfield kept the strike scoring seven, one four, and a single from the last ball of the over.

It was Ben Salter who had the last say and slammed a boundary to complete the game and help Eversley to a six wicket victory.

Seb Powers: Eversley 4s v Cove 3s – 51*

Sean Ennis: Binfield 2s v Wargrave 3s – 51

Muhammad Aziz: Farley Hill 2s v Shinfield 3s – 50

Prafal Waghela: Reading v Finchampstead 2s – 50

Suneer Bhat: Wokingham Oaks & Acorns v Eversley 5s – 50

BOWLING

Siva Ampalam: Eversley 3s v Newbury 2s – 6-36

Devesh Gauchwal: Shinfield v Mortimer West End – 5-11

Owen Bowles: Royal Ascot v Falkland 2s – 5-13

Jawad Ahmad: West Reading v Great Kingshill – 5-19

Zeeshan Iqbal: Bracknell 2s v Slough 5s – 5-26

Bhargav Sutapalli: Earley v Checkendon – 5-53

Noah Vojinov: Eversley v Cookham Dean – 4-5

Chandra Cherukuri Twyford and Ruscombe v Earley 2s – 4-8

George Zadrozny: Waltham St Lawrence v Rangers – 4-11

Finn Catherwood-Smith: Wokingham 2s v Uxbridge – 4-12

Ramish Ahmed: Sonning v Cove – 4-14

Jacob Clark: Wokingham 2s v Uxbridge – 4-22

Graeme Ellis: Eversley 5s v Wokingham Oaks & Acorns – 4-22

A Arnold: Binfield v Slough 2s – 4-24

Kamal Gupta: Binfield 3s v Falkland 3s – 4-35

Simon Cowley: Binfield 4s v Reading 4s – 4-35

Mark Laithwaite: Finchampstead 2s v Reading – 4-42

Satish Patil: Shinfield 2s v Reading United – 4-48

Josh Lincoln: Wargrave v High Wycombe – 4-67

Tom Stevenson: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Braywood – 3-13

Prashant Gandhi: Shinfield v Mortimer West End – 3-18

Omar Khalid: Reading United v Shinfield 2s – 3-19

Charlie Sawyer: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Braywood – 3-21

Pranav Desai Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Woodcote – 3-21

Max Uttley: Wokingham v Harefield – 3-23

Shaan Khan: Wokingham v Harefield – 3-37

FOOTBALL

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

RESULTS

FIXTURES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

ASCOT UNITED RESERVES were crowned as league champions despite a final day defeat to runners-up TILEHURST PANTHERS

The Yellas finish the season in top spot on 44 points, just one point ahead of their closest rivals Tilehurst.

In a closely fought title race, Ascot won 14 of their 18 games and lost just two games. Tilehurst also won 14 of their matches and were defeated three times.

It was the Panthers who performed strongly as the season came to a close as goals from Malacia Charles, Georgia Hayes and Keris-Louise Hunt ensured that they took the points with a 3-0 triumph and finished just one point off the top.

Thames Valley Women’s Plate Trophy final

SHINFIELD RANGERS completed a remarkable comeback against Milton Keynes City to get their hands on the trophy.

Playing at Slough Town’s Arbour Park, it was Milton Keynes who made a flying start to the final and raced into a 3-0 advantage.

Lauren Smaje got on the

WEIGHTLIFTING

scoresheet to reduce the deficit for Shinfield, but MK restored their three-goal lead and had one hand on the trophy at half-time.

With a mountain to climb to get back into the contest, Rangers showed immense determination to claw themselves back.

