Wokingham Today, December 1, 2022

Minister to meet over housing numbers

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

Earlier this week, housing minister Lucy Frazer wrote to Cllr Jones confirming that she would be prepared to discuss the issue.

It follows years of campaigning, both by former council leader Cllr John Halsall, and Cllr Jones.

The government’s housing target was 1,635, but Cllr Halsall’s lobbying –which included threatening to parade naked in Whitehall – saw that number cut back to 759, but even this is felt to be too high, something that his consultation of residents confirmed.

On becoming leader in May, one of the first things that Cllr Jones did was to write to the then Levelling Up secretary, Michael Gove, requesting a conversation. This was confirmed when the two met at a conference just days before Mr Gove was sacked by outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson.

Since then, there have been two more ministers in his role, before he was reappointed by current prime minister Rishi Sunak.

Cllr Jones has also met with all four borough MPs to solicit their support for the campaign to reduce numbers.

In the past week, parliament had been due to vote on government’s housing plans, but this was removed due to fears of a rebellion from Conservative MPs who wanted to see target numbers reduced or scrapped.

Cllr Jones was delighted that Ms Frazer is happy to meet.

“She explained that she couldn’t come to Wokingham, as she was too busy, but she is going to have a round-table discussion, and I would be invited,” he said.

“It is definitely, definitely progress. Being persistent is becoming to pay off.”

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Final push for church refurb project

EXCLUSIVE

By EMMA MERCHANT news@wokingham.today

A CHURCH in Wokingham is preparing to open its doors after months of work to transform its building into an accessible and flexible community meeting space. From next spring, as well as continuing to operate as a church, the structure will also be an inspiring venue for arts, cultural and educational events, and a

unique place for special occasions.

A sneak preview event will be held later this month – but All Saints Church, in Wokingham’s Wiltshire Road, still needs to raise £100,000 to complete the £1.3million project, called SpaceForAll, and the race is on to find the funding.

At the preview, people will be able to see the work first hand, ask questions to the team, and learn more about potential future uses for the historic building, situated opposite The Ship Inn.

WOKINGHAM council leader Clive Jones has received a commitment from the government to meet over the borough’s housing numbers.

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LIGHTS FANTASTIC: The laser display played on buildings in the Market Place Pictures: Steve

Town’s a winter

Lions Club welcomed everyone to the carnival, and began by thanking all the committee members, who have been working on the project for the last 10 months.

THIS year’s 2022 Wokingham Winter Carnival thronged with visitors at the weekend.

Despite a damp start to the day, an estimated 20,000 people came to enjoy the event.

The winter celebration was spread throughout the town, with a funfair that stretched from Broad Street to Peach Street.

This is Wokingham Lions Club’s first year running the event but they have previously organised similar occasions such as Wokingham’s May Fayre, the Classic Car Show and spring and autumn Wokingham Walks.

Tim Hanton, chair of Wokingham

He also praised volunteers who had stood in the pouring rain earlier that morning, setting everything up, and thanked all the sponsors and stall holders. It did dry out as the day went on.

“We’re really excited to be taking over the running of the Winter Carnival this year,” he said.

“It’s our first year to be doing this, and the event has been quite a key part of Wokingham for a number of years now, so we are really keen to be carrying on.”

Your wording

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

wonderland

“We’re delighted to open the carnival,” she said. “We’re looking forward to judging all the stalls, and to the carols, the switching on of the Christmas tree lights, and the laser show.

“The carnival is in very safe hands with Wokingham Lions Club organising it.

“They are an absolutely wonderful group, and they come with plenty of past experience.”

Visitors enjoyed fairground rides and free allday entertainment from the Market Place stage, with performances from a number of choirs and music groups.

More than 120 craft, food and charity stalls lined the roads, and children and their families were excited to chat with Santa in his grotto about their Christmas lists.

The day’s festivities ended with a traditional carol concert, the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Market Square, and a laser show that lit up the town.

The first Wokingham Winter Carnival in the town took place in 1994, and since then has grown into a popular event.

Philip Mirfin, previous organiser of the event for more than 20 years, said: “It’s great to see this Wokingham tradition continue.

“People love to bring their children to a funfair.

“This is the first year we have handed the organisation over to Wokingham Lions Club, so things are a little bit different, but change is often a good thing.

“It’s a very big project to take on. It takes a year to prepare, and the planning starts in January.

“You have to book things early, and parts of the funfair come from all over the country.

“Amazingly, by 8pm on the evening of the event, everything disappears as the rides go on to other fairs.”

Following the event, Tim Hanton said: “We were really pleased with the Winter Carnival this year. Despite the weather, there were excellent crowds in the town centre.

“The entertainment worked really well, culminating with the laser show.

“We had more stalls than last year and the initial feedback from the charity stalls is that they have done really well, which is fantastic as that is part of the aim of the day to support the local charities in Wokingham.

“I would like to thank my fellow Lions for their support in putting on the event and the many volunteers on the day, without whom we could not run the event.

“Finally, a thank you to the people of Wokingham and the loyal stallholders for their continued support at the event.”

Funds raised by Wokingham Lions Club will be distributed between the year’s major beneficiaries: Kaleidoscope UK, Building For The Future, and other charities and good causes.

n For information visit: www.wintercarnival.co.uk

Crochet event with Hookers

A FESTIVE crochet workshop will raise money for charity.

The Barkham Hookers, well-known for their poppy creations and yarn bombing, will help people to make a festive string of Christmas bunting.

First Days, a charity that supports children in the borough whose families are experiencing hardship, is organising the event.

It will be led by Barkham Hookers founder, Gaynor White.

“People will be able to choose from six or seven designs for their bunting,” said Ms White.

“It’s a bit like a mini Santa’s washing line, with Santa’s jumper, a stocking, baubles, a Santa hat, and an elf’s hat.

“First Days asked me to arrange something, and I wanted it to be Christmassy.”

Ms White is not charging for her time, so all ticket proceeds will go directly to First Days.

“People shouldn’t think of it as paying for a crochet session,” she says. “They should think of it as a donation to a fabulous children’s charity, with a free crochet session thrown in.”

Crafters will need to bring with them an A size 3mm and 4mm hook, along with scissors and a darning needle if possible. Hooks and limited yarn will be available but people are asked to bring their own if they have them.

Some yarn has already been donated by Rebecca from Stitchery Do, in Denmark Street.

The workshop is suitable for confident beginners and intermediate hookers able to do the basic stitches including doubles and trebles.

The event takes place on Wednesday, December 7, at the Elevate Centre, in the old Police Building, accessed either from the car park, or via the footpath from Denmark Street that runs beside jewellers Kaanaanmaa.

n For information about First Days and to book a place visit: www.firstdays.net

‘‘STORIES AND TALES’’ CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING

4th December from 5pm

Enjoy the festive atmosphere at Chalk this December 2022 as our storyteller tells his festive tales for little ones.

Come and sit back, relax and take in the atmosphere while the kids are entertained in our wonderful setting.

What’s more, accompanying the enchanting chronicles, children can also enjoy a warming and luxurious hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows.

Priced at £9.50 per child with adults going free.

If you’ve developed an appetite, we invite you to stay for dinner or visit us prior to the event for a delicious lunch.

Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham,

The main stage saw a host of entertainment during the day

Smyth and Emma Merchant

Colourful characters decorated the streets Fun in the ‘snow’: youngsters enjoyed the fake stuff

December dementia cafe in Shinfield

A BERKSHIRE charity is inviting those with dementia and their carers to attend a monthly support meeting.

Age UK Berkshire holds monthly dementia cafes in the Grazeley Room at School Green Centre, Shinfield.

The project is part of a wider initiative to make Wokingham dementia friendly.

The sessions offer an opportunity for visitors to have fun, make friends and share experiences over refreshments.

New in September 2022, the meet-ups take place on Wednesdays, with the next session taking place on December 14.

Visitors are asked to book places before attending. Sessions cost £2.50 per person.

n For more information, contact: dementiawokingham@ ageukberkshire.org.uk or call: 0118 959 4242

A Christmas disco for CLASP

A SELF advocacy group for people with learning disabilities has plenty of activities planned for its members.

CLASP meets to support, inform, signpost and advise.

It also meets to have fun.

The group’s Christmas disco will be held at the Bradbury Centre in Wokingham, on Tuesday, December 6.

The party will run from 6pm to 8pm.

Tickets cost £5, and include a snack and a drink.

Members, and those interested in joining the festivities, will need to pre book and pay in advance.

n To find out more visit: www. claspwokingham.org

Wokingham church prepares to offer preview of its refurbishment

n From front page

To make SpaceForAll happen, All Saints has undergone major clearance work including the removal of pews, seen the installation of underfloor heating, and the digging of trenches through the graveyard, all with appropriate permissions in place.

The end result, the church hopes, will be a place that will benefit Wokingham for centuries to come.

And the work has helped the church look back at its past, as well as look to the future.

During excavations, a vaulted grave was found beneath the choir vestry where supports for a new mezzanine floor were intended to go.

This slowed work temporarily while plans were revised, but the floor is now levelled and ready for stone slabs to be laid.

With the project’s end now in sight the church hopes to be able to invite people in to step inside and view the changes.

This event will take place later this month.

Congregations who use the busy church during the week will not have to worry about its future.

“The building will continue in its primary role as a church,” says the Revd Canon David Hodgson, Rector of All Saints Church.

“But it’s going to be a more valuable space now, one that can be used by the whole community.

“We want people to see the new space for themselves, and to be inspired by what it can now offer to lots of different groups in Wokingham.”

From the spring, the vision is that the new indoor public space will be free for people to come inside every day.

With wifi and heating, and a café operating on most days, it

will be a warm and convenient place to meet, chat or work.

“We think it’s a unique venue, and it’s located within four acres of pleasant greenery.

“We very much hope that it will improve the life of the town,” says Canon Hodgson.

He also hopes it will help to tackle some of the difficult issues the community currently faces, such as rising costs and heating bills.

“Anyone will be able to come inside, to keep warm, to meet with their neighbours, to make friends, or take part in activities,” he continued.

“And community groups and charities will be able to bring their laptops and hold small group meetings here.

We’re excited to see just how

people will make use of the space.”

The premises will also be available to hire for bigger meetings, and special events, or for ticketed and closed gatherings.

Canon Hodgson said: “We’ll be able to accommodate big events like charity activities, craft fairs, art exhibitions, and concerts. It will be an ideal place to hold conferences and receptions, such as weddings, baptisms and funerals.

“The space will be really flexible, with modular raised staging, 300 seats for big concerts, and café tables able to be configured in lots of different sizes and shapes,” he adds.

The church’s Cornerstone building nearby will still be available too.

This is where regular sessions and activities will continue to be held, but it will also be possible to hire it in conjunction with the new space.

“For example, it could be used as a breakout space for a conference held in the church, or it could be a dressing space for the bride, with the church not only the location of the wedding itself, but of the reception afterwards too.” Canon Hodgson said.

The church’s SpaceForAll project will have cost around £1.3 million to complete once it is fully finished.

“We’re still looking to raise around another £100,000,” he adds.

“We’d like to be able to open in spring with all the right equipment and all the finishing touches.

“It would be great to have all the chairs, tables, and staging in place by then.”

All Saints Church hopes to open its doors for people to see the transformation on Saturday, December 10, between 10am and noon.

Those wishing to visit, are advised to check the website before attending.

n For more details, log on to: www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk

Royal visitor opens care home

n For more,

rmbi.org.uk

AN ARTIST’S IMPRESSION OF THE NEW CAFE SPACE. PICTURE COURTESY OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH.

A SINDLESHAM care home welcomed a royal visitor last week, as it officially opened for residents. The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Court in Mole Road provides residential care, nursing and dementia support. It is a new part of Sindlesham Court, and operated by the RMBI Care Co.,

part of the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

On Tuesday, November 22, the Duke of Kent visited. Centre manager Abigail Cranston gave him a tour of the premises, aided by RMBI Care Co’s managing director Mark Lloyd, and its chairman John Boyington.

During his visit, the Duke met residents and staff, as unveiled a stone plaque commemorating the official opening of the home. He also met with the teams involved in the construction, including RMBI Care Co. directors and the architects.

log on to:

UNVEILED: The Duke of Kent and John Boyington unveil the engraved stone together

Inside the vault, the domed brick roof is revealed.

Picture: Vince Clerkin via All Saints Church

Foundry Bell to launch tomorrow, here’s what people can expect

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM’S newest pub is preparing to open its doors for the first time tomorrow, launching with a Christmas menu.

The Foundry Bell is on the site of the former Loch Fyne, which closed earlier this year, and is returning to its roots nearly 100 years after it opened as The Plough back in 1924.

The London Road pub has undergone a three-month refurbishment, that pays tribute to its heritage while looking forward to the future.

So, alongside original oak beams and herringbone brickwork are cubicles with plug sockets and USB ports to allow people to work from the pub. Two fireplaces have been restored, while curved nooks have been crafted out of wood.

There is a large outdoor area, complete with heaters, to allow people to enjoy some fresh air while sitting on sofas and benches. The pub can also lend blankets for those who want to enjoy a coffee under the stars.

And, tucked away at the back, there is a private dining room for up to 14 people which

the pub will allow customers to book for special occasions.

It is a gastropub, offering tapas style sharing plates, called Stix, some small plates, steaks, pizzas and burgers, as well as main courses and sides.

The aim is to showcase the best of seasonal British produce.

Sample mains include Rolled Orchard Farm Pork Belly, served with braised lentils, black cabbage and salsa verde (£17), and Roast Butternut Squash and Barley Risotto, served with almonds, chestnuts, toasted

pumpkin seeds and crispy sage (£14).

Pizzas include a Steak, Caramelised Sweet Onion, Blue Cheese and Rocket (£16), or Pulled Duck, Hoi Sin Sauce, Spring Onion and Fresh Rocket (£15).

The pub’s head chef, Christian Fernandez, has fused tradition and innovation to curate a menu which celebrates provenance and showcases the best of British produce.

“We’re all about great social food, from grazing sharing plates and stix, to artisan

pizzas, plus a brunch menu worth dedicating a morning to,” he said.

“What’s more is that we’ve been meticulous in sourcing the very best produce across everything from vegetables to meats; our British steaks for example are from specialist heritage breeds, whilst our Sunday Roasts offer organic meat options and vegetables, all cooked fresh on the day.”

The pub has a brand-new curved bar which looks very elegant, and will have beers from Siren Craft Brew on tap,

and it has its own Foundry Bell Pale Ale.

Staff have been trained in cocktail making, while a temperature-controlled wine cellar will include more than 44 different types, from vineyards across the world.

As a result of the changes, including a newly-built glass orangery and the patio area, the pub can now seat up to 250 people at any one time, so there shouldn’t be any problem getting a table.

The pub’s manager is Mason Gray, who said: “After months of renovation, we’ve been waiting patiently to be able to open our doors, and the whole team is hugely excited to finally welcome locals dropping in for a pint by the fireplace, friends getting together or families hosting celebrations in our new pub.

“We’ve considered every detail, from our beautiful new interior and exterior, to our hand-picked local suppliers, everything is in place to make sure we can give guests a memorable experience.”

The Foundry Bell opens on Friday, December 2. After that, it will open daily from 8.30am, with a brunch menu available. n For more details, log on to: thefoundrybell-wokingham.co.uk

Festive concert at Shinfield church

THE BELLE Canto Trio are set to showcase their talents in a Christmas recital on Saturday, December 10.

The three-part singing group will be bringing a set list aptly entitled It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas’ to St Mary’s Church, in Church Lane, Shinfield.

Helen Marlow, Heather Sims and Gabriele McKeown will perform festive classics both old and new.

Doors open at 7pm while the concert starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12 in advance and £15 on the door, and there will be a raffle

n For more information or to book tickets, call: 0118 988 2120.

Family nativity

YOUNGSTERS in Shinfield are to put on a family nativity service on Sunday, December 11.

Shinfield Baptist Church’s free community event takes place at Alder Grove School and will recount the Christmas story featuring angels, shepherds, carols and kings celebrating the birth of Jesus.

The service starts at 4pm and is expected to last one hour.

Free tickets are available to reserve online.

n For more information, search: Shinfield Baptist Church on www. eventbrite.co.uk

READY TO SERVE: The Foundry Bell team have been preparing for the opening Picture: Phil Creighton

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Woodley enjoys a taste of France thanks to market

WOODLEY turned continental last Thursday as a popular French market returned.

Stalls offered a range of traditional French goods and services, including cheese, olives, bread and clothes.

Shoppers flocked to stock up ahead of the festive season, and town centre manager Brian Fennelly was delighted.

“Woodley’s markets are always that little bit different, “ he said.

“We’ve got great shops in Woodley, and they bring a lot of customers in, but the markets that bring something a little bit different to a town are stunning.

“As we speak, I’m currently smelling French cheese – you don’t get

that in a town centre without a market, so markets are fantastic.”

He felt the event had been a success.

“It’s been great,” he said. “People who have come out really appreciate the French market, and the traders always tell me that it has been a good day. They’ve said the same this time – it’s been a fantastic day, and we really thank everyone in Woodley for turning up.”

Woodley have several regular markets. Wednesday is an artisan event, there is a general market on Saturdays, and a car boot sale on Sundays.

n For more, visit: www. woodleytowncentre. co.uk

Shinfield community ready to switch on their festive display

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@wokingham.today

A COMMUNITY in Shinfield is set to continue its annual tradition of lighting up its street in aid of charity.

Residents in Maybank have joined together to light up the street with Christmas decorations for the last six years.

The big switch-on is on Saturday from 4pm.

They collaborate to decorate the street and provide those coming to view the lights with methods of donating to charities over the festive period.

spends the best part of three days in the cherry picker, no matter what the weather outside, installing lights on all the houses.”

This year, around 30 houses are set to take part, decorated over three days.

“Last year, we had this switch on the Sunday and we were still installing houses’ lights on Sunday morning, which we did over twoand-a-half days.

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This year’s event is raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Research and the NSPCC.

Liam Murray, one of the organisers, said: “Each household contributes a bit of money to support the hiring of the cherry picker.

“And then the money we’ve got leftover we put into the charity pot or split between the charities.

“Then the Christmas committee

“I think it’s probably become more important over the last couple of years because obviously there were challenges with covid,” say Mr Murray.

“A lot of people felt isolated and alone, and it was something that none of us had really experienced before.”

This year’s event also saw uncertainty with regards to the cost of goods and energy rising.

“Even this year,” Mr Murray said, “we sent out a poll to all of the community and said look, we’re very much aware that the cost of

Police appeal for witnesses to fatal collision on road

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in Earley.

At around 9.50pm on Wednesday, November 23, a blue Toyota Yaris and a grey Mercedes CLA 180 were involved in a collision on Wokingham Road, at the junction of Mill Lane, in Earley.

The driver of the Yaris, a woman in her eighties, was taken to hospital where she later died.

Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Investigating officer, PC Greg Jones, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident to please come forward.

“We’d also ask that any drivers with dash-cams who were in the area around the time of the collision please check any footage in case it has captured something that may help the investigation.

“You can report any information by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting 43220528799.”

living crisis, especially energy bills, is hitting.

“But it was pretty much unanimous that everyone said ‘yeah, we want to,’ because the spirit and the feeling that it creates and the money that we raised for charities is more than worth it.

“It gives you a really clear overview of what a great community spirit that we have within Maybank.”

This year’s event has been sponsored by a number of local businesses to help the community raise funds for its chosen charities.

One of them is Dan & Neil Estate Agents, Avocado Property partners, who said: “Neil and I have grown up in Shinfield and it is where we started our own business.

“The community we serve has supported us so much over the years and we always look for opportunities to give back.

“Whether that be using our social media platform to provide exposure to local independent businesses, include local businesses in our overall service package, or sponsor a community who spread Chrismas cheer and raise lots of money with their awesome Christmas lights display.

“The lights and magic of the Maybank Christmas lights caught our eye over two years ago and we have been involved in helping

promote and sponsor the lights ever since.”

They have offered free services to a seller in exchange for a donation to one of the charities.

“Neil and I want to match the passion and love of this small community in Shinfield and therefore, we would like to offer our services to a family looking to move next year, for free.

“In return, the chosen seller can pay what they feel we are worth and we will donate the full amount to one of Maybank’s chosen charities.”

Fullbrooks Window Cleaning is also among them, having said: ““We at Fullbrooks Window Cleaning have chosen to sponsor the Maybank Christmas light display 2022 as we have a lot of customers in Maybank.

“We love the fact they put so much effort into creating a spectacular display and fundraising for charities each year.

“We feel it’s important to recognise this effort and give something back and support good causes.”

It has also been sponsored by Dobbies Garden Centres, Sunbelt Rentals & Vinci Plant, and 2Drones Photography.

Mr Murray said: “We do it for the kids, we do it for the community, and for the feeling of community.”

Some of the traders who attended the French market in Woodley Picture: Phil Creighton

Twyford’s lights are on ... thanks to a bit of help from Theresa May

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A FESTIVE celebration took place in Twyford on Sunday with a bit of help from Theresa May.

The village’s MP joined villagers for the annual ceremony to switch on the Christmas lights.

They gathered around the Christmas tree in Bell Corner just before 5pm.