An astounding display from Smaje helped Shinfield get level as

Wednesday, May 24

FOOTBALL

Tilehurst scored three times without reply to secure a final day win as they finished as runners-up Pictures: Andrew Batt

Saturday, June 3

CRICKET

Home Counties Division One

Henley v Finchampstead

Thames Valley Division Two Reading YMCA Rapids 2-0 Stoke Poges

Thames Valley Division Three Henley Town Development 0-0 Reading City Development

Saturday, May 27

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading 0-3 Chelsea

CRICKET

Home Counties Division One

Finchampstead (116 all out) lost to Banbury (285-6)

High Wycombe (311 all out) beat Wargrave (68 all out) Wokingham (199-8) beat Harefield (195 all out)

BCM Championship Braywood (84 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (182 all out)

Crowthorne & Crown Wood (278-7) beat Ballinger Waggoners (119 all out)

Great Kingshill (139 all out) lost to West Reading (143-3)

she netted three more times, adding to her first-half strike, to make it 4-4 inside the opening 15 minutes of the second-half.

Shinfield continued with intensity and found a winner to complete a miraculous recovery through Lauren Gotting who scored the winner to make it 5-4 and ensure they won the trophy.

FOOTBALL

SHINFIELD COMPLETE ASTONISHING COMEBACK STRONGER THINGS: ATHLETES TO COMPETE IN BERKSHIRE POWERLIFITNG EVENT

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

MORE than 70 athletes will take part in this year’s Berkshire’s Strongest to see who will be crowned as the county’s most powerful competitor.

The event will be hosted by Red Beard Barbell Club on Saturday, June 10, for the second consecutive year and will see athletes tackle five different events before Berkshire’s strongest man and woman is established.

The competitors will take on the deadlift wave, ducking medley, log lift, beers and bags and stone to shoulder in a gruelling test of strength and endurance.

Head coach Charlie Knight said: “We are thrilled to present Berkshire’s Strongest Man and Woman, an electrifying celebration of strength and passion where athletes and spectator alike will be treated to an unforgettable display of power, resilience and

camaraderie.”

The event will feature expert judge Rob Frampton, who has more than30 appearances at international contests, including two World Strongest Mans.

Frampton will be joined by Katie Smith, international strongwoman, the second Strongest Woman in Britain and second Place winner at the Arnolds Pro competition.

Spectators will be able to enjoy the day from 9am-5pm with food and drink stands from Moneyrow Beans –ethically sourced and locally produced coffee, Barbarian Grill – Texas style BBQ, smoked brisket and pulled pork and Agosti Gelato.

n For ticket information, visit: www.redbeardbarbell.co.uk/ product-page/spectator-ticketsberkshire-s-strongest

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC has confirmed that Matt Cronan and his coaching staff will continue to take charge of the Sumas for the next season.

Head coach Cronan will be joined in the dugout by Aaron West, Jamie Shepherd and Chris Byrne who will be supported by sports therapist Erin Macdonald.

Cronan took charge as Sumas manager in September last year after replacing former manager Eliot Whitehouse who departed in the early stages of last season’s campaign.

The Sumas’ coaching staff helped to guide the team away from the relegation danger and to a 17th placed finish on 34 points in the Combined Counties Premier North table.

“I am excited to be continuing with Wokingham & Emmbrook FC, I have never had so much fun at a football club,” said Cronan.

“Thank you to the players, the fans and the lovely staff at this amazing club.

“I took the jump up last season to Step Five football and can’t wait to have our pre-season, something we missed out on last year.”

Wargrave v Wokingham

BCM Championship

Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Shinfield

Penn & Tylers Green v Emmbrook & Bearwood

West Reading v Lay Hill

BCL Premier Division

Farley Hill v Woodcote

Goring on Thames v Sandhurst

Shinfield 2s v Peppard Stoke row 2s

Startfield Turgis v West Reading 2s

BCL Division One

Calcot v Rangers

Reading Lions v West Reading 3s

Waltham St Lawrence v Earley

BCL Division Two

Earley 2s v Mortimer West End 2s

Outlaws v Farley Hill 2s

Shinfield 3s v Twyofrd and Ruscombe

Woodley v Reading United 2s

Thames Valley Division One

Shinfield (131-4) beat Mortimer West End (130 all out)

BCL Premier Division Reading United (168 all out) lost to Shinfield 2s (172-8)

West Reading 2s (168 all out) lost to Goring on Thames (170-7)

Woodcote (197 all out) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (211-9)