It was standing room only as the Twyford Glee Choir performed carols, and seasonal refreshments were served.

Then, Mrs May gave a short speech before pushing the button to switch the lights on, aided by Lady Elizabeth Godsel.

The tree is decorated with wooden stars, each containing a Christmas thought or message created by children from schools in the village.

Rob Yeadon, the chairman of Twyford Together, which helps organise the event, said: “They did only the things that children could do.”

A presentation was made to nine-year-old Olivia Caudle, who won a colouring competition organised by Parkers estate agency, which has an office

on Bell Corner. Neighbouring business Amy Goodall-Smith sponsored the tree.

Mr Yeadon said: “It was a very successful event. Bell Corner was crammed full and we were very pleased with the turnout.

“The weather was good and we also raised some funds for Building For The Future.”

There’s no rest for the

Twyford Together team - they are busy putting the final touches to the street fayre that will take over the village centre tomorrow evening.

It runs from 6pm, and will see groups, good causes and charities all take up pitches, raising funds through games, selling presents, and offering food and drink.

“All the stalls have been

taken, which is up from last year,” Mr Yeadon said.

He was looking forward to seeing the Scouts barbecue stall, the Rural Pie Co selling takeaways, and he was helping out on a stall offering mulled wine. “There will be plenty to do, it should be a good night,” he added.

n For more details, log on to: twyfordtogether.org

Santa swaps sleigh for a fire engine

SANTA will be swapping his sleigh for a fire engine when he makes his first appearance of the year in Hare Hatch on Saturday.

He is about to take up a residency for the festive season at Sheeplands plant nursery and to celebrate, he will be arriving style.

After greeting children, he will make his way to a specially built grotto, where he will be able to have those all-important chats about which presents children would like to find

in their stockings.

And every child who sees him in the run-up to Christmas will leave with an early gift.

There will also be opportunities to book breakfasts with Santa.

Santa’s little helpers are, once again, members of the Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs of Reading Maiden Erlegh.

Money raised from his visits will be shared by the clubs for a number of good causes in the community that are dedicated to

helping those who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Rotary President Paul Cunningham said, “I hope that Santa and his Elves will give a lot of happiness to children and their parents as well as helping bring a little cheer to others”.

Santa’s arrival will be at 11am on Decmeber 3. Organisers suggest arriving by 10.30am to avoid disappointment as the events are always popular.

n For more details, log on to: harehatchsheeplands.co.uk/santa

A CHOIR is joining the children of a Wokingham school to present a concert that will raise funds for children in Africa.

South Berkshire Singers will perform their Christmas Celebration with members of St Teresa’s School choir.

All are welcome to the event, which has been organised in conjunction with Wokingham’s Corpus Christi Church.

The concert takes place at the church on Sunday, December 4. Doors open at 4pm, and tickets cost £5, with free entry for children.

All proceeds will go to the Corpus Christi Africa Fund, which supports a primary school in Kenya, and an orphanage in Uganda.

n For details or to book, log on to: www.southberkshiresingers. org.uk

Concert will help African school School’s

fayre fun

PUPILS, their families and local residents will be making their way to school for an event that promises to be bigger than ever.

Aldryngton Primary School, off Silverdale Road, is holding its Christmas Fayre.

There will be face painting, stalls, crafts, mulled wine, a barbecue, Santa’s Grotto, a raffle and more at the event.

The event takes place at the Lower Earley school on Saturday, between 11am and 3pm.

PRESENTATION: Parkers colouring competition winner, Olivia Caudle (9) receives her prize from Theresa May, MP for Maidenhead, at the switch-on of Twyford’s Christmas lights on Sunday Pictures: Steve Smyth

FATHER CHRISTMAS AT SHEEPLANDS: He will arrive at the plant nursery on Saturday, helped by members of the Reading Maiden Erlegh Rotary Club

There’s room at the inn for Christmas music

A WOKINGHAM tavern is holding music events this Christmas.

The Rose Inn’s Festive Music In The Parlour Room, will take place every Thursday evening, except for the last session which will take place on a Friday.

Francesca Foley, general manager designate, of Market Place inn, says: “We hosted live music in the summer over the bank holidays and received huge interest in our next events.

“There were lots of requests for other events so we took to social media and asked our customers what they would like to see from us.

“Live music was the clear stand out so we decided to host evenings in the Parlour Room every Thursday.

“We are ending the period on the last Friday before Christmas with a local group, Sing Healthy Choir singing carols in the Parlour Room.

“We’ll be serving free mince pies to those who come and join us for a festive sing song and passing round a charity bucket for the Choir which The Rose will be contributing to as well.

She added: “To guarantee a table, we highly recommend booking either on line or in person, but for the Friday event, if you want to pop during the evening I’m sure there will be room to stand and enjoy the festivities.”

On Thursday, December 1, local musician Jack Frank will perform.

On Thursday, December 8, music maker Tom Bakker-Martin leads the evening.

On Thursday, December 15, it’s the turn of Sam Lamden.

And on Friday, December 23, Sing Healthy Choir will sing carols.

Still time to get a tag, and get a present to help The Giving Tree

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

GENEROUS residents are buying presents to help make Wokinngham children’s Christmas special, through an appeal that for more than 20 years has been helping to put smiles on youngsters’ faces.

The Giving Tree provides presents for children in the borough whose families are struggling, and who would otherwise miss out on Christmas morning.

It’s simple to participate: Special Giving Trees are located in local stores, and are adorned with tags bearing children’s gift requests.

People take a tag, buy the present requested on it, and return the unwrapped present to the same store.

Children’s charities then receive, wrap and distribute the presents.

Where are the Giving Trees?

n Tesco Wokingham (gift voucher tags only)

n Tesco Warfield

n Tesco Martins Heron

n Newbury Building Society,

n Nirvana Spa, Sindlesham n Wokingham Library

n The Sultan restaurant, Wokingham n Sedero Lounge, Wokingham Gill McKernan, appeal organiser, says: “I have been absolutely bowled over by the response to this year’s Giving Tree.

“The tags are just flying off the trees and I have been so busy

“The gifts are starting to be returned and people have been so very generous despite the difficult times.

“There are certainly going to be some happy children on Christmas Day thanks to the very kind local people.”

Children’s charities distributing the gifts are:

n Sebastian’s Action Trust

n Look Ahead Care

n Berkshire Women’s Aid

n Kaleidoscopic UK

n Transform Housing

n Home Start

n Wokingham Young Carers n Dingley’s Promise

n The Cow Shed

n First Days Berkshire Vision

n Children With Special Needs Foundation.

Louise Jedras, Tesco Wokingham’s community champion, says: “It is lovely to see the gift cards returning to us, with kind wishes to the children.

“Our customers are making such a difference this Christmas.

“And so often, it is children I see choosing a tag from the tree, to pass to their parents to share the love around.

“Kindness is infectious, please support the Giving Tree if you possibly can.”

To contribute to the gift giving appeal, residents should take a take a tag from one of the Giving Trees, buy the gift requested on it, and return it, unwrapped, to the same

FESTIVE APPEAL: Charities will distribute Giving Tree gifts to the children to open on Christmas Day. Picture: Emma Merchant

White Ribbon vigil held outside Town Hall

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

RESIDENTS have been thanked for attending a vigil highlighting the issue of femicide, held in Wokingham on Friday night.

The event was held to mark the start of The Global 16 Days Campaign, LetsEndFemicide, and to remember women who have lost their lives due to male violence.

It was organised by Kaleidoscopic UK, which supports survivors of domestic abuse, together with Cllr Sarah Kerr. Around 50 people gathered outside Wokingham town hall from 7pm, and held candles and torches while listening to an array on speakers.

“It was a really positive event for everyone that was here – we had a brilliant group of speakers giving very different perspectives,” Cllr Kerr said. “It was interesting that one of the speakers said most of us gathered here may feel we don’t need to hear this, but actually we do need to, to remind ourselves of the importance of raising awareness of the issue of violence against women and girls so that we can embed the shift that we need in society in its attitude towards women.”

She was pleased so many had come out despite the cold weather and the England world cup game.

“An important fact, among the statistics we heard this evening, when England play the amount of abuse towards women goes up.”

Cllr Kerr said that despite the cold weather, and people shivering during the vigil, they felt it was important.

“We’re here to remember those women who sadly lost their lives due to femicide, and to talk about raising awareness so we can change this.”

Friday, November 25, was also White Ribbon Day, a UK movement started by Chris Green, a friend of Kaleidoscopic UK founder Vickie Robertson.

Its mission is to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing the root causes, and to change ideas of masculinity that can lead to inequality and violence.

“It’s about getting men on board and taking responsibility,” said Ms Roberston. “And it’s so relevant that this vigil is taking place during the World Cup.

“It has been shown that when England loses a game, the number of incidents of domestic violence against women rises by 30%.”

LetsEndFemicide calls for an end to gender based male violence against women and girls worldwide. Currently, every day globally, 100 women die because of it.

“To mark this, I’ll be doing the 100 Challenge, with 100 squats a day for the duration of the Global 16 Days Campaign,” Ms Roberston said. “People are very welcome to join me in this, and it doesn’t have to be squats.

Waterloo is top of the stops

LONDON Waterloo is top of the stops again, but passengers numbers are still down on pre-pandemic levels, according to new research.

The figures, released by the Office of Rail and Road, puts the busy passenger terminus back in top spot, but the total number of passenger entries and exits has less than half the number from April 2019 to March 2020 – the last set of non-covid influenced figures.

After a 16-year reign, London Waterloo was knocked off the top by Stratford (London) last year (April 2020 to March 2021), but it finds itself back in pole position following 41.4 million passenger entries and exits in the latest year (April 2021 and March 2022).

But it was 86.9 million from two years ago.

The figures include commuters using South Western Railway services from Reading and Wokingham stations.

London Victoria was the second most used station with 36.8 million entries and exits, while London Bridge stayed in third with 33.3 million.

Stratford (London) dropped down to fifth with 28.2 million, although that is more than double last year’s estimate.

In the latest year, there were 24 stations in Great Britain with more than 10 million entries and exits. This is compared to just five stations the previous year and 43 stations two years ago.

Elton and Orston in Nottinghamshire was the least used open station in the latest year, with 40 recorded entries and exits.

Feras Alshaker, director of planning and performance at the Office of Rail and Road said: “It is heartening to see passengers return to travelling by rail following what was a difficult period for the industry during the pandemic.

“There’s still some way to go in order for station usage figures to return to pre-pandemic levels.

“Once again it is important to thank all those in the rail industry, who continue to work hard to help people travel safely and with confidence.”

“It could be sit-ups or skips, as a way of remembering the lives lost.”

The vigil, she said, was important to help remember those whose lives have been taken or impacted by femicide.

“It’s true that anyone can be a victim of violence, but whatever their gender, most victims are harmed by male aggression,” Ms Robertson continued.

“We really need men to be part of this conversation, to discuss the issue, and to raise awareness.”

n For more information about Kaleidoscopic UK visit: www. kaleidoscopic.uk or search for the group on Facebook.

n For information about Global 16 Days, LetsEndFemicide campaign visit: 16dayscampaign.org

n To know more about White Ribbon Day, visit: www.whiteribbon.org.uk

n And for a link to support Vickie’s 100 Challenge visit her 16 days of 100 squats at www.gofundme.com

Additional reporting: Phil Creighton

Repair cafe returns this Sunday

THE SPENCERS WOOD repair cafe returns on Sunday, December 4, the group’s final session before the new year.

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

Visitors can watch and learn how their items are mended or enjoy refreshments next door in the Communi-Tea Room.

A book swap will run concurrently.

The monthly initiative provides both economical and environmental solutions to product waste.

The repair cafe takes place between 1.30pm-4.30pm.

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

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TOGETHER: Around 50 people attended the vigil in Wokingham’s Market Place on Friday

Picture: Phil Creighton

A WINNERSH pub is preparing to host a business fair.

Owners from all businesses, small or large, are welcome to the event at The Pheasant.

The fair is an opportunity to show products and services on offer as well as the chance to exchange business cards with other entrepreneurs.

Free tea and coffee will be on offer to all attendees.

The fair will take place at the pub on Reading Road between noon and 5pm on Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11.

n For more information, call 0118 978 4529.

Church welcomes all ages to a special confirmation service

A SONNING church welcomed hundreds of people to witness a special ceremony earlier this month, as 28 people were confirmed.

The service was led by the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Stephen Croft, and was held on Sunday, November 20 at St Andrew’s. It sees people who were christened as a child declare they are sticking to their baptism promises, and is a key part of life in the Church of England.

In all, there were 12 adults and 16 young people, ranging in age from 11 to 83, and across the diocese 79 people were confirmed the same day.

The Revd Katie Toogood, associate vicar of St Andrew’s, led preparation classes for the adults in the run-up the service.

“It has been amazing to see God at work in the lives of so many people and it has been a privilege to be a part of their journeys. I led the preparation classes for the 12 adults, and we are planning to carry on meeting as a group,” she said.

“I know that our Youth Minister,

Chris West, felt similarly as he prepared our young people for confirmation, five of whom were baptised in the River Thames a few weeks earlier.

“They are also continuing to meet as a group.”

The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham, confirmed 34 people at All Saints, Boyne Hill, and 14 young people at Wellington College in Crowthorne. Among those in Boyne Hill, were 18 Iranian asylum seekers.

She said: “The bishops confirmed 79 wonderful and unique people, each one with their own story.

“Each candidate had given very serious thought to taking the step of confirmation and committing their life to following Jesus. It is a joy to see the action of the Holy Spirit in each person’s life, and to celebrate this with their friends and families.”

A further service was held at St Mary Magdalen in Oxford, where Bishop Humphrey Southern baptised a student and confirmed two other members of the university.

Fayre delights Arborfield

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

Local vendors showcased a wide range of products at the village’s Christmas market, which was

Cllr Caroline Smith, Wokingham Borough Council mayor, was one of the event’s many visitors and was full of praise for its success.

She said: “Today’s been absolutely wonderful. I’ve had a great time and have picked up quite a few items from the various stalls here.

“Having come to the summer fete, I’m glad I came back and can’t wait to come again.”

Stalls were occupied by local businesses such as Helen’s Crocheting Corner and Fox Raven Photography, while the village’s scout group were on hand to provide festive drinks and refreshments.

Mel Incledon-Hunter and her family treated residents to their knitted products, which ranged from beanie hats to bracelets.

The family-run business, Mel’s Marvellous Crochet, is supported by her husband and daughter.

Mel said: “It’s been amazing, we’ve had a great turnout. The mayor had a look at my stall, took

an interest in my crochet items and even bought herself a little Christmas tree.

“We’re just a family-run business so everything we make is handmade from raw materials.”

Student Freya Batchelor also held a stall to sell items to raise funds for a humanitarian trip to Morocco next August.

She is currently over halfway to her target and is excited to help develop vital infrastructure overseas.

Freya said: “We’re building a dam so that, when the snow melts off the mountains, they have water to use for their crops.

“Today, I’ve brought some handdesigned glasses and plant pots to help raise money to get there.”

Organiser Sophie Ames said: “It’s been really good.

“It’s lovely to bring the community together again and we’ve found a different set of people coming for this Christmas market.

“All the stalls here have sold some of their products so they’re all happy. It’s just been a very fun day.

Sophie highlighted the importance of the Mayor’s attendance in showcasing the work the committee is doing to bring the village together. Enhancing that spirit was a key factor for keeping the event free to attend.

Looking ahead, the committee hopes to run a monthly farmers market.

St Michael’s Christmas fayre on Saturday

A SPENCERS WOOD church is holding a Christmas Fayre for all the family to enjoy on Saturday, December 3.

With lots going on, the winter event at St Michael’s, Basingstoke Road, will help get residents into the festive spirit.

Visitors young and old can get stuck into some crafts, games and

the raffle, while also getting some Christmas shopping done at the various gift stalls. There will also be a Christmas hamper draw.

The event takes place from 11am3pm.

n For more information, search St Michael & All Angels Church on www.facebook.com

HUNDREDS of Arborfield residents indulged themselves in some early festive shopping on Saturday, November 19.

organised by the Arborfield Green Events Committee.

Bishop

Lights fantastic: Woodley switches-on

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

WOODLEY is shining brightly in the darkness now that the Christmas lights have been switched on.

The annual ceremony, combined with a carol concert, took place in the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct on Saturday.

The lights themselves were turned on by the winners of the annual winter extravaganza poster contest. This year, it was siblings Nessie (8) and Niamh Hearn (6).

The pair met Woodley town mayor, Cllr Janet Sartorel, and posed with their colourful designs before pulling the lever that led to the lights appearing.

Carol singing was led by the Sainsbury Singers, with music from Woodley Concert Band. There was a solo from Charis Anne, who delighted the audience with her rendition of Silent Night.

Carols included O Come, All Ye Faithful, and O Little Town of Bethlehem, while other festive songs included Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.

Refreshments were served by JAC (Just Around The Corner), and Woodley and Earley Lions.

Town centre manager Brian Fennelly was thrilled with how it went.

“I’m really pleased, it was the biggest turnout we’ve had for years,” he said.

“The refreshments went well. The Lions did a fantastic job, and everything went – there was nothing left.”

Another indication as to how popular the event was was with the order of services.

“We printed the usual number, but with 30 minutes to go before the starting time, we had to rush back to the town centre offices in The Oakwood Centre to print off some more,” Mr Fennelly said.

The big moment was when the children switched the lights on.

“I am usually quite nervous when the countdown starts, but it all went perfectly,” Mr Fennelly said.

The Christmas tree doubles as a Tree of Light. This scheme allows people to sponsor a light in memory of someone.

And the Lions will be bringing Santa to the streets of the town over the coming days.

His route, on a specially made sleigh, started on Monday, with different venues on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings up to December 22, between 6.15pm and 8pm.

n For more details, log on to: www.eclubhouse.org/sites/woodleyearley

... and look out for Santa at extravaganza

SANTA will be spotted in Woodley this Sunday, along with MPs, mischievous grannies and comedy jugglers as the annual Christmas Extravaganza returns to the town centre.

And Woodley Town Centre manager Brian Fennelly says it will be one of the biggest in years.

The event takes over the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct from 10am to 3pm, and sees thousands of people flock to enjoy some festive fun.

There are more than 70 stalls to browse, run by community groups, charities and craftspeople. A stage will see entertainment from Steppin’ Out Stars of Tomorrow theatre school, Vibez Dance Studio, and Rock Choir.

There will be street entertainment from Circus Scene, the barrel organ and some mischievous grannies.

And a grotto will be installed outside Nat West Bank, allowing good boys and girls the chance to bend the ear of that mysterious man from the North Pole.

The event will be opened at 11am with speeches from Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Caroline Smith, Woodley town mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel, Reading East MP Matt Rodda, and Maidenhead MP Theresa May.

Mr Fennelly is counting down the days, not to when he can hang his stocking on the wall, but to Sunday, and the festive celebrations.

“It is the best day of the year, and our flagship event,” he said. “We always look forward to it.

Planning started in April, and it’s

building up to be a really big event.

“We have 70 stalls this year, more than we’ve had even before covid, so it’s a record year.”

He said that the stalls will present people an opportunity to get some unique gifts, while supporting local businesses, groups and charities.

“We’ve got a whole range of new stalls, a great range of entertainment on the Centre Stage, and loads of activity around the town centre throughout the day,” he continued.

“Look out for the crazy grannies causing mayhem … we always like to do something a little bit quirky.”

One change this year is the ending of the reindeer-led procession. Mr Fennelly said it was out of concern for animal welfare.

“We’ve been listening to feedback from customers and the general view of using live animals. People are really starting to question that now, and we’re thinking it’s feeling a bit dated. We don’t want to do it anymore,” he explained, adding that the parade hadn’t been held over the past couple of years due to covid.

“We haven’t really had any adverse comments about it at all.

“So, no live reindeers, but Santa is still here, it’s going to be a really fun-packing day, with activities on the stage from some great local acts, that will give younger people their first opportunity to really perform in public. They’re really excited about the day.

“Please come along and have a great day.”

n For more details, log on to: www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk

seeks female singers

THERE is an opportunity for girls and women to sing next year.

They are invited to join a music group, The Project Singers.

As its name suggests, the choir works on different projects that lead to a performance, and has two shows planned for 2023.

Suzanne Newman, the group’s musical director is currently seeking new members to take part.

She says: “We’re a friendly and welcoming group.

“The singers work hard during rehearsals in preparation for our performances, but we also enjoy social events together.

“We’ll be having a quiz evening in May, the ladies will be going out for a meal at a local restaurant and the girls will be enjoying a pizza party.

“We’d love some more singers to join us.

“We have three spaces in the ladies choir and five spaces in the girls choir.”

The first project will run from January to March 2023, and will end with a performance at St Mary’s Church, Twyford on Saturday, March 25.

Titled Wherever You Go, it will include songs about travel: Homeward Bound; Skye Boat Song; Wheels Of A Dream; and Beyond The Sea.

The second project will run from May to December 2023, ending with a concert at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead on Saturday, November 18.

There will also be opportunities for carol singing

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IN FINE VOICE: Some of the crowds at Woodley’s Christmas light switch-on Pictures: Steve Smyth

Brian Fennelly (Centre Manager) and the Mayor, and poster contest winners Nessie (8) & Niamh Hearn (6)

The Mayor, Cllr. Janet Sartorel turns the lights on with the help of Niamh (6) & Nessie Hearn (8).

Singing carols

Nigel Pearce AIPW

“We contacted Nigel and received wonderful service. He filled in the extensive forms for us and did so in a very caring way.”

Cedric Lander, Woodley

Another view

Neil Coupe Sport unites

IGOT a text from a friend last weekend asking whether I was boycotting the World Cup.

In this context ‘boycotting’ actually meant not watching it on TV, listening to it on the radio and being excluded from various WhatsApp groups, including a prediction one where at the time of writing I am languishing in 34th out of 36 participants. The answer was no. Football, in spite of everything, is just too addictive.

Prior to the Tournament, the bad treatment of construction workers and the poor level of human rights in Qatar were both highlighted, raising the spectre of people refusing to support the event in any way.

Nobody is attempting to defend the human rights abuses, but it is reasonable to recall that the previous World Cup was held in Russia, and in 1978 it was held in Argentina where 30,000 of its citizens were ‘disappeared’ by the State and remain unaccounted for.

People who say they love the game but hate the industry have a point.

For an old-fashioned football fan, the World Cup is supposed to take place in the Summer.

There was always the thrill of seeing mysterious South American players for the first time. Then we would learn a little about their countries (who knew, for example, that Fray Bentos was a town in Uruguay?).

Then as the drama unfolded, we would suddenly find an affinity with some of the more charismatic performers, be they an ageing Cameroonian such as Roger Milla or a Peruvian superstar such as Tefilio Cubillas.

In the modern era, the vast majority of players participating are well-known to the viewers through their day jobs playing in the main European Leagues, so the surprise element is not as great as it was, although I did feel a frisson of excitement reading that a player named Nicholas Williams played for Spain.

Playing the Tournament part way through the football season is unusual, but there is something other-worldly seeing the blue skies and the blazing sun as we approach Christmas.

At the start of the Tournament, one of the lead stories in the UK was that, except for corporate attendees it would not actually be possible to buy a beer in the stadiums on match days.

This was seen almost as a flagrant abuse of a Westerner’s right to consume alcohol at a football match. This, of course, ignores the fact that in the six highest tiers of English football, it is illegal to drink alcohol within sight of the pitch anyway.

It cannot come as that much of a surprise that there would be restrictions of alcohol in a Muslim country. People can always have a drink on the way home. And it is almost Christmas, where beer is likely to be plentiful.

The fact that the Tournament is being held in the Middle East has had an interesting effect on the composition of fans.

At most World Cups, the travelling support is predominantly made up of Europeans, Mexicans, and South Americans. Qatar has enticed vast numbers of people to travel from other places, especially Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran.

From our knowledge of the respective Governments, we have very clear preconceptions

Saudis and Iranians.

Seeing happy, often young, people of both genders fully engaged in the matches and enjoying themselves is a very real indication that whether or not we are sharing a warm lager, sport is one element of life that unites us so much more than it divides us.

Maybe against the odds, this World Cup may give us hope for the future.

Find the perfect present – even for

The hard to buy for one

We all know someone who is difficult to buy. But scrap the socks this year – here are some great gifts for those tricky people!

Prezzybox - Smartphone 36 LED Ring Light - £10

Get selfie ready with this LED ring light that attaches to your phone. If you’re well versed in the art of taking a good selfie then you’ll know all about how important good light can be for that perfect, insta ready photo. The LED Ring Light is a clip-on accessory that’s compatible with most modern phones.

The food and drink one

Resident Pheasant – Build Your Own Chocolate Box - £10

Hello Day – Original 2023 planner - £46

This Spiral Daily Planner is the ideal gift for getting sorted for 2023. It’s not only for staying organised, but keeping track of your wellbeing, mental health, goals, water consumed, exercise, and inspiration quotes and more. Each stunning planner can even be personalised, for that extra special gift.

SelectTech – Bowflex SelectTech dumbbell from £229

This innovative dumbbells are completely adjustable with a dial which alters the weight, providing a compact way to store a wide variety of weights. The SelectTech range of dumbbells both combine a full weight rack in one weight, saving you storage space. The Bowflex SelectTech 1090i combines 17 weights in one, going from 4 -41kg easily.

STM - STM Goods MagLoop - £29.50

This is a 3-in-1 grabber, propper and bottle popper for your MagSafe iPhone, the MagLoop from STM Goods uses the power of magnets to securely snap to the back of your phone. Ingeniously designed to give a finger loop, kickstand and even bottle snapper in one smart product. The MagLoop is a great gift for those techies who want something a little different.

One Of A Kind Club – Earrings - £15

Wave goodbye to the unwanted stocking fillers. It’s time to colour their Christmas with a Build Your Own box of Christmas goodies available in two sizes. Containing exceptional, ethical chocolate that’s encased in fun and eco-friendly packaging.

Corney and Barrow - Staff Selection Mixed Wine Case£188

This mixed case is an insight into some of the C&B team’s top picks and wines to enjoy this Christmas. Quincy offers a fantastic alternative to Sancerre and the Château Lafon is a perfect reminder of the brilliant drinking wines from Bordeaux. Bubbles are a must over Christmas, and their new Crémant du Jura is the perfect fit!

Laylo – Merlot wine box – from £33.99 for a 2.25L box

One of a Kind Club is a contemporary jewellery brand aiming to inspire and celebrating individuality through fun statement pieces that make an impact. Each piece is handcrafted so they are special and one of a kind, bringing colour to people’s lives with contemporary gorgeous earrings.

The fashion one

New Look Red Fair Isle Reindeer Christmas Jumper – £29.99

this Christmas. From the comfiest headbands you’ll ever wear, to amazing twist knot necklaces in an array of colours and stud earrings. All this loveliness without much of a dent in your wallet.

Kind Bags London – 3 Gingham Pouches - £24

Berkshire-based Laylo who create delicious, quality boxed wine has launched a Merlot. It’s wrapped in a genuine snippet of Matisse art. Laylo boxes stay fresh for 6 weeks from opening. They also generate 90% less carbon than glass bottles and are 100% recyclable. Ideal for a wine lover this Christmas.

Soho Street Cocktails - £28.99

These at-home cocktails make the perfect gift, all you have to do is shake, pour and serve! These cocktails have been handcrafted with a ‘taste-first’ approach, made with high-quality ingredients and no artificial flavours or colourings. The range includes Pornstar Martini, Espresso Martini, Strawberry Daiquiri, and a Piña Colada all served in a 1.5 litre pouch.

The ideal gift for Christmas lovers – a super warm Christmas jumper that Rudolph would be proud of. Wrap up this festive season in this red reindeer jumper, available in a range of sizes.

Form Norfolk - Knot necklaces, headbands and earrings – from £10

It’s not often you find a range where you love all the products. Form Norfolk have it covered

Each and every product is produced sustainably and ethically, recycling bottles destined for landfill or the ocean.

The three zip pouches are ideal or organising at home.

The three different sizes make it to neatly pack a bag or organise ‘bits and bobs’.

on

It’s not long now until the big day. Mariah Carey is defrosting out of hibernation and Michael Buble is warming up. This year, we have put together the ultimate Christmas gift guide – we’ve done the hard work so that you don’t have to.

Compiled by HESTER GRANGER

The Teen One

headbands knot and stunning without making

Gingham produced plastic ocean. for on-the-go it easy

Jacobs and Dalton – Sheepskin Slippers - £33

Sleek, stylish and super comfy, these dark grey mules are perfect for keeping feet warm. Style meets comfortable design, these slippers really do have it all!

Lined with luxurious ethically sourced sheepskin and covered in a suede exterior, these slippers are designed to stand the test of time.

New Look - Christmas Tinsel Scrunchies - £5.99

Get into the Christmas spirit with these tinsel scrunchies. Each come in a two pack of green and red and also purple and silver. Perfect for up-dos for a Christmas party or to wear on Christmas day!

JOBY GorillaPod Mobile Vlogging Kit£197.95

excursions to Aldeburgh and the Norfolk Broads – yee-ha!

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Reading

4 nights at the Warner Corton Coastal Village, near Lowestoft with dinner & breakfast

Live country music entertainment every evening

Daytime activities in resort

Excursions to Aldeburgh & the Norfolk Broads by coach

excursion to Norwich (£13pp)

If you know a budding Youtuber why not treat them to the JOBY Vlogging Kit. It’s the perfect gift for the teen who loves recreating the latest viral TikToks.

It includes everything they need to create awesome content.

Including a GorillaPod tripod to fix the smartphone anywhere, the Beamo LED light to make sure the footage is properly lit, and a Wavo Mobile microphone to ensure they capture the best sound.

Young Driver – Driving lessons from £39

Departing Sun 26 Mar ‘23, Sun 3 Dec ‘23 When we think of ABBA, the first thing that springs to mind is ‘feel-good music’, and that’s exactly what this two-day break is all about! Round up your friends and dance the night away to the top hits provided by the sensational tribute band, ABBA Fever.

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Reading

Overnight stay at the 2-star Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool with dinner

breakfast (all meals buffet style)

ABBA tribute act plus a live DJ at the hotel

2 for 1 bar (7pm-10pm) on selected drinks

COEUR

DE LION – pearls necklace and bracelet – from £55

Timelessly beautiful and lovingly handcrafted. The necklace and bracelet in sparkling pale blue and silver is absolutely perfect for any occasion.

Every piece of jewellery ordered will be delivered to you beautifully arranged on a piece of satin in a premium designer case and with a certificate of authenticity.

Tricky to buy for teens can get behind the wheel of a real dual controlled car with a fully qualified instructor at any of Young Driver’s 70+ UK venues. Youngsters can learn to brake, steer, change gear, tackle roundabouts and even parallel park! Gift vouchers are valid for nine months.

Original Tamagotchi - £15.99

The Tamagotchi is back. It’s got the same programming as 1997 but a variety of new stylish shells! You feed it, clean up after it, take care of it and even discipline it if it’s bothering you when it doesn’t need you! Now you just need to make sure it is kept alive.

Take time to enjoy the Toy Run

ON SUNDAY, one of the biggest events in the calendar will return – the bikers’s toy run.

A staple festive event, it is a bright and jolly affair, showing the true meaning of Christmas: giving with love.

The fancy dress is one thing. The decorated bikes another, but at its heart is a simple idea: ensuring that children who would otherwise do without have a fantastic present to unwrap on Christmas Day.

It is an epic feat of work, from the bikers who travel from all over the country to take part, to the team at High Close School in Wokingham who collate and sort all the donations.

It is a wonderful thing to watch, and it is well worth lining the streets around Winnersh to see the spectacle.

Who knows, it might even inspire you to get a tag from The Giving Tree.

CHURCH NOTES

Hope

A word that represents optimism, anticipation, encouragement, four letters that mean so much. If you add another 4 letters then we are filled with dismay, sadness, disappointment – hopeless does everything but encourage.

In 2022 and especially at the moment with all the woes of recessions, financial concerns, and the current energy crisis it can be hard to find hope for the future in what feels like a hopeless world but we need to be encouraging one another to look for the positives, to look for hope.

Just before he died Johnny Cash covered a song by the band the Nine Inch Nails, called Hurt, the lyrics talk of self- harm, of destruction and of having no hope and what seems like the eternal search for something more.

These are perhaps not alien thoughts or feelings in the modern world so what can we do, who can we turn to, what are we searching for?

Hope goes before faith – faith is is believing and trusting in something that you cannot see, hope is imagining that there is something there to even believe and trust in. It is the belief in what could be. Hope redefines what is probable and opens the paths to the impossible.

The Bible is very clear in Psalms 62:5-6 we read, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”

Take hope in the Lord God Almighty and there you will find security, encouragement and ultimately salvation.

Claire Revie is from Norreys Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

The energy crisis

I agree with David Arnold (24th October) that government and Ofgem must do more to address the domestic energy crisis. He asks why renewable energy is not having more impact on the prices we pay. I’m no expert, but ...

Annually typical homes use over four times more energy as gas than as electricity. The unit price we pay for electricity is currently about 3.3 times higher so direct consumption of gas accounts for more than half the cost.

In 2021 renewables generated 41% of the total electrical energy consumed (not just domestic consumption) compared to 39.8% from gas. This varies widely in the short term as weather, electricity demand, and other factors change. But gas prices usually set the market price all the generators charge the supply companies for electricity.

So very approximately 85% of domestic energy (gas + electricity) comes directly or indirectly from gas which is internationally traded. Expensive liquid natural gas is imported when demand exceeds Europe’s local supplies.

The ‘Warm This Winter’ and ‘United for Warm Homes’ campaigns are having a ‘Day of Action’ on 3rd December. The aims are: urgent additional financial support to keep people warm; a nationwide insulation programme; and permanent fixes to our failed energy system. Join us in Reading Town Hall Square at 2.30pm.

John Booth, Earley

Glossy claims

I have a very misleading glossy expensive Lib Dem leaflet just fallen through my letter box.

From the chamber

Cllr Sheena Matthews

Charles Dickens would be appalled

IN the run-up to Christmas, there are many versions of Scrooge and A Christmas Carol, a tale of a coldhearted miser who, at the end of the story, gets redemption by visits from three spirits: the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come.

The Ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge that his greed and selfishness have hurt others, particularly Cratchit, who cannot afford to provide his desperately ill son, Tiny Tim, with medical treatment because of Scrooge’s miserliness.

The Spirit tells a horrified Scrooge that Tiny Tim will die

It says unequivocally that the cost-of-living crisis is the fault of the British government with no mention anywhere of Vladimir Putin, the Russian blockade of the Black Sea or his stoppage of gas and oil to mainland Europe having jacked up the world prices of energy and food. No mention of bird flu. No mention of resultant starvation in North Africa, or Lebanon.

Their solution to the housing crisis that is bringing about a crisis in the cost of childcare – grandchildren cannot live close enough to grandparents – is to campaign against new house building and infrastructure development. With more households the council gets more council taxpayers, yet another Lib Dem example of the political tactic of “point gun at foot pull trigger”.

They say progress on the local Twyford library is good, showing a photograph of nothing happening at the chosen site that has planning permission. (Perish the thought that succeeding in having a new library and hub up and working might leave them with nothing to campaign for.)

I dropped it in the recycling but must transfer it into general waste – the website tells us glossy paper cannot be recycled.

Looking parochial is one thing, but not knowing the effect of the war in Ukraine or talking about refugees in need is blinkered.

Sue Doughty, Twyford

It’s been a while

As a former leader of Wokingham Borough Council I read with interest the comments in your paper from Clive Jones the current leader

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

when he said: “I was hoping that Wokingham would no longer be the lowest funded local unitary council in the country and that we would get our fair share of cash from the government for the first time in eight years. It didn’t happen, there wasn’t anything for Wokingham, we are still starved of cash by the Conservative government.”

I was leader from 2008 to 2014 and throughout my time and ever since our Borough has been the lowest funded unitary authority and not just for eight years.

During my time as leader and up to the present day the Conservative Administration built a new Town Centre and developed Elms Field into a facility much loved and used by all our residents, many new schools, social houses, country parks, new roads and kept car paring charges at a level to support our shops and residents. And by no means least new swimming pools especially the Wokingham one with the excellent sports hall and concert Hall in which the opening concerts have just been held all while being the worst funded authority.

It should also be remembered that it was the Liberals who campaigned weekly against the town redevelopment and the then Liberal Leader Prue Bray wished to see not new shops but a Dark Warehouse and a remembrance park instead of the new Rose Street piazza.

I would also like to remind Clive that his party were members of the 2010 to 2015 Coalition Government which also imposed upon us the accolade of being the worst funded authority. I would therefore suggest

social care places are not available; vacancies will continue to be filled by expensive agency staff, often originating from countries that also need them; as tax payers we continue to pay for storing PPE equipment that was fast tracked through sometimes dubious means but which wasn’t and isn’t fit for purpose.

that the current ruling party stops trying to blame everyone and starts running an efficient council for the benefit of all.

David Lee, Wokingham

Help with hospital stays

The festive period is fast approaching, and as we start to decorate our Christmas trees, wrap up gifts and make mince pies, it’s important to remember the many people who will be spending Christmas away from home and loved ones. This year, children’s charity Starlight estimates that in December there will be over 1.3 million admissions to hospital for under 18s in England, who are not only poorly but feel anxious and scared.

No child should feel lonely at Christmas, especially when they’re unwell. Early experiences of hospital can be incredibly traumatising and the psychological damage for a child can be life-long.

Creating more positive hospital experiences can be life-changing for a child and their family. Yet, so many UK hospitals don’t have the money to make play happen.

Starlight research found that 83% of children’s healthcare settings that apply for our services have no money themselves for play. We’re urging your readers to support Starlight’s Play Loneliness Away campaign.

Please visit www.starlight.org.uk/ christmas and whatever you are able to give will help Starlight bring play where there is pain, fun where there is fear, and laughter where there is loneliness.

Cathy Gilman, CEO, Starlight

2023 is shaping up to be a worse year than 2022 for pensioners and families with children as incomes are eroded. The Centre for Social Justice think tank estimates that the poorest in our communities are paying an additional £480 a year more than the rest of us for basic goods, fuel and credit costs.

unless something changes.

In the current recession, following one disastrous budget which crashed the country’s reputation and another that both deepens 12 years of austerity and widens the gap between the wealthy and the poor, Mr Dickens would be utterly appalled.

In 1945, within weeks following the election of a Labour Government, Nye Bevan produced a plan for major change and the establishment of the National Health Service in which the sale of medical practice was forbidden. A series of reorganisations since have wreaked havoc on the NHS which is now under real threat.

Unless something changes –without a visionary and proper plan for health and social care people will die in ambulances queuing for hospital emergency admission; the backlog for specialist and routine referrals will continue to blight lives; the elderly and disabled and their families will suffer unnecessarily whilst

Unless something changes –inflation will put further pressure on public service pay and families finding it hard to manage; a staggering four million people will be paying almost a third of their incomes on fuel costs in spring.

Bills will continue to rise as government support is withdrawn from some of the most vulnerable.

Coupled with poor housing stock this has long term consequences for health. No wonder public service staff are voting to take strike action, sometimes for the first time in history.

Unless something changes – the social care system is dysfunctional; the waiting list in the criminal justice system is horrendous; the immigration and asylum system is cruel; significant MPs take holidays or volunteer for reality tv shows rather than working for their constituents; Brexit is hardly the success it was heralded to be; Cop27 is not as bold as it should be.

Unless something changes – bankers retain their bonuses; non- doms keep their tax status;

So what to celebrate? Local people doing good things in the community. Last week with Freely Fruity and volunteers from local resident groups and Virgin O2 a group of us spent a couple of hours getting thoroughly wet and muddy planting fruit trees in Bulmershe Park. That was a significant contribution to the local environment and an investment for the future. On Saturday morning another group did one of their regular volunteer community cleanups in Whitegates.

Local volunteers canvassing for change and listening to people’s concerns on the doorstep, signposting help where possible.

Volunteers giving up their time to deliver support through local food banks and direct help. Yet in 2022 we shouldn’t need this. Mr Dickens would be appalled.

‘Unless something changes’ – It must. It will.

Your vote can make something change. Use it. Use it wisely.

Sheena Matthews is the Labour ward member for Whitegates at Earley Town Council

HOPE – such a small word and yet such a big word!

Why EQUALITY matters for us all – men and women

FOR too long, we have been encouraged to view the challenges facing boys and men as entirely distinct from the needs of women and girls.

Lines are drawn on gender for no good reason; feminism is stoked up as against men, whilst the idea of male victimhood has gained notoriety in recent years.

There are challenges for, and between, men and women; but they won’t be solved by pitting us against each other; at the end of the day we are all of equal value.

As a man I am proud to be associated with the Women’s Equality Party. Equality matters to us all, men and women. I got involved with WEP as I have seen how inequality, regardless of gender, has a destructive impact.

Growing up in Northern Ireland in the 70’s and 80’s, gross inequality led to violence and sectarianism. ‘Difference’ was created to subjugate one community or the other. Neither side won; sadly a situation perpetuated even today.

This article is published just after two really important days for men and women have been recognised. International Men’s Day promotes positive wellbeing

and mental health for men. White Ribbon Day this year is promoting “11 traits men and boys can nurture to help create a world of equality and safety for women.”

International Men’s Day provides a moment in time for us to recognise the damage gender inequality does to men and boys. Traditional ideas about masculinity can pose a great danger to men’s health, because they encourage risktaking behaviour and discourage help-seeking or health-enhancing behaviour.

We know that men are more likely to die by suicide for a number of reasons including being less likely to seek help for suicidal thoughts than women. Instead they get caught up in perpetuating a societal view of maleness which includes not showing weakness.

Another example of this is that men experiencing domestic abuse seek help at much lower rates than would be expected given their numbers.

Suicide in trans and non-binary people is under-researched, however Stonewall have reported that almost half have thought about suicide. The gender based prejudice they face almost certainly plays a part in this.