BCL Division One Earley (148 all out) lost to Checkendon Silchester (257-9) beat Reading Lions (175 all out) West Reading 3s (154-9) beat Maidenhead Royals (158-1)

Rangers (129 all out) lost to Waltham St Lawrence

Thames Valley Division One

Uxbridge (101 all out) lost to Wokingham 2s (102-5)

Eversley (105-4) beat Cookham Dean (103 all out)

Thames Valley Division 2B Cove (200-8) beat Sonning (170 all out)

Slough 2s (129 all out) beat Binfield (250-7)

Hurst (117 all out) lost to Harpsden (118-3)

Reading (199-9) beat Finchampstead 2s (195-7)

Thames Valley Division 3A

Theale & Tilehurst (138 all out) lost to Wargrave 2s (142-7)

Bagshot (79 all out) beat Windsor (229 all out)

Royal Ascot (201-9) tied Falkland (201 all out)

Sunday, May 28

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Ascot United Reserves 0-3

Tilehurst Panthers

Wokingham 2s v Ickenham

Boyne Hill v Eversley

Thames Valley Division 2B

Sonning v Slough 2s

Binfield v Hurst

Harpsden v Reading

Finchampstead 2s v Burnham

Thames Valley Division 3A

Theale & Tilehurst v Wargrave 2s

Thames Valley Division 4A

Wokingham 3s v Newbury

Taplow v Finchampstead 3s

Reading 2s v White Waltham

Thames Valley Division 5B

Wargrave 3s v Sonning 2s

Royal Ascot 2s v Thatcham Town 2s

Eversley 2s v Henley 3s

Yateley v Binfield 2s

Slough 4s v Bracknell

Thames Valley Division 6B

Kidmore End 2s v Wokingham 4s

White Waltham 2s v Aldershot 2s

Finchampstead 4s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s

Thames Valley Division 7A

Wokingham 5s v Slough 5s

Bracknell 2s v Maidenhead & Bray 3s

Binfield 3s v Eversley 3s

Thames Valley Division 8A

Eversley 4s v Sonning 3s

Fleet 2s vTheale & Tilehurst 3s

Royal Ascot 3s v Reading 3s

Thames Valley Division 9A Finchampstead 5s v Boyne Hill 4s Kidmore End 3s v Royal Ascot 4s Maidenhead & Bray 4s v Wokingham 6s

SUMAS BOSS CRONAN TO CONTINUE AT CLUB

Shinfield Rangers Ladies FC won the Thames Valley Women’s Plate Tilehurst Panthers (red) defeated league champions Ascot United Reserves

Log Medley lifter Chris competing in Berkshire Strongest 2022

Classifieds

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WOKINGHAMBOROUGHCOUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

TheTownandCountryPlanning(DevelopmentManagementProcedure)(England)Order2015

AND/OR Planning(ListedBuildingsandConservationAreas)Regulations1990 Thefollowingapplication(s)havebeensubmittedandareadvertisedforthereasonsbelow:

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223106 LandAtPiggots Corner,WestOf UpperCulham Lane,Remenham Hill

230992 LuckleyHouse School,Luckley Road, Wokingham

230961 31ASturges Road, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Fullapplicationforthecreationof1no.polofieldwithassociated irrigationpond.

231149 ThatchCottage, 20Reading Road, Finchampstead

231166 16-22High Street, Wargrave

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ApplicationforListedBuildingconsentforproposedrepairand alterationstono.18HighStreet(HollyCottage)anddemolitionof curtilagelistedwalltoboundarywithno.16HighStreet(Silvaplana).

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Advertisementapplicationfortheproposed1NoFasciasign,1No projectionsignand1Noviynlprint(NONILLUMINATED).

Theapplicationisavailabletoview onlineatwokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Searchplanningapplicationsand typingintheapplicationnumberabove. Commentsontheapplicationcanbemade onlinefromthiswebpage. AAnycommentsmustarriveonorbeforethe22ndJune2023. Anycommentsmadearenotconfidentialandcanbe seenbyanyoneastheyformpartofthepublicrecord.Thecomments,unlessoffensive,discriminatoryand/orracist,will appearontheCouncil’swebsitewithin24hoursand includethesubmittednameandaddress. Duetothehighvolume ofcommentsreceivedwedonotprovideindividualresponses.