If you came along to the vigil last Friday, 7-8pm in Market Place you would have heard more about how you can personally help to achieve #TheGoal of ending violence against women and girls. With around 75% of domestic abuse incidents in Berkshire perpetuated by men against women, educating all men in how they can help end the culture that enables this is critical. White Ribbon Day this year is held just before the Men’s World Cup – the 11 (to reflect a football team!) traits being promoted are below:

Only through education and promotion of the equality of the sexes can we seek to redress the harms caused by ideas of gender norms. ‘Toxic’ masculinity is hurting both the sexes; and it’s all driven by traditional ideas of how we should behave.

As a father to three boys I

whole University community, a group of more than 20,000 students and staff. I am proud and grateful to all of them, and hope they take time to celebrate these collective achievements as we go into the festive period.

Of course, our mission to make a difference in the world continues 365 days a year.

That means working to support each other through good times and bad, and the challenges the world faces – as well as the challenges we can all face as individuals – can seem daunting.

have seen first hand how they have developed ideas in society of what a man or woman’s role is. I’ve heard the jokes and notions developed in their peer groups. And I have always challenged those notions; any mention of sexism, racism or ‘traditional’ notions of hierarchy, get spoken about and discussed. I encourage them to speak openly and honestly about what is troubling them rather than holding it all in and ‘manning up’.

We are currently facing a cost of living crisis which is having a huge impact on many people locally. The societal and economic costs of suicide, breakdowns, violence and misogyny all add to this crisis. Recognising the harms caused by gender inequality means we can start to challenge and overcome them. Society has always progressed by challenging the norms; we don’t need to settle for inequality. I, and the Women’s Equality Party, firmly believe that “Equality is Better for Everyone”. To personally take the White Ribbon pledge visit: https://www. whiteribbon.org.uk/promise Andrew Watson – Women’s Equality Party (WEP) PR Officer – Reading & Wokingham

The service will also include an opportunity to donate to local and international charities.

n The following Sunday, 11 December, we are hosting this year’s Reading Rotary Santa Run, a great event which will raise some much-needed funds for two local charities.

n Excitingly, on Tuesday 20 December, our Children’s Christmas Lecture is back.

This year, Professor Adrian Bell, an expert in the history of money and finance, will be explaining everything there is to know about money.

From the leader

Cllr Clive Jones

Welcome news on numbershousingas government agrees to meet

IN this week’s Leader column, I can give you some positive news regarding our campaign to reduce the number of new houses allocated to Wokingham Borough by the government.

On Tuesday, I heard from the Minister of State for Housing, Lucy Frazer MP that I am being invited to join discussions on reforming the planning system.

It seems the government is preparing to change the existing system; but what they want to put in its place is as ever far from being clear.

However, the points that the new Lib Dem administration in Wokingham have been making seem to be getting through to the Conservative government.

We have repeatedly stressed that the current system takes no account of past performance.

Our borough has delivered more new homes than it was required to do in the last local plan period; we believe that should be taken into account when numbers are decided for the new local plan.

We also believe - and have repeatedly argued - that areas like Wokingham that have experienced dramatic change in population over the last few years (ours has risen by 15% since 2011) should not be expected to undergo the disruption of a similar level of increase in the future.

In the last 40 years, 40,000 houses have been built in Wokingham borough.

We have repeatedly argued that we cannot afford to lose more of our precious countryside, which forms a vital part of the character of this part of Berkshire.

We have repeatedly stressed the inability of our creaking infrastructure to cope with high levels of new housing. We know there aren’t enough Doctors or dentists and school places for the current population. Our roads can’t cope with the levels of traffic. Developers will never give us enough money to provide the right level of local infrastructure that we need.

AS we approach the end of another year, it is good to celebrate our successes with each other.

Looking back over the past 12 months at the University, 2022 has been a good year by many measures.

More final year students have told us they are happy with their experiences on campus in the National Student Survey.

We’ve seen more of our research being judged as world-leading or internationally excellent, and after the uncertainties of recent years we have welcomed a good number of first-year undergraduate students this September.

And Reading reached the final of University Challenge, coming within touching distance of victory.

We’ve announced exciting collaborations with Reading FC and Reading Buses using our climate stripes, to raise awareness of the fight against climate change, and we are working with STEM Learning to improve climate education in schools and colleges across the country.

The Natural History Museum announced that it will open a major new research facility at the University’s Thames Valley Science Park, next to the British Museum’s Archaeological Research Collection, creating opportunities for our students and researchers.

These are achievements of the

But that’s why I love our community at the University, and the wider community in Reading and Wokingham.

We show each other that we care, and that we are acting not for ourselves, but for the common good.

That community comes to the fore at Christmas. We have some fantastic events on campus in the run up to Christmas that are open to everyone.

n The Winter Festival takes place on our Whiteknights campus from 5.30pm tomorrow evening (Thursday 1 December). Come along for carols, festive treats, an arts and crafts market and our famous food market.

n On Monday 5 December a carol service will be held in the students’ union with traditional carols, readings and musical performances.

I apologise if it leads to your children and grandchildren requesting an inflation-busting increase in pocket money.

All events, apart from the charity Santa Run, are free of charge, although booking for some events is required.

Head to the Events page on our University website for more information, as well as to find out about other University events that might be of interest.

I for one am looking forward to the opportunity to come together with staff, students and local residents to celebrate past achievements, enjoy being together again and looking ahead to the promise of the coming year.

And we have made the point many times that the calculation used to determine our housing allocation is flawed, because it builds on past delivery - giving more to those areas that have over-delivered, like Wokingham, not less - and takes insufficient account of real local need.

If the Housing Minister takes seriously the government’s levelling-up agenda (and we believe that she does), then it makes great sense to seek to promote more development and investment in parts of the North crying out for it, and not concentrate new building in the already over-crowded Southeast.

The invitation to discussions is a very welcome development. I will do all I can to make the most of the opportunity.

Clive Jones is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council and Lib Dem member for Hawkedon Ward

White Ribbon is the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls. Wokingham Borough Council have recently adopted the White Ribbon standard; to encourage all men and boys to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence towards women.

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

From the vice-chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort

Time to look back, and forward to a busy festive season

From the stump Andrew Watson

Insurance firm’s new ownership

A SPECIALIST insurance firm in Wokingham town centre is under new ownership.

BJP, based in Alexandra Court, is now part of the JMG Group.

It is the 14th such acquisition since the company’s CEO, Nick Houghton, completed a management buyout in 2020, backed by growth investor Synova.

Sixty people are joining in the takeover, which brings the parent company’s headcount to 420, and helps it grow its southern business.

BJP works on building, construction, security, and agricultural machinery sectors and has its own specialist underwriting division – Focus.

BJP managing director Andrew Brown will remain in his role, and said that JMG Group will facilitate a smooth retirement for founding directors Barry McGoun and John Finch, whilst giving the team access to resources and capital to help support their growth plans.

“When we met the JMG team, they just felt like the right partner for us,” he said.

“The JMG support, scale and approach will undoubtedly be good for our team, our customers, and our retail and underwriting divisions.

“One chapter closes, another one opens – and we can’t wait to get cracking.”

And the news was welcomed by Mr Houghton, who said BJP was a great business.

“The added dimension of an underwriting division is exciting as this is something we’ve been thinking about for some time now,” he explained.

“On behalf of everyone at JMG Group, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Andrew and his team: we look forward to supporting them to achieve their growth plans.”

Climate Fayre brings together business leaders who want to tackle the climate emergency

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

BUSINESS leaders from across the Thames Valley came together to explore ways they can tackle the climate emergency.

The Reading Environmental Sustainability Quorum (RESQ), in partnership with NatWest, organised the first Reading Climate Fayre, offering advice and inspiration from industry specialists on how to take meaningful action regarding their impact on the environment.

Key questions explored included practical tips on how to develop a sustainability plan and how to build the business case for investment.

Speakers included Dr Maria Carvalho, Head of Climate Economics & Data, NatWest; Stuart Clark, Head of Climate Transition, Lombard ; Professor Richard Allan, Professor in Climate Science, University of Reading; Peter Moore, Head of Climate Strategy, Reading Borough Council; and Tracey Rawling-Church, Co-Chair, Reading Climate Action Network

Dr Carvahlo was the keynote speaker, and discussed the findings of NatWest’s recently published report A Springboard to Sustainable Recovery. This identified that UK SMEs have a huge opportunity to benefit from a £175bn revenue opportunity between now and 2030 based on the government’s climate ambitions for the end of the decade.

The report also found that 40,000 new SMEs

will have to be set up to capture the opportunity and for the UK to meet its 35% emission decrease target by 2030, with these businesses potentially contributing up to 50% towards the UK’s total emissions reduction process.

“It was an honour to speak at the Reading Climate Fayre and I hope the business leaders in attendance leave with a new sense of understanding of the impact each one of them can play in the transition to net zero as well as the confidence to address climate change through their own business,” she said.

“Climate change is something we can all play a part in addressing and so it is only by supporting businesses across the country that we will achieve meaningful change.

“The integral role businesses in the UK will play in allowing the nation to reach net zero is clear and is further emphasised in NatWest’s 2022 Springboard to Sustainable Recovery report. The results of which highlighted how SMEs are pivotal to climate action as they could contribute up to 50% of UK 2030 emission targets through pursuing decarbonisation.”

She added: “Further, rising energy costs mean that the business case for investment in

sustainability has never been higher. As a whole, if SMEs are properly supported to deliver their full potential when it comes to sustainability, the UK economy could benefit from a potential £175billion revenue opportunity by 2030, with over 260,000 new jobs created in the process, as it aims to meet world-leading decarbonisation and emissions targets.”

Andrew Jackson, Enterprise Acceleration Manager for the NatWest South-West Accelerator Hub said: “Taking meaningful action on sustainability is one of the most pressing challenges facing business owners and entrepreneurs at this time.

“Through our work supporting entrepreneurs in the South West of the UK, we know that the the business case for investment in sustainability is also in part being driven by shifting consumer demand. People are expecting environmentally responsible action from the businesses that they choose to spend their money with.

“We’re committed to continuing to supporting exciting, future-focused businesses, helping them to thrive, creating sustainable growth and employment opportunities in Reading.”

Reading woman shortlisted for UK Hair and Beauty awards

A READING woman has been shortlisted for the UK Hair and Beauty awards for her work on hair extensions.

The awards celebrate the hair and beauty industry in an aim to support businesses both large and small.

And among this year’s crop is Vaida Dumbravaite, who also works for Broad St. Mall as a brand ambassador and security officer.

She said that since she was six, she has wanted to be a hairdresser, and is following her dream.

“Hairdressing has always been my biggest dream, I always wanted to share the power of confidence and make sure you leave my chair feeling like a Queen,” she said.

“I have been in the UK for 12 years now, all by myself, so I’ve needed to do other jobs too.”

But this hasn’t stopped her from carrying out the job she loves, and she is now looking forward to attending the grand final, which is a red carpet event.

Ms Dumbravaite is in the Hair Extensions Specialist of the Year category, but has to wait until April next year to find out if she is successful.

EXTENDED WAIT: Vaida Dumbravaite is shortlisted for the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2023 for her hair extensions, but will find out in April if she is a winner

LEFT: Dr Maria Carvalho, Head of Climate Economics & Data, NatWest speaking at the NatWest sponsored Reading Climate Fayre.

ABOVE: Mairead Taylor, Director Green & Sustainable Finance, NatWest with a delegate at the Fayre Picture: Professional Images/@ProfImages

A steam day out to Bath or Gloucester

The Bath & Gloucester Steam Express

Saturday 4th February 2023

From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a nostalgic steam journey reliving the Golden Age of rail travel with a choice of destinations – Bath or Gloucester.

We shall steam along the Kennet & Avon canal, climb up to Savernake summit and steam on through the attractive Vale of Pewsey and pass the famous White Horse at Westbury. You can choose to visit the Georgian city of Bath, renowned for its fine architecture, magnificent Abbey, Roman Baths, Pump House and small independent shops.

Alternatively, stay on board for Gloucester where you will find the 11th Century cathedral. Gloucester’s historic maritime connections are centred around Gloucester Docks home to the National Waterways Museum.

• Premier Dining £285pp/£870 family – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £185pp/£565 family – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £115pp/£358 family – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: WEA

Steam to Cheltenham or Worcester The Cotswold Venturer

Saturday 18th February 2023

From Slough and Reading. Join us for a scenic rail tour by steam train through the beautiful Cotswold Hills with a choice of destinations –Cheltenham or Worcester. With our magnificent steam locomotive at the head, our train will travel through the Vale of the White Horse and along the Golden Valley line. You can choose to spend the afternoon at spa town Cheltenham enjoying the fine Regency architecture with its Pittville Pump Room. Alternatively, stay on board for the fine city of Worcester. Set on the River Severn, Worcester’s 12th Century cathedral is the resting place of King John. The final battle of the Civil War between Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II took place here and you can also find the Museum of Royal Worcester.

• Premier Dining £285pp/£870 family – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £185pp/£565 family – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £115pp/£358 family – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: WEB

Mystery over identity of MP who gave backing to Hall Farm

THE IDENTITY of an MP that gave their backing to a proposed garden village at Hall Farm was queried by a resident at a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s executive committee on Thursday, November 24.

Colin Watts asked the Executive Member for Planning and Local Plan, Cllr Lindsay Ferris, about a line in the Local Plan Update report on the consultation. This looks at potential sites for house building in the borough to 2036.

In it, it states: “A local MP supported the identification of a new garden village at Hall Farm / Loddon Valley, particularly its links to the Thames Valley Science Park.”

Mr Watts said: “Most people I have spoken to assumed that Sir John Redwood was the MP referred to, but he has confirmed that he did not make this statement.

“For the sake of transparency and accountability, please advise which MP made this statement and can the Initial Consultation Outcomes document be amended to state the name of the MP?”

Cllr Lindsay Ferris said he did not feel it appropriate to identify individuals who had responded to consultation.

Mr Watts said there was a danger of the public being misled if the MP wasn’t named, especially if they weren’t neutral over the issue of where new housing should be built in Wokingham.

Cllr Ferris said if the MP wanted to, they could reveal their support.

Instead, he suggested that Mr Watts wrote to the MPs, or submit a freedom of information request to the council.

A second question on the local plan was given by Andy Bailey. He said: “Given the state of the economy and the dire economical outlook, does WBC intend to ‘borrow forwards’ to enable infrastructure to be built in good time to support developments arising from the revised Local Plan?”

Cllr Ferris said: “Local authorities will need to handle financial resources very careful going

forwards. However, it is important the new infrastructure gets delivered in parallel with the new development.”

Wokingham would work with developers to ensure new developments have well-planned and well-timed new infrastructure.

“In some circumstances, developers will be expected to provide this directly in accordance with legal agreements and the conditions of their permission,” he explained. “Where we collect Community Infrastructure Levy (the new name for Section 106

funding), we will also look to spend levy funds in a timely manner.

“In terms of our own capital programme, we will need to be financially prudent in terms of the extent of borrowing .... That doesn’t mean we will stop funding infrastructure or delivering it in a timely way, but it does mean we will be looked very carefully at every decision.

“We take in this respect something which I’ve no doubt all our local taxpayers will want us to do mindful of the times that we find ourselves then.”

Who would gain from 3G pitch?

AFTER several council meetings where residents asked questions against plans to build a 3G sports pitch in Lower Earley, a supporter of the proposals had his chance at the Executive meeting of Wokingham Borough Council, held on Thursday, November 24.

Rich Jarvis said he had lived in Earley for most of his adult life and seen the benefit of pitches such as the one installed at Woodford Park.

As a police officer, he has also seen the positive impact that sporting facilities can have on children’s lives.

“Children living in Earley need a voice and feel that if they were allowed to, most would vote hugely in favour of this project,” he said.

“My question is how would you promote the 3G pitch within the community and get it to work in harmony with the school?”

Cllr Ian Shenton responded by saying Maiden Erlegh School would benefit from daytime usage during term time, while two key partner clubs would “use most of the training and match day slots available”, as well as other potential use during holidays.

Health board

THE FINAL item on the agenda of the Executive meeting of November 24, was to approve the appointment of Cllr David Hare to the new joint committee for the Integrated Care Partnership covering the Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West area.

The executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services will be deputised by the leader of the council, Cllr Clive Jones.

The new board was set up following the implementation of the health and care act 2022, and sees local authorities work with NHS health bodies to integrate services they plan, purchase and provide for residents.

The councils in this ICP are Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, West Berkshire, Reading and Wokingham.

Cllr Hare was approved by a unanimous vote.

‘Hold your Christmas party in a Wokingham business and help them through the cost-of-living crisis’

energy bills and tax increases, be £7,500 a year worse off, and that would be taken out of the local economy.

Speaking at the start of the executive meeting, Cllr Clive Jones reflected on the impact of the autumn statement, saying he had been hopeful that chancellor Jeremy Hunt would have had something to help councils cope with rising costs, including inflation at 11.1%.

“I was wrong,” he said. “There was little good news for the council and certainly no extra cash which is desperately needed.

“I was hoping that working on would no longer be the lowest funded unitary council in the country, and that we would get our fair share of cash from the government for the first time in probably eight years. But it didn’t

“There was nothing for working and we’re still starved of cash by the Conservative government.”

He added that many households would, due to rising interest rates,

“This will have a serious negative impact on working in retailers, cafes, pubs and restaurants, making it very difficult for some of them to survive,” he said.

“Restaurant closures are currently up 60%, and disappearing at a faster rate than they were during covid.

“These are caused by rising costs, weak demand and Brexitinduced staff shortages.

“If any do not survive in Wokingham, it will be the fault of the government and their disastrous handling the country’s economy.”

But residents could do their bit when holding events to mark the festive season.

“I would like to encourage our local businesses to organise their Christmas office parties and events in our local venues wherever they can,” he said.

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council Executive held on Thursday, November 24

WOKINGHAM should support local businesses when celebrating the festive season. That’s the call from the leader of the council.

Parking fee rise: ‘We’ve looked and the cupboard is bare’

That’s the reason why car park prices are to rise across Wokingham borough according to Cllr Paul Fishwick, Executive Member for Active Travel, Transport and Highways, as the council seeks to cover a £4m funding gap over the forthcoming financial year.

He was introducing a discussion at a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s executive committee, following a debate in the council chamber on Thursday, November 17.

It was held after a petition of more than 4,200 people that was submitted to the October meeting, triggering the discussion.

As the petition was voted down, it was referred to the executive for further consideration.

Cllr Fishwick reminded his colleagues that car park prices were last put up five years ago, despite costs rising in that time.

He said that any alternative to the Lib Dem proposals would not bring in enough money to cover any shortfall.

The council could not take funding from the reserves as they are now considered to be too low. Taking this course of action could see the administration placed under the leadership of central government. “The consequences would be devastating,” Cllr Fishwick warned.

Each of the park and rides were considered. Mereoak is run jointly with Reading Borough Council and closure would put rural bus services at risk. Thames Valley Park never opened, but is currently being used as a shuttle service to the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Winnersh Triangle is under reconstruction, but there was a £1.3m overspend “a consequence of the unforeseen issues caused by the Thames Water main”.

And he described the Coppid Beech as a “financial white elephant” that had ongoing costs for security, maintenance, insurance and business rates.

Cllr Fishwick then outlined the various options that the petition requested.

Keeping charges at current levels would leave a budget gap of £540,000

per year. Changing some aspects of the proposed rises, such as a flat rate of £1 for evenings would reduce the savings.

“All avenues have been explored and some options require much more money –money that we don’t have,” he said. “The Conservatives petition requires even more money £600,000.

“Again, money that we don’t have.”

The Lib Dems were instead approaching the issue in a grown-up manner, and would protect residents from control of the council “slipping into the hands of central government control”.

“We have no choice but to reluctantly increase car parking charges for the first time in nearly five years,” he said.

The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is planned to be published in Wokingham Today in the near future but due to the festive period, the consultation would be extended. While dates were given in the meeting, these

have yet to be confirmed.

Cllr Prue Bray said she was surprised that no Conservatives were present at the meeting despite being the party that submitted the petition.

She added that the council needed to explore ways in which it can increase revenues as the funding gap was increasing, and demand on statutory services was increasing.

“I cannot see what else we can do,” she said. “We are looking at everything … and we are not the only council in country. We are talking about one in six councils in the country going bust. There are no good choices in this, and we have to do this.”

Cllr Clive Jones said “there seems to be some division in the Conservative group” as its leader, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen “refused (to say if she would) reverse the charges if they got in power again”.

With Cllr Ferris, he had visited Woodley town centre retailers so he could explain

why the council needed to balance the budget. This was a response to the letter signed by 40 businesses that was printed in Wokingham Today of November 10.

“There was from many retailers an acceptance that the council had been left in a difficult position – in fact, the whole country was in a difficult financial position.

“All 300-plus councils are complaining they are going to struggle to balance the books this year,” he said.

“We heard how some businesses were already facing issues such as strong competition from other retailers, competition from online retailers and general changes in shopping habits.

“Increases in rents, increases in energy costs are having a significant impact on retailers’ profitability.

“One manager of a significant business said that Wokingham Borough Council needs to explain why these changes were necessary.

“We must therefore improve our communication and make sure everyone in the borough is aware of why these increases in charges are necessary.”

Cllr Ferris wanted to know more about the processes of the TRO.

Cllr Fishwick said that businesses and residents would need to write in with their comments.

Cllr Fishwick also thanked officers for their work in trying to find any alternative.