Date:1stJune2023

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NOTICEISHEREBYgiventhatWokinghamBoroughCouncilasTrafficAuthority proposestomakeanOrderunderSection14(1)(a)oftheRoadTrafficRegulationAct 1984theeffectofwhichistoprohibitanyvehiclefromproceedingalong:

Linkway,CrowthornebetweenitsjunctionswithGreensideandWokinghamBorough Boundary.

ThealternativerouteforallvehiclesaffectedbythisrestrictionshallbeviaEdgcumbe ParkDriveorbythisrouteinreverse.

Worksrequiringthisrestrictionwilltakeplacebetween19thJuneand23rdJune2023 between09:30and15:30.

ThereasonfortheseprohibitionsistoallowSouthEastWatercontractorstoundertake leakingcommunicationpiperenewalworkinsafety.

Accessforresidentsandbusinesseswithintheboundariesoftheserestrictionswillbe maintainedatalltimes.

TherestrictionimposedbytheOrdershallonlyapplyduringthoseperiodswhentraffic signscomplyingwiththeTrafficSignsRegulationsandGeneralDirections2016are lawfullydisplayed.

TherestrictionscontainedintheOrdershallcomeintooperationonthe19thJune 2023andshallcontinueinforceforaperiodnotexceeding18monthsoruntilthe workshavebeencompleted,whicheveristheearlier.

Dated:1stJune2023

ChrisEaston

AssistantDirector–HighwaysandTransport WokinghamBoroughCouncil

CivicOffices

ShuteEnd Wokingham

BerkshireRG401WL

WSL JOURNEY

DOWN AND OUT

DOUBLE RELEGATION FOR ROYALS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC’s venture in the top flight was brought to a close after their fate was sealed by Women’s Super League winners Chelsea on the final day of the campaign.

The Royals, who had eight years

BERKS BEATEN IN OPENING GAME

By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today

BERKSHIRE slumped to an 85-run defeat at the hands of Hertfordshire in their opening National Counties Trophy Group 2 match at Henley on Bank Holiday Monday.

They were shot out for 107 with slow left-armer Ben Waring taking five for 21 and former Essex seamer Jack Plom three for 33.

The Trophy holders, who were missing all of their contracted first-class county players, dismissed their visitors for a modest 192 after deciding to field first.

Rhodri Lewis claimed 3-16 from 10 overs while there were two wickets for Tom Nugent and one each for Andy Rishton, who also claimed a runout, Luke Beaven, Euan Woods and Adam Searle.

Wicket keeper Dan Lincoln took three catches in addition to stumping Dominic Chatfield, the day’s highest scorer with 60.

The home batters, struggling from the start, lost three wickets in 10 deliveries and half the side had gone for 37 inside nine overs.

Charlie Dunnett top-scored with 26 and Woods made 20 before Berkshire were all out for 107 in the 24th over, Henley skipper Nugent remaining unbeaten on 18.

in the top division, will now play in the Championship next season after finishing bottom of the table and five points adrift of the next two sides.

Reading boss Kelly Chambers cut an emotional figure at full-time in a dramatic final day that saw Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side clinch a fourth

title in a row, while the Royals were consigned to the drop.

Chambers admitted that the club has struggled to compete financially with increasing difficulty as their rivals continue to invest more money to improve their squads.

After a tough season, the Reading manager is hoping for a quick return

to the WSL. She said: “The first conversation will be with the club to make sure what is next and where they want to go with taking the women’s side forward. Then building a team for next year and making sure we step into the Championship ready to compete and be ready to bounce straight back up.”

Head coach Tom Lambert will be hoping that some of his big-hitting batsmen will be available for the next group game against Devon at Exeter this coming Sunday.

Devon also lost their opening match, going down by 36 runs to Cornwall at Truro after being set a target of 304.