“We have looked under every stone in the cupboard, under the sun, practically everywhere for any little bits of money that could come forward, and the cupboard is bare,” he reiterated.

Cllr Jones said that that executive had looked at all avenues, met with businesses, considered the petition and budget, and recommended that no further action was needed for the referral.

The vote was unanimous.

Consultation to open on tree strategy

WOKINGHAM’S strategy for looking after trees will go to consultation, following a vote by the executive on Thursday, November 24.

Cllr Ian Shenton, the executive member for environment, sport and leisure, said the plan would cover “every aspect” of tree management and maintenance,

and residents would have their chance to offer feedback over an eight-week period, covering the new year.

The final strategy would be brought back to the executive in May.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris said the council wanted to support as many veteran trees as possible.

It was pointed out that currently developers could remove trees if they weren’t on the veteran tree list, and this would cause problems further down the line as there would be no mature trees in 100 years’ time.

The strategy could help protect those up-and-coming trees.

Departing Mon 6 Feb ‘23

Take a great-value trip to stunning Dorset and the beautiful south coast, where we explore the nautical atmosphere of neighbouring Poole and the traditional seaside resorts of Swanage and Weymouth

with a

FLYING SCOTSMAN CENTENARY

Steam Train Experience

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a meeting of Wokingham Borough Council Executive held on Thursday, November 24

“WE ARE now picking up the consequences of the lack of action from the previous administration” and “the cupboard is empty”.

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PROPOSEDDEVELOPMENTONLANDEASTOFLODGE ROAD,HURST,READING.

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20thDecember2022between20:00and06:00.

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ShuteEnd Wokingham BerkshireRG401WL

LEISURETODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Acting is difficult when people are throwing roast potatoes at you

WOKINGHAM Theatre presents a Christmas show with sprouts.

And turkey, with all the trimmings – but possibly not on a plate.

The group’s dark comedy, Rules For Living, promises to paint a perfect picture of seasonal dysfunction.

First performed at the National Theatre in 2015, it takes a wry and comical look at the way people cope with life, and especially with that special event, the family Christmas dinner.

In a quiet corner of the theatre bar, director Alan Long discusses the play.

A rehearsal is in progress nearby.

“This one about a disastrous family gathering is so funny.

“Rules For Living is quite new, and it’s really well written, a quality piece of drama.

“It’s about a middle class Christmas meal that goes disastrously wrong.”

The story takes place during a family’s festive lunch.

Gathered round the table are a highly strung mother, her husband, their two sons and their partners.

This should be a scene of celebration.

But it turns into a riot when an incident sparks fury between the already tense mix of individuals.

As if to prove this, an actor is clearly heard to say: “Would you prefer sprouts or stuffing squashed into your face? Or maybe a few roast potatoes?”

“The family tensions do come to a head in this major crisis,” smiles Alan.

“But there’s also a really interesting twist in this play.

“Every character has a rule by which they live.”

Alan explains that each of the family members must follow the rules under which they operate, despite being unaware of this.

The audience, however, is fully aware, because the rules are displayed on a projector behind the action.

“Some of the comedy comes from the fact that the audience knows so much about what is going on when they see these rules, or coping mechanisms, played out,” continues Alan.

By now screams and shrieks are coming from the auditorium.

“It’s a food fight rehearsal,” Alan

explains, “for a scene which is at one level serious, but also a classic piece of comedy slapstick.

“We are very lucky to have the expertise of Claire Llewelyn from Rc-Annie, a fight and intimacy company that trains actors in the West End.

“This is a difficult and challenging play, but rehearsals are going very well indeed.

“We have a fantastic cast who are having to learn a lot of extra techniques as well as going through the normal character rehearsals.

“They cope with numerous layers of behaviour that force them to think on multiple levels all the time.”

“It’s possibly the most difficult piece I have ever directed.”

As we join the rehearsal, two actors are by now grappling on the floor,

learning the safest way to force feed someone from a wine bottle without damaging their teeth.

It’s clear that they are not only skillfully managing this with the help of their instructor, Claire, but that they are finding the whole process highly entertaining.

“Christmas lunch is an event many people struggle with,” laughs Alan.

“If you’ve ever had a bad one, this play should make you feel much better.”

Rules For Living promises to be a riot. It is performed at Wokingham Theatre, from Thursday, December 8 to Saturday, December 17, with tickets costing £15.

n For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363.

EMMA MERCHANT

Night of jazz coming to South Hill Park

JAZZ vocalist Esther Bennett joins pianist Terence Collie and saxophonist Duncan Lamont Junior for a concert. Their night of music celebrates the work of Duncan Lamont’s father, whose career began in the1950s.

Duncan Lamont Senior’s songs were recorded by Cleo Laine, Natalie Cole, George Shearing, and Blossom Dearie, along with TV’s Mr Benn.

The concert of his music takes place at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Friday, December 2.

Esther Bennett’s Duncan Lamont Songbook starts at 7.30pm in the Recital Room.

Tickets cost £16, and under 18s enter for £8.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.ukor call the box office on: 01344 484123

Little bit of comedy for you

BEN Elton comedy, Gasping, explores commercialisation of the air we breathe.

Presented by South Hill Park’s Studio Theatre company, the story follows the fortunes of Lockheart Industries.

The successful company makes serious money, but its team is bored and wants more.

When executive Philip comes up with the idea of designer air, oxygen, like food and energy, becomes something one has to buy.

Ben Elton’s sharp satire on the impact of big business can be seen at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre.

It runs from Wednesday, December 7 through to Saturday, December 10.

All performances start at 7.30pm, with tickets available at £14.50, or £12.50 for members.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.ukor call the box office on: 01344 484123

International concert series returns

AS PART of the Conservatoire International Concert Series, pianist Matthew Kam will give a recital.

His programme of music includes Beethoven’s Op.109, E major Sonata, along with pieces from Debussy, Chopin and Rachmaninov.

Concert goers will also hear Australian composer Carl Vine’s less well-known piece, 1st Piano Sonata.

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell –South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123

Jack and the Beanstalk. Until New Year’s Eve. Bracknell Jazz: Esther Bennett’s Duncan Lamont Songbook. Fri 2. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 2. Christmas Party Nights in the Coach House. Tues 6. Gasping. Wed 7-Sat 10. Platinum: The Live Abba Tribute Show. Wed 7. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 9.

FILMS: My Neighbour Adolf. Thurs 1. Emily. Fri 2-Sun 4. Decision To Leave. Mon 5-Tues 6. Cezanne: Portraits Of A Life. Wed 7. The Nutcracker. Thurs 8. The Banshees of Inisherin. Fri 9-Sun 11. The Nutcracker. Sun 11.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz

A NEW theatre show coming to South Street next week has a special audience in mind – babies aged 18 months and younger.

Glisten is an interactive performance that will be a magical adventure just in time for the start of the festive season.

The audience will be taken on a sparkling and shimmering immersive journey exploring the world of reflective materials, all wrapped up in an ambient soundscape

The event takes place at South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Friday, December 9.

Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £16.50, members cost £14.50, under 18s cost £5.50.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.ukor call the box office on: 01344 484123

Youth group planning to go to the ball

STAGEABILITY presents Cinderella, The Pantomime.

The group promises a festive panto treat, with traditional Christmas fun for the whole family.

The audience can expect toe tapping songs, booing, cheering and the usual pantomime chaos.

Cinderella is performed at The Whitty

of evocative yet laid-back music.

Organisers say people can watch as the empty space of the theatre fills with colour, sounds and surprises, creating a sensory landscape ready to explore after the 20-minute performance is over.

Glisten is performed to a small audience of up to 20 adults with their babies, creating an intimate and welcoming theatrical event, co-created by theatre-maker Daniel Naddafy and visual artist Phoebe Stubbs.

Theatre, Wokingham, on Saturday, December 3.

Shows are at 3pm and 6.30pm.

Tickets cost £15.

n For tickets and information visit: www. ticketsource.co.uk

Beauty and the Beast, but as a ballet

FOR something different this festive season, families can book to see a ballet.

Ballet Theatre UK performs an enchanting love story, Beauty And The Beast.

Inspired by the original tale, this production tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village.

When her father is imprisoned in a

Afterwards, there is an interactive free-play session where the babies can explore the tactile world of Glisten.

It takes place on Thursday, December 8, Friday, December 9, and Saturday, December 10, with performances at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Tickets cost £15 for an adult with a baby, and £10 for an additional adult in the group.

n For more details, or to book, log on to whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast.

Little does she know that he is a Prince cursed by a magical Enchantress, and that he must learn to love and be loved in return.

Set to a classical score this production will showcase new choreography by Artistic Director, Christopher Moore, with new sets and costumes created especially for this production.

The event takes place at Henley’s Kenton Theatre, on Sunday, December 4.

Performances are at 2pm and 6pm.

Tickets cost £20, with concessions at £18, and family tickets available at £60.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.ukor call the box office on: 01491 525050

Zoe Lyons to head up comedy night

A TRIO of comedians: Zoe Lyons, Morgan Rees, and comic musician Andy Askins will be making people laugh.

Audiences can expect an evening of humour in Henley.

The event takes place at The Kenton Theatre, on Thursday, December 1, at 7.30pm.

All tickets cost £20.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.ukor call the box office on: 01491 525050

Can Santa save Christmas?

JACK’S beanstalk won’t grow, Cinderella’s glass slipper is broken, and Fairy Godmother’s wand is playing up.

Jack, reindeer Dasher, and penguin Pompom journey to see if Father Christmas can save the day.

The Santa Show 2022, for children aged two to seven, is filled with festive songs and laughs.

And every child receives a wrapped present from Santa.

Santa Saves Christmas, can be seen at Henley’s Kenton Theatre, on December 3, at 10.30am and 12.45pm

Tickets cost £12, with family tickets at £44.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.ukor call the box office on: 01491 525050

Rock around the Christmas tree

A FESTIVE 50s and 60s music show features a number of bands.

The Bluejays; The Buddy Holly Story; Million Dollar Quartet; One Man Two Guvnors; Dreamboats and Petticoats; and Rave On, will transport the audience back in time through a tour of the rock and roll decades.

Rave On At Christmas, plays the sounds of Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry,The Beatles, Neil Sedaka, The Kinks, Connie Francis, Lulu, and The Shadows.

Rock and roll fans should make their way to Henley’s Kenton Theatre on Saturday, December 3, at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £25.

n For tickets and information log on to: www.kentontheatre.co.ukor call the box office on: 01491 525050

01276 707600

Beauty and the Beast. Sat 10-New Year’s Eve.

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Jack and the Beanstalk. Sat 3-Jan 8. The Night Before Christmas. Wed 7.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000

Christmas Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 1. Christmas Cracker Party Night. Fri 2. The Christmas Extravaganza with the Estrellas. Sat 3. That’ll

Be The Day Christmas Show. Sat 3. Cinderella. Fri 9-New Year’s Eve. The Christmas

Extravaganza with Baby Go Boom. Sat 10. Joanne Shaw Taylor. Sun 11.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050

Santa Saves Christmas. Sat 3. Rave On: The Rise of Rock n Roll at Christmas. Sat 3. Beauty and the Beast. Sun 4. Aladdin. Sat 10-Thurs 29.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

One Snowy Night. Until Dec 30.

Rob Newman: Live on Stage. Thurs 1. Festive Markets. Sat 2.

St John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sun 3. No Bears (12a). Wed 7. Chris McCausland: Speaky Blinder. Fri 9, Sat 10. The Vinyl Frontier. Fri 9. The Carnival of

the Animals Lantern Parade. Sat 10. Triangle of Sadness (15). Mob 13.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

Jack and the Beanstalk. Until New Year’s

Newbury

Reading –South Street

Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

Sleeping Beauty. Until Jan 8.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Rules For Living. Thurs 8Sat 17.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Wokingham Film Society: The French Dispatch (15). Thurs 1. Younger People With Dementia Christmas Concert. Tues 6.

Spin Theatre Academy: Shine. Sat 10.

Woodley – Theatre www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838

Ladies Down Under. Until Sat 3.

Choral society’s festive celebration

A CHRISTMAS celebration is coming to Sonning Common early next month.

Members of the South Chiltern Choral Society will be performing Alan Bullard’s O Come, Emmanuel for their festive concert. There will also be some seasonal songs that the audience can join in with. For this, they will be joined by members of the Hill Primary School Choir.

The concert starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, and takes place at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge School in Sonning Common.

Advance tickets cost £12, or £6 for under 21s, with under 11s getting in free. On the door, they will cost £15, or £7.50.

n For more, log on to: www. southchilternchoralsociety.org.uk

Iszi comedy night

AN EVENING of comedy is coming to a Winnersh pub this weekend.

Chuckle muscles can be exercised at The Phesant on Reading Road on Saturday, December 3..

Headlining will be Iszi Lawrence. Joining her will be Kathryn Mathers and host Carl Richard.

The event takes place from 7.30pm, and is hosted by Mates Rates Comedy.

Tickets cost from £7.50 plus a booking fee.

n For more details, call the pub on: 0118 978 4529.

Ghostly goings on, in time for Christmas

READING Repertory Theatre has announced that three young performers are set to steal the show for its Christmas production, A Christmas Carol.

The popular production is returning following its premier last year with emerging local talent front and centre.

Alina Kharina, Frankie Maddicks, Savannah-Rose Mattingley will share the role of “Tiny Tim/Timmie” in the production.

All three are all members of Reading Rep’s Youth Theatre, which offers the development of performance skills.

The production will be codirected by Chris Cuming and Reading Rep’s founding artistic director, Paul Stacey, adapted by Beth Flintoff.

It sees the events of Dickens’ seminal Christmas story relocated to Reading, where “Christmas spirit is plentiful... except Huntley and Palmer’s Biscuit Factory, where Scrooge reigns terror amongst his employees.”

It will feature Jeremy Drakes (Finishing The Picture) as Scrooge, Charlotte Warner (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Bobbie Cratchit, Elijah Ferreira (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Stage Debut Award Winner

2022) as Fred, Rick Romero (founding cast member at Reading Rep, reprising role from 2021 production) as Hopkins and Nathalie Codsi (Nest) as Belle.

The production also sees set design from Anna Lewis, sound by Joe Dines, lighting by Simeon Miller, and costumes by Jo Lewis.

As with many of its productions, Reading Rep is providing a participation and engagement project alongside the production as part of its ENGAGE community project.

The project Dear Mr Scrooge will return, providing an opportunity for schools and attendees to examine A Christmas Carol’s text and develop their own skills in

storytelling with it as a starting point.

A Christmas Carol is at Reading Repertory Theatre until New Year’s Eve, except for Sundays and Christmas Day.

Tickets are £19.50, but Reading Rep provides discounts for students and children, as well as senior or disabled attendees.

It is also providing discounts for those under 30 in its first week of performances, and for families with relevant discount codes.

Ten percent of all tickets will be free for those who can’t afford them, as part of the theatre’s commitment to access to the arts.

n Tickets and booking information can be found via: www.readingrep.com

A truthless future in Liar’s Teeth

PROGRESS Theatre has finished its run of autumn shows ahead of its winter programme with Liar’s Teeth.

The production takes place in a non-descript cell in a nearfuture setting as a lonely prisoner is joined by a fellow inmate.

Liar’s Teeth was written by Emily Goode, who also contributed to Progress’ Write Fest earlier in November, and directed by Rik Eke.

Pies, played by Anita Sandhu, is alone, having been imprisoned for lying in a society which has criminalised misinformation.

She is swiftly joined by a character she calls Jack, played by Sam Bessant, who she learns is a storyteller, the most egregious offence against the truth.

The production explores the nature of storytelling in a world attempting to tackle misinformation with a militant response to fiction.

The characters of Pies and Jack are initially uncomfortable cell mates, which Pies’ effusive effervescence performed with due glee by Sandhu.

Gordon Giltrap in concert

ON FRIDAY, a former Wokingham resident will be returning to perform in concert.

Gordon Giltrap used to live on Gypsy Lane, and is coming back to the Wokingham Music Club.

The gig will be at the Emmbrook Sports and Social Club in Lowther Road and a few tickets are still available. They cost £21.

Organisers say it will be an evening of brilliant guitar playing intermingled with wonderful stories.

Next week, on Friday, December 9, the Music Club will be pitching up at the Winnersh Royal British Legion for a performance by Led into Zepplin, a tribute that’s got a Whole Lotta Loving.

Tickets cost £20.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub

Pie’s grating effect on Jack is portrayed well in Bessant’s snippy, dismissive demeanour, especially as it inevitably begins to soften during the course of the production.

The characters form a classic foil to one another as they explore each other’s pasts and relationships with the truth, punctuated with tender moments

of light-hearted comedy.

As the story builds to its conclusion, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine what is real and what is fiction, with both actors carrying the production with due conviction.

As ever, Progress Theatre has excelled with frugal, prudent use of selected set elements which portray the setting excellently.

The bare set used stark, white benches surrounded by tall beams to invoke a cell, with a single riveted metal door at the back, through which food and blankets are pushed during the play.

The use of selective lighting and sound was particularly effective in recreating a future world as experienced from inside the prison.

Overall the production was a thoughtful, comedic consideration of the role of fiction in a society which struggles with misinformation.

The lighter moments were joyful without undermining the more serious premise of the piece, especially as it leaves you asking important questions about what is real towards the conclusion.

Progress Theatre is showing its youth production of Pedro Calderon de la Barca’s Life is a Dream from WednesdaySaturday, December 7-10.

n More information about upcoming productions and tickets can be found via: www. progresstheatre.co.uk.

JAKE CLOTHIER

Violin and melodeon team-up for folk night

ON MONDAY, December 5, Nettlebed Folk Club is welcoming Peter Knight and John Spiers for an evening of music.

Peter is the violinist and former-member of folk-rock band Steeleye Span, while John is a leading melodeon player and Bellowhead member.

Organisers say the pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn.

Together they have created a performance that resonates with

history, but also something that should inspire future generations to engage with Britain’s folk heritage.

These uniquely gifted performers are preparing to make a sublime pairing, and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time.

The show takes place in the Village Club in Nettlebed High Street from 7.45pm.

n For more details, call the box office on: 01628 636620 between 10am and 8pm, or log on to: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

SCROOGE: Reading Rep’s revival of A Christmas Carol will show from Wednesday, November 30, to Saturday, December 31. Picture: Courtesy of Reading Repertory Theatre

CELL MATES: Jack, portrayed by Sam Bessant, and Pies, portrayed by Anita Sandhu. Picture: Richard Brown, courtesy of Progress Theatre

LIVEMUSIC

RaW Sounds Today

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

CHRISTMAS is coming, the geese are looking slightly wider than they did last week, and thoughts are turning to some festive tunes.

We’ve got two such songs, just part of 10 great tracks to tune into this week.

Rocket Kings is a great precursor to two gigs taking place in the run-up to the big day, while Spizzenergi make a swift return to the playlist with their ode to ... well … read on and find out.

We’re on a mission to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name).

It’s an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. All you have to do is find it on Spotify. To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday

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.

Thursday, December 1

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Emma Wilson Blues Band. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

READING - Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Sami Switch presents Milk My Words Christmas party: live music, spoken word and more from Who We Are, Leopard Boy, Cameron Bloomfield, Cam Holmes, Effie, B2B set Osifa, Thomas Jules. £10. 7pm. Details: www.milkreading.com

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz Singers night Christmas special. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Reading Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Club Velocity presents An Evening with Dave Robinson, co-founder Stiff Records, tour manager for Jimi Hendrix. 7.30pm. Details: www. wegottickets.com/event/554403

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Wurzels. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS. Festive music in the Parlour Room: Jack Frank. Booking advised. Details: www. therosewokingham.co.uk/bookings

Friday, December 2

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Slacker, Bacchanal, Missing The Scene. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael solo tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Esther Bennett’s Duncan Lamong Songbook. Details: 01344 484123.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB.

Wokingham Music Club presents Gordon Giltrap. £21. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Kitty Mazinsky Quartet at Christmas evening. From 6pm.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

Rocket Kings – Christmas Without You

Rocket Kings have had a good year of live shows including a great performance at Wokingham Festival in the summer and now, here’s their new Christmas single.

The band have live appearances coming up with a short set at the YPWD (Younger People With Dementia) Charity Concert at Wokingham’s Whitty Theatre on December 6, and a full set at Fisherman’s Cottage, Reading on December 16.

Make a rendezvous with Rocket Kings for a Ukelele Christmas – facebook.com/rocketkings

Spizzenergi – Christmas in Denmark Street

We’ve featured the Spizz classic, Where’s Captain Kirk? in the last couple of weeks due to the band visiting Reading to perform a brilliant show at Club Velocity’s Facebar.

This week we’ve changed their song to their 2020 Christmas single. I bet you didn’t know

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Joshfest v2. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The Funky Funks. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Jessie Phelps.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Chestnuts. Details: 0118 977 3706.

YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, December 3

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Bye Bye Baby: Jersey Boys. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Lewis and the Sound of the Suburbs. Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 457318.

CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Christmas Carol-oke.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. The Cherries. Details: 01344 530615.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Long Tall Texans. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The Chain Gang. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Michael Jackson tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sound Jam. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Tribute Night Christmas Special. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Salty Dogs. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – St Laurence Church, The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Crazy Diamond, a tribute to the music of Pink Floyd.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Aurie Styla. Details: 0118 959 5395

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1

5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The Haystacks. Details: 0118 343 0565.

SONNING COMMON – Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge School, RG4 9LN. South Chiltern Choral Society presents A Christmas Celebration: O Come Emmanuel by Alan Bullard, plus carols. 7.30pm. £15, £12 in advance or £7.50/£6 advance for under 21s. Details: http://www. southchilternchoralsociety.org.uk/

TILEHURST – The Water Tower, Park Lane RG31 4DU. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 907 6704

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. 4th Era. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Sunday, December 4

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Andy Dickens and Al NIchols, Saxes with the Terry Hutchins Quartet. Details: 07500 333743.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night - Weather or Not. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Details: 0118 969 8000.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. The Bullfrogs Sunday Session. Details: 07889 226309.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Super Chilled Open Mic with Gemma Foster. 3pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Monday, December 5

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Peter Knight and John Spiers. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. The Animals. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe. Details: 0118 977 0918.

this legendary London band had a soft spot for Wokingham’s Denmark Street? Just having you on.

This song is actually about London’s Denmark Street and nostalgia for how it used to be – https:// www.spizzenergi.com/

Eloise Kate – Revolve

If you saw Katie Ellwood’s excellent band at Wokingham Festival you’ll have seen Eloise Kate on keyboards. Eloise Kate also releases her own music and has achieved good streaming numbers – https:// www.instagram.com/eloisekatemusic/

Aine Deane – 19

My daughter Amy is on this single .. Well, only briefly. She and her ex-University housemates count down at the beginning of this great song about their Uni days written and performed by fellow housemate, Aine – https://www.ainedeanemusic. com/

Man The Lifeboats – Somerstown

Exciting, fun, upbeat folk from a band that visited The Castle Tap in Reading last week. This single is taken from their excellent new album Soul of Albion – https://www.manthelifeboats.com/

Voodoo Radio –

Wow Wow classic – http://www.voodooradio.co.uk/

One Last Day – Out of the Black

The new single from Wokingham rockers One Last Day is a powerful anthem with a chorus that sticks in your head and shows that they are a quality band that combines power and melody – https:// linktr.ee/onelastday

Mellor – Meet Me by the Ocean

Mellor is a four-piece Reading-based band that has been building a great reputation throughout the indie rock scene.

This is from their new album, Problematic Passions – https://linktr.ee/melloruk

Katie Ellwood – Twice

Here’s the aforementioned Katie Ellwood who previewed this new single live in her Wokingham Festival live set on the Wokingham Music Club stage and featured Eloise Kate in her band – https://www. katieellwood.com/

Glenn Miller Orchestra – Moonlight Serenade

C30 C60 C90

Go

This pop-punk duo from Cumbria were support at Club Velocity’s Spizzenergi show and this is their brilliant exciting cover of the Bow

Tuesday, December 6

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. New Music night: Nicole Allan, One Eyed Man, Doops and open mic. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. The Animals. Details: 01491 681048.

Wednesday, December 7

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Platinum ABBA. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Aurora Forest. Details: 0118 959 5500.

Thursday, December 8

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Milton Hide and support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BURGHFIELD – Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Carradines cockney sing along. Details: 0118 959 8067.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hugh Turner Heavy Funk Combo: Virtuoso jazz and funk guitarist leads his quartet through, groove jazz soul and funk originals and covers. 8.30pm-11pm. £7 cash or card. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Storm In A Teacup: House Party Punk. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. These Certain People. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic night with Harley Hutchinson. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS. Festive music in the Parlour Room: Tom Bakker-Martin. Booking advised. Details: www. therosewokingham.co.uk/bookings

Friday, December 9

BURGHFIELD – Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Beatles & Buddy Holly Tribute Show. Details: 0118 959 8067.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech

Timeless 1930s music which was performed live recently at the first-ever concert at Wokingham’s Carnival Hub.

What a brilliant performance it was by Glenn Miller Orchestra UK – https://www. glennmillerorchestra.co.uk/

Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pure Queen tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Cool Hand Luke and The Meterologists perform A Message from the Meters. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Jolly Roger, Boom Boom Racoon, Nasty Fishmonger. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Gig in the Gardens in aid of Reading Refugee Support Group: The Tim Kay Band, Kill Committee, Magical Mystery Four, Silent Disco. 5pm. £12. Details: av-events.co.uk/product/gig-in-thegardens

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. ABBA Tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Sir Duke Disco, Dance and Party band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Propa Ammo: DJ Rap’s Birthday Party. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Big Goodbye featuring Grant Sharkey. Details: 0118 986 6788.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Neon Daze. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, December 10

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Leech. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Rockin Around for Christmas - The Johnny No Show, Chasing Violet. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Take That Experience. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. Tequila Chase.

BRACKNELL – The Running Horse, London Road RG12 2UJ. Full Flavour Band. Details: 01344 425215.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. From The Ashes. Details: 01344 422622.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion,

Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Emma Baldwin. Details: 01344 772161.

READING – Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Festive Family Rave: festive cher, food, silent disco. £5, in aid of Parenting Special Children. From 10am-3.30pm. Details: https:// av-events.co.uk/product/festivefamily-rave/

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Dance Cult 10 Band. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Scarlet Vixens Festive Floorshow. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Howling at the Moon: A Queer Cabaret. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Bad Penny. Details: 0118 926 5804.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WINNERSH – Royal British Legion RG41 5LP. Spriggan Mist Yule Feast 2022 with The Krampus, Jadoo Tribal Dance, Victor and the Bully. 7.30pm. £15, £10 in advance. Details: www.sprigganmist. co.uk

WHITCHURCH – The Greyhound, High Street RG8 7EL. The Mighty Triple O Band. Details: 0118 984 1485.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chili Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. The Turn. Details: 01252 870648.

YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. Arachna. Details: 01252 872459.

Sunday, December 11

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: The Ryewolf Christmas Show. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

ROCKET ON: Rocket Kings performing at Wokingham Festival Picture: Andrew Merritt

Friday, December 2

ALDERMASTON – St Mary the Virgin, Church Street. The York Nativity Play. 8pm. Free, must be ordered in advance. Details: aldermastonnativity.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – Across high street. Late night shopping evening. 5.30pm-7.30pm.

CROWTHORNE – Methodist Church, Dukes Ride RG45 6LT. Festival of Angels. Details: www. crowthornemethodistchurch. org.uk

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents The Sleeping Beauty. 7.30pm. £10, family tickets £35. Details: ticketsource.co.uk/ crowthornecats

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Christmas evening: stalls, Santa, and the Kitty Mazinsky Quartet. From 6pm.

READING – The Greyfriars, Greyfriars Road. Christmas Carol evening: mince pies, singing, beer and more. 7pm.

READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Bach2Baby Christmas family concert. 11am. Details: readingminster.org.uk

READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road RG1 4LS.

Victorian Christmas: come and hear the Christmas story with Huntley and Palmer, from the Victorian era. 7pm-9pm. Details: www.wycliffe.church or 0118 929 9911.

SANDHURST – St Michael & All Angels Church, Lower Church Road GU47 8HN. Sandhurst Silver Band Christmas Concert. 7.30pm. £10, concessions £8. Details: wegottickets.com/ event/561952

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road. Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 6pm8pm. Live music, carols, seasonal refreshments and more. Free entry. Details: www.trybooking. co.uk/BYPR

TILEHURST – Park Lane Primary School, School Road RG31 5BD. Christmas Bazaar. 3.45pm-6pm. £1, children free.

TWYFORD – Across village. Street fayre. 6pm-9pm. Details: www. twyfordtogether.org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, December 3

ALDERMASTON – St Mary the Virgin, Church Street. The York Nativity Play. 7pm. Free, but tickets must be ordered in advance. Details: aldermastonnativity.co.uk

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane. South Berks Concert Band Christmas concert. £10, under 16s free. Details: southberksmusic.org.uk

CAVERSHAM – St Peter’s Church, The Warren RG4 7TH. Christmas market. 10am. Details: www.ctmparish.org.uk

CHARVIL – Charvil Village Hall, Park Lane. Christmas singing afternoon for female voices, including a seasonal medley. £10, includes music and refreshments. Details: 0118 934 0589 or suzanneynewman@ btinternet.com

CROWTHORNE – Crowthorne Church of England Primary School, Dukes Ride RG45 6ND. Christmas fair: food, gifts, sweets, games and more. Noon4pm. Details: 01344 772089

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents Sleeping Beauty. 2pm and 7.30pm. £10, family tickets £35. Details: ticketsource.co.uk/ crowthornecats

CROWTHORNE – Wildmoor Heath, Crowthorne Road RG45 7PW. Annual sale of Scots Pine Christmas trees harvested by Berkshire Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust volunteers. 11am-3pm. Details: 01635874381

HURST – Village Hall, School Road. St Nicholas Church presents its Christmas Fayre. 11.30am3pm. Stalls, bake sale, cards, decorations, children’s activities and more. Father Christmas arrives at noon.

PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am11.30am. In aid of village hall.

EARLEY – Aldryngton School, off Silverdale Road. Christmas Fair. 11am-3pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Elusive Brewing, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Christmas shopping event and light switch-on. From noon. Details: elusivebrewing.com

FINCHAMPSTEAD –Finchampstead CofE Primary School, The Village RG40 4JN. Christmas fair. 3pm-6pm.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: thames valleyfarmersmarket.co.uk

READING – Emmanuel Methodist Church, Oxford Rd RG30 1EE. Christmas fayre. 10.30am1.30pm. Details: emmanuel methodistreading.org.uk

READING – Grange URC, Circuit Lane. Winter fair in aid of Alexander Devine and Duchess of Kent House hospices. Free entry. 10.30am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 958 4131.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Chinese Brush Painting taster session. 11am-1pm. Free, drop-in. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Market Place. Small Business Saturday indie market. 10am-6pm. Details: www.visitreading.com

READING – St Bart’s Theatre, St Bartholomews Road RG1 3QA. Dance Reading Festival 22 presents JUMP! Hip Hop, Kathak, Ballet, Contemporary, Belly Dancing, Lindyhop and maybe even some Tap. 7pm. £6. Details: www.readcollege.org or 0118 966 6275.

READING – Tyndale Baptist Church, Cressingham Road RG2 7JE. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Association in

Reading presents Windrush thanks and praise service. 2pm. Luncheon and awards ceremony. Ticket only, £5. 3pm. Details: svgareading.org.uk

READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road RG1 4LS.

Victorian Christmas: come and hear the Christmas story with Huntley and Palmer, from the Victorian era. 7pm-9pm. Details: www.wycliffe.church or 0118 929 9911.

SILCHESTER - Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Village market. 10am-12.30pm. Details: 0118 970 0999 or www. silchestervillagemarket.org.uk.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR.

Comedy with headliner Iszi Lawrence, presented by Mates Rates Comedy. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Eco-living Christmas Fair. 11am-3pm.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH.

Eastwood Chamber Orchestra concert. 7.30pm. £10, students £5. Details: Www.eastwoodco. org/next-concert

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS.

Christmas Sing-a-long with The Barberettes and The Baptist Church Choir. 11am-12.30pm.

Free, donations towards town mayor’s charity Kaleidoscopic UK. Details: 0118 975 0882.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ.

Friendship table available. 9am4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP.

Christmas Craft Fayre. 10am2pm. Details: 0118 969 9756.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. linkvisiting.org

Sunday, December 4

ALDERMASTON – St Mary the Virgin, Church Street. The York Nativity Play. 7pm. Free, but tickets must be ordered in advance. Details: aldermastonnativity.co.uk

CALCOT – Kennet Valley Caterpillars Preschool, Holybrook Centre, Carters Rise, RG31 7YT. Christmas event, including Santa’s Grotto, tombola, games, crafts and more. 1pm-4pm. Booking for Santa essential. Details: www. kennetvalleycaterpillars.co.uk

CAVERSHAM – St Peter’s Church, The Warren RG4 7TH. Advent carols 6.30pm. Details: www. ctmparish.org.uk

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road. Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society presents The Sleeping Beauty. 2pm. £10, family tickets £35. Details: ticketsource.co.uk/ crowthornecats

READING – Market Place. Small Business Saturday indie market. 10am-6pm. Details: www.visitreading.com

READING – St Barnabas Church, Elm Road. Christingle Service. 4pm. Details: readinggateway. church

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Christmas Art Market. 11am4.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org

READING – Rising Sun Arts

Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm.

Free entry. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org

READING – St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JT. Tamesis Chamber Choir and the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra presents Handel’s Messiah. 6pm. £15, students and children £5. Details: tamesischamberchoir.com

READING – Wycliffe Baptist Church, Kings Road RG1 4LS. Carols by candlelight. 3.30pm and 6pm. Details: www.wycliffe. church or 0118 929 9911.

SHINFIELD – From Foster Wheeler building, Whitley Wood Road. Reading Toy Run 2022. 1pm. Roads towards Wokingham’s High Close School will face rolling road closures for the event.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Repair cafe. 1.30pm/ STREATLEY – Morrell Room, Church Lane RG8 9HT. Musical Mystery Tour Family Cushion Concert with Simon Mayor and Hilary James. 3pm. £8. Details: www.childrensmusic.co.uk

SWINLEY FOREST. Thames Hospice Santa Dash. 9.45am. Details: www.thameshospice. org.uk/santa-dash

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market. From noon-5pm. Crafts, food, and more. Oh, and beer. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – St Crispin’s Sports Centre, London Road RG40 1SS. Crispin Antique and Collectors Fair. £1. 10am-3pm. Details: 07723 068189.

WOKINGHAM – Corpus Christi Church, Sturges Road RG41 2HE. South Berkshire Singers Christmas Celebration, with children from St Teresa’s Primary School Choir. £5, in aid of Corpus Christi Africa Fund. southberkshiresingers.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Antique and vintage street market. 10am-4pm. Details: acvrevents.co.uk

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Christmas Extravaganza. 10am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, December 5

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org

CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Coffee Stop for Ukrainian refugees and their hosts: socialise and take part in English lessons. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: 01344 761725.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, December 6

BEECH HILL - Memorial Hall, Beech Hill Road. Village teas: sandwiches, cakes and tea. 3pm-4pm.

EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church Hall,Church Road RG6 1EY. East Reading Horticultural Society meeting: Christmas show and social evening. 7.45pm for 8pm.

Details: www.erhs.org.uk

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Craft at the Minster: a craft session for all. 11am-12.30pm. Details: readingminster.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10amnoon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am4pm.Details: linkvisiting.org

Wed, December 7

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents TLife Is A Dream. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Elevate Centre RG40 2AZ. Barkham Hookers Festive Crochet Workshop in aid of First Days. 7pm-9.30pm. Details: www.firstdays.net/ events

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, December 8

CAVERSHAM – The Milestone Centre RG4 6PF. Caversham Park Theatre presents King Cole and the Plum Pudding Peril. 8pm. £10, £9 concessions. Details: www.cavparktheatre. org.uk

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Venue confirmed on booking. Terry’s Walking Tours of Reading presents Ghosts and Strange Goings On. 5.15pm. £5, children £1. 5.15pm. Booking essential. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Reading’s First World War Hospitals, a talk organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents TLife Is A Dream. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship

Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

STRATFIELD SAYE – Wellington Farm Shop, Welsh Lane RG27 0LT. Christmas wreath workshop. 7pm-9.30pm. Details: 0118 932 6132.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

Friday, December 9

CAVERSHAM – The Milestone Centre RG4 6PF. Caversham Park Theatre presents King Cole and the Plum Pudding Peril. 8pm. £10, £9 concessions. Details: cavparktheatre.org.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Life Is A Dream. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Refugee Support Group presents Gospel Carols 2022 with the Reading Community Gospel Choir. £10, £5 concessions, under 11s and refugees, free but booking essential. Details: refugeesupportgroup.org.uk

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

Sat, December 10

BEARWOOD – Bearwood Primary School, Bearwood Road. Christmas fete:. Noon-3pm.

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane. Christmas Tree Festival 2022. 11am-4pm.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CAVERSHAM – The Milestone Centre RG4 6PF. Caversham Park Theatre presents King Cole and the Plum Pudding Peril. 2pm, 7pm. £10, £9 concessions. Details: www.cavparktheatre. org.uk

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham presents Christmas concert by Candlelight with the Caversham Ensemble Chamber Orchestra. 7.30pm. £16, £20, £22, under 16s free. Booking advised. Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk

CROWTHORNE – Village Hall, Heath Hill Road South RG45 7BW. Crowthorne Musical Players present Sing A Song of Christmas (A Pocket Full of Joy). 7.30pm. £10, children £5. Details: www.cmp-berks.org.uk

CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist Church, Waterloo Road, RG45 7PB. Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra Christmas concert: seasonal music and carols for all the family. 4.30pm. £10, under 16s free. Details: www. crowthorneorchestra.com

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. A Touch of Sparkle with the

Barbettes. 7.30pm. £8, £5 under 15s. Search Ticketsource.co.uk for The Barberettes

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Elusive Brewing, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Festive sing-along with Sandhurst Silver Band. 6pm. Details: elusivebrewing.com

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Gorse Ride School, Gorse Ride North. Gorse Ride Schools Christmas Fayre: raffle, tombola, games, refreshments, barbecue, Santa’s grotto and more. 11am-2pm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew Tap Yard, Unit 18, Alberto House, Marino Way RG40 4RF. Santa’s Grotto. Maximum five people per booking. One gift per booking. £16.76. Details: www. sirencraftbrew.com

READING – Broad Street to Forbury Gardens. Reading Lantern Parade. Free. 5.30pm. Details: info@ beautifulcreatures.org.uk

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Chinese New Year storytime. 1pm. Free, drop-in. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Reading Minster Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Trinity Concert Band Christmas concert. 4pm. £13, students £7, under 16s and Ukrainian refugees free. Details: trinityband.co.uk

READING – St Bart’s Theatre, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QA. Winter festival: stalls, games, raffles, refreshment and entertainment in aid of Access to the Arts. Noon-3pm.

READING – St Luke’s Church, Erlegh Road RG1 5LH. Reading Festival Chorus presents In The Stillness. 6pm. £15, under 18s free. Details: readingfestivalchorus.org.uk

READING – St Mary’s Episcopal Chapel, Castle Street RG1 7RD. Reading Phoenix Choir carol concert in aid of Refugee Support Group. £10. 5.30pm. readingphoenixchoir.com

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Life Is A Dream. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG2 9BY. Belle Canto Trio. 7pm. £15. Details: 0118 988 2120.

TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Station Road. Twyford Singers Christmas Concert: O Magnum Mysterium. 7.30pm. £15, £5 under 12s. Advance tickets £12. Details: twyford-singers.org.uk

WINNERSH – Royal British Legion RG41 5LP. Spriggan Mist Yule Feast 2022 with The Krampus, Jadoo Tribal Dance, Victor and the Bully. 7.30pm. £15, £10 in advance. Details: www. sprigganmist.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Sing Healthy Choirs and CLASP present Christmas Concert: Gloria. 7.30pm. Details: www. singhealthy.co.uk/tickets

WOKINGHAM – Floreat Montague Park School, William Heelas Way. Christmas Fair. 11am-3pm.

WOKINGHAM – Waitrose, Rectory Road. Wokingham Lions Can Can Appeal. 9am4pm.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Rules For Living. 7.45pm. Details: WokinghamTheatre. org.uk

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –St Sebastians CE Primary School, Nine Mile Ride. Christmas fair: raffle, face painting, crafts, hot food, drinks, cakes, Santa, tombola and more.

In which craft is a ‘gob’ collected on a metal tube known as a ‘punty’?

In fiction, by

NONAGRAM

WORD PYRAMID

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.

MAGIC SQUARE

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and

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:

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed through openings in the walls. The first letter may appear in any chamber.

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

Headwear made of iron unknown (3)

Stanley’s reportedly taken a verse (6)

Flying high but not starting rowing (6)

Ring that works wonders? (5,6)

Lawsuit at coin exchange (6) 11. One can get snap results from this (6)

Worries old Bob with demonstration of affection (6) 16. Make react violently with drug (6) 18. Cheating while in the band (2,3,6)

Left by another way with the Queen’s solicitor (6) 20. First-born coming from Leeds with leading tyke (6)

What’s the point of lawbreaking? (3)

1. Sort of energy produced by a cat in charge (6) 2. Alf turned against the bird (6)

A dozen heavenly signs (6)

Make beloved mend earrings inside (6) 6. Not the way that caretakers behave (11)

8. Advised to praise during the rush (11)

10. Car going round the bend (3)

12. Possess no aspiration for welcome (3)

14. One’s worn out by trainspotter perhaps (6)

15. See Eire, say, from these mountains (6)

16. Greek characters with the Spanish tool (6)

17. The doctrine of belief in one God (6)

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.

Reflections on a kinder year

Time for kindness

Sarah Browning

AS another year of seeing kindness in the world around me draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve learned.

I’ve looked back through the kindness examples on my Time for Kindness website and picked out some of my favourites.

In no particular order, as they say on the Strictly Come Dancing results show, these are some of the stories I’ve enjoyed in 2022.

n A shop cashier helped some children pick out and wrap surprise birthday gifts for their mum – as a single mum it’s usually hard to take the kids shopping without seeing what they’ve chosen.

n A credit card was found lost on the street. The finder posted about it in her local Facebook group and successfully reunited it with its owner.

n A colleague’s friends looked after her when she needed emergency dental treatment, ferrying her to appointments, putting her up over night and comforting her when she was in pain.

n The station manager bought some stickers so that under fives (who travel for free) could be given something in lieu of a ticket and didn’t feel left out.

n During the heatwave in the summer, a friend put a sign outside his office door, encouraging passers by to come in and fill their water bottles.

n When I went to collect my husband’s prescription, the pharmacist noticed that there was a repeat prescription in my name also waiting. This avoided me making a second trip another day.

n Two colleagues

Festive foilage

DECK the halls with boughs of holly … or any greenery that you feel fits your festive creativity.

December is the time of year when the outside comes into the home in the form of foliage decoration and when gardeners can put their feet up, just for a few minutes – and perhaps do a bit of tool maintenance.

You can easily create a festive candle holder by taking a small terracotta flowerpot and covering the hole in the base with a coin.

Hold a candle upright in the middle, and then fill the pot with rice until the candle feels stable and stands straight.

Arrange moss, sprigs of greenery and berries on the top to hide the rice.

To create a natural look, stand some of your small greenery twigs upright in the rice base. Try using Rosemary, evergreen Yew, Contoneaster with its red berries and small dark green leaves and Pyracantha which has an abundance of yellow, orange and red berries … if the birds don’t get to them first.

There’s plenty of pruning to do at this time of year as well, which means keeping your secateurs in tip-top condition.

Make sure you give them a quick clean and a sharpen.

Simply rub the blade with wire wool or fine abrasive paper to remove plant resin. Then oil the blade so it’s

collected crisp packets from their office so that they could be taken to a specialist crisp packet recycling company.

n A neighbour saw some council workers outside his house fixing the paving slabs. He went out to say hello and thank you, then he took them coffee and chocolate biscuits.

n A friend helped a couple with walking sticks to make their way down some stairs.

He offered his arm and exchanged jokes with them about how much he would charge (which was nothing, of course).

n A work contact told me how she had welcomed her colleagues’ children to online meetings during the school holidays, encouraging them to draw pictures to show at the end of the meeting.

n A fellow shopper took the time to tell a mum that she was doing a great job when she was trying to comfort her teething baby in the trolley while trying to do her food shop.

Looking back over the year, it’s clear that kindness comes up in all aspects of our lives, from work to family and friends, from our health

to shopping, from the environment to our local communities.

It was hard to choose which examples to share with you. If you’d like to read more, visit www. timeforkindness.co.uk

Who’s been kind to you this year?

It is a privilege to receive these stories and share them more widely. I’m looking forward to seeing and sharing more examples during 2023.

There are undoubtedly tough times ahead, but it’s important that we

don’t lose sight of the kindness that is out there too.

Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader, Communicator and Strategist. For more, log on to: www. timeforkindness. co.uk

Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action

ready for sharpening.

Sharpen using a circular motion on the sharpened side then turn it

A terracotta pot candle

and veg then start planning what to grow next year and order new seeds. You will get a wider choice of varieties now and can plan out sowing times for the new growing season.

But first, go through all you old seed packets and discard any that are out of date – then list any that you need to buy again.

You can also do some research into the best and tastiest varieties, as well as new crops to try, using seed catalogues, websites and magazines.

Consider which varieties worked well for you and which didn’t. If you have had disease problems look for resistant varieties to help you get healthier harvests.

Winter has definitely arrived and as the RHS says … as we approach the shortest day of the year in December you will need work to keep yourself warm outside, with jobs such as digging and tree pruning. Check your winter protection and if you have a greenhouse make sure the heater is working.

Hopefully there are not too many jobs left to do this year so you will have time for some fireside garden planning.

With the support and effort by our community, Crowthorne was certified as a Plastic Free Community, January 2019 by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). Since then, we have continued building a sustainable and environmentally sensitive community by: engaging in issues that preserve and enhance the village’s environment, including energy use, waste and resourceefficiency, sourcing reliable information, attracting community involvement and suggesting practical solutions as appropriate and combining education and awareness-raising with action and policy influence.

We are very active in the community and see our future as partnering more with like-minded individuals and groups to continue our efforts.

We are currently looking for a Secretary and a Media Coordinator. The Secretary will work closely with the CROW community leader and committee members to ensure the smooth and consistent administration of the group and that decisions are in line with CROWs constitution.

The Media Coordinator will work to promote CROW objectives, increase membership and community support for CROW activities.

n AbilityNet is a pioneering UK charity with a global perspective.

We believe the power of digital technology should be available to everyone, regardless of ability or age.

Our free online resources and a network of more than 300 community-based volunteers help individuals with any disability, of any age, to use all kinds of digital technology.

We are looking to take on more volunteers in this area. You don’t need to be a tech guru.

If you use a computer at home or work, and perhaps support family and friends with their tech issues, you are likely to have the skills we are looking for: a passion to help others, good IT and computer skills, knowledge of standard operating systems and software would be useful, the ability to communicate well, patience and empathy.

Your own transport or good transport links, if providing face-to-face support, will be necessary.

n Do you have few hours or more to spare each week? Maybe you are recently retired? Perhaps your children are at school? Maybe you work shifts or work on a part-time basis and would like a voluntary role which can fit around them?

Wokingham Community Transport Scheme needs you. All you need is your own car - there is no cost to you as we reimburse all your expenses.

We are looking for drivers who can provide transport for older people to attend vital medical appointments such hospitals, local doctors, dentists, opticians, physiotherapists. drivers who can help with one off social trips (such as shopping or visiting friends/family in hospital/care homes etc.) and more regular social trips (such as to a lunch club or activity which may involve dropping them of and picking them up later rather than waiting with them).

You must have a full driving licence and own car and you must be a minimum of age 21.

Unfortunately, we cannot take on any new volunteers 75 and over due to insurance.

over and wipe the back of the blade to remove any debris.

If you are growing your own fruit

Top three jobs this month – check your winter protection structures are still securely in place, check that greenhouse heaters are working and make sure that you insulate outdoor taps and prevent ponds from freezing.

n If you would like to find out more about volunteering in your local area, please visit our website www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org. uk . Alternatively, to speak to someone in more detail, please contact our Volunteer Services Manager, Helena Badger on 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk

CROWTHORNE Reduce Our Waste (CROW) is a voluntary not-for-profit community group, founded in 2018 to free where we live from singleuse plastic.

MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE: A lost credit card was reunited with its owner in a simple act of kindness that took place earlier this year Picture: Pixabay

SUMAS SAIL UP

Needing a win to take them further away from the relegation zone, the Sumas delivered in their clash with Holyport at Lowther Road.

Allen Bossman gave Wokingham the perfect start when he converted a penalty with just two minutes on the clock.

The Sumas threatened to find a second to add more comfort to their lead and were rewarded in the 65th minute when Sam Mead was found by Bossman and applied the finish to make it 2-0.

Matt Cronan’s side ensured they maintained their clean sheet to pick up their second home win of the campaign to move them up to 16th in the table.

n Full report and pictures on pages 20 & 21

ROYALS TO HOST HORNETS IN FA CUP

READING FC have been drawn to play against Watford in the FA Cup third-round.

The Royals will host the fellow Championship side on the weekend of Friday, January 6 to Monday, January 9.

The Hornets are currently fourth in the Championship with 33 points after 21 matches after nine wins, six draws and six losses.

Watford started the season under manager Rob Edwards who joined from Forest Green Rovers, but he only lasted 10 matches before he was sacked and replaced by Slaven Bilic.

The teams have already met once in the league this season and it was Watford who collected three points at Vicarage Road after Joao Pedro’s double.

Watford’s last win away at Reading came in 2014 with a 1-0 victory in the Championship.

The Royals went out of the FA Cup in the third round last campaign when they suffered a humiliating defeat to non-league side Kidderminster Harriers.

After George Puscas had given Reading the lead, the non league side deservedly progressed after strikes from Sam Austin and Amari Morgan-Smith.

The result heaped pressure on manager Veljko Paunovic who was sacked less than a month after the FA Cup exit and replaced by current boss Paul Ince.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK rose up the table in Combined Counties Premier North with a clean sheet victory over Holyport.

RUGBY UNION

RAMS KEEP TOP SPOT WITH 11TH CONSECUTIVE WIN

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Taunton 24 Rams 27

RAMS set a new club record with an 11th consecutive National One win to start the season as they repelled a late Taunton Titans comeback in claiming a dramatic 27-24 victory at Veritas Park.

The away side made an unbelievable start as straight from the kick-off some slick handling enabled Axel KallingSmith to run in from halfway,

Tim Townsend’s conversion attempt from out wide just drifted left.

Yet Taunton rallied strongly and aided by a strong wind, began to take control of both possession and territory before they earned a deserved leveller when Charlie Wright dived over at the back of a maul.

Things got worse for Rams shortly after as Ant Marris was sin-binned for an infringement near his own line, and Titans took advantage immediately as Isaac Dalton burrowed over from close range, Jordan Gott with the extras for 12-5.

The hosts continued to

control proceedings and arguably could have moved further in front, only for Rams to strike a brilliant counterattack with the final play of the first half, Ollie Cole’s superb break from a tap penalty and some more good hands setting Michael Dykes free to race home.

Townsend’s conversion ensured it was 12-12 at the break, and the visitors came flying out of the blocks in the second period with a wonderful second from Dykes, the interplay between James McRae and Lucas Brooke in midfield outstanding after

Townsend had initiated proceedings with a wellweighted pass.

Taunton, putting in arguably their best performance of the season to date, were undaunted and regained the lead with another close-range try from Dalton which Gott converted for 19-17.

RAMS regained their composure and with the wind at their backs, began to take control around the hour mark.

And it was a typically bold call from captain Robbie Stapley which saw him turn down three points from in front of the posts to go to the

corner, Max Hayman grabbing his ninth try of the campaign at the back of a surging rolling maul.

Things got even better for the away side as an almost identical score quickly afterwards ended with McRae the beneficiary, Townsend’s attempted conversion this time striking the post to leave it 27-19 to Rams.

Again, Taunton responded, and they cut the gap to three points as RAMS’ discipline began to wane before Sam Knott barged over from a couple of metres out for 27-24 with eight minutes remaining.

However, Rams held firm despite more pressure to make it 11 bonus-point wins from 11 and the players’ names in the record books.

Rams: Dykes, Rossiter, Jones, KallingSmith, Bird, Townsend, Cole, Marris, Hayman, Englezos, Taylor, Thomson, McRae, Brooke, Stapley (c)

Replacements: Moffitt, McDonnell, Collis, Partington, Allan

Rams Tries: Kalling-Smith, Dykes x2, Hayman, McRae

Taunton Titans: Vaughan, Spurdle, Dalton, Vakalutukali, Harvey, Knott, Wright, Petherbridge, Prior, Gott, Jones, East, Bonnick, Banks, Stewart,

Replacements: Gosling, Rodd, Wright, O-T, Fenton

Michael Dykes scored two tries for RAMS

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

SEB Reynolds hailed a ‘hard-fought and wellearned win’ as Rams broke their club record start to a season with an 11th straight success with a 27-24 triumph at Taunton Titans.

Reflecting on the victory, the Director of Rugby said: “I’m very proud of the players because Taunton is such a tough place to come and win – they’re a very strong side and we’ve got a bit of history with them.

“It’s very respectful, but we’ve played them in National Two, watched

WALKING FOOTBALL

them have a great year when they came up and then they beat us last year in similar wet conditions with a last-play penalty, so I’m really pleased for our lads – it was hard-fought and well-earned.”

Victory came against a Titans side reinforced by the return from injury of talismanic back row pair Ratu Vakalutukali and Sam Prior, and one which their own supporters admitted had produced their best display in a long while as they hunted a first home win of the season.

Reynolds said: “You could sense from them they had a bit of extra energy

with their selection and the crowd was fantastic – we love that and it was brilliant.

“They were trying to kick-start something so we had to weather that and there were periods of pressure from them – albeit self-inflicted because our discipline was poor at times – but we managed to rectify that and get away from them.”

He continued: “Our work either side of half-time probably won us the game. We were able to turn it on and nick a score at the end of the first half and when we got on the front foot, we began to look dangerous.

“They did very well to comeback and then we lost our discipline again a bit at the end, but it was just a good game.”

On an extraordinary afternoon in National One just one of the seven games was decided by more than four points, and the DoR ended by saying it is a reminder of just what a superb league it is to be involved it.

He concluded: “The weather is a leveller and makes it a very attritional

WOODLEY PENSIONERS RETURN TO RIVERSIDE IN LEAGUE ACTION

By Steve Bond sport@wokingham.today

WOODLEY Pensioners

Walking Football Club returned to the riverside at Bisham Abbey on Sunday morning for another round of matches in the Over 60s Second Division.

A meandering start saw them fall two goals behind early on in their opening match against Bracknell Town and, in spite of halving the deficit, they

FOOTBALL

were unable to draw level before the final whistle.

Against Hurst, the team appeared out of their depth as they were sunk by three goals.

Undaunted, the players were able to regard this stuttering start as water under the bridge and managed to produce some flowing football in the second half of the morning, banking two points with consecutive draws against Slough Town and Oxford

United.

A few days earlier the Over 65 players assembled two teams to compete in both the first and second divisions.

The first team maintained their current form, achieving three wins and just one reversal with all four matches decided by a single goal.

These results leave them challenging for the accolade of champions as they sit a point off the top of the table

with just one more round of matches to play.

The second team are still establishing themselves, this being their first season in this league.

Although they fared less well, with four defeats, there are grounds for optimism as the club membership continues to grow which will provide a larger source of players for competitive matches.

affair, testing the character of your side, and I was very impressed with the way we came through. “The nice weather is over and now you have to focus on can you win during this period where you have to roll your sleeves up and be resilient.

“We’ve started these four games to Christmas in the right vein, but again you just know there are no easy games in National One and you must be on it every time.”

THAMES

Saturday’s game against Swansea Storm started off quite slow in the first quarter with the score staying very similar for most of the first quarter.

Eventually Kings picked up the momentum towards the end of the first quarter and carried it into the second quarter with Kings were able to build a 20-point lead with offensive runs from Conal O’Donovan, Yassine Ibesaine and Todd Travers.

By the fourth quarter, Storm had already realised the game was over and Kings closed the game out with a few more baskets and solid defence. The game finished 30-53.

Sunday Saw a trip to Cardiff to play Cardiff Met Archers, one of the strongest teams in the division.

Archers started strong slowly building up a lead to finish the first quarter 18-11.

ON a murky afternoon and soft pitch, Woodley United brought to an end Penn & Tylers Green’s unbeaten league record and in doing so leapt over their visitors into second place.

Penn’s sole attacking threat was a long ball towards their fast forwards but once the home defence had neutralised this after the opening 10 minutes this was a comfortable victory that saw the visitors muster only one shot on goal in the second half, that went wide of debutant keeper’s Sophie Cheadle’s right hand post.

Early in the first half a short Woodley corner, Ellen Surtees’ cross to the far post where Gemma Simms headed over the crossbar

but a repeat play in the 22nd minute saw Surtees receive the ball from May Hamblin, turn a defender and her subsequent cross was headed into the

visitors’ goal by Michelle Quinn.

Hamblin then saw another of her corners hit the apex of the cross bar and upright in a half that

Woodley worked hard and closed down space making it difficult for Penn to gain any momentum in the game.

United had a scare in the second minute of the second half when an opponent was allowed to run unchallenged to put the short wide of the post but Woodley quickly regained their composure to score twice in a four minute spell.

Good play by Amie Benton on the right of the penalty area saw her cross low to Hamblin to score in the 52nd minute with Hamblin following this up with a placed low shot inside the far upright following a pass from Quinn.

Hamblin saw another corner cleared off the crossbar and Surtees shaved the upright from a

free kick before her own corner was headed into goal by Gemma Simms six minutes from full time to complete the scoring.

Woodley United: Cheadle, Lawrence (Wraight), Evans, Messitt, Simms, Surtees, M Haines, Sayer, Sawyer, Hamblin (Routledge), Benton Sub not used: N Haines

Goals: Hamblin x2, Quinn, Simms

Kings came out strong in the second quarter bringing the score down to a one-point difference half way through quarter. Archers came back at Kings finishing the quarter with a half time score of 34-26.

Both teams came out in the second half battling on every offensive and defence.

The game finished with a win for the strong Cardiff Met Archers, 59-46.

Although It was a defeat for the Kings, the coaches agreed that it was the best performance from the team this season against a very strong team.

The results leave Kings II Third team in the BWB Division Two South table with two wins from six games.

Woodley United Ladies celebrate Picture: Andrew Batt

Thames Valley Kings Wheelchair Basketball Club

Thames Valley Kings II on offense against Swansea

Woodley United 4 Penn & Tylers

Valley Kings second team were in double-action over the weekend, in what the club termed the ‘Welsh Weekender’ against Swansea Storm on Saturday and Cardiff Met Archers.

SUMAS CLIMB UP WITH CRUCIAL WIN,

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

S4K BERKS COUNTY let a two-goal lead slip in their home loss to Wycombe Wanderers Reserves.

The Fakwes went into the break with a two goal lead after strikes from Megan Cox and Kiah Owen.

However, the visitors came up with a second-half fightback

to take the points with three goals to earn a 3-2 success.

S4K are in ninth position with six points from eight matches.

Combined Counties Premier North

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK boosted their position with a clean sheet and three points at Lowther Road.

The Sumas made a lightning fast start against Holyport when Allen Bossman put them

ahead after just two minutes when Wokingham were awarded a penalty for handball and Bossman beat the keeper.

Just after the hour mark, the Sumas went two goals in front when Sam Mead got on the end of Bossman’s cross and fired it in to make it 2-0.

The victory means that the Sumas jump up to 16th in the table on 14 points from 20 games.

READING CITY maintained their faultless unbeaten run with a comfortable away win at

The Cityzens hit three past their opponents without reply with goals from Dan Davies, Joe Pilling and Josh Baines, while they took their sixth clean sheet of the campaign.

City are yet to lose in 14 league games and are just one point behind league leaders Ascot United.

Reading City manager Simon Johnson said: “Not sure what’s happened this season, but an unbelievable group to be a part of. Never known a togetherness

like it. Same amount of wins as last season already, We’ll keep enjoying the good times.”

ASCOT UNITED kept their place in top spot after a hard fought win against London Lions.

The Yellaman raced into a two goal lead when Harry Tucker found the opener and Alfie Grant latched onto a rebound to double the advantage.

London Lions got a goal back in the second-half, but the division leaders held on

to claim their 13th win in 14 games to maintain their incredible form.

Combined Counties Division One

SANDHURST TOWN are in second after they defeated CB Hounslow United.

BERKS COUNTY are in third place after they suffered just their third loss of the league season to Rayners Lane.

The Swords went behind but levelled after Graham’s goal.

Joao Jardim fights for the ball Pictures: Andrew Batt

Erin Simmonds (right) puts in a tackle for S4K Ladies

Left: Jatinder Liddah celebrates a stylish finish for Eversley

Top right: A nimble moment as the Boars’ Ben Anderson presses home an attack

Bottom right: Ashley Howes keeps the ball on the ground, but the defence is floating through the air

Despite their best efforts, S4K Ladies narrowly lost against Wycombe

Eversley’s Ashley Howes brings a fine save Pictures: Richard Milam

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two

Flackwell Heath.

Left: Kate Stewart tries to win possession

Right: Kiah Owen chases the ball down Pictures: Andrew Batt

The Sumas enjoyed success at home

WIN, FAWKES LET LEAD SLIP

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Referees, religion and politics

FIFA has been criticised for holding the World Cup in Qatar, due to the various restrictions of its religion and its leaders.

FIFA however, is keen to promote football throughout the world.

It wants football to remain attractive and regardless of age, gender, race, religion, culture, ethnicity, sextual orientation or disability.

This is why they sometimes take the game to new areas or nations.

Referees can get involved in such disputes because they have to check players’ equipment, meaning clothing.

I remember refereeing an English Schoolgirls Cup tie, where one team came from Slough, a town of many Muslims.

Three of their girls were wearing long trousers, whereas the Laws say it is compulsory for players to wear shorts.

As their religion bans females showing so much flesh, the school provided trousers, which were the same colours as their other players shorts.

Did I stop them playing?

Of course not.

However, Rayners took the points with two more strikes to make it 3-1.

County are on 36 points from 19 games after winning 13 of their 16 fixtures.

WOODLEY UNITED suffered a narrow defeat at home to Hillingdon Borough.

One goal was enough to win the game for the visitors which came in the 70th minute.

The Kestrels are in eighth place after picking up 25 points from 18 games.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were denied a win after they conceded late on at home to Brook House.

FOOTBALL

Jatinder Liddar got on the end of Ash Howes’ cross and converted to put the Boars in front after 16 minutes.

With just under 10 minutes to go, Brook House found the net as the points were shared in a 1-1 stalemate.

The Boars are in 11th position with 21 points from 15 games.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division

ASCOT UNITED hit five past Wycombe Wanderers to claim an emphatic away triumph.

Goals from Carrington, Brown and Davern gave the

Yellawoman a three-goal advantage at half-time.

Ascot then added two more goals in the second-half to seal a 5-1 victory.

Southern League Premier South

BRACKNELL TOWN pocketed three points after they got the better of Hendon FC in a seven-goal game.

After an early goal from Hendon, Mickel Platt scored twice to put Bracknell in front.

A flurry of second-half goals, including a brace from Joe Grant for the Robins put them 4-2 ahead before the hosts scored a late goal

FINCH CUT GAP TO THE TOP WITH WIN OVER BURGHFIELD IN TVPL

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD ensured they cut the gap on league leaders Yateley United with victory over third placed BURGHFIELD.

Finch and Burghfield went head to head for the title last season in which Finch came out on top in a well contested race for top spot to take their second consecutive league victory.

It was Finch who claimed all three points in their meeting at the weekend after goals from Joel Day

and an own goal saw them secure a 2-0 success.

Finch are in second on 26 points after 11 matches, 10 points behind leaders Yateley but with a game in hand.

Burghfield are in third position on 18 points from eight games, but have three games in hand on Finch and four on Yateley.

READING YMCA are in fourth place after their entertaining 4-4 draw with Maidenhead Town.

In a game filled with goals, goals from Pele Hagger, Mo Adam and a double from Alfie Stepehens

ensured YMCA took a point on their travels.

READING CITY U23’s collected their second win of the campaign by beating Windlesham United. The win sees City in 11th position after 10 matches and now three points ahead of Windlesham.

Reading & District Sunday League

Premier: AFC Bradfield 2-4 FC Sporty, Give Back 3-2 Mortimer

County Cup: Burghfield 4-1 Crowthorne Inn, 116 Exiles 2-1 Berkshire Royals, BAS FC 1-2 TRBL,Thames Valley Raiders 4-1 Englefield

to make it 4-3, but Bracknell held on to claim the points.

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD climbed up to fifth place after they grabbed a dramatic winner from the penalty spot in the 90th minute against Leatherhead.

Connor Holland pounced to put the Moles in front after four minutes and Leatherhead levelled up in the 23rd minute.

A frantic end to proceedings saw Leatherhead have two players dismissed before Brad Paglioli netted from the penalty spot in the dying embers of the game to give Binfield three points.

Iran might seem to be the last country to have a woman’s football team, but a few years ago they reached the final of the Olympic games. However, FIFA intervened and stopped them taking part.

All the players wore trousers to play, but the problem was because they also wore hijabs, the Muslim headdress, when headgear was against the Laws.

The explanation was that the hijabs were fixed to the upper garment and if someone was to pull it, the player could be strangled.

Thinking of the amount of pulling that goes on in football today, perhaps FIFA had a point.

They took two years to sort this out and in 2016, the Law was changed so that head gear can be worn, as long as it isn’t attached to the shirt, or dangerous to the player or any other player.

On a different angle, a 15-year-old referee in Canada was stopped refereeing, because she wore a hijab, which was claimed to be against FIFA rules on advertising a religion.

This is a debatable interpretation of the Laws.

Eagles, Windsor Royals 5-1

Comets, RE United 0-6

Three

Four: Caversham United Reserves 2-3 Whitley Wood, Richfield Vets 5-0 Barton Rovers A, Thames Valley Railway 5-1 116 Exiles

The Laws allow some information on player’s shirts, player’s name and number, sponsors name etc.

Other slogans and statements on arm bands or undergarments can be permitted, but must not reveal any political, religious, personal slogans, statements, or images, or advertising.

This includes any mention of local, regional, or national government or any organisation who aims/actions are likely to offend a notable number of people.

Referees must report any breaches of these Laws, and if any statements or images are offensive, insulting, or abusive, they must issue a yellow card.

Macy Handscomb shields the ball

How they rated

LATE LEVELLER AS ROYALS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Will be disappointed to have been beaten at her near post for the winner, but was otherwise solid. Was quick off her line when required.

Emma Mukandi

A steady performance from the skipper. Was not able to get forward at will and when she did, her deliveries did not trouble the Reds.

Was beaten for pace on a number of occasions and struggled to contain the dangerous Stengel.

Deanna Cooper

Marshalled the back-line with authority, also put her body on the line to deny the visitors an early goal.

Used her speed to bomb down Reading’s left, putting in plenty of dangerous crosses. Also made some crucial defensive interventions.

Went down injured in the first half but continued and was a presence in Reading’s midfield.

Justine Vanhaevermaet

Asserted herself in the aerial battle and grew into the game. The final pass into the front line could have been more incisive.

Tia Primmer

Got her side back in the game with a wonderful finish just before the break. Went about her work diligently in the middle of the park.

Eikeland

Spurned a golden opportunity to open the scoring, unable to fire home from 10 yards out. Did her best to cause problems for Liverpool.

Natasha Dowie

Showed desire to put her side in front. Deserved her goal after working tirelessly to press Liverpool’s defenders all night.

Wellings

Was presented with a flurry of chances at the start of the second half. Will be disappointed not to have got on the scoresheet.

Tia Primmer and Natasha Dowie netted to put the Royals in front, but the Reds came roaring back with headers from Katie Stengel and Rhiannon Roberts to make a comeback.

Reading pushed to find an equaliser and found their reward when substitute Troeslgaard nudged in from close range.

The draw means that Reading have a four point lead over bottom side Leicester City in the Women’s Super League.

The Royals came into the game with just one league win under their belt in seven games, as did Liverpool.

Kelly Chambers made three changes from Sunday’s defeat at Aston Villa which saw Grace Moloney return in goal after Jacquline Burns saw red in Reading’s last outing.

Deanna Cooper returned to the defence, while Charlie Wellings was selected to play up top alongside Natasha Dowie.

Liverpool had a golden chance to grab the lead after six minutes when former Royal Rachel Furness was found in space from Melissa Lawley’s cut back, but Cooper got her body in the way to make a pivotal block.

Reading’s first chance fell for

REACTION

Match Stats

READING: Moloney, Mukandi (c), Caldwell, Cooper, Woodham, Vanhaevermaet, Rowe, Primmer, Wellings, Eikeland, Dowie

SUBS: Poulter, Bryson, Evans, Wade, Harries, Jane, Troelsgaard

LIVERPOOL: Cummings, Koivisto, Fahey, Matthews, Hinds, Holland, Wardlaw, Furness, Lawley, Van de Sanden, Stengel

SUBS: Kirby, Roberts, Robe, Kearns, Humphrey, Daniels, Campbell, Silcock

GOALS: Stengel 16’, 68’, Primmer 45+3’, Dowie 63’, Roberts 73’, Troelsgaard 89’

Amalie Eikeland who got on the end of Lily Woodham’s inswinging free-kick, but missed the target on the volley at the near post.

The Reds nudged themselves in front in the 16th minute when Lawley’s cross was perfectly placed for Katie Stengel to nod the ball past Grace Moloney into the right corner.

Furness came close again with her header that drifted just inches over the top.

Seeking a leveller, Rachel Rowe tried to pick out Natasha Dowie in the middle, who was left unmarked, but her cross was a fraction too high for the forward.

Stengel almost stung Reading on the counter when she raced down the left, cut inside to breeze past Diane Caldwell and Cooper, but saw her shot blocked by Woodham.

Three minutes into added time in the first-half, Reading found their equaliser with the final play of the half.

CHAMBERS: ‘WE SHOWED OUR NEVER SAY DIE ATTITUDE’

READING FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers praised her team’s ‘never say die attitude’ after their late leveller against Liverpool.

After surrendering a 2-1 lead to go down 3-2, the Royals pulled back an 89th minute equaliser from Sanne Troelsgaard to take their first draw of the Women’s Super League campaign.

“Although of course we are happy with the point at the end of it, there are some frustrations too,” said Chambers.

“I thought we controlled the game for the majority of it and to conceded the goals we conceded, we’ve got to be better in the box.

“We have to react quicker in picking players up and it’s the conversation we had at half-time

so to then concede the goal we did in the second half, especially after taking the lead, was disappointing.”

Despite losing their lead after going ahead in the second-half, Chambers was relieved to see her team pick up a point to move four ahead of bottom placed Leicester City.

Chambers continued: “I said to the girls at the end they once again showed their never give up attitude, we needed to keep fighting and they got their reward for it in the end. So at the end of the game, we’re happy with a point.

“We knew the extra importance of the match, we kept looking at

the clock, and the time seems to be going by so fast when you’re searching for a goal.

“But in the end we got that goal and that extra point makes a huge difference when you look at the table.

“It’s another point closer to other teams around us and more crucially one away from the bottom.

“I do believe we’ve got a group that are confident, positiver and keep believing and that’s the biggest thing you need when fighting in this league.

“This was certainly one of our better performances this season. The way we defended from the front, our attacking threat, so these things we have to keep working on and become more consistent.”

Amalie Eikeland airbourne

Tia Primmer netted for Reading

Troelsgaard heads across to find Dowie

Sanne Troelsgaard’s late goal earned Reading a draw Reading struck late to take a well

Grace Moloney

Lily Woodham

Amalie

Diane Caldwell

Charlie

Rachel Rowe

Emma Harries 6, Sanne Troelsgaard 6, Gemma Evans n/a

READING FC recovered to take a late point at home to Liverpool after a six goal thriller was levelled up by Sanne Troelsgaard’s 89th minute goal.

RECOVER TO TAKE POINT

After Woodham’s free-kick was only cleared to the edge of the box, Tia Primmer unleashed an excellent first timed effort that looped over the head of Eartha Cumings to find the corner.

A big chance passed Reading by to take the lead when a floated cross found its way to an unmarked Charlie Wellings who scuffed her effort well wide of the target.

Reading were on the front foot for the opening 15 minutes of the half and Wellings forced a decent save out of Cumings who collected her shot from just inside the box with relative ease.

The hosts were rewarded from

their positive play and took the lead in the 63rd minute.

Just seconds after Natasha Dowie’s glanced header hit the post, the striker stayed alert to poke the ball in from close range.

But it didn’t take long for Liverpool to find a response and they were level five minutes later when Stengel netted for the second time of the night to convert from Megan Campbell’s cross.

That prompted Chambers to make her first switch as Emma Harries replaced Wellings up top.

With just over 15 minutes to go, Liverpool were back in front with their third headed goal of the night as Rhiannon Roberts’ effort squeezed past Moloney at the near post.

Stengel had a chance to seal her hat-trick when she raced into the box only to skew her shot off target.

With just a minute of the 90 left to play, Reading found the sixth goal of the evening when substitute Sanne Troeslgaard was on hand to scramble the ball in from close range.

The final whistle blew which meant the points were shared in an enthralling contest.

ROYALS LOOK TO STRETCH UNBEATEN RUN IN HOME MATCH

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN turn their attention back to Women’s Super League action this weekend when they host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

On the back of their Conti Cup win over Championship side Southampton, the Royals will be hoping to replicate their cup form in the league.

Kelly Chambers’ side are currently on four points from eight WSL matches which places them in 11th, above bottom side

Leicester City who are yet to pick up a point.

Reading’s only league win this season came against Leicester after a dramatic stoppage time double from Rachel Rowe which saw them come out as 2-1 victors.

In their most recent league fixture, the Royals earned their first draw of the campaign in an entertaining 3-3 contest at home to Liverpool in which Sanne Troelsgaard’s 89th minute equaliser helped them avoid defeat.

Sunday’s opponents Spurs are

currently in seventh position after picking up three wins and three losses in their six league matches.

Spurs’ three wins have come against Leicester, Liverpool and Brighton.

They picked up a stunning victory on the road at Brighton by smashing eight goals past the Seagulls without reply at the end of October.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have lost out 4-0 to Arsenal, 3-0 to Manchester City and 3-0 to title holders Chelsea in their three defeats this season.

Reading and Spurs have already met once this season in the Conti Cup.

In their group game, Spurs came away with three points after goals from Ashleigh Neville and Nikola Karczewska helped them to a 2-1 success despite Natasha Dowie’s late penalty for Reading.

When the two teams last met in the WSL, back in March, the game ended goalless at the SCL.

n For ticket details, visit: ticketing.readingfc.co.uk/en-GB/ categories/women%20home

READING SINK SAINTS IN CONTI CUP

Southampton 0

Reading 3

READING FC WOMEN climbed up to second in their Conti Cup group after they breezed past Championship side Southampton.

Having earned the Royals a late point by scoring an 89th minute equaliser in a 3-3 draw at home to Liverpool on Thursday in the Women’s Super League, Sanne Troeslgaard netted for the second consecutive game.

Her goal got Kelly Chambers’ side off to a rapid start as they broke the deadlock just four minutes in at St Mary’s after Emma Harries clipped the ball into the Danish international who applied the finish.

Royals goalkeeper Jacquie Burns, who returned to the side after being sent off against Aston Villa last weekend, made two quickfire saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Reading extended their advantage before the break when Ema Mukandi picked out Lauren Wade who broke in behind the Saints defence and placed the ball past the goalkeeper.

Reading relinquished control in the second-half and continued their commanding performance.

Justine Vanhaevermaet ensured Reading would be taking the points back after she added a third goal of the afternoon.

The Belgian midfielder fired a shot into the roof of the net to put the game beyond doubt.

Reading could have put more gloss on the scoreline but Charlie Wellings had a shot cleared off the line before she again went close but was denied by the keeper.

Reading are now in second position in Conti Cup Group E after two matches, above Coventry on goal difference and three points above the Saints.

Reading are back in league action this weekend when they host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium (12.30pm kick-off).

Southampton: Morris, Rafferty, Freeland, Williams (c), Wynne, Ward, Lloyd-Smith, Griffith,s Watling, Peake, Harris

Subs: Rendell, Mott, Kendall, Parnell, Pusey, Pharoah, Wilkinson, Rutherford

Reading: Burns, Bryson, Mukandi (c), Evans, Cooper, Vanhaevermaet, Troelsgaard, Rowe, Wade, Harries, Eikeland

Subs: Moloney, Poulter, Wellings, Dowie, Caldwell, Jane, Woodham, Primmer

Goals: Troelsgaard 4’, Wade 37’, Vanhaevermaet 59’

Vanhaevermaet was on the scoresheet

-earned point in a six-goal contest with Liverpool Pictures: Neil Graham

Troeslgaard celebrates her late goal

Vanhaevermaet competes Eikeland crosses into the box

Primmer equalises

Mukandi competes with Lawley

Rachel Rowe starts a Reading attack

Royals skipper Emma Mukandi

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Men’s North Division 2

SONNING 2s got the better of SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s in their local derby clash.

Sonning hit three past their opponents without reply to take three points on their away trip.

The win puts Sonning up to sixth in the table on 11 points from eight matches, while South Berks are in 11th with two points, still looking for their first win of the campaign.

South Central Men’s Premier 1

READING 2s added a point to their total after a stalemate at hope to Maidenhead.

The 2-2 result was Reading’s third draw of the season which leaves them in 11th position on six points from eight matches.

South Central Men’s North Division 1

READING 3s collected their third win of the season with a victory over Marlow 2s.

One goal was enough to win the game to place Reading in seventh place on 11 points from eight games.

South Central Women’s North Division 1

READING 3s picked up three points on the road with success at Staines.

Reading lead the way at the

top after taking eight wins from their nine matches after a 1-0 win against Staines.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s came away with maximum points after their win at Amersham & Chalfont 2s.

Sarah

to help South Berks to a 3-2 win to keep them in second place on 19 points. They are five points behind league leaders Reading, but with a game in hand.

South Central Women’s Premier 1

SONNING 1s were on the end of a heavy defeat on their away travels to Oxford.

Oxford hit six past Sonning to take a 6-1 success which leaves Sonning in 10th position in the table with six points from eight games.

South Central Women’s North Division 2

SONNING 2s lost out at home in their fixture against Witney 2s. After the 4-1 loss, Sonning are in 10th position with six points from eight games.

BREAK KINGFISHER D TOPPLE TIDMARSH TO TAKE POINTS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

FC manager Paul Ince has called on the EFL to introduce a gap in the fixture list.

Following this year’s World Cup in Qatar, which means that Championship clubs are on hiatus until Saturday, December 10, Ince believes that this should be a regular occurrence in England.

“We’ve been crying out for a winter break,” said Ince. “I know we’re having one next year for a week, but it’s not enough.

“It gives us a lift because once we get back on December 10, it’s full on.

“If you look at the last three or four games before the World Cup we were out on our feet, as a lot of Championship teams

were, so it’s a well-earned rest.

“It’s unprecedented with the World Cup, it won’t happen again I presume. It’s a case of taking advantage to have a week away.

“All the lads are together having a bond that we have as players and staff. It builds relationships and we’re getting good work into the players.

The Royals squad, other than the three players at the World Cup (Junior Hoilett, Mamadou Loum and Baba Rahman), are at a training camp in Tenerife.

Once Reading return to Championship action, the relentless schedule begins again where they face three games in six days at the back end of December and the start of January.

It will be the third time this season that Reading have had

three games in six days which has left Ince unimpressed by the EFL’s scheduling

Ince continued: “We’re here to focus on December 10, it’s not a holiday. It’s about getting the balance right without overdoing it, making sure we are refreshed and ready to go.

“It’s the third time we have three games in six days and some championship games haven’t even done it once and I’d like to know why. It’s so unfair and bang out of order

“They’re tough games with Norwich, West Brom, away at Birmingham so it’s back to the grind again.

“I played in Italy and we had two or three weeks off. It was good to recharge the batteries and then you’re back and ready to go. It reinvigorates you to go back to work.”

By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today

Meanwhile,

Ed Lush got a hat-trick

5-5 draw.

The following evening, Matt Stone, Matt Isherwood and Tim Raby all managed two wins apiece as they beat SONNING SPORTS A 7-3, Matt defeated Nick Sears 8-11 11-8 11-9 9-11 11-9.

In division four, OUR LADY OF PEACE G won their re-arranged fixture against KINGFISHER J 6-4.

Fitzroy Licorish was the star for OLOP with a good maximum, Derek Brook won twice and Susan Daniels won a key opening match against Kingfisher’s Gillian Bennett 3-11 11-4 11-4 11-9.

RESULTS

Thursday, November 24

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading 3-3 Liverpool

Saturday, November 26

Southern League Premier Hendon 3-4 Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Binfield 2-1 Leatherhead

Combined Counties Premier North

Ascot United 2-1 London Lions Flackwell Heath 0-3 Reading City Sumas 2-0 Holyport

Combined Counties Division One

Eversley & California 1-1 London Samurai Rovers Rayners Lane 3-1 Berks County

Woodley United 0-1 Hillingdon Borough Sandhurst Town 4-2 CB Hounslow United

Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 2-0 Burghfield Maidenhead Town 4-4 Reading YMCA Wargrave 1-2 Westwood Wanderers Windlesham United 0-1 Reading City U23’s

RUGBY UNION National League One Taunton Titans 24-27 Rams

Regional 1 South Central Havant 28-12 Bracknell

Regional 2 South Central Witney 38-22 Reading

South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Newbury & Thatcham

South Central Women’s Premier Division Oxford 6-1 Sonning

Sunday, November 27

HOCKEY

Men’s National Premier Division Reading v Exeter University

FOOTBALL

FA WSL Cup Southampton 0-3 Reading

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Wycombe Wanderers 1-5 Ascot United

Southern Region Women’s Division One North Woodley United 4-0 Penn & Tylers Green Caversham United 1-4 Milton United

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two S4K Berks County 2-3 Wycombe Wanderers Reserves

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Shinfield Rangers 2-1 Wargrave Development

Thames Valley Womens’ Development Division Stanford in the Vale 0-8 Burghfield Reserves

FIXTURES

Friday, December 2

FOOTBALL

Southern League Premier Bracknell Town v Swindon Supermarine

Saturday, December 3

Isthmian South Central Chipstead v Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North

Reading City v Chalfont St Peter

FA Vase third round

Ascot United v Little Common

Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Woodley United Eversley & California v Rising Ballers Kensington

Berks & Bucks Charles Twelftree Trophy Windlesham United Youth v Finchampstead Woodley United Royals v Burghfield

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Sale

South Central Regional 2 Shipston on Stour v Reading

South Central Men’s North Division 1 Wallingford v Sonning

HOCKEY

Women’s National Premier Division Reading v Loughborough Students

South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Marlow

Sunday, December 4

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading v Tottenham

Cup

Ascot United v Woodley United AFC Stoneham v Caversham United

S4K Berks County v Slough Town

Eversley & California Reserves v Mortimer

Aylesbury United v Ascot United Reserves Tilehurst Panthers v Newport Pagnell

Wargrave v Taplow United

Southern Region Women’s Division One North Carterton v Eversley & California

READING

JULIAN Telford and Ryan Chung both got trebles as KINGFISHER D won 6-4 at TIDMARSH A in division one.

SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B played two re-arranged matches in two days to climb of the foot of the table.

at KINGFISHER C, supported through singles from Matt Stone and Denise Weller who both beat Daniel McTiernan as the two teams fought out a

Kelly, Lola Theodoulou and Alessia Osborne scored

South Berks try to take a strike at goal

South Berks 2s move forward on the attack

Sonning 2s took the points in their local derby clash with South Berks 2s

Pictures: Steve Smyth

Sonning kept a clean sheet